Ceremony Music Guide

Does Your Location Have Music Restrictions?

You should check first with your church or ceremony location to see if they have any restrictions before selecting the music for your ceremony. Some churches require that you use their organist and others do not. In addition, some churches will not allow certain songs and types of music.

When To Begin Playing Ceremony Music

Generally the music starts half an hour before the ceremony. Generally organ music is played while the guests are being seated. After the mother of the bride is seated, there is usually a solo to indicate that the procession is about to begin.

The Processional Music

The processional music should be an instrumental piece with a good tempo for the attendants to walk to. Once the attendants are in place, the music for the bride should begin. This music should command the attention of the guests. The number of songs played during the ceremony should be limited to one or two. And finally the recessional should be more upbeat.

Songs for the Ceremony

Prelude

		"Ave Maria" by Schubert
		Chorale Prelude, "In Thee Is Joy" by Bach
		"The Lord's Prayer" by Malotte
		"Liebestraum" by Liszt
		"Biblical Songs" by Dvorak
		"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" by Beethoven
		"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" by Hinsworth

Procession

		The Wedding March
		Trumpet Voluntary
		Pachelbel: Canon

Recessional

		Hornpipe from the Water Music
		Psalm XIX