Catholic Wedding Music - Hymns and Instrumentals for You Nuptial Mass or Ceremony

For those of you who didn't know, Lance and I got married in April of 2014.  Through preparing for our wedding, I discovered there are a TON of resources to find the best (or worst) music for the reception, but not many good resources to find music for the ceremony/Mass itself.

To fill this gap, I have compiled a set of playlists of the most popular hymns and songs for Christian weddings that I have come across in my nearly 20 years of being a wedding singer and Catholic Cantor. The playlists are organized by where they fit into a Catholic nuptial Mass/Ceremony. The recordings aren't all stellar but should give you a good idea.

Each YouTube player below is a playlist of multiple songs. Use the arrows at the bottom of each player to navigate through the songs.


WEDDING PARTY/BRIDAL ENTRANCE

You can either choose (1) piece for the entire procession, or (1) piece for the bridal party and (1) for the bride - keep in mind that if your wedding space or bridal party is smaller, only (1) piece may be preferable so the transition isn't jarring. 

THE PSALM

Choose (1). The Psalm is sung between the first two readings during the Liturgy of the Word. These are musical settings of the psalm texts found in the Together For Life wedding planning resource/booklet. Although your parish may use a different resource with additional options, these options are valid for any Ordinary form wedding. Psalms can also be done during Offertory and Communion.

MASS SETTINGS 

Musical settings for the parts of the Mass that are done at every Mass - known as the Mass Ordinary or the Ordinarium. This includes things like the Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation), Holy Holy, Lamb of God, Mystery of Faith, and Amen. For Nuptial Ceremonies, you will only need the Alleluia.

OFFERTORY/COMMUNION

Hymns sung during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, either as the Gifts (bread and wine) are presented/prepared at the Offertory, or while people are receiving Communion.

BILINGUAL OPTIONS (SPAN/ENG)

Nearly every hymn can be sung bilingually so long as your musician has the resources to translate and accurately pronounce the second language. However, this playlist features hymns that are already written for bilingual ceremonies.

MEDITATION

Song sung or played directly following Communion (sometimes while people are still receiving) intended to assist in prayer and reflection. Many couples choose a Marian piece here.

RECESSIONAL/EXIT PIECE

An upbeat instrumental piece is played at the end of the ceremony while the couple and wedding party process out. Usually played loudly as guests tend to be clapping and wishing the couple well. Also known as the Postlude.


Have other suggestions? Send me a link in the comments and I'll check it out!

Comments

  1. What a great selection of wedding songs. I love those songs. Cheers!

    Christine
    http://meowchie.snydle.com/wedding-songs.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have compiled a list of the most popular Christian and secular wedding hymns and songs that I have come across in my 10+ years of being a wedding singer. Below you can find my list--click on the title to listen. wedding songs 2014

    ReplyDelete

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