Best Catholic Wedding Songs For Every Part Of A Wedding

Before selecting songs for a Catholic wedding ceremony, it’s crucial to consult with the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules and regulations. While there’s no official list of Catholic wedding songs, it’s essential that chosen songs are prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion. Music plays a vital role in enhancing the worship experience and celebrating the sacrament. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of music in Catholic weddings and offer guidance on selecting appropriate songs for each key moment of the ceremony.

Wedding Prelude Songs

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Catholic wedding prelude songs set a reverent and joyful atmosphere before the ceremony, often featuring sacred hymns, gospel wedding songs, or classical pieces. Choose music that aligns with liturgical guidelines, reflects the sacredness of the occasion, and has personal significance.

1. Ave Maria – A timeless hymn invoking the Virgin Mary’s intercession, perfect for setting a peaceful, sacred tone as a prelude song.
2. How Great Thou Art – A powerful hymn celebrating God’s majesty, ideal for reflecting gratitude and reverence during a church wedding.
3. Amazing Grace – A beloved gospel song about redemption and grace, creating a moving spiritual atmosphere as part of the songs needed for a wedding.
4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – A hymn praising God’s faithfulness, offering a message of trust and love for the couple’s future, often chosen as a church wedding song.
5. Blessed Assurance – A joyful gospel song about salvation and trust in God, adding an uplifting, celebratory feel to the prelude songs for a wedding.

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Catholic Wedding Processional Songs

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These are traditional Catholic wedding songs for the bride’s entrance at Catholic weddings. They work beautifully with various instruments, from the piano and organ to string instruments.

1. Arioso, Johann Sebastian Bach
   A popular favorite when it comes to Catholic church wedding songs, you can’t go wrong with any work from J.S. Bach. And Arioso stands out as one of the world’s most magnificent melodies.
2. Panis Angelicus, Franco Corelli
   Drawn from the series of the hymn “Sacrissolemniis”, Panis Angelicus is a great addition to Catholic wedding bridal processional songs.
3. This is the Day, Scott Wesley Brown
   A popular classic wedding song, “This is the Day” has remained relevant to Catholic church-approved wedding songs from the 1970s until today.
4. Come to Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Robert Robinson
   A song with multiple versions, it is at its best when rendered by a simple soloist. A popular choice for Catholic wedding processional songs, it can draw a few tears every time.
5. In Christ Alone, Keith Getty
   A popular modern Christian song with an Irish melody, you would be lucky to get this approved by your music minister. This out-of-the-box option is a great choice for walking down the aisle, especially if you have a talented violinist.

Responsorial Psalms

Choose Psalms that harmonize with the liturgical season and the couple’s faith journey. Consult the parish music director for suggestions that align with the ceremony’s solemnity and theme. Select Psalms reflecting the couple’s spiritual journey. Personalize by incorporating favorite verses or those significant to their relationship.

Example Psalms:

• Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd…”
• Psalm 103 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul…”
• Psalm 118 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good…”

The Communion Hymn Ideas

• Amazing Grace, by Traditional A timeless hymn known for its powerful message of redemption and grace, perfect for solemn moments of reflection during a communion hymn.
• How Great Thou Art, by Carrie Underwood Carrie Underwood’s rendition of this classic hymn beautifully captures the awe and reverence of God’s greatness, making it a fitting choice for worship during communion.
• In Christ Alone, by Keith & Kristyn Getty This contemporary Christian hymn highlights the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, offering a profound expression of faith and trust in Him during the communion service.
• Here I Am, Lord, by Dan Schutte With its heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody, “Here I Am, Lord” invites worshippers to respond to God’s call and offer themselves in service, making it an ideal choice for communion reflection.
• Blessed Assurance, by Alan Jackson Alan Jackson’s rendition of this beloved hymn exudes a sense of assurance and peace in God’s promises, creating a comforting atmosphere during the communion hymn.

When choosing songs for the communion hymn, consider the solemnity and reverence of the occasion. Opt for melodies with meaningful lyrics that reflect the significance of communion and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. It’s also helpful to select songs familiar to your congregation, ensuring everyone can participate and connect deeply during this sacred moment

Catholic Wedding Recessional Songs

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Below is a list of Catholic recessional songs you can suggest to the music minister or priest. Amazing songs that are popular in the Catholic community.

1. Ode to Joy, L. Beethoven
   An easily recognizable tune, this classic has religious lyrics and flexible instrumentation.
2. La Rejouissance, Handel
   This song has the right jubilant tempo for a wedding recessional. The tune works best played by instrumentalists.
3. This is the Day (That the Lord Has Made), M. Joncas
   Choosing from the many different versions of this song, this one gives the right celebratory feel and tempo to the close of the service.
4. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Chris Rice
   The upbeat version of this song works best for a recessional as opposed to the soft, solemn version which can be used for communion.
5. O God Beyond All Praising, Gustav Holst
   A huge statement song for a recessional, it will sound amazing if performed by a choir or at least a group of singers.

Traditional Catholic Wedding Hymns

Traditional hymns hold a special place in Catholic weddings, connecting couples to a rich heritage of faith and devotion. Here are some beloved traditional Catholic wedding hymns:

1. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
   A vibrant and uplifting hymn that expresses joy and gratitude for God’s love and blessings.
2. Here I Am, Lord
   A song that signifies a readiness to respond to God’s call and dedicate one’s life to serving Him.
3. Ave Maria
   A timeless and reverent hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary, seeking her intercession and honor.
4. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
   Celebrates the surpassing love of God and invokes His blessings upon the couple’s journey of love and commitment.
5. Panis Angelicus
   A Eucharistic hymn that reflects on the sacred presence of Christ in the Eucharist, invoking His grace upon the couple’s union.
6. Be Thou My Vision
   A prayerful hymn that seeks God’s guidance and wisdom, asking Him to be the center of the couple’s lives and their vision for the future.
7. Holy, Holy, Holy
   A hymn that glorifies the Holy Trinity, inviting reverence and awe in the presence of God’s majesty and holiness.
8. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
   A hymn of praise and adoration for God’s greatness and His steadfast love, acknowledging His reign over all creation.
9. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
   A beautiful hymn that expresses the desire for Jesus’ presence and joy to fill the couple’s hearts and their journey together.
10. All Creatures of Our God and King
    A hymn that praises God’s creation and invites all creatures to join in worship and thanksgiving for His goodness.

Popular Catholic Wedding Ceremony Songs

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Below are popular Catholic wedding songs with just the right tempo for Catholic wedding mass songs. Beautiful music that works well as background music to the couple’s wedding vows.

1. God is Able, Hillsong
   While this song is a more contemporary option than the traditional hymn, it’s still a great choice for wedding mass songs. It is best sung accompanied by a guitar or piano.
2. For the Beauty of the Earth, Kocher
   A beautiful song and a great choice for a wedding ceremony song. Best played by a group or solo instrument such as a piano.
3. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, J.S. Bach
   This song is flexible with instrumentation. It is also a reflective and calm melody that can be sung whole or cut.
4. Ave Maria, Schubert
   This popular classic has been found on countless lists of traditional Catholic wedding songs. Best sung by a soloist accompanied by a piano or other solo instrument.
5. The Prayer, Josh Groban/Charlotte Church
   This beautiful piece of music is best played on a piano if only the instrumental. Otherwise, a duo would be perfect.

Modern Catholic Wedding Songs for the Ceremony

Modern Catholic wedding songs for the ceremony blend contemporary melodies with sacred themes, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere while reflecting the couple’s love and commitment to each other and their faith. Here are some of the most beautiful Catholic songs that can be included:

1. The Prayer, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli
   A soul-stirring duet to foster unity and reflection during the ceremony.
2. Ave Maria, Beyonce
   Beyoncé’s rendition infuses new life into the timeless hymn while respecting tradition.
3. All of Me, John Legend
   A tender love ballad, perfect for vows or a symbolic unity ceremony.
4. How Beautiful, Twila Paris
   Contemporary Christian song celebrating the profound beauty of love and devotion.
5. I Will Be Here, Steven Curtis Chapman
   A poignant pledge of enduring love, fitting seamlessly into the heart of a Catholic wedding ceremony.

Navigating the Mass

When it comes to the Catholic Mass, understanding the role of music is crucial for a seamless ceremony. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The ProcessionalThis marks the beginning of the Mass. Choose an uplifting piece that reflects the anticipation and joy of the moment.
2. Responsorial PsalmDuring this liturgical moment, a psalm is sung or recited. Opt for a psalm or musical setting that aligns with your wedding’s theme.
3. Offertory and CommunionThese segments offer opportunities for reflection and unity. Select songs that emphasize love, sharing, and spiritual connection.
4. RecessionalThe recessional signifies the end of the Mass and the start of your married life. Choose an upbeat and celebratory tune that captures your joy and readiness for the journey ahead.

Choosing Catholic Wedding Songs

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Selecting the perfect music for a Catholic wedding involves considering the guidelines and requirements set by the Church. From the entrance procession to the nuptial blessing and the reverencing of the Eucharist, here are the key moments to consider when choosing your Catholic wedding songs:

• Guidelines and Requirements for Catholic Wedding Music:
  Familiarize yourself with the guidelines set by your parish or diocese regarding the types of music allowed in the ceremony.
• Selecting Hymns for the Entrance Procession:
  Choosing hymns that reflect the sacredness of the occasion and set a joyful tone for the ceremony.
• Reflecting on the Liturgy of the Word:
  Responsorial Psalms and Gospel Acclamations:
  Selecting psalms and acclamations that enhance the proclamation of the Word and invite the congregation to participate.
• Options for the Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Altar:
  Considering songs that express gratitude and reverence during the offering of the gifts and the preparation of the altar.
• Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage – Song Choices for the Nuptial Blessing and Exchange of Rings:
  Choosing songs that reflect the sacramental nature of marriage, emphasizing the couple’s commitment and the blessing of their union.
• Reverencing the Eucharist – Songs for the Offertory and Communion:
  Selecting songs that evoke reverence and gratitude during the presentation of the gifts and the reception of the Eucharist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever your heart is set on for your wedding where music is concerned. Whether you are searching for wedding entrance songs, songs for the recessional, or even Catholic wedding songs for the ceremony. This hopefully has given you a good starting point for making your musical selection for your big day. Be sure to try to find tried and true classic or traditional options to increase the chances of getting approval.