The music you choose for your wedding can have a powerful impact on your ceremony, on you and on your guests. Often the first impression your guests get of your wedding is the music they hear. Music can soothe you, inspire your and excite you and will create a wonderful atmosphere for the entire day.
There is a vast collection of music to choose from and your choice will create a unique and personal wedding ceremony for you. The music you choose can range from popular to classical, modern to traditional, religious to secular.
Choosing the right music for your wedding ceremony and where to have your music within the ceremony can be a daunting task. Here are some hints and tips to help.
When considering your music think about your personalities, your passions, your beliefs and your common interests.
Are there religious aspects to your ceremony which could be complimented by religious music?
Is there a piece of music that inspires you both, that has a special meaning for you, or that represents your journey together?
Think about the season you are. Summer classics. Festive songs and carols at Christmas time.
Also think about where in the ceremony you would like to have music. Here is a suggested placement of music in your ceremony.
Processional – as the Bride enters
After or between the readings
During the Unity Candle ceremony
After your Vows and Ring Exchange
Signing of the Register
Recessional.
Some Suggestions
SACRED
Ave Maria – Schubert – Listen Here
Ave Maria – Bach/Gounod – Listen Here
Panis Angelicus – Franc – Listen Here
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach – Listen Here
Cloud’s Veil – Lawton – Listen Here
Pie Jesu – Requiem – Lloyd Weber – Listen Here
MODERN/SECULAR
Nella Fantasia – Ennio Morricone – Listen Here
A Thousand Year – Christine Perri – Listen Here
Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy – Listen Here
Songbird – Eva Cassidy – Listen Here
The Prayer – Listen Here
Perfect – Ed Sheeran – Listen Here
The Rose – Bette Midler – Listen Here
Can’t Help Falling in Love with You – Elvis Presley – Listen Here
You Raise me Up – Listen Here
Your Song – Elton John – Listen Here
Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo – Listen Here
All I Ask of You – Lloyd Weber – Listen Here
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen – Listen Here
Dreams – Cranberries – Listen Here
Warm – The Coronas – Listen Here
How Long will I Love You – Ellie Golding – Listen Here
CLASSICAL
Cavallleria Rusticana – Mascagni – Listen Here
Canon in D – Pachelbel – Listen Here
The Balcony Scene – Romeo & Juliet – Listen Here
Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone – Listen Here
Air on a G String – Bach – Listen Here
River Flows in You – Yiruma – Listen Here
Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke – Listen Here
The Bridal Chorus – Wagner – Listen Here
The Flower Duet from Lakme – Delibes – Listen Here
Nella Fantasia – Morricone – Listen Here
Irish Twist to your Wedding Music
Ireland is a land rich with traditions, culture, literature and music. Ireland has a long history in music both in the instruments that are used and the songs that are sung. Music is the perfect way to blend Irish traditions into your wedding ceremony.
Traditional Irish instruments include the Harp, the Uilleann Pipes, the Tin Whistle and the Fiddle. All of these instruments, whether together or on their own, bring a true sense of Irish culture to your wedding ceremony.
There is a wide variety of Irish music for your wedding ceremony. I have included some of my favourites here.
Ag Criost An Siol – Sean O’Rioda – Listen Here
Ashokan Farewell – Jay Unger – Listen Here
Amazing Grace – Listen Here
She Moves Through the Fair – Listen Here
The Voyage – Christy Moore – Listen Here
The Parting Glass – Listen Here
