Music for the Catholic Wedding

Marriage is a sacred union between two people. The Catholic wedding is a sacrament and the music selected should be appropriate for the occasion. While many popular love songs may have a special meaning to the couple, they are better left for the reception.

The music at your wedding has the power to encourage or stifle the participation of the Assembly. The norm in the Roman Catholic Liturgy is participatory music; that is, the majority of music during the Liturgy should be sung by the entire Assembly. A little planning and some thoughtful choices can make your wedding a more meaningful and joyous occasion for everyone present.

Music should be carefully chosen and should be suitable to the religious nature of the celebration. The text or lyric of a song is as important as the quality of the music. Just because a song is "sacred" doesn't mean it is liturgically appropriate at a particular point in the Mass or ceremony.

Below are suggested appropriate music for this sacred occasion. If you are having a mass, you may want to consider music for the congregation to sing.