Prelude Music (includes Seating of the Families)

Pre-service music begins approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony. The organist will choose appropriate instrumental prelude music unless a special request is made. An approved vocal solo may also serve as a portion of the Prelude music and/or during the seating of grandparents/parents (one or two solos total). See Presentation/Preparation of Gifts, below, for suggestions.

Entrance Procession - First Form

The revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony (OCM) envisions the music sung by the congregation as the most important music at the wedding (just as at Sunday Mass): “The procession to the altar takes place in the customary manner.  Meanwhile the Entrance Chant takes place.” (OCM 46, STL 222a).  "Its purpose is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical time or festivity, and accompany the procession of the Priest and ministers." (GIRM 47)  A well-chosen familiar hymn (tune) common to several traditions can help to bind this temporary community together in its purpose of worshiping God and witnessing your marriage covenant.  Click on the links to hear the music:

• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LOBE DEN HERREN)
• This Is a Miracle Moment (John Thornburg/LOBE DEN HERREN)
• Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You (HYMN TO JOY)
• God of Love, Embrace Your People (James Chepponis/HYMN TO JOY; words also fit HYFRYDOL)
• Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (HYFRYDOL)
• Love Has Brought Us Here Together (Mary Louise Bringle/HYFRYDOL; words also fit HYMN TO JOY)
• Hear Us Now, Our God and Father (Huxold, Newton/HYFRYDOL; words also fit HYMN TO JOY)
• O God beyond All Praising (THAXTED) - verses 1 and 3

Entrance Procession - Second Form

Instrumental music may accompany the procession if it seems more suitable in deference to those attending (OCM 49, 50).  Both experience and theological reflection suggest that it is preferable to choose one piece of music for the whole procession (including the entrance of the clergy, groom, wedding attendants, and the bride)  and that the desired dramatic effect of the bride entering is best served when the music communicates the culmination of a single procession rather than two separate events.  However, if two pieces of music are desired here - the first one for the wedding attendants, and the second one for the bride and groom (or bride) - the selections below are labeled W for the whole procession, 1 for the wedding attendants, and 2 for the bride or bride and groom, to indicate their appropriate uses.

• (1) Air from Water Music- Handel, arr. Bish
• (1) Aria “Be Thou Near Me”- J.S. Bach, arr. Johnson
• (1) Arioso- J.S. Bach
• (W) Largo from Winter- Vivaldi
• (W 1) Canon in D-Pachelbel
• (W 1 2) St. Anthony Chorale- Haydn
• (W 1 2) Prelude from Te Deum- Charpentier
• (W 1 2) Processional of Joy- Beethoven, arr. Hopson
• (W 1 2) Rigaudon, Campra
• (W 1 2) The Prince of Denmark’s March- Clarke (sometimes called Trumpet Voluntary- Purcell)
• (W 1 2) Trumpet Tune in D Major- David N. Johnson

Opening Hymn (optional)

"If instrumental music accompanies the Entrance Procession, an Opening/Gathering hymn may be sung once all are in place."   (OCM 50, STL 222b)

This option is particularly appropriate at weddings taking place outside of Mass, giving those gathered another opportunity to participate. Please refer to the list of Entrance Hymns above.

Gloria (new in 2010, within Mass only)

A musical setting of the Gloria that is locally familiar, and that invites all gathered to sing a short repetitive refrain with the cantor singing the verses, is the most hospitable and effective for weddings, due to the musical and sometimes religious diversity diversity of those gathered.