Catholic Wedding Prelude Songs

Today, we’re going to be looking at Catholic wedding prelude songs. It’s important to note that what songs a church allows will vary. We’ll be looking at some of the most popular Catholic wedding processional songs and prelude songs.

However, it’s best to consult the priest and the church itself before making any final decisions. Every church is unique and has different requirements for wedding songs. It is a requirement that all songs throughout the ceremony are prayerful. So let’s take a look at what songs you can choose.

Catholic Wedding Music

There is a huge selection of songs on offer for Catholic weddings, but please check with your priest on whichever choices you make. Their decision is final and should be respected, even if it’s a song you had your heart set on.

Catholic Wedding Prelude Songs

A prelude is 10-15 minutes of music before the ceremony begins. As your guests are gathering and seating themselves for the wedding, it’s a good idea to have some gentle music playing. Or if you’re lucky enough to have a choir/singers at your wedding,

  1. Not for Tongue’s of Heaven’s Angels – Michael Joncas
  2. A Nuptial Blessing – Michael Joncas
  3. Set Me as a Seal – Matt Maher
  4. My Heart, Your Home – Chandler Moore and Alton Eugene
  5. How Beautiful – Paris Twila
  6. The Prayer – David Foster and Katharine McPhee
  7. Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach

You usually play around 5 songs for the prelude, and there are lots of other options to choose from if these don’t feel right. Many churches will have their own selection of songs to choose from, which may make it easier for you.

Catholic Wedding Processional Songs

The procession music is played when the Bride and Bridal party enter the ceremony. You can choose one or two songs for this part of the wedding. This is all dependent on how large your bridal party is.

If you have one or two bridesmaids, one song will be enough. However, if your party consists of grandmothers, mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls, etc., you may need two. These songs can be played or sung.

The entrance of the bride usually has a different song to announce her arrival. She deserves all the attention, after all.

It’s worth noting that some of the songs we’ve looked at in the prelude, can also be used as processional music, and vice versa.

Song Choices

Some popular options include:

  1. Come to Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Chris Rice. It’s worth mentioning that this song has multiple versions, so choose which one suits your wedding most. It’s a gorgeous solo song that will leave your guests weeping with joy, with lyrics such as, “Come Thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace, Streams of mercy never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise”.
  2. This is the Day – Scott Wesley Brown. This has been an extremely popular Catholic wedding song for decades now, and it’s not difficult to see why. With lyrics like, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, and I’m so glad, He made you, with each rising sun you are here by my side, you are more than a dream come true”, it’s a beautiful and heartfelt choice.
  3. Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel. It wasn’t composed as a Bridal march, but it’s now a wedding favorite. It makes for a lovely entrance choice, especially if you want a song that does not have any words.
  4. Arioso – Bach. Bach is one of the most popular composers to use at Catholic weddings and it’s not hard to see why he’s a favorite. It’s the perfect melody for any wedding.
  5. Panis Angelicus – Andre Rieu. There are many versions of this song, and it’s a great piece for the Bridal party procession to walk down the aisle too, rather than the Bride herself.

Catholic Wedding Ceremony Songs

Catholic weddings usually have music playing throughout their ceremony. If you opt for music throughout the ceremony, here are some choices you may like to use.

  1. God is Able – Hillsong Worship. It may not be a traditional choice, but with lyrics such as, “God is with us, He will go before, He will never leave us”, it does make a good one.
  2. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach. Back with much-loved composer, Bach. You can’t go wrong choosing Bach as any part of your wedding music. It’s relaxing, calm, and truly beautiful.
  3. Ave Maria. This is one of the most popular choices, and there are so many versions of this song to choose from. It’s one of my favorite choices.

For more song choices to use throughout the remainder of your wedding, Love and Lavender have a Guide to the Best Catholic Wedding Songs.

Live Music and Instruments

When choosing your music, it’s important to bear in mind what instruments you’ll have throughout your wedding. And how many singers you’ll have if any. These are all things to bear in mind when choosing music. Some pieces of music sound better with certain instruments, and may not sound best on instruments such as a violin, or organ, etc. Your musicians will be able to help you with any questions you may have, and guide you through your wedding music options.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with Catholic wedding prelude songs. The church your ceremony will be held at will likely have many options at hand to help you if you’re still struggling to make a decision. There’s a plethora of beautiful Catholic songs to choose from, so you will certainly be spoilt for choice!

Did you have a Catholic wedding, or are you planning to have one? If so, let me know which songs you’re choosing. If any of your choices, didn’t make the list – I would love to hear them! Please feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below. You may be helping out future Brides and Grooms with their own weddings.

Read more about Whose Name Goes First On Wedding Invitations: Bride Or Groom?

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