Music for the Rite of Marriage

Historically, music has always been an important part of the Catholic Church’s sacred rites. It is important to have music that is conducive to prayer, well crafted, and most importantly, liturgically appropriate.

To assist in choosing music for the Rite of Marriage, a list of music has been provided that can be chosen from. This list is not exhaustive and ideas and suggestions are welcome and can be used, at the discretion of the Cathedral Music Director.

-Music will be performed by live musicians at the Cathedral; pre-recorded tracks will not be played. The Cathedral Music Director must be employed to play the organ/piano. If there is need of a sub, the sub will be chosen by the Cathedral Music Director. A Cathedral Cantor must be employed to sing all of the Mass parts (Gloria, Responsorial Psalm, Alleluia, Holy, Mystery of Faith, Amen, and Lamb of God). Additional musicians may be hired to enhance the liturgy (at the expense of the couple). The Cathedral Music Director has musicians to call and hire. If the couple has anybody in mind, they may refer them to the Cathedral Music Director.

-The Cathedral does allow for one additional vocalist for one vocal selection that fits the music policy (conducive to prayer, well crafted, and most importantly, liturgically appropriate). They may be a friend, relative, or family member, provided they are capable of obtaining and learning the chosen music on their own. Rehearsals with vocalists are scheduled on the day of the wedding, with the vocalist being extremely well prepared.

Music List

Preludes: The Cathedral Music Director will provide 20 minutes of prelude music as guests are being seated. This music is chosen at the discretion of the music director. This would be an excellent time to feature additionally hired instrumentalists, especially strings.

Bridesmaids:

Ave Maria by J.S. Bach/Charles Gounod (can be with strings)
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach (can be with strings or trumpet)
Rigaudon by Andrew Campra (can be with trumpet)
Rondeau by Jean-Joseph Mouret (can be with trumpet)
Sleepers, Awake from Cantata by J.S. Bach (can be with strings)

6. Trumpet Tune by John Stanley (can be with trumpet)

Bride Processional:

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel (can be with strings)
Prelude To the Te Deum by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (can be with trumpet)
Trumpet Tune by John Stanley (can be with trumpet)
Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell (can be with trumpet)

Preparation of the Gifts:

Choose only one (Vocal Solo or Hymn)

Vocal Solo

Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
Bist du bei mir by J.S. Bach
Panis Angelicus by Cesar Franck

4.Thy Perfect Love by John Rutter

Hymns (Congregational)

Covenant Hymn
In Christ Alone
I Have Loved You
Lord of All Hopefulness

5. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Communion (Congregational):

As the Bread of Life is Broken
One Bread, One Body
Take and Eat
I Am the Bread of Life
Taste and See
I Receive the Living God
Alleluia! Sing To Jesus.
Gift of Finest Wheat

Visitation of Mary (optional):

Ave Maria by Franz Schubert (can be with strings)
Ave Maria by J. S. Bach/Charles Gounoud (can be with strings)
Hail Mary Gentle Woman (Congregational)

Recessional:

Little Prelude in C Major, BWV 553 by J.S. Bach
Hornpipe from Water Music Suite by George Frederick Handel
Hymn To Joy by Ludwig Beethoven
Prelude in B Major by Marcel Dupre
Processional by Lynn Trapp
Toccata from Symphony 5 by Charles-Marie Widor
Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn

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