Emma's answers to Hymns at religious ceremonies

Question

Do hymns have to be sung at a Christian ceromony or could we just have music? Athough it is likely we will have a religious ceromony, neither of us is actually religious.

Answer

If you decide you wish to marry in a religious ceremony, it's important that you understand what you are undertaking. The Church of England considers marriage very seriously and it is the custom and practice of the Church of England to offer preparation for marriage for couples who are soon to be married. Your minister will probably ask that you both attend a meeting to discuss their forthcoming marriage, and to come to an understanding about the way a Christian marriage works. At this meeting you
will discuss the type of ceremony and the hymns, readings, poems and music you would like. Some churches offer a list of suitable hymns and organ music from which a selection can be made, other churches require the couple to discuss the choice of music with the organist or choirmaster.

If you choose to have a religious ceremony you should be prepared to think about the hymns and readings you would like before you come to discuss these with your vicar. Most vicars are usually happy for you to have other pieces of music played at appropriate moments (for example during the signing of the register) but this will always be at the discretion of the minister. You would usually need to select a minimum of two hymns.

Do make sure you have considered all the options before going ahead with a church wedding as you will be expected to show the minister that the
religious aspect of the ceremony has a significant meaning for you, and the vows you make to each other will be of a religious nature.

Emma x