Music & Entertainment

Music & your ceremony

The kind of ceremony you have will help determine the wedding music you choose

Music at religious wedding ceremonies

A religious ceremony can include hymns and secular music, although it’s best to check with the minister officiating first. Generally you’ll need:

 

  • Joyful but unobtrusive music as guests arrive.
  • Something stately as the bride comes in, which is long enough to last the length of her procession up the aisle.
  • An instrumental or a sung piece (possibly by a solo artist or group as a change from the organ) during the signing of the register.
  • Something triumphant and uplifting for the bride and groom leaving the church.

You could also have:

  • A hymn after the entrance of the bride.
  • A hymn after the marriage ceremony.
  • A hymn after the prayers and final blessing.
  • A sung psalm after the marriage.

Music in civil wedding ceremonies

Register office ceremonies are generally shorter than religious ceremonies, leaving fewer opportunities for music. You might want some recorded music playing while people arrive/leave or the register is signed, but check your choice of music with the registrar well in advance.

Remember that a register office ceremony can’t contain religious music or readings, or any music that might detract from the solemnity of the occasion.

Music at licensed civil venues

If you’re getting married at a state‐licensed premises, you’ll have more choice and opportunities for music. You might want to have music at similar points to those in a church service, but you can also have it in other parts of the ceremony too ‐ subject, as always, to the approval of the registrar.

A few words about copyright…

Copyright exists in creative works such as hymns for 70 years after the death of the writer. During that time, it is illegal to reproduce the works in any form without the permission of the copyright holder (or their appointed agent). If you want to reproduce the text of a hymn under copyright in your order of service, you’ll need the permission of the copyright holder for which a charge of between £10 and £25 is usually made.

You don’t need the copyright holder’s permission if you just want to sing the hymns ‐ you only need it if you want to print the hymn words (for example on an order of service).

[Order of Service cards ordered and printed by confetti.co.uk don’t need permission ‐‐ we will arrange that for you.]

Download the free wedding planning app

Plan your dream wedding with Wedx, the free wedding planning app that makes organising your big day a breeze. With a countdown clock and intuitive planning tools, you'll stay on top of every detail. Discover amazing suppliers, explore their services, and view stunning photos and videos, all in one place. Wedx helps you connect with the perfect professionals to bring your wedding vision to life.

Free App Right Arrow
Wedx Icon

Claim your free wedding magazine

Claim your free copy of Confetti Magazine, one of the UK's premier wedding publications. Inside its beautifully curated pages, you'll find expert tips, checklists, and inspiring real-life stories to spark your imagination and plan your dream day with confidence, ensuring your wedding is just the way you envision it, down to the last detail.

Free Magazine Right Arrow
Confetti Magazine

Find Wedding Ideas, Inspiration, Venues and Services