Selecting music for a church wedding requires a balance of personal style and respect for sacred traditions. Before finalizing your playlist, it is essential to speak with your officiant about the specific rules of your house of worship. Whether your ceremony features a majestic pipe organ or a contemporary band, the right music will elevate the spiritual significance of your union, turning your vows into a truly “blessed occasion.”

Essential Church Wedding Moments

The Intimate Modern Ballad: “I See Jesus” – Sarah James Frank. This contemporary song is perfect for couples who want their love story to be explicitly centered on their faith. It pictures two people falling in love because they see a reflection of Jesus in one another, making it a powerful choice for a modern Christian ceremony.
The Traditional Processional: “Trumpet Voluntary” – Jeremiah Clarke. For a grand, regal entrance, this classic piece is a staple of church weddings. Its bright, triumphant tone is ideal for the bride’s walk down the aisle, signaling a “genuine cause for celebration”.
The Sacred Classic: “Ave Maria” – Beyoncé. While this 19th-century masterpiece has many versions, Beyoncé’s 2008 recording brings a modern, soulful touch to a “timeless hit”. It is a popular choice for moments of reflection, such as the presentation of gifts or communion.
The Triumphant Recessional: “Wedding March” – Felix Mendelssohn. As the newly married couple leaves the altar, this is the definitive recessional song. It has been a mainstay of wedding culture for over a century, providing an uplifting and recognizable close to the ceremony.

Expert DJ & Planner Tips for a Church Ceremony

Mind the Venue Size: If you are getting married in a small chapel, avoid long songs for the entrance and exit. You don’t want the music to continue for minutes after you’ve already reached the altar or the back of the church.
Verify the Instruments: Some churches only allow the organ or piano, while others are open to full ensembles. Always check if your favorite pop-to-classical cover, like Kenny G’s “The Wedding Song”, is permitted by your Pastor or Priest.
Fill the “Down-Time”: Don’t forget the quiet moments. Have instrumental pieces ready for the signing of the marriage license, the ring exchange, or between scripture readings to keep the atmosphere “filled with emotion”.
The 1970s Influence: For a “reggae/disco feel” that is still spiritual, remember that the 1970s introduced crossover hits that bridged the gap between the secular and the sacred, offering “Caribbean rhythms while keeping a soulful heart”.

church wedding songs for christian wedding

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For initial inspiration, I thought I would share independent artist Sarah James Frank and her song “I See Jesus“. “I See Jesus” is a song that pictures two people falling in love due to seeing a reflection of Jesus in one another. It is an intimate wedding song that not only pictures a love story but one that is centered on Jesus.

Church Wedding Music Ideas

Air – Johann Sebastian Bach
Air from Water Music – George Frideric Handel
Hornpipe (From “Water Music”) – George Frideric Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Cantata BWV 147: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Johann Sebastian Bach
Ode to Joy (From Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125) – Ludwig van Beethoven
Te Deum – (Traditional chant melody)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – Charles Wesley (hymn)
Here Comes The Bride – Richard Wagner
Trumpet Voluntary in D Major (The Prince of Denmark’s March) – Jeremiah Clarke
Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: III. La jouissance – George Frederic Handel
Trumpet Tune in D – Jeremiah Clarke

Songs are also played during church weddings during:

Unity Ceremony
Communion
The signing of the marriage license
Presentation of the gifts
Songs during “down-time” like before and after vows, the ring exchange, and readings.

Popular Musician Ideas

Amazing Grace – Susan Boyle
- Released in 2009 on the album I Dreamed a Dream
Ave Maria – Beyoncé
- Released in 2008 on the album I Am… Sasha Fierce
The Wedding Song – Kenny G
- Released in 1992 on the album Breathless
Wedding Song (There Is Love) – Noel Paul Stookey
- Released in 1971 on the album Paul and

Tip

As the bride and groom leave the altar area after the ceremony has concluded (Recessional), the classic song to be played is the Wedding March.

Recessional Church Song Ideas

Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21: IV. Finale (Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace) – Ludwig van Beethoven
Toccata from Symphony No. 5 – Charles-Marie Widor
Radetsky March, Op. 228 – Johann Strauss