Music for a Civil Ceremony

String quartet

The correct choice of music is vital in setting the tone of your day whether it is a civil wedding or partnership

A civil ceremony has a few opportuinities for music to be played:

  • The Entrance of the Bride or wedding party

  • The signing of the Register (optional)

  • The exit of the couple

There is no congregational singing at a civil ceremony usually. There is no law against it but most people would not expect it, coupled with the fact that the tunes most people collectively know are religious and therefore not allowed and the fact that most people do not actually enjoy singing in public; it really is not worth the effort!

There used to be strict rules on the use of religious music at civil ceremonies in that even songs such as Angels by Robbie Williams could not be played, but rules have relaxed and as long as the music is not actual church music e.g. hymns or psalms, then it can be used. Much of this is at the discretion of the Registrar and you will be asked for your music choices prior to the day when you fill in your booking forms. If they don't object then, you will be fine on the day

Musicians and pre-recorded music

The addition of live music can make all the difference. Surprisingly it is not as expensive as you might think. A string quartet or a soloist singer or a harpist can add a touch of sophistication. Some Register Offices are quite small and won't have room but they usually have a good sound system that allows for the playing of CDs at the appropriate moment

 

Some suggestions

Entrance (* Needs a choir)

  • Clarke J - The Prince of Denmark's March

  • Mozart WA - Wedding March from 'The Marriage of Figaro'

  • Wagner R - Wedding March from 'Lohengrin

  • Pachelbel J - Canon in D

  • Purcell H - Trumpet Tune in D

  • Elgar E - Salut d'amour

  • Handel GF - Hornpipe in D from 'The Water Music'

  • Sullivan - Brightly Shines the Wedding Day (Madrigal) from The Mikado*

Hymns

Hymns are not allowed for Civil Ceremonies and we strongly advise against any attempt at congregational singing!

 

Signing the register (* Needs a choir)

  • Bach JS - Air on the G string

  • Massanet J - Meditation, from 'Thais'

  • Elgar E - Chanson de matin

  • Handel GF - Air from 'The Water Music'

  • Delibes L - Dome épais (Flower Duet), from 'Lakmé'

  • Pachelbel J - Canon in D

  • Mozart WA - Movements from 'Divertimenti, K136-138'

  • Sullivan - Brightly Shines the Wedding Day (Madrigal) from The Mikado*

 

Exit Music

  • Bach JS - 1st movement from 'Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G'

  • Mendelssohn F - Wedding March from ' A Midsummer Night's Dream'

  • Stanley J - Trumpet Voluntary, op.6 no.5

  • Verdi G - Libiamo ne lieti calici, from 'La Traviata'

  • Strauss J - Radetsky March

  • Vivaldi A - Spring (1st movement), from 'The Four Seasons'

 

 

Confused about what to do about the wedding cake? Click here for some ideas

 

For some guidance on your dream honeymoon click here

 

Thinking of setting up a Gift registry? Here's some handy tips

 

Not sure what readings to have during the ceremony? Here are some of our favourites