Everyone looks forward to the day they’ll get hinged to the love of their lives. So while we agree that weddings are joyous occasions, having the right songs on your discography is what makes a wedding better.
If you are a person of faith, or best put, a Catholic, choosing wedding songs that align with your faith is as important as planning your wedding. But, how does one choose a few songs when there’s a plethora of options?
In this article, we’ve curated a list of some of the most beautiful Catholic wedding songs and hymnals that will add color to your wedding.
26 Catholic Wedding Songs For Your Special Day
From contemporary hymns and songs to classics that transcend time, here are some of the best Catholic songs with beautiful lyrics to make your wedding even more memorable.
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1. “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
This masterpiece will always top the list of wedding songs because only a few songs will provoke a similar effect to this all-time classic!
After over 300 years of existence, this song still touches every soul. It leaves a heartwarming feeling, so it is ideal for the bride to walk down the aisle with.
2. “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” by Sebastian Temple
Memorable Lyrics: “Where there is hatred, let me bring your love…”
This song is more of a prayer, as it is a plea to be messengers of peace, love, and hope. It’s great for the wedding processional during the ceremony.
3. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
Memorable Lyrics: “Ave Maria, Gratia plena, Maria, Gratia plena…”
This classic has been around for ages, yet, it seems new and heavenly every time. The song recognizes and honors the Virgin Mary. It is best for moments that need everyone to be calmer, more reflective, and reverent during the wedding ceremony.
4. “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
This is another classic that has been around for as long as there are weddings.
Getting instrumentalists to play the song will make the experience even better.
5. “Panis Angelicus” by César Franck
Memorable Lyrics: “Panis Angelicus fit panis hominum…”
This Latin hymn gives honor to the Lordship and authority of Christ. As catholic weddings usually have a section where the priest gives the holy communion to the couple, this song is perfect for the communion program, or reflective sessions.
6. “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
Memorable Lyrics: “Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace…”
This song, in the most beautiful voices, shows the couple’s need to be led and guided through marriage life. It is originally a duet, so as a suggestion, you can get people with amazing voices to perform live.
7. “Meditation From Thaïs” by Jules Massenet
This classic opera is almost perfect. It is perfect for the wedding processional.
8. “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March
Memorable Lyrics: “I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go…”
This joyful song has been around for decades, and it is so enjoyable. The song celebrates the dedication to follow Christ through one’s journey on earth. It’s best for a joyful moment during the ceremony, or for a background song to entertain guests as they arrive.
9. “You Are Mine” by David Haas
Memorable Lyrics: “I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear…”
Allegiance and devotion come with being married, and this modern masterpiece paints the right picture. It shows the devotion each couple should have for one another, and how they’ll weather whatever storms that come together.
10. “On Eagle’s Wings” by Michael Joncas
Memorable Lyrics: “And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings…“
This song reminds the couple of how God is sufficient to provide, care for, protect his children, and help them soar. It’s best for the wedding ceremony.
11. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Robert Robinson
Memorable Lyrics: “Here’s my heart. Oh, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above”
The song is so emotional that it could create a crying spree as the bride walks down the aisle.
12. “Grow Old With Me” by John Lennon
Memorable Lyrics: “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be…”
The tempo and rhythm of this song are similar to some Catholic songs, but this song is not one for church unless you stick only to the instrumentals. This beautiful piece captures what a couple wants when they fall in love— to grow old together.
13. “Gift of Finest Wheat” by Robert E. Kreutz
Memorable Lyrics: “You who satisfy the hungry heart with the gift of finest wheat…”
This song speaks about all forms of nourishment beyond communion, which is a gift from God.
14. “Angel” by Casting Crowns
Memorable Lyrics: “I’d still be here. Holding you. When thanking heaven. For my angel”
This is a calm and gentle contemporary wedding song that shows the depth of love between two people. It’s perfect for the exchange of vows, or the first dance during the reception.
15. “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman
Memorable Lyrics: “I will be here when you feel like being quiet…”
This music talks about the couple’s devotion and commitment to one another despite the challenges they might be facing individually. It’s best for the exchange of vows, or playing in the background during the wedding ceremony.
16. “A Nuptial Blessing” – Michael Joncas
Memorable Lyrics: “May God bless you, hold, and keep you. May God’s mercy shine on you, guide your work, and guard your resting, keep your love forever new.
17. “Here I Am, Lord” by Dan Schutte
Memorable Lyrics: “Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night...”
A song that shows total submission of the couple’s will to God, and to answer and do His bidding whenever He asks. It is best for reflective moments during the ceremony.
18. “Lead Me, Lord” by Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Memorable Lyrics: “Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness…”
A prayer hymn that asks God to take the lead in their marriage, and through the path of righteousness and truth. It’s best for a reflective moment during the wedding ceremony.
19. “One Bread, One Body” by John Foley
Memorable Lyrics: “One bread, one body, one Lord of all…“
This song is a testament to the oneness in the body of Christ which is the church. The song is great as the opening hymnal/song after the bridal procession.
20. “Taste and See” by James E. Moore Jr.
Memorable Lyrics: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord…”
This song is a call for everyone present to experience God’s goodness. It is a good song for the general holy communion, as it involves the participation of a lot of people.
21. “O God Beyond All Praising” by Michael Perry
Memorable Lyrics: “O God beyond all praising, we worship you today…”
The rhythm and tempo of this hymn make it best for the wedding procession, and for the bride to walk down the aisle.
22. “Be Thou My Vision” by Audrey Assad
Memorable Lyrics: “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart. Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light”
Audrey’s version of the Irish hymn is so delectable and amazingly beautiful. Her adorable voice coupled with the calm strings makes the song ideal for the wedding procession.
23. “Set Me as a Seal” by Rene Clausen
Memorable Lyrics: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm…”
This song is more of a declaration of love and devotion of the couple to each other. It’s perfect for exchanging vows, exchanging rings, and any other couple moments during the ceremony.
24. “Tantum Ergo” by St. Thomas Aquinas
Memorable Lyrics: “Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui…”
This is a Latin hymn. It is best for communion or the background song as the officiating priest blesses the couple and their guests before the close of the ceremony.
25. “I Have Loved You” by Michael Joncas
Memorable Lyrics: “I have loved you with an everlasting love…”
“I Have Loved You” shows God’s everlasting love for his children, a type of love that the couple should emulate. It is ideal for reflective moments, or couple moments during the ceremony.
26. “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” by Henry van Dyke
Memorable Lyrics: “Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love…”
This is a popular hymn that brings joy to the listeners and life to the ceremony. The fast-paced version of this song would get everyone dancing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best songs for a Catholic-themed wedding ceremony might be a bit different, as it needs your attention more so you don’t end up choosing a profane song.
But whether you choose hymns or more vibrant melodies, these songs will reflect your faith and devotion, and make your day memorable.
Also, it’ll help if you remember that different wedding rules might hold for different parishes in different locations. This implies that you have to get conversant with the practices and guidelines if you are in a new parish. That way, you’ll have an unforgettable and hitch-free wedding.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about catholic wedding songs.
What types of songs can I use for my Catholic wedding?
There are so many songs you can choose from for a Catholic-themed wedding. These songs range from classical Christian songs to old and modern religious hymns, hymn instrumentals, and so on.
As long as these songs do not infringe on the Catholic doctrine, you are good.
Is it mandatory to have a choir or band for a Catholic-themed wedding?
No, it’s not. However, having a choir makes the songs more alive, and of course, glorious.
Can we include secular or non-religious songs in a Catholic wedding?
Most times, it is not possible as most Catholic parishes are strict with the kind of songs they permit in their parish.
However, some parishes may allow very decent secular songs. It would be best if you checked with the priest days before the wedding ceremony for approval so you don’t violate any rules.
Can I use any song lyrics, theme, or tempo for a Catholic-themed wedding?
Well, to an extent. However, you must always remember that whatever songs you choose, they must not be out of place, and must align with the kinds accepted at Catholic-themed weddings.
Serena & Dominic are a married couple and parents to 3 wonderful children. They plan weddings, run multiple small businesses, and curate wedding events.
By giving you everything you need to make your dream wedding attainable, you can eliminate stress, get the ‘wedding glow,’ and focus on spending this rocking day with the person you adore. Discover their podcast for more information
