Can you only have religious music in a Catholic Church wedding?

Question

We're getting married in a Catholic Church and are hiring a guitartist to play but I just heard somewhere that he can only play religious music. Does anyone know if this is true because I was hoping to choose a song that I know and have him perform it as I walk down... :|

Answer 1

That totally varies on a church by church basis.  Strict Catholic churches will generally say no, then some will allow it as long as it's acoustic and without lyrics.  Others will allow it as long as the church gets a copy of the lyrics and approves it.  

Good luck!

Congrats!

Answer 2

It depends on the church. Most I know do not allow songs with any words (apart from hymns) so you should be fine with just instrumental music. However, there are some that do allow songs with lyrics- you just have to check with your church.

Answer 3

During the Mass, you have to stick to religious music. You can't have your guitarist play "Isn't She Lovely" or "Time of My Life" or the Carpenters' "Wedding Song" or anything other than a hymn when you process down the aisle.

It's Mass. You need to have religious songs for Mass.

Use the song you wanted for walking into the reception, not for your religious wedding rite.

Answer 4

Mostly.

You parish should provide you with guidelines for your music selections.

Here is a Wedding Liturgy Preparation form: http://web.ocp.org/pdf/WeddingLitPrep.pd...

Here are a couple of Catholic Wedding Song lists:

http://web.ocp.org/pdf/WeddingSuggestion...

http://www.ocp.org/songs/keyword/100177

With love in Christ.

Answer 5

I was only told no pop. If you're hiring a guitarist I'm assuming you're thinking Bach or something similar, and my mom plays that at mass even, so don't worry about it.  

Answer 6

Hi, I'm an Irish Catholic living in Ireland and we're planning our wedding at the moment.  

Recently, in the media here, there has actaully been a lot of talk about the use of non-religious music/poetry etc in Catholic mass ceremonies and the official line which has emerged is that in the seminary schools, lessons are given to priests which outline appropiate hymns/readings for different ceremonies like wedding, funerals, baptisms, etc etc.  These are recommended guidelines and are all religious based.  However, a priest in his own parish - particularily a parish priest - is given some leyway with regards to music choices.  Some are happy to let people choose their own music.   I am a trained soprano & have been singing at weddings/funerals for years & generally find that priests seem laid back about it.  

In our case, the priest saying our wedding mass is very modern in his outlook at not very conservative & is happy to let us choose whatever we want.  We're going to do an Irish theme, so lots of Irish love ballads.  Not much religious music in sight.

Bottom line is, the decision regarding what music is playing in Churhces is completely as the descretion of the priest.  I know some people will argue that the day belongs to the bride & groom (I agree) but the Chuch will see it slightly differently.  

In your case, I would advise you talk directly to your priest as he is the only one who can give you a difinitive answer.  If he is like most priests, he might ask for an even balance betweenreligious and non-religious.  He'll probably also request that the songs you choose are mellow, appropiate and in keeping with the theme of the day.

Good luck, hope it works out for you.

Answer 7

It is your wedding. You decide on everything.  

If the priest says no "---" then tell him you will move your wedding to St. Patricks (or whatever).

Answer 8

It depends completely on the rules of that particular parish. Just call up the church office or the wedding coordinator there and ask.  

Answer 9

No not necessary,it all depends on you how you want it to be.Marraige is once in life and you have the right to enjoy,however it depends how much you want to spend for a good band ! Also one important thing about marraige,it's all about getting united with a person either you  know or vice versa,so why spend too much,instead save it for your future,you never know when you may need money !

Answer 10

Most Catholic parishes allow classical and contemporary music, too, but obviously nothing inappropriate. Check with your priest about any guidelines there may be,