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Music for Weddings

What you need

The usual form of service at St John’s requires these musical items:

• entrance music for the bride
• two hymns
• something to listen to during the signing of the registers
• exit music for the bride & groom

Note that the links to the recordings below are just to give you an idea of the music. They are not performances from our own church and the sound will be different. The Organist is happy to demonstrate anything you might want to hear - for more information.

Organist

Our organist is available to play our lovely Willis three-manual organ. He is very happy to meet with couples to help in choosing the music.

Some Ideas for pieces

For the entrance of the bride, the most popular choices are:

• the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, by Wagner
• the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Samson, by Handel
• Grand March from Aida by Verdi
• the Trumpet Voluntary (also called the Prince of Denmark’s March) by Clarke
• a Trumpet Tune by Purcell
• the Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel

At the end of the service, perhaps you would like one of these:

• Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn
• Toccata from Symphonie No5 by Widor
• Grand March from Aida by Verdi
• Nun danket alle Gott by Karg-Elert
• Coronation March by Meyerbeer

Choir

We have an excellent Choir which will be very pleased to sing at your wedding. We can offer a wide repertoire for you to choose from.

Anthem ideas

Some ideas for items the choir to sing during the signing of the registers are as follows:

• All things Bright & Beautiful by John Rutter
• Christ has no Body now but yours by David Ogden
• Day by Day by Martin How
• For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter
• Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter
• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by JS Bach
• Lead me Lord by Samuel Wesley
• Love one another from Blessed be the God and Father by Samuel Wesley
• The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter
• Look at the World by John Rutter
• Panis angelicus by Cesar Franck

Anything else?

If you have other ideas, or if there is someone special to whom you would like to give the opportunity to perform, please do ask. We have even accommodated bagpipes! Contact the .