What should I do if I want to have special music in my wedding ceremony?
If your wedding will be in a church, please consult with the Director of Music/Organist of the church about musical selections as he/she will be able to help you by providing suggestions that will suit your wedding ceremony. Not everything that you have heard on a wedding cd will be included in the organist's repertoire. Especially if you have heard an orchestral arrangement, the organist does not necessarily have an organ transcription. If your wedding ceremony will take place at the reception site, please consult with the event planner or wedding coordinator of the location for help with the hiring of musicians. Venues can usually provide a list of musicians.

I would like a secular musical selection included in the wedding ceremony. Is that possible?
It depends on the church policy. Some churches have strict policy that secular music not be used within the framework of the ceremony. Consult with the Director of Music/Organist of the church for approval.

How do I hire a soloist, vocalist, instrumentalist or ensemble?
Before you do anything, check the church's policy on wedding music. Generally, most churches require that you consult with the Church's Director of Music/Organist to request such services. He/she will be able to recommend a musician. This will ensure that your special day will be enhanced and that your wedding ceremony will run smoothly. Do not contract or book an independent musician or ensemble without approval from the church. Always consult the staff musician at the church and ask them to help you. The staff musician is hired to provide such services and he/she has the last say over music for the ceremony in most cases. You might end up paying for musicians you contracted or booked that you then can't use.

I have a favorite hymn that I would like sung during the wedding ceremony. Is that possible?
Absolutely. What a wonderful way to include the congregation in the ceremony. Hymn singing is an excellent way to express the joy and sentiment of the occasion. Your organist will be able to help you choose an appropriate hymn and your favorite hymn certainly could be used as well.

What hymns are appropriate for a wedding ceremony?
Please look at the list of hymns on the wedding page of this site and you will be able to view a number of appropriate hymns.

Do I have to have the organ used in the wedding service?
The organ is a wonderful instrument! There is nothing quite like the "King of Instruments". If you prefer to not have the organ used, consult the staff musician at the church and they will recommend other choices to you. Some churches have pianos and you can also ask to have an instrumental ensemble provide music instead. Please be aware some churches require that the organist be paid even if you prefer to not have organ used. The staff musician will still most likely have the last say over what will take place and he/she will do their best to accomodate your requests.