There are usually two or three hymns sung during a wedding service. The first is sung near to the beginning and helps everyone to feel that they are together in this place for a special purpose.
The last hymn comes right before the final blessing, and reflects a mood of celebration and joy.
Another hymn is included sometimes whilst the paperwork is being signed, or just after. If you can find hymns that are familiar to your guests and are easy to sing, it will encourage everyone to join in.
The vicar or the organist at the church where you are to be married, (or Directors of Music in some of the larger churches), will be pleased to help you decide. The capabilities of the organist and the type of organ they have in church need to be taken into account, so do seek their opinion even if you have already decided which hymns you’d most like to have.
Some churches have a choir which can be present at your wedding and help lead the hymn singing. Some choirs can also sing a suitable piece by themselves during the service, such as when you are signing the Register.
To help you get started, here’s a list of some of the most well-loved church wedding hymns. You can click to view the lyrics, and listen to a small extract of each.
