Organ Wedding  Music

A guide to selecting and performing organ music for weddings

Anyone who has played the organ for a period of time can expect to be asked to play for a wedding.  This can be a challenge but is really not to difficult if handled properly.  Once you have agreed to play, its is time to think about what is going to be played.  The couple and their assistants may have a few requests for music but my experience is that the organist will make many of the choices about what to play being sure to get the couple's approval or agreement to accept the organist's decision.  I always make sure to tell the couple that this is their wedding and they should choose what they want.  The other factor is the organist's ability. I will decline to play anything that requires a huge effort to learn or is at the limits of my skill. I want the wedding service to focus attention on the wedding party not my lousy playing. Keeping it simple will accomplish this.

Wedding Prelude

You will need a least twenty minutes of prelude music. I would have five or six pieces planned to play and others available to fill in as needed. I try to arrange the order of the selections so that the best is nearest the start of the service. The best being either sounds the best or was especially desired by the wedding parties. Weddings rarely start on time. I plan at least five minutes of extra prelude to allow for this. Using a piece with short stanzas or frequent repeats can help time the transition to the processional.

Processional 

This is where the most individual requests occur.  A couple trying to make their wedding unique will often want a particular piece of music played here.  I will attempt to direct people to choose something with the motion and dignity that a wedding processional demands.  Make sure to have repeats and extensions planned so the end of the processional is close to the time when the bride has arrived at the altar. Don't assume it will go as it did in practice.

Accompaniments for Wedding Solos

Many weddings have a solo song or two. If organ accompaniment is desired be sure to have the couple provide a legal copy of the sheet music ahead of time.  Many vocal scores are arranged for piano accompaniment. These can usually be adapted for organ with a little planning and practice.  Be sure to practice with the singer so both of you know what to expect.

Recessional

If their were ever a time for a festive celebration it is at this point.  Bring out those bright reed stops and announce the new couple with a rousing fanfare and recessional march.  The traditional Mendelssohn does this but if something else is used be sure it has the right character.  After the couple has exited I play until the majority of the wedding guests have gone.  There will always be a few people around so I don't wait for everyone to leave.

Resources for The Wedding Organist

Here is a book I take to every wedding. The arrangements are well done but not too difficult. It has all of the top requested songs and some other very appropriate selections also.

Everything For The Wedding Organist By Jack Schrader. For Organ. Wedding and Sacred. Level: (Moderate). Print Music Collection (Organ Book). Published by Hope Publishing Company. (916) See more info...

These will also be a useful part of your library

The Complete Wedding Songbook - Easy Organ Adventure Folios By Various. Organ Adventure. Size 9x12 inches. 128 pages. Published by Hal Leonard. (212194) See more info...