St. Matthias Wedding Music Guidelines

    The services of organist Steven Frank and singer Victoria Powell are included in the donation you've paid to St. Matthias for your wedding

    Arrangements for guest musicians must be made with Mr. Steven Frank in advance and he will be available for consultation with your organist before and during the wedding. Special requests for extra musicians (trumpet or violin, for example) can be arranged with Mr. Frank. This will incur an extra expense. Please make these requests well in advance to assure availability.

    The use of your own singer, either a family member or a friend – whether a professional or not – is discouraged. Audition and rehearsal time with the organist will result in extra expense and must be arranged well in advance. We suggest that your friend or relative remain seated with the rest of the assembly during the wedding. Perhaps they could sing a song at the reception, where they can be seen and even applauded!All music for weddings must be of a sacred nature. Your wedding is a very special sacrament.

    Yes, it is your day – but it is foremost a sacrament celebrated in church in the presence of God, and must be planned as such.

    • Popular music (including any music from Broadway shows and movies) will not be allowed.
    • If you have a very special song that is not liturgical, the proper setting is the reception.
    • Recordings are not allowed

    		 
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  • Organ Processional or Recessional Marches
    • Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin – R. Wagner (“Here Comes the Bride”)
    • Canon in D – J. Pachelbel 
    • Hornpipe from Water Music Suite – G.F. Handel  
    • Now Thank We All Our God - J.S. Bach
    • Ode to Joy from The Ninth Symphony – L. von Beethoven ("Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You")
    • Rondeau from Symphony of Fanfares – J. J. Mouret (theme from "Masterpiece Theater")
    • Sheep May Safely Graze, Cantata No. 208 – J.S. Bach 
    • Trumpet Tune in D - Henry Purcell
    • Trumpet Voluntary – J. Clarke 
    • Wedding March – F. Mendelssohn

  • Responsorial Psalms -The following are the assembly's response; with verses listed for reference.
    • The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:12, 21, 22)
    • Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7)*
    • The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 13, 17-18)
    • Happy are those who do what the Lord commands (Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 7-8, 9)
    • The Lord is compassionate to all his creatures (Psalm 145:8-9, 10, 15, 17-18)
    • Let all praise the name of the Lord (Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12)

  • Gospel Acclamation
    • God is love; let us love one another as God has loved us. (1 John 4:8, 11)
    • If we love one another, God will live in us in perfect love. (1 John 4:12)
    • Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

  • Hymns -Almost any hymn is appropriate, especially your favorite one!  But here are some written especially for wedding ceremonies.
    • God Is Love – M. Joncas
    • Love Has Brought Us Here Together -(same tune as Alleluia! Sing to Jesus)
    • O Father, All Creating -(same tune as The Church's One Foundation)
  • Vocal Solos
    • Ave Maria – Bach / Gounod 
    • Ave Maria – F. Schubert 
    • Bread of Angels – C. Stephan
    • The Gift of Love - Hopson
    • The Greatest of These is Love - Marchionda
    • Irish Blessing – K. Keil (May the road rise up to meet you…)
    • The Irish Wedding Song – I. Betteridge
    • Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring – J.S. Bach
    • Now the Silence - Vajda
    • O Perfect Love – P. Barnby
    • Prayer of St. Francis - Temple
    • The Wedding Song – P. Stookey

    Note: If you are having a video made of your wedding it is the responsibility of the videographer to obtain copyright permission for any music that is not in the public domain.