Popular Wedding Hymns for 2025
Get inspired with our run-down of the most popular wedding hymns for both religious and secular wedding ceremonies.
- By James Burkitt
- blog
- Updated: 18th December 2024
When it comes to choosing the best hymns for your wedding day, there are hundreds of beautiful songs to choose from, from both modern and traditional repertoires. Along with your first dance song, these wedding ceremony songs are especially important as they'll form the foundation of your wedding soundtrack.
What are the best wedding hymns?
As a rule of thumb you'll want to pick songs that the majority of your guests will know, so that more people can join in and sing along. If your guests are regular church-goers then they will undoubtedly already know a good handful of the most popular hymns. Here are just a few of our favourites below...
Popular Religious Hymns for Church Weddings
Amazing Grace | View LyricsPlayAmazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see
- Abide With Me | View LyricsPlay
Abide With Me
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me
- All Things Bright and Beautiful | View LyricsPlay
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
God made their glowing colors
And made their tiny wings
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
The purple-headed mountains
The river running by
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
The cold wind in the winter
The pleasant summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden
God made them every one
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
God gave us eyes to see them
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty
Who has made all things well
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
- Ava Maria | View LyricsPlay
Ava Maria
Ave Maria
Gratia plena, Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus, fructus ventris tui, Jesus
Sancta Maria, sancta Maria, Maria
Ora pro nobis...
- Be Thou My Vision | View LyricsPlay
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art -
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be,
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
- Be Still, My Soul | View LyricsPlay
Be Still, My Soul
Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God, to order and provide
In every change, He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end
Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last
Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored
Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul
- Be Still | View LyricsPlay
Be Still
Be still, for the presence of the Lord,
The holy One, is here;
Come bow before him now
With reverence and fear
In him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord,
The holy One, is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire,
With splendour he is crowned:
How awesome is the sight
Our radiant king of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal,
To minister his grace -
No work too hard for him.
In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place.
- Come Thou Fount (I Will Sing) | View LyricsPlay
Come Thou Fount (I Will Sing)
Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
How Your kindness yet pursues me
How Your mercy never fails me
Till the day that death shall loose me
I will sing, oh I will sing
Turnaround
Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
How Your kindness yet pursues me
How Your mercy never fails me
Till the day that death shall loose me
I will sing, oh I will sing
How Your kindness yet pursues me
How Your mercy never fails me
Till the day that death shall loose me
I will sing, oh I will sing
Till the day that death shall loose me
I will sing, oh I will sing
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
- Dear Lord And Father of Mankind | View LyricsPlay
Dear Lord And Father of Mankind
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise,
In deeper reverence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard,
Beside the Syrian sea,
The gracious calling of the Lord,
Let us, like them, without a word,
Rise up and follow thee,
Rise up and follow thee.
O sabbath rest by Galilee,
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with thee
The silence of eternity,
Interpreted by love!
Interpreted ny love!
Drop thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of thy peace,
The beauty of thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.
O still, small voice of calm.
- Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer | View LyricsPlay
Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness | View LyricsPlay
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
I could not love Thee, so blind and unfeeling;
Covenant promises fell not to me.
Then without warning, desire, or deserving,
I found my Treasure, my pleasure, in Thee.
I have no merit to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy, how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure: that Thou art my joy.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
- God, That Madest Earth and Heaven | View LyricsPlay
God, That Madest Earth and Heaven
God, who made the earth and heaven,
Darkness and light:
You the day for work have given,
For rest the night.
May your angel guards defend us,
Slumber sweet your mercy send us,
Holy dreams and hopes attend us,
All through the night.
And when morn again shall call us
To run life's way,
May we still, whate'er befall us,
Your will obey.
From the pow'r of evil hide us,
In the narrow pathway guide us,
Never be your smile denied us
All through the day.
Guard us waking, guard us sleeping,
And, when we die,
May we in your mighty keeping
All peaceful lie.
When the last dread call shall wake us,
Then, O Lord, do not forsake us,
But to reign in glory take us
With you on high.
Holy Father, throned in heaven,
All-holy Son,
Holy Spirit, freely given,
Blest Three-in-One:
Grant us grace, we now implore you,
Till we lay our crowns before you,
And in worthier strains adore you
While ages run.
- How Firm A Foundation | View LyricsPlay
How Firm A Foundation
How firm a foundation you saints of the lord
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word
What more can he say than to you he has said
To you who for refuge to jesus have fled
Fear not i am with you, oh be not dismayed
For i am your God and will still give you aid
I'll strengthen you, help you and cause you to stand
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand
When through the deep waters i call you to go
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow
For i will be with you, your troubles to bless
And scantify to you your deepest distress.
When through firy trials your pathway shall lie
My grace all sufficient shall be your supply
The flame shall not hurt you, i only design
Your draws to consume and pull to refine
Was all that on jesus has...
- Holy, Holy, Holy | View LyricsPlay
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy
Lord, God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity
Holy, holy, holy
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity
Holy, holy, holy
Lord, God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea
Holy, holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity
- In Christ Alone | View LyricsPlay
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
Here in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Oh, up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Oh, Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
- I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky | View LyricsPlay
I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain.
I have wept for love of them,
they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
- I Vow to Thee, My Country | View LyricsPlay
I Vow to Thee, My Country
I vow to thee, my country
All earthly things above
Entire and whole and perfect
The service of my love
The love that asks no questions
The love that stands the test
That lays upon the alter
The dearest and the best
The love that never falters
The love that pays the price
The love that makes undaunted
The final sacrifice
A love that asks no questions
A love that stands the test
That lays upon the alter
The dearest and the best
I vow to thee, my country
All earthly things above
Entire and whole and perfect
The service of my love
And there's another country
I've heard of long ago
Most dear to them that love her
Most great to them that know
We may not count her armies
We may not see her King
Her fortress is a faithful heart
Her pride is suffering
And soul by soul and silently
Her shining bounds increase
And her ways are ways of gentleness
And all her paths are peace
We may not count her armies
We may not see her King
Her fortress is a faithful heart
Her pride is suffering
And soul by soul and silently
Her shining bounds increase
And her ways are ways of gentleness
And all her paths are peace
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring | View LyricsPlay
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
Jesu joy of man's desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned
With the fire of life impassioned
Striving still to truth unknown
Soaring, dying round Thy throne
Through the way where hope is guiding
Hark, what peaceful music rings
Where the flock in Thee confiding
Drink of joy from deathless springs
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown
- Jesus Love Me, This I Know | View LyricsPlay
Jesus Love Me, This I Know
Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me, He who died
Heaven's gate to open wide
He will wash away my sin
Let His little child come in
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
The Bible tells me so
- Just As I Am | View LyricsPlay
Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fighting and fears within without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling | View LyricsPlay
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling
Joy of Heaven to Earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling
All Thy faithful mercies crown
Jesus, Thou art all compassion
Pure, unbounded love Thou art
Visit us with Thy salvation
Enter every trembling heart
Breathe, O breathe, Thy loving spirit
Into every troubled breast
Let us all in Thee inherit
Let us find that second rest
Take away the love of sinning
Alpha and Omega be
End of faith, as its beginning
Sets our hearts at liberty
Come almighty to deliver
Let us all Thy life receive
Suddenly return and never
Never more Thy temples leave
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing
Glory in Thy perfect love
Finish then Thy new creation (Finish then Thy new creation)
Pure and spotless let us be (Pure and spotless let us be)
Let us see Thy great salvation (Let us see Thy great salvation)
Perfectly restored in Thee (Perfectly restored in Thee)
Changed from glory into glory (Changed from glory into glory)
'Til in Heaven we take our place ('Til in Heaven we take our place)
'Til we cast our crowns before Thee ('Til we cast our crowns before Thee)
Lost in wonder, love and praise
'Til in Heaven we take our place
'Til we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise
Praise
Praise
Praise
- Lord Of Earth And All Creation | View LyricsPlay
Lord Of Earth And All Creation
The Lord of all creation moved o'er earth's primeval fire,
and from a flaming planet formed a continent entire.
He moulded its magnificence with artistry sublime,
and gilded it with glory through the majesty of time.
The love of God all passionate enfolds the pregnant earth,
and in that yearly ecstasy gives seed and season birth.
That flaming love has pierced into the world's awaiting womb,
and scattered rich resources in the subterranean gloom.
The Lord of time brought forth a race to roam the endless plain
and led a pilgrim people to forsake an old world's pain.
The God of liberation led the slave to freedom's hill,
that all may walk a way of peace and do his sovereign will.
O God, who in this land has forged a power before unknown,
yet who did mount on Calvary a sacrificial throne:
so mingle peace and justice that a people's soul may flower,
and hold us hostage in your love that we may know your power.
- Ode To Joy | View LyricsPlay
Ode To Joy
O friends, no more these sounds!
Let us sing more cheerful songs,
more full of joy!
Joy, bright spark of divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
Fire-inspired we tread
Thy sanctuary.
Thy magic power re-unites
All that custom has divided,
All men become brothers
Under the sway of thy gentle wings.
Whoever has created
An abiding friendship,
Or has won
A true and loving wife,
All who can call at least one soul theirs,
Join in our song of praise;
But any who cannot must creep tearfully
Away from our circle.
All creatures drink of joy
At nature's breast.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her gift;
She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,
A tried friend to the end.
Even the worm can feel contentment,
And the cherub stands before God!
Gladly, like the heavenly bodies
Which He set on their courses
Through the splendor of the firmament;
Thus, brothers, you should run your race,
As a hero going to conquest.
You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?
Seek him in the heavens;
Above the stars must He dwell.
- Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven | View LyricsPlay
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
to his feet your tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who like you his praise should sing?
Alleluia, alleluia!
praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for his grace and favour
to our fathers in distress;
praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to blame and swift to bless;
Alleluia, alleluia!
glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like, he tends and spares us,
All our hopes and fears he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes:
Alleluia, alleluia!
widely as his mercy flows.
Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him,
praise him all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
praise with us the God of grace.
- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty | View LyricsPlay
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Praise to the Lord
The Almighty, the King of creation
O my soul praise Him
For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near
Join me in glad adoration
Praise to the Lord
Who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Sheilded thee under His wings
Yea, so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen, how thy desires have been
Granted in what He ordaineth
Praise to the Lord
O let all that is in me adore Him
All that hath life and breath
Come now with praises before Him
Let the amen, sound from His people again
Let the amen, sound from His people again
Let the amen, sound from His people again
Gladly forever adore Him
- Shine, Jesus Shine | View LyricsPlay
Shine, Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let…
- The Lord’s My Sheperd | View LyricsPlay
The Lord’s My Sheperd
The Lord's my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
Best Non-Religious/Secular Hymns for UK Weddings
Best Gospel Songs for Weddings
Last but not least, if you’re after the quintessential ‘gospel sound’ then why not consider booking a gospel choir? These acts typically offer a variety of line-ups to suit any venue size and can be a great musical addition to any wedding ceremony.
- Down By The RiversidePlay
- Oh Happy DayPlay
- Joyful, JoyfulPlay
- I Will Follow HimPlay
- Hail Holy QueenPlay
- Total PraisePlay
What hymns can I have at my wedding ceremony? The rules explained.
There are some things to be made aware of that you may or may not already know when deciding on which wedding hymns to pick.
Hymns are typically broken up into two categories: religious and secular/non-religious. Typically, the lyrics of a hymn will determine whether it does or doesn’t have religious connotations. In this guide we've showcased the most popular hymns for both religious and non-religious weddings (including lyric and video links) to give you some planning ideas.
TIP Many popular hymns can have multiple known versions, whether that be alternate lyrics or melodies which can cause some confusion. Whatever you decide, make sure the version you want is made known to the relevant parties in advance.
Depending on your chosen wedding venue, the wedding songs that you may want performed or sung during the service may or may not be allowed. This is because there are rules that apply to certain aspects of a wedding service such as musical choices and chosen readings.
If you decide to marry in a venue that doesn’t have a religious connection then unfortunately you won’t be permitted to sing any hymns that reference religion or God. Ultimately, if you’re set on traditional hymns being sung on your wedding day then a church venue is the way to go.
How many hymns should I choose?
You’ll find that the first hymn is most often sung at the start of the ceremony once everyone is seated and the vicar or priest has made introductions. This is generally followed by another after the exchange of vows and then finally right before the bride and groom exit the venue. This would give you a choice of three songs in total.
If you’ve decided to have a longer ceremony then of course you’ll have room for a few more hymns. It might be a good idea to mix of the style of hymn, for example a gentle and welcoming hymn at that start followed by an uplifting, upbeat hymn after the wedding blessing has taken place.
Looking for Wedding Musicians?An impressive range of wedding musicians and bands to cover every part of your special day.
Musical accompaniment, what are my options?
When you mention hymns, the thing that often springs to mind is the sound of a church organ. This grand instrument can be a wonderful accompaniment to a choir of voices and is often a cost effective way of adding some musical background to your chosen hymns.
Typically you'd be looking at adding £50-£100 or so to your wedding bill to have the church organist accompany the singing on the day.
TIP Not all hymns have to include singing - There are a many hymns out there that work as an instrumental and can be ideal for certain parts of the service, such as the bridal entrance/exit.
Solo Wedding Musicians and Wedding Singers
One thing to bear in mind is that not every church will have an organ so make sure you factor this in when deciding on where to marry. If that’s the case and you’re looking for a little more flexibility when it comes to the musical aspect of the day, then you may decide to hire a wedding singer or solo wedding musician such as a guitarist or pianist.
Most artists are happy to learn several song requests in advance of the day for each part of the ceremony which gives you more freedom and flexibility with song choice. Why not head over to our wedding music page where you can browse a wide selection of available acts? We've got wedding string quartets, harpists, pianists, guitarists and solo singers available to hire nationwide.
Final Thoughts
The hymns you choose will be forever in your memory and a reminder of your special day together as a couple in the years to come. With this in mind, it’s important to make the right choice - but don’t let it become a chore. These are meant to be the fun aspects of planning a wedding so take your time and enjoy the moment.
James Burkitt
About the author
A seasoned musician and event expert, James joined Bands For Hire in 2017. With his background touring as a guitarist and his passion for live music, James has helped orchestrate thousands of weddings, parties, and global corporate events for Bands For Hire clients.
