Music & Civil Ceremonies

Civil Ceremonies and music for civil ceremonies have gradually changed over the time we’ve been playing.

More people are getting married on days other than Saturday and the reason for this is quite understandable. It is often possible to get discounts for Fridays and Sundays when wedding venues are less busy and would like to attract some extra business.

Also, it is now possible to marry in many more places as venues licensed for civil ceremonies continue to grow in number.

Furthermore, weddings today take place more throughout the year as opposed to the traditional summer months. We find that we are requested to play in February and November as well as May and June. Of course the cost may be less when booked off peak season.

The choice of wedding music has also changed. The traditional “here comes the bride” is often replaced by requests for other classical pieces and favourite contemporary pieces that mean something special to the wedding couple.

Music Choices for Civil Ceremonies

Basically, you can have any piece of music you like as long as it does not have a religious connection (this applies to civil ceremonies in England).

This means that pieces like Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and Ave Maria are not allowed in a civil wedding ceremony in England. Check with your local registrar for details of regulations in your area.

However, if you have live music such as a harpist or pianist or flute and guitarist, the musicians will be able to give you a good idea of what is acceptable, and pieces that are appropriate for the venue and music that is suitable for the intrument(s).

Here is a selection of music suitable for civil ceremonies.