Search
-
-
-
Weddings are very special days in the lives of everyone so blessed to have them, and consequently, they deserve special attention when it comes to planning the music. But it is not so simple as merely picking your favorite songs because it's "your day". There are many important considerations, but first among them is that weddings (whether as a part of, or outside of holy Mass) constitute a public liturgical sacrament. Consequently, all the rules governing music at Mass broadly apply to weddings as well.
What does this mean? Practically speaking, weddings are not a case of simply getting everything that you want. For instance, secular songs which may be meaningful to a bride and groom (and that may even be somewhat religious in theme) are inadmissible to formal public liturgies. True, authentic liturgical music / hymnody is to be used. If there are songs that are particularly meaningful to the couple, wedding receptions are more appropriate places to feature these songs. On some occasions, they may be worked in as prelude music, but solely at the discretion of the Director of Sacred Music (hereafter DoSM).
The DoSM will help you navigate these waters, and choose beautiful music for your wedding. If you would like to begin considering selections for your wedding, please visit this link to listen to some collated options which the DoSM is always ready to provide. You are highly encouraged to consider the road less traveled when it comes to wedding music, as some selections such as Canon in D are over-used, while other wonderful piece of music are all-too-neglected. This is one area where you can happily make your wedding unique!
The DoSM will do his/her best to work with you to craft a wedding that is beautiful and to your liking, but please note that if you wish to be married at St. Augustine's, the following musical conditions apply:- Music will be led from the Pipe Organ by the incumbent DoSM or a substitute procured by them. Any alternate arrangement must be approved by the DoSM. If you are desirous of a completely different style of wedding, other venue options are available.
- Praise bands will not be admitted.
- The Cathedral is under no obligation to admit outside musicians. Owing to the Cathedral's desire to offer services at the highest caliber, any requests to have friends or family members participate in the music making must first be approved by the director. Only persons who are not a part of the wedding party itself and who have formal music training will be considered. The type of exceptions that may be granted are for singers or instrumentalists who have (or are pursuing) at least an undergraduate degree in music, or who have previously functioned as professional musicians.
- Couples desiring music of a higher caliber may work with the DoSM to procure extra musicians such as Violins or Trumpets or a string quartet. This must be arranged in conjunction with the DoSM, and outside musicians are not to be engaged without prior & express approval of the DoSM.
- Cathedral cantors are to be engaged (and compensated) if special singing is requested, barring any special exceptions as detailed above.
- Payments for any/all musicians must be rendered in full to the parish office the week before the wedding date, otherwise the musician(s) will be released of any obligation to provide music at your wedding. Musicians and priests deserve the same payment courtesy as other wedding vendors such as florists or photographers. NB: Since the incumbent DoSM is the default musician for all events at the Cathedral, a "bench fee" of $150 is to be payed if approved arrangements are made such that his/her services are not required.
If you have questions about your wedding, please contact James Richardson.
