Pianist, Organist and Guitarist for a Catholic Wedding

Which instrument suits your wedding?

Each instrument brings something different to the Mass. None is more “correct” than the others, and in our experience the best choice depends on your church, your music and the feel you’d like for the day.

Organ. The organ has a special place in the Church’s worship. The Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy holds the pipe organ in high esteem as the traditional instrument of the Latin Church. It suits traditional hymns and larger churches, and nothing fills a spacious building quite like it for the entrance and the recessional.

Piano. Warm, flexible and expressive. The piano suits both traditional hymns and more contemporary sacred music, supports a cantor beautifully, and works well in churches of every size. In our experience, it is the instrument most couples choose.

Guitar. Gentle and intimate, suited to simpler settings, a smaller congregation or a Liturgy of the Word. Practice on guitar at weddings varies from parish to parish, so check with yours before choosing it.

Not sure which to choose? Tell us about your church, the size of your congregation and the kind of music you love. We’ll recommend an instrument with a clear reason for it, and if your church already has a fine organ or piano that visiting musicians may use, we’ll gladly make the most of it. You don’t need to know anything about music to get this right; that part is our job.

What the church has, and what we bring

This is the question that catches couples out most often, so it’s worth sorting out early. Most parish churches have an organ, a piano or a digital keyboard, and a sound system. Whether your musicians can use them is a separate question.

Before you book, it helps to ask your parish four things:

• Does the church have a piano or organ, and is it in good playing condition?
• May visiting musicians use it, or is it reserved for the parish’s own musicians?
• Is the instrument available at the time of your wedding, or is it in use for another celebration?
• May visiting musicians use the sound system and microphones?

If the church’s instrument isn’t available, we’ll talk through the options with you. A guitar, of course, travels with the guitarist.

Ways to have an accompanist

With our own cantor. The most common arrangement: an accompanist and a cantor who prepare and rehearse together, so the singing and playing are closely matched on the day.

With our ensemble or choir. Every Cantico choir comes with its accompanist. See Catholic wedding choir.

On their own, supporting your parish’s singers. If your parish has a cantor or choir but no one to play, we can provide the accompanist.

Each contribution is a total that includes rehearsal, transport, sheet music and coordination with your parish. See what the contribution covers.

Music before, during and after the Mass

An accompanist does more than support the hymns. Some of the most memorable music at a wedding comes from the instrument alone.

Before the Mass. Quiet music as your guests arrive sets a prayerful tone and gives the church a sense of occasion before the procession begins. We’ll usually start ten to fifteen minutes before the entrance.

During the liturgy. Alongside accompanying the singing, the instrument can carry reflective moments on its own: during the preparation of the gifts, after communion, or while you sign the register. We’ll choose pieces that suit each moment and time them so nothing feels hurried.

After the Mass. A joyful recessional sends you out of the church, and we’ll keep playing while your guests follow and gather outside.

We’ll suggest suitable pieces for each of these moments, and you’re welcome to tell us what you love. Where a piece needs your parish’s approval, we’ll check it with them for you.

Working with your parish’s own musicians

Many couples already have part of the music in place. Perhaps your parish has a cantor, a choir from your own community, or a friend who sings. Our accompanists are glad to work alongside them.

What makes this work well is preparation. We’ll agree the music list and the keys early, share the accompaniment parts, and arrange at least one rehearsal together before the day. On the day itself we arrive early to settle in with the singers and the instrument, so the music feels like one group rather than two. If your parish music coordinator has particular requirements, we’ll follow them.

Can we skip the organ for the march in?

Yes, in most cases. There is no requirement that the entrance be played on the organ. Piano, guitar or another suitable instrument can accompany your procession, and many couples choose piano for its warmth.

The more important question is what is played. Some parishes prefer sacred music for the entrance and may not permit popular or secular songs during the liturgy. Ask your parish what it allows, and we’ll suggest music that is both beautiful and suitable. Secular favourites are often better placed at your reception.