Wedding ceremony music on the piano

Here are some audio files of wedding music I've recorded. Of course, you're not limited to what's on this page; I posted these so you could hear a sample of my playing, and get some ideas for what you'd like. Just click the links to listen. All files are in MP3 format (128Kbps) and open in a new window or tab.

Prelude Music

For prelude music, I usually play a mixture of classical music, Celtic tunes, a hymn or two, and appropriate pop songs. If you have special requests, be sure to let me know. "Dawn" comes from the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack.

Dawn (Dario Marianelli)

Prelude in C (Johann Sebastian Bach)

Processionals

Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel)--Commonly used as music for the bridal party's entrance.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach)--I use this a lot for the seating of the mothers; it's easy for people to recognize so they know when to start walking. This also works well as for the bridal party.

The Bells (William Byrd)--This is a great substitute for the Canon in D. If you don't want the Canon in D because it's so over-done (it really is!), listen to this piece. I've played it at a half-dozen weddings, and people always like it. It's stately, and can easily be shortened or lengthened as needed.

Bridal Chorus (Wagner)--This is the traditional music for the bride's entrance.

Unity Candles, etc.

For lighting of the unity candle or the unity sand ceremony, I can provide a short piece. This is a 45-second tune I improvised while recording, and it's similar to what I would play at this point in the wedding ceremony.

Improvisation

Recessionals

Wedding March (Felix Mendelssohn)--The traditional recessional.

Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg)--If you want something different from the standard wedding piece, I recommend this. It's jubilant, with a bright opening, then a slightly slower, lyrical section, then a return to the opening, and a fantastic ending. For the sake of file size, I've faded this out during the slow section.

Earl of Salisbury Pavane (William Byrd)--I played this for a wedding recessional recently, and it worked really well. If you're thinking about a Renaissance feel for your wedding, I know several pieces like this that can work.

Wedding March (Felix Mendelssohn)/Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)--If you're torn between tradition and individuality, you should consider something like this. For one recessional, I played the opening of the Wedding March, just like in this sound file, and then went into "El Scorcho" by Weezer. It's a nod to tradition, but it will get the audience smiling, and lets you walk out to a song that means something to you. Think of the possibilities: Sweet Home Alabama, the Darth Vader theme, Linus and Lucy (from Peanuts)....

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