Music for the Rite of Marriage

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The Cathedral Music Staff plays an important role in the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Paul Cathedral . As with all sacramental celebrations in the Cathedral , it is our responsibility to maintain the principles set forth in the Church's Documents on the Liturgy, as well as those outlined in the Diocese of Pittsburgh's ‘Music for the Wedding Ritual: A Guide for Planning'. Music preceding and throughout the public celebration of the Sacrament must be that which befits the Church's teachings, and must be perceived as prayer. Any questions regarding the suitability of music can be discussed during your Wedding Music Consultation. Keeping in mind the above mentioned principles, the use of music composed for stage and screen would not be considered that which exhibits the traits of Sacramental Music.

To schedule your Wedding Music Consultation, please contact the Cathedral organist at the telephone number or e-mail address (see Contact us) approximately three months prior to your wedding.

The Church's Documents on the Liturgy express the desire that all present be able to participate in the singing of the parts of the Mass which belong to the people. To this end, we strongly recommend that you consider employing the services of a cantor/vocal soloist for your Wedding celebration. It is the cantor/soloist who leads the sung acclamations, in addition to the performance of other vocal solos, for example, during the Preparation of Gifts, and during the Communion Procession. While it is possible to have a guest soloist, the Cathedral employees a staff of professional singers who are accustomed to functioning in their role in the vast acoustic of St. Paul's. We suggest, based on your musical needs, that through us you engage the services of one of our professional vocalists.

Often, wedding couples desire the use of other instruments, such as trumpet, violin, etc. Again, we are fortunate to have the services of many fine instrumentalists who are most experienced in their role during the sacramental celebration. The Cathedral Organist will be ready to advise you, and to be responsible for contracting, communicating and rehearsing with all of the musicians.

Please contact the cathedral organist immediately if you desire the services of musicians who are not of the Cathedral staff. If a guest singer or instrumentalist or ensemble of your choosing is involved, musical rehearsals will be necessary to ensure the best possible presentation of the music for the Liturgy. Rehearsal fees are listed below.

The Wedding Rehearsal which you've scheduled through the Cathedral Wedding Coordinator (usually the day before your wedding) is not a rehearsal for musicians. Any musical rehearsals will be scheduled at separate times.

Musicians Fees

If you are a parishioner, follow the fee schedule below. If you are a non-parishioner, the $150.00 fee for the basic services of the Cathedral Organist is included within the $700.00 stipend already paid to the Cathedral.

The Wedding Liturgy

The following format is an outline of the musical elements of a Wedding Liturgy. These are the areas for which musical choices/selections need to be made.

[In the case in which your wedding is a Ceremony only (no Eucharist), the Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Acclamations, and Communion are omitted.]

Processionals: An instrumental work should be chosen for this element of the Liturgy. At times, two processionals may be selected, one accompanying the Bridal Party, and one accompanying the Bride.

Gathering Hymn: A Hymn for the entire Assembly may be sung here.

Responsorial Psalm: When choosing Scripture readings to be proclaimed, please select one of the Responsorial Psalms texts which are given. We can then choose a musical setting of the Psalm which will be sung at the wedding.

Gospel Acclamation: ‘Alleluia', or (‘Praise to you, Lord Jesus, Christ...' - during Lent)

Preparation of the Gifts: A vocal solo, congregational hymn, or an instrumental solo should be chosen here.

Eucharistic Acclamations: Holy, Holy, Holy; Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen, Lamb of God.

Communion: A vocal solo, congregational hymn, or an instrumental solo should be chosen here.

Recessional: An instrumental work should be chosen for this element of the Liturgy.

Two Options in the Liturgy:

The following two aspects of the Wedding ritual are optional and should be discussed with your priest:

Sample Musical Selections

The following list of compositions should be considered suggestions of possible choices for use during your Wedding Liturgy. This list is not exhaustive, yet should serve as an example in your planning.

Processional/Recessional Music

Hymns for Assembly

(Hymn singing is not required, however, you may choose to invite your guests to sing a hymn at the Preparation of the Gifts.)

The numbers listed are from the Worship Hymnal located in the cathedral pews.

Responsorial Psalms

Vocal Solos

To help in your planning, the following forms are available: