Amazing Hymns For Weddings For Your Unforgettable Wedding Day

Hymns are a popular and traditional part of any wedding, but unless you were in the choir and know your hymns, then it is going to be a little bit tricky to pick the one that suits you the best. 

If you are determined to include some hymns on your big day but aren’t sure where to even start, then have no fear, as that’s where we come in!

In this article, we are going to be looking at some incredible hymns that are sure to make your wedding day all the more beautiful.

We are also going to have an in-depth look at some information on hymns in general, which are useful to keep in mind. Let’s get started. 

Hymns During Wedding Ceremonies

There are two kinds of categories when it comes to hymns, these being non-religious and secular. These two categories are typically differentiated by the lyrics, with religious hymns having religious connotations within the words.

Non-secular hymns can include songs with a sound similar to traditional religious hymns, but with no religious lyrics. 

It is important to know whether not your chosen hymn is religious if you are planning on having your wedding in a religious venue such as a church (or any other venue that has restrictions on religious hymns) as certain religious hymns are not always allowed in certain places. 

However, if the venue that you are planning to be married in has no religious connections, then you won’t have to worry about this issue. 

How Many Hymns Can I Have At My Wedding?

In general, there are usually about three hymns used in weddings (though this will vary from ceremony to ceremony): one at the start of the ceremony, one after the vows are exchanged and one at the end before the bride and groom leave the venue.

However, longer ceremonies can have more hymns if you so choose. 

How Do I Pick the Right Hymn for my Wedding?

A good selection of hymns with different styles can make a wedding all the more meaningful. We aren’t talking about different musical genres as in pop, rock, or hip hop!

Unfortunately, you won’t find any hymns with that level of variety in their styles, but there is a wide range of hymns with different tones. 

For example, there are uplifting and inspiring hymns that could make for excellent songs to end the wedding with, whereas calmer and more gentle hymns are well suited to open up the wedding. But of course, that decision is all up to the bride and the groom!

What Musical Accompaniments Suit Hymns The Best?

Instruments are key to getting the perfect sound with your wedding hymns and although a traditional church organ might be the first instrument that comes to mind, it is far from the only option.

Grander instruments make for amazing accompaniments, especially when paired with a vocal choir. This is also a cost-effective way of organising background musical accompaniments to your chosen hymn in comparison to larger setups. 

When it comes to payment, typically you will find that adding some extra live music will add another £50 to £200 to your wedding budget- depending on just how much you want-, but this will all depend on the individual prices set by the musicians. 

Just remember that not every church will be equipped with an organ, so if that is something that you have your heart set on, make sure to check with your chosen church venue first!

Hymns For Your Wedding

So now that we have gone through some important information to keep in mind when you are considering having hymns at your wedding, let’s now go through some particularly noteworthy choices!

Religious Hymns

• Amazing Grace: This hymn has a powerful nature to it, even without a vocal choir throwing their talents into the mix! Hire yourself a choir, and this hymn is one that will make for a memorable wedding moment. 
• Ava Maria: This is the perfect hymn for a Catholic wedding, with couples often opting for unity candle sessions during the ceremony whilst this hymn is being sung. 
• Ode to Joy: A classical choice of a wedding hymn, “Ode to Joy” is another song that is popular in Catholic weddings. It makes for an excellent choice for wedding recessionals, which tend to take place before the wedding reception. 
• All Things Bright and Beautiful: A hymn that rejoices in the beauty of all things, it is no surprise that this hymn is often used in wedding ceremonies.  
• Bind Us Together: As the name suggests, this hymn is about joining together with binds that cannot be broken, which is why it is such a popular choice. 

Non-Secular Hymns

It is important to note that some of these choices aren’t exactly hymns! Instead, they are songs that have components often featured in religious music. 

• Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen’s 1984 smash hit has many similarities to a traditional hymn, with various Biblical references. The song has lyrics regarding the darkness of humanity as well as the light of love, making it a beautifully moving piece. 
• Bridge Over Troubled Water: This infamous song is all about being there for someone no matter how hard times get, so it is easy to see why couples are keen to add the Simon & Garfunkel track to their wedding playlist.
• Let It Be: This Beatles song about letting life be life and dealing with the problems as they come to create a happier world is undoubtedly a popular wedding song thanks to the appeal of this message to couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have a wide range of different hymns that can make for amazing additions to your wedding!

Hopefully, we have offered enough variety- in terms of both religious and non-secular hymns/songs- for you to have a nice selection of music to choose from. 

No matter what kind of hymn you opt for, your choice is sure to add some beautiful, tender moments to your big day.