Suggestions for music for the Civil Ceremony

The Civil Ceremony is quite short, but the Registrar will often invite the couple to add to the ceremony with favourite readings, lighting of marriage candle, song or harp music at the signing of the register.


1. The Bridal Entrance

Bridal March (Wagner) Organ Stately, Classical
Panis Angelicus (Franck) Organ Peaceful melody, Classical
Jupiter (from The Planets, by G.Holst) Organ Celebratory, Anthem
Canon (Pachelbel) Harp Slow gentle melody suitable for a lengthy procession.
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Harp Lively, Light, Classical
Lady Gethin (Carolan) harp Courtly, Melodious, Irish harp tradition
Tabhair dom do lamh(Rory Dall O'Cathain) Harp Delicate and welcoming, Irish harp tradition
Brian Boru's march/O'Neills March(Irish Clan Marches) Harp Steady measured pace. Mood changes from dignified to bright allowing for a split procession (bridesmaids first, then Bride)
Greensleeves(Trad.English) Harp Popular melody with slow measured pace
Morning has broken Song Calming & welcoming
You raise me up Song Song in praise of love and marriage

2. Lighting of the candle

Harp music
  • Planxty Irwin
  • She moved through the fair
  • Ag Criost an siol
  • When love is found
Harp instrumental Meditative

3. Signing of the register

Popular songs
The Rose (Bette Midler)
You say it best when you say nothing at all (Ronan Keating)
The Voyage (Christy Moore)
At Last (Eva Cassidy)
You raise me up (Westlife) 		Singing with accompaniment
Harp Music
Harp Music by Carolan (Sheebeg Sheemor, Carolan's Concerto, Planxty John O'Connor)
Well known airs(Annie's Song, The lark in the clear air, Carrickfergus, The Salley Gardens)
Classical Harp music (by Bach, Handel, Purcell) 		Harp instrumental

4. Procession as Bride and Groom lead out

Carolan's Concerto (Carolan) Harp Lively harp piece
Queen of Sheba (Handel) Harp Classical, light and lively. Popular wedding piece.
Wedding March (Mendellsohn) Organ Celebratory
Trumpet Voluntary (Handel) Organ Rousing yet measured, Classical Fanfare
You'll never walk alone Organ instrumental Uplifting Anthem
The Voyage (Christy Moore) Vocal with accompaniment Song of two people building a life together