Wedding Music Guidelines

MUSIC is an extremely important part of Catholic Worship and, at St. Thomas More, we strive to create an atmosphere for your wedding ceremony, through song, that is both prayerful and joyous.  Below you will find our music policies for both Nuptial Masses and Liturgy of the Word services to assist you in your planning. 

Karen Lawson is the musical consultant for all weddings held at St. Thomas More. All couples are expected to schedule a meeting with Karen, at [email protected], no later than six weeks before their wedding date. Prior to the meeting, all couples should be familiar with these guidelines. 

Before you get started choosing music, it is important to have an understanding of the flow of the liturgy and how many pieces of music are needed for your ceremony. Below you will find an outline of the wedding ceremony as it pertains to music, noting the differences between a Nuptial Mass and a Liturgy of the Word service. 

• Prelude
• Seating of the Family
• Wedding Party Processional
• Bridal Processional
• *Gloria
• Psalm
  • Sung if a cantor is present
• *Offertory
• *Sanctus
• *Agnus Dei
• Presentation to Our Blessed Mother
  • Optional, usually a setting of Ave Maria
• Recessional

Because we place matrimony in such high esteem and the value assigned to the ceremony is inestimable, only music which is sacred, traditional, or otherwise religious in nature is permitted in the Church. We cannot, therefore, allow secular music during the wedding service for this reason. If there are any pieces of music that are particularly favorable to the couple, please bring this up during your consultation.  In the meantime, we have currated a playlist to help you in your planning. 

We strongly recommend that only the professional staff employed by St. Thomas More be engaged to perform at your wedding; exceptions to this recommendation must be approved by Stephanie Mire and will be made on a case by case basis.

Additionally, our music directors will be in charge of contracting musicians for your wedding, which will include an accompanist, either organ or piano, and a cantor to sing the psalm, liturgical responses (if a full Mass), and 2 to 3 solos. 

Musician-stipends are paid directly to the accompanist and soloist(s) and are due no less than 2 weeks before your wedding. Fees vary, but are generally between $200 - $250 per performer. 

We are thrilled to assist you in this process as you move closer in your union to each other for the glory of God. Saint Thomas More Catholic Church is committed to providing liturgy which leads people closer to Christ through music.  Our ministry takes this responsibility very seriously and will work diligently in guiding you through planning the music for your wedding so that it's the most beautiful day possible. You have our sincerest congratulations.