Planning a Christian wedding doesn’t mean you're limited to centuries-old hymns, no matter how beautiful they may be. Today’s couples are finding creative ways to honour their faith whilst incorporating music that truly reflects their personal journey and contemporary worship experiences. From modern worship anthems to acoustic Christian folk, there’s a wealth of options that can make your special day both deeply spiritual and uniquely yours.
The Evolution of Christian Wedding Music
Traditional hymns like "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "How Great Thou Art" will always hold a special place in Christian ceremonies, but modern worship has opened up entirely new possibilities for wedding music. Contemporary Christian artists have created songs that speak to today’s couples whilst maintaining biblical foundations and theological depth.
Many churches now embrace a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, making it easier for couples to incorporate newer songs into their ceremonies. This shift reflects the broader evolution of Christian worship, where ancient truths are expressed through fresh musical arrangements and modern language that resonates with contemporary believers.
Contemporary Worship Songs for Your Ceremony
Modern worship songs offer powerful alternatives for key moments in your wedding ceremony. "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman provides a beautiful processional option with its themes of constant praise and gratitude. For the unity candle or ring exchange, "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin speaks to God’s perfect love as a foundation for marriage.
"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United has become increasingly popular for weddings, with its message of trust and faith in uncertain times particularly meaningful for couples beginning their married journey. Meanwhile, "Holy Spirit" by Francesca Battistelli offers a gentle, intimate option for communion or prayer moments during the ceremony.
Indie Christian and Folk Options
The indie Christian music scene has produced numerous artists whose acoustic, heartfelt songs translate beautifully to wedding settings. Kings Kaleidoscope offers sophisticated arrangements with rich theological content, whilst Sleeping At Last provides ethereal, contemplative pieces that work well for prelude music or intimate moments.
Folk-influenced Christian artists like Josh Garrels and The Brilliance create music that feels both timeless and contemporary. Their songs often feature acoustic guitars, strings, and thoughtful lyrics that explore themes of covenant, commitment, and divine love—perfect for couples seeking something unique yet grounded in faith.
Cross-Over Christian Artists
Artists who bridge the gap between Christian and mainstream music offer another category of wedding-appropriate songs. Switchfoot, Skillet, and Needtobreathe have created tracks that, whilst not explicitly worship songs, contain themes of hope, love, and redemption that resonate beautifully in a wedding context.
Lauren Daigle’s "You Say" has become a popular choice for its message of identity and worth found in God’s love. Similarly, for KING & COUNTRY offers several songs that work well for weddings, combining pop sensibilities with clear Christian messages about love, commitment, and faith.
Incorporating Christian Ballads and Love Songs
Christian artists have penned numerous love songs that celebrate romantic relationships within a framework of faith. Steven Curtis Chapman’s "I Will Be Here" remains a classic choice for its promise of enduring commitment. More recently, songs like "Marry Me" by Train (whilst not explicitly Christian, it’s embraced by many Christian couples) or "All of Me" by John Legend offer beautiful expressions of total commitment.
Consider also exploring songs by Christian artists that may not be worship songs per se but express beautiful sentiments about love and partnership. Many contemporary Christian artists write about marriage, family, and relationships in ways that can beautifully complement your ceremony.
Practical Tips for Song Selection
When choosing music for your Christian wedding, consider the flow of your ceremony and where different musical styles might work best. A contemporary worship song might be perfect for the processional, whilst a gentle acoustic piece could beautifully underscore your vows. Think about the musicians you have available—some songs require full bands, whilst others work beautifully with just piano or acoustic guitar.
Don’t forget to discuss your choices with your officiant and church musicians. Many are eager to learn new songs and may have suggestions for arrangements that work well in your specific venue. Consider creating a playlist for your rehearsal so everyone becomes familiar with the music beforehand.
Making It Personal
The best wedding music choices are those that reflect your unique story as a couple. Perhaps there’s a contemporary Christian song that was playing when you first met, or a worship song that has been meaningful during your relationship. Maybe you've attended concerts together where certain songs became "yours," or you've found comfort in particular artists during challenging times.
Consider writing your own verses to existing melodies or asking a musical friend to create a unique arrangement of a favourite song. Some couples commission original songs or work with musicians to create acoustic versions of electric worship songs that better suit their ceremony’s intimate atmosphere.
Your wedding day is a celebration of your unique love story within the context of your faith. By thoughtfully selecting music that speaks to both your relationship and your beliefs, you create a ceremony that feels authentically yours whilst honouring the sacred nature of the commitment you're making. Whether you choose cutting-edge worship songs, indie Christian ballads, or a carefully curated mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, the key is selecting music that helps tell your story and invites your guests into worship and celebration.
Remember, there’s no rule that says you must choose exclusively from one genre or era. Many of the most memorable Christian weddings successfully blend hymns, contemporary worship, and modern Christian music to create a rich tapestry that reflects both tradition and personal taste. The goal is to create a musical experience that glorifies God whilst celebrating the unique love He’s blessed you with.
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