Choosing Music For My Civil Wedding Ceremony

(2 min read)

Choosing the music for your civil ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. From your walk down the aisle to your exit as newlyweds, music helps create atmosphere, emotion and unforgettable memories.

However, it's important to remember that civil ceremonies have different rules from church weddings.

Can We Have Live Music At A Civil Ceremony?

Absolutely.

Live singers, musicians and gospel choirs are all welcome at civil ceremonies. However, the music performed at a civil ceremony must be secular (non-religious) only.

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What Does "Secular Music" Mean?

Secular music is music that does not contain references to God, prayer, worship or religious themes.

 

Examples Of Songs That Are Generally Not Permitted

The following songs would not be allowed at Civil ceremonies

• Oh Happy Day

• Joyful, Joyful

• Hallelujah

• Blinded By Your Grace

• I Say A Little Prayer

 

Examples Of Songs That are Permitted

The some songs from our repetoire that would be be permitted include...

• Ain't No Mountain High Enough

• All Of Me

• Your Song

• Stand By Me

• Perfect

• A Thousand Years

• Weak

• Songbird

These are just a few examples from our extensive repertoire.

 

Can We Still Have a Gospel Choir at a Civil Ceremony?

Absolutely!

Choosing a civil ceremony doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joy, energy and emotion of a gospel choir. We have a wide repertoire of beautiful secular songs that fully comply with the requirements for civil ceremonies.

TIP: Following your ceremony, many couples choose to continue the celebration by incorporating iconic gospel songs such as Oh Happy Day and Joyful, Joyful, alongside Soul, Motown, R&B, House, Garage and Pop favourites during their drinks reception or evening celebration, where there are no restrictions on music choices.

This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—a ceremony that meets legal requirements, followed by the uplifting gospel music you've always dreamed of.

Need Help Choosing Your Ceremony Music?

Choosing the perfect music can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.

BIG Gospel Choir has performed at hundreds of weddings across the UK and Europe and would be delighted to help you select music that reflects your personality while meeting the requirements of your ceremony.

Planning Your Wedding Music?

BIG Gospel Choir provides beautiful live music for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations throughout the UK and Europe. Whether you're looking for a full gospel choir, a smaller vocal group or a bespoke musical experience, we'd love to help create the perfect soundtrack for your day.

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Wishing you a joyful wedding day.

With love,

BIG Gospel Choir