In this post we share the best Catholic Hymns for Weddings. Weddings are a beautiful and sacred celebration of love and commitment, and music plays an essential role in setting the tone for this special day. Catholic hymns, with their rich traditions and profound lyrics, bring an added layer of reverence and joy to the wedding ceremony. Whether you are planning a grand cathedral wedding or an intimate chapel service, choosing the right hymns can enhance the spiritual experience for the couple and their guests.
In this collection, we present 71 of the best Catholic hymns for weddings. Each hymn has been selected for its ability to reflect the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage, while also celebrating the love and unity of the couple. These hymns cover various parts of the wedding Mass, including the processional, recessional, and during the liturgy. With timeless classics and beloved modern selections, these hymns will help create a memorable and spiritually uplifting wedding ceremony. Explore these beautiful hymns and let their melodies and messages enrich your wedding day.
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Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Op’ning to the sun above.
Author: Ludwig van Beethoven
9. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down, Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Author: Charles Wesley
10. Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Author: John Newton
11. On Eagle’s Wings
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand.
Author: Michael Joncas
12. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.
Author: Henry W. Baker
13. Morning Has Broken
Morning has broken like the first morning, Blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.
Ave verum corpus, Natum de Maria Virgine, Vere passum, immolatum In cruce pro homine.
Author: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
15. How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Author: Carl Boberg
16. Let There Be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be.
Author: Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller
17. Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria. Hail, Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Author: Traditional Catholic hymn
18. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Come Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Author: Robert Robinson
19. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee. All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heaven above adore Thee.
Author: Ignaz Franz
20. All Creatures of Our God and King
All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Author: St. Francis of Assisi
21. I Have Loved You
I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine.
Author: Michael Joncas
22. One Bread, One Body
One bread, one body, one Lord of all, One cup of blessing which we bless.
Author: John Foley
23. Servant Song
Will you let me be your servant, Let me be as Christ to you?
Author: Richard Gillard
24. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Op’ning to the sun above.
Author: Henry Van Dyke
25. Covenant Hymn
Wherever you go, I will go, Wherever you live, so shall I live.
Author: Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney, and Theresa Donohoo
26. Ubi Caritas
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Author: Traditional Gregorian Chant
27. Lord of All Hopefulness
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy.
Author: Jan Struther
28. Seek Ye First
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness.
Author: Karen Lafferty
29. Now Thank We All Our God
Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices.
Author: Martin Rinkart
30. Faith of Our Fathers
Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword.
Author: Frederick W. Faber
31. Sing with All the Saints in Glory
Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song!
Author: William J. Irons
32. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Author: William Kethe
33. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
Author: Joachim Neander
34. The Summons
Will you come and follow Me If I but call your name?
Author: John L. Bell
35. Lift High the Cross
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Author: George W. Kitchin
36. We Are Many Parts
We are many parts, we are all one body, And the gifts we have, we are given to share.
Author: Marty Haugen
37. Be Not Afraid
You shall cross the barren desert, But you shall not die of thirst.
Author: Bob Dufford
38. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Author: Reginald Heber
39. Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all, How can I love Thee as I ought?
Author: Henry Collins
40. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne.
Author: William Chatterton Dix
41. O God, Beyond All Praising
O God, beyond all praising, We worship You today.
Author: Michael Perry
42. For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies.
Author: Folliott S. Pierpoint
43. We Gather Together
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
Author: Adrianus Valerius
44. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall.
Author: Edward Perronet
45. Let All Things Now Living
Let all things now living A song of thanksgiving To God the Creator triumphantly raise.
Author: Katherine K. Davis
46. The Church’s One Foundation
The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord.
Author: Samuel J. Stone
47. Come, Christians, Join to Sing
Come, Christians, join to sing, Alleluia! Amen!
Author: Christian H. Bateman
48. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To His feet thy tribute bring.
Author: Henry F. Lyte
49. God, We Praise You
God, we praise You, God, we bless You, God, we name You sovereign Lord.
Author: Christopher Idle
50. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes.
Author: Walter Chalmers Smith
51. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come.
Author: Isaac Watts
Update: 20 Bonus Catholic Hymns for Weddings
Come, Holy Ghost (Veni Creator Spiritus) — A traditional hymn invoking the grace of Christ for a Nuptial Mass; beautiful for the entrance procession in a Catholic wedding ceremony.
When Love Is Found (O WALY WALY) — A popular hymn for wedding liturgy that reflects the purpose of any Catholic liturgy: to worship God and ask blessing on the couple’s new life.
Where Charity and Love Prevail (ST. PETER) — Classic text on Christian love; ideal as part of the Mass after the Nuptial Blessing or at Communion.
The Gift of Love (Hal Hopson) — A lyrical setting of 1 Corinthians 13; speak with your parish music director or music minister about placement in the wedding program.
Bist du bei mir (J. S. Bach) — Beloved processional piece (song or instrumental) that suits the reverent tone of wedding music in the Catholic Church.
Taste and See (James Moore) — A strong Communion hymn for a Nuptial Mass; works well for the bridal party’s Communion.
Set Me as a Seal (David Haas / alternate settings) — A beautiful hymn from Song of Songs; many church singers know it and it carries deep personal significance.
God, Who Created Hearts to Love (ST. BRIDE) — Traditional hymn praising God’s design for marriage; a great idea for congregational singing.
Love One Another (James Chepponis) — Uplifting refrain for assembly participation; fits the Gospel command and the responsorial psalm theme of covenant love.
Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life (Ralph Vaughan Williams) — Poetic text for the entrance or preparation of the gifts; dignified for a cathedral or smaller church venue.
Sing of Mary (PLEADING SAVIOR) — For a Marian devotion during the wedding liturgy (flowers to Mary); very common in Catholic wedding songs.
Soul of My Savior (Anima Christi) — Eucharistic hymn well suited as a Communion hymn within the nuptial Mass.
Love Goes On (Bernadette Farrell) — Contemporary congregational song celebrating steadfast love; check your parish’s specific rules for contemporary repertoire.
Set Your Heart on the Higher Gifts (Steven Warner) — Chorus “I will show you the way of love”; ideal as a recessional or after the Nuptial Blessing.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You (John Rutter) — Choral benediction that pairs beautifully with the nuptial blessing; ask the music minister/choir.
Ubi Caritas (Bob Hurd version) — Different musical setting from the chant; fits processional or preparation and keeps text integral to Catholic wedding liturgy.
Pan de Vida (Bob Hurd) — Bilingual Communion option honoring family heritage; works well when many guests are from different language backgrounds.
Celtic Alleluia (Fintan O’Carroll/Christopher Walker) — A festive Gospel acclamation for the Liturgy of the Word; easy for assembly to sing.
Mass of Creation: Memorial Acclamation (Marty Haugen) — If you’re celebrating a full nuptial Mass, this sung acclamation engages the assembly as part of the liturgy.
The Lord Is Kind and Merciful (Psalm 103) — A responsorial psalm setting commonly chosen for weddings; consult your music minister for the version your parish uses.
Blest Are Those Who Love You (Psalm 128) — Classic responsorial psalm about family life and blessing; perfect within a Catholic wedding ceremony.
The Prayer (often sung by a soloist; check parish policy) — If secular music is allowed at your church, this can serve as prelude only; always confirm specific rules with your parish music director.
You Are Mine (David Haas) — Pastoral, reassuring text for preparation of the gifts or Communion; many couples select it for its personal significance on the big day.
The King Shall Come (CONSOLATION) — A stately hymn sometimes chosen for Advent weddings; coordinate with the music minister to ensure it suits the liturgical season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a beautiful Catholic hymn for a wedding?
There isn’t one “best” hymn, but many Catholic couples choose songs that highlight God’s covenant love. Favorites include “Wherever You Go,” “When Love Is Found,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and settings of 1 Corinthians 13. Marian pieces such as “Ave Maria” are also common, especially as meditation songs. The best hymn for your wedding is one that fits the Scriptures you’ve chosen, reflects your faith in Christ, and invites the congregation to pray with you as you begin your life together.
What hymn works well for a Catholic wedding entrance?
For the entrance procession, many couples use a hymn or instrumental based on praise and thanksgiving. Instrumental pieces like “Canon in D” or “Trumpet Voluntary” are popular, but you can also choose sung hymns such as “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” or a psalm setting. In a Catholic Mass, the entrance song should fit the liturgical guidelines and invite worship, not just serve as background music for photos.
What hymns are especially good for Christian weddings?
Good wedding hymns focus on God’s faithfulness, Christian love, and discipleship. Common choices include “How Great Thou Art,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Wherever You Go,” and “The Servant Song.” Scripture-based songs drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 23, or Colossians 3 also work beautifully. Look for hymns that the congregation can sing easily so they can truly pray with you, rather than only watching a performance.
What songs are typically needed for a Catholic wedding ceremony?
At a Catholic wedding Mass you usually need music for the entrance, the responsorial psalm, the Gospel acclamation, the preparation of the gifts, the Eucharistic acclamations, Communion, and the recessional. Some couples add a Marian hymn or meditation song. For a wedding without Mass, there is normally an entrance, psalm, Gospel acclamation, possibly a reflection song, and a recessional. Your priest, deacon, or music director can guide you so every part of the liturgy is covered appropriately.
What is the most commonly played song at weddings?
Across Christian and secular weddings, pieces like “Canon in D” and “Here Comes the Bride” are heard often, but many couples now choose worship songs or Scripture-based hymns instead. In a Catholic or church setting, it’s wise to ask: “Does this song point people to God and fit the sacred nature of the ceremony?” The “most played” piece matters less than choosing music that reflects your faith and honors the Lord who is blessing your marriage.
What is a popular Catholic hymn used at weddings and Masses?
Many Catholic parishes frequently sing hymns like “Here I Am, Lord,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Be Not Afraid,” and “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.” For weddings, “Ave Maria,” “Taste and See,” and “One Bread, One Body” are also common, especially if the couple is celebrating a Nuptial Mass. Popularity can vary by country and parish, so talk with your music minister about hymns your congregation knows well and that also carry deep theological meaning.
How do we choose hymns for our wedding?
Start by praying together and reading the Scripture readings you’ve selected. Look for hymns that echo those themes—God’s covenant, Christ’s love for the Church, trust, and service. Consult your priest or music director to be sure songs follow Catholic liturgical guidelines. Aim for a mix of familiar congregational hymns and one or two personal favorites. Most of all, choose music that helps you and your guests truly worship God, not just admire the ceremony.
What is considered one of the oldest Catholic hymns?
One of the oldest Christian hymns still sung in Catholic worship is “Te Deum Laudamus” (“Thee, O God, We Praise”), which dates back to the early centuries of the Church. Another very ancient hymn is “Phos Hilaron” (“O Gladsome Light”). While these may not be typical wedding choices, they remind us that when we sing in church we join a long, living tradition of believers who have praised the Lord across many generations.
How many hymns are usually included in a Catholic wedding?
The number of hymns depends on whether you are having a Nuptial Mass or a wedding without Mass. A full Mass may include six to eight musical moments (entrance, psalm, Gospel acclamation, offertory, Communion, meditation, and recessional), though not all must be full hymns. A ceremony without Mass might use three to five pieces. Your parish will often provide a planning guide so you can choose the right amount of music without making the liturgy feel rushed or overly long.
George Hendricks is the founder and managing editor of Godsverse.org. He has written and published over 200 skit reviews, church resource guides, and Bible study articles. With a background in data-driven content strategy and digital publishing, George built Godsverse into one of the most comprehensive collections of church skit reviews and printable scripts online. When he's not writing, he's researching what churches actually need and figuring out how to deliver it.
