The rite of Christian Marriage is both an act of worship and a sacrament. It reflects the faith of the couple, the family, and the whole church at large. As a result, the music should always reflect this faith through a beautiful and prayerful celebration.

Music is integral in uniting the service together sonically and allows the couple and their guests to participate in the liturgy. Therefore, the music needs to be liturgical and consequently, secular music is not appropriate in the liturgy, regardless of its meaning. The music must function appropriately in the liturgy and assist, never detract, from those present to express their faith. Working together as a couple, please use the Song Selection Guide provided to you by the Director of Music to assist in making your music selections.

As a general rule, the following will be chosen for a wedding liturgy:

1. PROCESSIONAL: Most typically an instrumental piece. Per current diocesan guidelines, the processional should be one continuous piece for both the wedding party and the bride, emphasizing continuity.

2. RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Chosen from the options provided by your wedding coordinator. You, the couple, will choose the psalm and the Director of Music will provide an appropriate musical setting of that song if one is not provided.

3. PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS (ONLY occurs if having a Full Mass): A song or hymn sung as a time of reflection and preparation while the Gifts are brought forward to the altar.

4. COMMUNION (ONLY occurs if having a Full Mass): An appropriate song or hymn sung as the congregation comes forward to receive the Holy Eucharist. This may include an additional Meditation piece depending on the number of guests expected to attend the wedding. The meditation would occur directly after the Communion song.

5. FLOWERS TO MARY: A song sung when the Wedding Couple presents flowers to the Virgin Mary. Only sung if this tradition is done during the wedding. Typically occurs directly after Holy Communion.

6. RECESSIONAL: Most typically a joyful instrumental piece as the newly married couple exit the church along with the congregation. This may also be a sung piece, depending on selection.

Pre-recorded music is NOT permitted during a liturgy.

Prior to filling out the Wedding Music form, you must consult with our Parish Office to secure a date for your wedding and meet with Alex Jones, your Wedding Coordinator.

• As soon as you set the date of your wedding, contact Samantha Dominguez, Director of Music, by filling out the form below.

• Please DO NOT book any musicians or singers before consulting with the Director of Music.

• We have a specially curated list of liturgically approved songs fitting for a Catholic Wedding Mass or Ceremony. They have been carefully selected. We kindly ask that you consult the list before asking for alternate options.

  • If you haven’t decided on a particular song, please choose “Other” and you may discuss other options with the Director of Music.

Our selections may be sung by any of our SKMM Team.

Each Wedding package, as outlined with your Wedding Coordinator, includes a cantor and accompanist. Additional musicians are available at both additional costs and availability of said musicians. Please consult with the Director of Music with any questions regarding additional musicians.

For all additional information, visit the rest of our SK Music Ministry page or contact our Director of Music here.

To listen to the selections, please click on button “Wedding Music Samples” for reference.

Any liturgy is an encounter between God and us as the children of God, created in his own image and likeness. Because of this, pre-recorded music is not permitted during the liturgy but it may be used at a reception.

The church fee includes two musicians (cantor & accompanist) which are essential in ensuring the proper performance and timing of the various musical portions of the wedding liturgy. Both are familiar with the church’s worship life as well as the parish’s mission in terms of music and liturgy.

You, the couple, have the choice of a Female or Male cantor. It is ultimately under the jurisdiction of our Director of Music for final scheduling of musicians. All SKMM Staff musicians are subject to availability.

Additional singers and/or musicians are available but must be discussed in conjunction with the Director of Music and your respective wedding coordinator.

Instrumental trios and quartets as well as vocal groups larger than two members require a contractor’s fee for organizing. Fees depend on how involved your music selections are, but generally speaking you should budget approximately $150-$300 per additional singer or instrumentalist.

An experienced SK Cantor will serve in this capacity at wedding liturgies. They are familiar with both the church’s regular worship life and the parish’s mission in terms of liturgy and music. They also help guarantee that the service will go smoothly as the celebrant, cantor and accompanist are accustomed to working with each other. The cantor leads the congregation in all songs, including the Responsorial Psalm.

The cantor is also the vocal soloist, singing appropriate solos that have been selected for your wedding. Your cooperation in not requesting exceptions to this will be greatly appreciated.

Our primary accompanying instrument at St. Kilian is the piano. A staff accompanist is provided for all wedding liturgies. They bear the responsibility of ensuring the proper performance and timing of the musical portions of the liturgy. If you would prefer a different form of accompaniment instrument, please reach out to our SK Music Ministry Office to discuss.

Outside musicians are permitted as long as they consult with the SKMM Office.

1. Secure your date and time of wedding with both the business office and wedding coordinator.

2. Reach out to SK Music Ministry and include the following details:

   • Number of musicians requested.

   • Name and contact of the cantor and accompanist

   • Contact information of additional musicians (when applicable)

     • Musicians must be well versed with a Catholic Wedding Mass, including the order, appropriate music selections, mass settings, etc.

     • Songs must be in compliance with St. Kilian’s performance and streaming licenses. Please consult SK Music Ministry when you have made your selections. You can use our website platform as a starting point when choosing the music.

3. When outside musicians are used, it is the responsibility of the couple to compensate their contracted musicians. Payments will not be done through St. Kilian.