“Household of Faith” by Brent Lamb and John Rosasco. Solo version in The Greatest Love (Sparrow; cassette available); duet version (low, medium/high voice) in Wedding Music (Word) and Enter In—101 Solos and Duets (Lillenas); moderate.
A couple’s commitment to build their marriage and family on a Christian foundation. For the conclusion of a marriage ceremony or during the unity candle ceremony.
“Give Me Forever (I Do)” by Carter Cathcart, John Tesh, Juni Morrison, and James Ingram. Available in sheet music from Cherry Lane Music or in Wedding Music (Word); difficult.
An excellent selection to follow the sharing of vows. The lyrics are written from the groom’s perspective and speak of his commitment to his bride and thus should be performed by a male vocalist.
“All I Ask of You” by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe; music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Available in The Phantom of the Opera (Hal Leonard Pub. Co.) and Wedding Music (Word); difficult.
The lyrics deal with the groom’s and the bride’s simple desires for each other. Must be performed as a duet for a male and a female vocalist.
“I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Available in Twenty Favorites of Steven Curtis Chapman (Sparrow) and Wedding Music (Word); moderate.
The lyrics could be from either the groom’s or bride’s perspective; may be performed by a male or female vocalist. A guitar would offer the best accompaniment though a piano will work as well.
“I Could Never Promise You” by Don Francisco. Available in From This Day Forward, Fred Bock Music Company; moderate.
An excellent selection to follow the sharing of vows. The lyrics are written from the groom’s perspective and speak of his commitment to his bride; should be performed by a male vocalist.
“How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Available in Cry for the Desert (Star Song), Wedding Music (Word), and The Gift of Love (Star Song); moderate.
An excellent selection to follow communion or as a call to worship.
“Love Will Be Our Home” by Curtis Chapman. Available in Make His Praise Glorious (Word) and Wedding Music (Word); difficult.
A couple’s acknowledgment of their differences and commitment to build their marriage and family around God’s love. This is an excellent selection for the conclusion of a marriage ceremony or perhaps during the unity candle ceremony.
“God Knew I Needed You” by Melodie Tunney. Available in Wedding Music (Word); difficult.
The lyrics could be from either the groom’s or bride’s perspective; may be performed by a male or female vocalist. The theme deals with gratefulness to God for his omniscience and the comfort in knowing that God always knows what’s best for us. Could be used anytime during the ceremony.
“Cherish the Treasure” by Jon Mohr. Available in Find Us Faithful (Sparrow) and Wedding Music (Word); moderate.
Duet for male and female vocalists; the lyrics reflect thoughts on love and commitment from the bride and groom to each other.
“Go There With You” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Available in Twenty Favorites of Steven Curtis Chapman (Sparrow), Wedding Music (Word), and The Gift of Love (Star Song); moderate.
The lyrics could be from either the groom’s or bride’s perspective; may be performed by a male or female vocalist. The theme of the text deals with a couple’s commitment to be there for each other through the valleys and trials as well as on the mountaintops and during peaceful times.
“If You Could See What I See” by Geoff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman. Available in Geoff Moore & The Distance—Evolution (Hal Leonard) and Wedding Music (Word); moderate.
The lyrics could be from either the groom’s or bride’s perspective; may be performed by a male or female vocalist. The theme of the text speaks about seeing the value of another’s life and the treasure that they really are.
“Find Us Faithful” by Jon Mohr. Available in Find Us Faithful (Sparrow) and Wedding Music (Word); moderate.
The lyrics reflect the theme of leaving a legacy in the past and present/future. Can effectively be used during the parents’ blessing or in memory of loved ones such as grandparents who are no longer living.
“The Wedding Hymn” by Kenny Wood; music by Billy Crockett. Available in The Wedding Album, vol. 2 (Maranatha); easy.
An excellent song for use following the declaration of marriage or wedding prayer. Could be used as a benediction as well.
“From This Day On” by Lyn Ellen Walker. Available direct from author (616-738-0516; 2491 Oak Forest Drive, Holland, MI 49424); moderate.
Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4; the lyrics talk about the couple’s commitment to each other and to the Lord.
Each letter of the word “love” is a different color. The “L” holds two overlapping fla mes. Inside the circular “O” are two more interlocking rings over a cross. The “V” is created by two hands symbolizing the caring hands of God and of the Christian community. The leaves forming the “E” refer to being rooted and nurtured in love. The banner was designed by Marilyn Vanden Heuvel.
Excerpt
A FEW KEYBOARD SUGGESTIONS
“Prelude” and “Postlude” by Michael W. Smith. Available in All For You (Word); difficult.
Written for piano or keyboard.
“Sonata In D Major” by Michael W. Smith. Available in All For You (Word) or Michael W. Smith: The Songs (Word); moderate.
Postlude material written for piano or keyboard.
“How Majestic Is Your Name/Great Is the Lord”; music by Michael W. Smith; arranged by Don Wyrtzen and Dick Torrens. Available in Infinite Praise (Singspiration); moderate.
Postlude material written for piano and organ together. Could be easily adapted as a solo piece for either.
“Wedding Song” by Kenny G. Available in “Breathless” (Hal Leonard); moderate.
Prelude or interlude for solo piano or solo sax and piano.