Wedding organist · Saturdays & midweek
Wedding Organist for Church Weddings in Lancashire & Greater Manchester
Nothing fills a church like a pipe organ. From the moment the doors open to the last chord of the recessional, I'll give your ceremony the music — and the sense of occasion — it deserves.
Your ceremony, your music
Music planned around you
Every couple is different. Some want the full tradition — Wagner's Bridal Chorus in and Widor's Toccata out. Others want a favourite pop song arranged for organ, played with classical elegance. Both are welcome.
I'll talk you through each part of the service, suggest hymns and pieces that suit the church and the instrument, and arrange something bespoke if your chosen piece isn't in the standard repertoire.
On the day, I work closely with your minister or vicar so that every cue lands perfectly — leaving you free to focus on each other.
What's included
- Prelude music as your guests arrive
- Bride's (or couple's) entrance
- Hymns accompanied for the congregation
- Quiet music during the signing of the register
- A joyful recessional as you leave
- Help choosing music, and a call to plan the running order
- Arrival 45 minutes early to prepare the organ
Rehearsals with choirs, soloists or instrumentalists can be added at £80 per hour. See the terms of booking.
Ideas to get you started
Popular wedding organ music
A few favourites couples choose time and again. Happy to play any of these — or something completely different.
Entrance
- Bridal Chorus — Wagner
- Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March) — Clarke
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba — Handel
- Canon in D — Pachelbel
- Trumpet Tune — Purcell
Signing of the register
- Air on the G String — Bach
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring — Bach
- Ave Maria — Schubert
- Salut d'Amour — Elgar
- A modern song arranged for organ
Recessional
- Toccata from Symphony No. 5 — Widor
- Wedding March — Mendelssohn
- Hornpipe from the Water Music — Handel
- Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 — Elgar
- Crown Imperial — Walton
Popular wedding hymns include Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Lord of All Hopefulness, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and Jerusalem.
Wedding questions
Booking a wedding organist: your questions answered
Does our church already have an organist?
Many churches have a resident organist who has first refusal on weddings, and some churches charge a fee if you bring in your own. Check with your vicar or minister first. If the church has no organist, or theirs isn't available, I'm very happy to step in and can liaise with the church directly.
How far ahead should we book?
As soon as your church date is confirmed. Saturdays from May to September book up quickly, so it's worth checking availability early. Midweek and winter weddings are usually easier to fit in.
When do we need to choose our music?
Music and hymn choices need to be confirmed 14 days before the wedding, so there's time to prepare — especially for special arrangements.
Can you play a pop song or a piece that isn't usually played on the organ?
Usually, yes. Let me know as early as possible and I'll arrange it for the instrument in your church so it sounds right in the building.
Our wedding is being filmed. Is there an extra charge?
Yes. If the ceremony is professionally filmed or live-streamed, a recording fee applies (normally 50% of the performance fee), in line with UK performance rights. Please let me know when you book.
How much does a wedding organist cost?
It depends on the service, the music and any rehearsals. I'll send a personal quote once I know your date and venue — just use the enquiry form or WhatsApp 07359 670332.