Saint Paul Cathedral Parish welcomes all those engaged couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and desire to get married at the Cathedral Parish. We encourage you to review carefully the “Policies and Procedures” document below that explains all the necessary steps in this important and blessed journey. Be assured of our prayers and our help in every way possible.

NOTE: If you would like to make a formal inquiry in regards to available dates, please contact the wedding office directly by calling 412-621-4951 Ext. 14 or emailing [email protected].

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding at St. Paul Cathedral Parish. This page is intended to provide you with the details necessary to prepare, in conjunction with the Cathedral Musicians, the music for the sacramental celebration of your wedding.

This page contains:

• the basic principles to which the cathedral must adhere;
• an outline and explanation of the various musical elements of the liturgy;
• a selection list of musical choices for the liturgy;
• a wedding music worksheet on which you may write down your music selections;
• musical resources that the cathedral is able to supply, and related fees;
• an explanation of guest musicians’ policy, fees and schedule for rehearsals with guest musicians.

Several important points:

• The services of a cathedral organist are included in the wedding fee that you have paid to the cathedral.
• The Cathedral Music Staff is required to maintain the principles set forth in the Church’s Documents on the Liturgy, as well as those outlined in the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s “Music for the Wedding Ritual: A Guide for Planning”.
• Music preceding and throughout the public celebration of the Sacrament must be that which befits the Church’s teachings, and must be perceived as prayer.
• Due to their secular nature, the cathedral is prohibited from using ‘The Bridal Chorus’, and ‘The Wedding March’.
• Please be aware that many web sites are devoted to music for weddings, however, few of these web sites are required to meet the basic needs that are set forth for music in sacramental celebrations.
• Music composed for stage and screen would not be considered that which exhibits the traits of Sacramental Music.
• Any questions regarding the suitability of music can be discussed with Cathedral Musicians.

The following format is an outline of the musical elements of a Wedding Liturgy. These are the areas for which musical choices/selections need to be made. The compositions provided should be considered suggestions for use during your Wedding Liturgy. This list is not exhaustive, yet should serve as an example in your planning.

In the case in which your wedding is a Ceremony only (no Eucharist), the Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Acclamations, and Communion are omitted.

The following two aspects of the Wedding ritual are optional and should be discussed with your priest:

• Lighting of the Unity Candle-Due to the brief nature of this action, instrumental music is most appropriate.Examples:
  1. La Grace – G. Telemann
  2. ‘Air’ from the Water Music Suite – G.F Handel
  3. ‘Air’ – J.S. Bach
• Tribute at the Altar of Mary, Mother of God (following the Communion Prayer)Typically, a song honoring Mary, Mother of God (e.g. Ave Maria) would be sung or played during this Tribute.

Please click here for a print version of the Wedding Music Worksheet.

• The “Wedding Rehearsal” which you have scheduled through the Cathedral (usually the day before your wedding) is NOT a rehearsal for musicians, but rather for the members of your wedding party.
• Please be in touch with the Cathedral Music Office approximately three months prior to your wedding in order to finalize the musical details surrounding your wedding.
• The Cathedral maintains a staff of professional singers who are accustomed to functioning in their role in the vast acoustic of St. Paul’s. We suggest, based on your musical needs, that through us you engage the services of one of our staff cantors/vocalists. Employing a Cathedral Cantor eliminates the need for a guest musician rehearsal fee.
• Wedding couples sometimes desire the use of other instruments, such as trumpet, violin, etc. Again, we are fortunate to have the services of many fine instrumentalists who are experienced in their role during the sacramental celebration. We are ready to advise you, and to be responsible for contracting with, communication to, and rehearsing with all of our musicians.
• Trumpet Player, Violinist, or flute – approximately $200.00. Professional instrumentalists fees vary depending upon the individual involved. Several of our instrumentalists are regular performers with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Carnegie Brass, and the Pittsburgh CLO. If desired, larger musical ensembles can be provided by the cathedral; i.e. String Quartet, Brass Quartet, Trio, etc. Fees for these ensembles vary depending on the musical requirements. Details may be arranged with your organist.

• Guest vocalists are welcome to sing for your wedding at St. Paul Cathedral Parish.
• After you have consulted with your organist, we will communicate with your guest musician to ascertain their musical needs.
• Your guest singer is welcome to sing from the choir loft, or from the front of the cathedral (depending on their comfort level).
• Rehearsals with guest musicians are scheduled one hour prior to your wedding.
• The guest musician rehearsal fee of $125.00 is paid directly to the organist.

• Cathedral Cantor/Vocalist – $140.00
• Trumpet Player, Violinist, or flute – approximately $200.00.  Professional instrumentalists fees vary depending upon the individual involved. For example, trumpet players from the Pittsburgh Symphony or Carnegie Brass maintain the standard fee of $200.00.
• If desired, larger musical ensembles can be provided by the cathedral; i.e. String Quartet, Brass Quartet, Trio, etc. Fees for these ensembles vary depending on the musical requirements. Details may be arranged with your organist.
• Guest Musician Rehearsal Fee – This fee is required if you are bringing in a GUEST vocalist or instrumentalist – $125.00 per rehearsal which takes place the day of your wedding.
• Any music fees are due two weeks prior to your wedding.