Music:

At a Catholic wedding the emphasis must be on liturgical music that gives honour and glory to God, whose blessings we invoke on the union of the bride and groom. As the wedding ritual puts it: "Music in Catholic worship must express the worship of God for the mystery of love he created and transforms in this sacrament." For this reason the Basilica does not allow any secular music — such as popular love songs or themes from movies. Neither do we permit recorded music.

The couple, in consultation with our Music Director and Organist, Francesca Bailey, should plan music for the wedding jointly. She has a great deal of experience and expertise to share. If requested she can make particular recommendations. Ms. Bailey can also recommend soloists, choral ensembles and instrumentalists. For a selection list of appropriate wedding songs click here.

As our Music Director, Ms. Bailey is entrusted with the task of judging the suitability of musical selections within the context of a Catholic wedding ceremony. Ms. Bailey must approve all music for our church. 

As our organist, Ms. Bailey is available, at no extra charge as indicated above, to play at your wedding. She does not attend the wedding rehearsal. 

You may also engage another organist, outside instrumentalists, singers or soloists at your expense. Any music they wish to play or use must be submitted (with lyrics) to Mrs. Bailey for approval at least two months before the wedding date.

You can contact Francesca Bailey at 613-233-1126 ext. 561 or by email

What follows below is a description of the points at which music is used in a typical wedding ceremony:

Prior to the beginning of the liturgy there is a Prelude consisting of about 15 minutes of instrumental music as guests arrive and are seated. Music during this time is usually selected at the discretion of the organist/instrumentalists. Often the prelude is comprised entirely of a solo organ repertoire but the utilization of other instruments is possible.

The seating of the mothers of the bride and groom can be accompanied by its own special music. The Processional is played as the bridal party begins to walk up the aisle. Depending on the number of bridesmaids, flower girls, etc. separate musical selections can be played for the bridal party and for the bride.

The Responsorial Psalm can be sung but it requires the presence of a cantor. If there is no cantor the Psalm is spoken. An acclamation ("Alleluia") may be sung just before the proclamation of the Gospel.

If there is a Unity Candle music can accompany its lighting. As the lighting of the candle takes very little time (maybe a minute) the music should be a brief extract.

For those planning a Wedding Ceremony without a Nuptial Mass the next musical moments are the Signing of the Register followed by the Recessional that concludes the service. The Signing of the Register usually allows for one fairly lengthy musical piece. The wedding Recessional is best accompanied by a festive musical selection.

If you are planning a full Mass the liturgy continues with music during the Offertory. As this takes very little time a short instrumental selection suffices. The next opportunity for music is at Holy Communion. Depending on how many people receive Holy Communion, or come up for a blessing, time may permit for a couple of musical selections. Finally there is the Signing of the Register and the Recessional, each of which allows for its own fairly lengthy musical piece.

Anyone taking an active part in the wedding ceremony should be at the rehearsal.  This would include ushers, readers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.  If there is to be a flower girl/s or ring bearer they too should be present at the rehearsal. It is suggested that children performing these roles be at least 4 years of age.