Civil Ceremony
Civil ceremonies are a blank canvas when it comes to music, and are far less restricted in terms of structure and song choice than a Church ceremony. Usually only secular (non-religious) pieces would be performed, and you have a wide range of popular pieces to choose from. Every couple chooses different parts for the music to be played at, whether it is between elements of the ceremony or as background music to spoken words.
In the following page, "civil ceremony" is generally applied to marriages registered by the HSE, the Humanist Association of Ireland, the Spiritualist Union of Ireland, the Grace Christian Church, etc. If you have any queries relating to the differences of any of the above, restrictions on the music or ceremony content etc., please contact us for more information, as we have played at weddings celebrated by all of the above and would be happy to share our experiences with you.
The structure of a civil ceremony is outlined below; the points where music might be played are highlighted.
This structure changes from celebrant to celebrant and couple to couple! This is just a guide and you should feel free to have music wherever you wish!
Processional
Opening Words
Lighting of the Individual Candles
The Giving in Marriage (Optional)
Opening Prayer/Reading
Music (Optional)
Definition of Marriage
Vows
Music (Optional)
Second Reading
Exchange of Rings
Music or a Reading (Option)
Lighting of Unity Candle (with music)
Declaration of Marriage
Signing of Certificate (with music)
Introduction of Newlyweds
Recessional
Check out our Song List for ideas of pieces that can be performed at your civil ceremony. Any non-religious classical or popular music is ideal, and as always, we welcome your own suggestions.
In the following page, "civil ceremony" is generally applied to marriages registered by the HSE, the Humanist Association of Ireland, the Spiritualist Union of Ireland, the Grace Christian Church, etc. If you have any queries relating to the differences of any of the above, restrictions on the music or ceremony content etc., please contact us for more information, as we have played at weddings celebrated by all of the above and would be happy to share our experiences with you.
The structure of a civil ceremony is outlined below; the points where music might be played are highlighted.
This structure changes from celebrant to celebrant and couple to couple! This is just a guide and you should feel free to have music wherever you wish!
Processional
Opening Words
Lighting of the Individual Candles
The Giving in Marriage (Optional)
Opening Prayer/Reading
Music (Optional)
Definition of Marriage
Vows
Music (Optional)
Second Reading
Exchange of Rings
Music or a Reading (Option)
Lighting of Unity Candle (with music)
Declaration of Marriage
Signing of Certificate (with music)
Introduction of Newlyweds
Recessional
Check out our Song List for ideas of pieces that can be performed at your civil ceremony. Any non-religious classical or popular music is ideal, and as always, we welcome your own suggestions.
Here Comes The Civil Ceremony
- When Here Comes The Trio plays for your civil ceremony, we play for 10-15 minutes before the ceremony as guests arrive, during the ceremony as well as the drinks reception until dinner is called.
- Please ensure the venue is available to us from at least an hour before the ceremony so we have adequate time to set up, warm up and decide the optimum location for us to play.
- We have an extensive repertoire list from which you can choose your ceremony music. At no extra cost you can add two of your own favourites to this list! We love arranging new songs but as each new piece takes hours to arrange, any additional requests may incur a further charge. Please contact us with any queries you may have in this regard.
- To create the perfect welcome for your guests we will play as they arrive at the venue. Generally we will play light classical music, but if there is any music from our repertoire list you would specifically like before the ceremony, do let us know!
- We are happy to accompany singers, other instrumentalists or family members who wish to sing or play at any part of the ceremony.
- We are based in Cork but are available to perform at Civil Ceremonies in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Waterford.
