Information about Harp Music for Weddings

Back to Joanne's home page

I have recorded these small samples so that you can hear what my two harps sound like. This is the music that I have used most often at the many weddings I have accompanied. I hope that you will enjoy listening to these samples, and that you will be able to use them as you chose the music for your own celebration.

Tracks 1 through 6 are appropriate for your processional and recessional. Processional music accompanies the bride to the chosen place for the wedding. Recessional music follows the newly married couple as they leave the ceremony. The same style of music works for both. Since the processional music provides the cue for the bride to enter the ceremony, it is the only piece of music you need to choose specifically, as the bride should recognize it.

Tracks 7 through 15 are pieces which can be used during the ceremony. Tracks 7, 8 & 9 are compositions especially for the harp. Tracks 10, 11 & 12 are classical or religious pieces written originally for organ or other instruments but which sound well on the harp. Tracks 13, 14 & 15 are less formal pieces, such as songs.

Places where music (depending on the type of ceremony) may be required are:

after one of the readings at the beginning
during candlelighting by the parents and/or by the couple
during communion
while the wedding party is signing the register.

All the tracks above are played on an orchestral harp. Tracks 16 through 20 are played on the smaller harp which I use for outdoor weddings. Tracks 16 & 18 are the same pieces as 1 and 15 so that you can compare the sounds of the two different harps. Track 17 is an example of a hymn. Hymns sound particularly good on either harp, and I can play most hymns that you might want. Tracks 18, 19 & 20 are pieces specifically written for the smaller harp.

All the music in these samples can be played on either harp except for numbers 8 & 9, which can only be played on an orchestral harp.