St. James Parish Community

Catholic weddings are a celebration of love in the context of our worship of God. Therefore, the music chosen for Catholic wedding liturgies must always be sacred music appropriate to Catholic liturgy. All couples have favorite songs that mean very much to them. We would suggest that the appropriate time for these songs to be played would be at the reception. The use of tapes and CD's is not permitted.

The Music Director offers workshops presenting the many musical options available to you for your wedding. The workshops will be held on Sundays, July 26th and September 27th at 2 pm. They are held in the church next to the piano.

All couples must attend at least one workshop. They are free of charge and couples can attend as many as they wish.

The Music Director will assist each couple in determining musical selections, and will serve as organist, pianist, and/or vocalist for your wedding. All liturgical music and musicians must be approved by the Music Director to facilitate the smooth flow of the ceremony within the time allotted.

Our Music Director will assist in arranging for additional professional musicans (i.e: flute, violin, guitar, etc...) that you would like to enhance the music for your wedding. These fees generally range from $100.00-$200.00. Guest soloists or instrumentalists, who are competent and experienced, are welcome. If they should require more than a brief rehearsal prior to the wedding, there is a $50.00 fee for each 30 minute rehearsal. There would also be an additional charge for any unusual requests requiring extra preparation.

The use of the St. James Music Director is required. If individual couples wish to use an outside musician, there is a customary Bench Fee starting at $175 payable to our Music Director as he has been retained by the parish for liturgical celebrations. In theses circumstances the Music Director will:

Be involved in planning the music to insure appropriate selections are made to preserve the sacredness of the liturgy.
Set up instruments and necessary sound equipment.
Be present at the liturgy to insure that music for the liturgy flows smoothly.
Provide any necessary liturgical music that is not presented by guest musicians.

Aside from these Do's and Don'ts, we look forward to arranging a unique musical experience for your wedding ceremony that complements both your personal tastes and the sacred liturgy we hold in common.