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Celtic Wedding Music

Did you know that over 40 million Americans can trace all or part of their ancestry back to Ireland?

My company, Maura & Co. specializes in creating Ceremonies with a Celtic flair. Whether you are having a Ceremony or a Catholic Mass, Irish folk songs, Irish hymns, traditional instrumental music and dances are a great way to incorporate your Irish heritage into your big day.

Irish Ceilli Band

Having a Ceilli Band play at your Ceremony is a wonderful and unique way to infuse joy into the event. A traditional Irish Ceilli band usually consists of a fiddle, accordion, guitar, bodhran and keyboards.

With their haughty and beautiful melodies, so many of the Irish reels work perfectly as processional music for the Bridesmaids and Bride. For a recessional piece, nothing says celebration like an Irish Jig. Below is a musical sample of how your ceremony would sound using a Ceilli Band. There are hundreds of Jigs and Reels that would be appropriate, and of course, if you have a personal favorite, we would be happy to accommodate you .

Processional Music for the Bridesmaids and Bride:

Reel: The Liffy Banks/the Cocert Reel/the Donegal Traveler

Music for the lighting of the Unity Candle or a Moment of Reflection:

Were You at The Rock

Recessional Music for the Bride and Groom:

Jig: Jerry Beaver Hat, Scatter the Mud/Kitty Wedding

Celtic Harp

One of the most prolific composers of Irish music was a Harpist named Turlough O’Carolan. He wrote hundreds of tunes, many of which have been recorded by the Chieftains. His music can be incorporated into your wedding as a processional, moment of reflection or recessional.

O’Carolan’s Concerto

Irish Folk Songs:

With their lilting melodies, Irish Folk songs are loved by people of all cultures. Adding one to your wedding can create a beautiful moment of solace. Below are some Irish folksongs that I have seen work beautifully.

Often, it’s my clients who give me the best ideas! If you have an Irish folk song that you think would be perfect for your wedding just let me know.

Prelude Song:

With the line “the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done”, Come By The Hills, could be the perfect way to begin your Ceremony.

Come By The Hills

Songs for Candlelighting Ceremony or Unity Candle:

Red is the Rose
Maggie
Mo Mary

Irish Hymns

If you are having a Catholic Mass, these hymns also work.

Processional Song:

Morning Has Broken…St. Patrick’s Breastplate

Responsorial Psalm:

Lord of All Hopefulness
The King of Love

Candlelighting Ceremony

The Irish Wedding Song

Offertory Song or Communion Song

Wind in the Willows
Sail the Soul

Communion Mediation:

Irish Blessing
Lady of Knock

Irish Step Dancers:

In the Irish culture, dancing is a big part of every celebration. I also provide professional Irish step dancers to perform at wedding receptions.