Choosing the right instrument can make a real difference to the atmosphere of your wedding or funeral. A violin or harp can provide delicate, expressive music, while a pianist or church organist can offer a fuller sound and accompany hymns or singers. Uilleann pipes bring a distinctly Irish character, bagpipes can make a memorable entrance or farewell, and a guitarist can create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Each instrument has its own distinctive qualities, so it's worth exploring the different options before deciding what best suits your occasion. Instrumental musicians are popular choices for church weddings, civil and humanist ceremonies, funeral services and wedding drinks receptions. Some perform as soloists, while others can accompany singers or join other musicians. Depending on your chosen instrument and venue, there may be practical considerations, such as whether a piano or organ is available, whether amplification is needed, and whether particular pieces of music are suitable for your ceremony. Explore the instrumental categories and musicians listed above on ChurchMusic.ie. Listen to their recordings and browse their individual profiles to get a sense of the different musical styles available. We recommend contacting several musicians to discuss repertoire, special musical requests, pricing, availability and whether they travel to your chosen church or venue.
