Choosing a psalm for a wedding is one of the most special decisions if you have opted for a religious ceremony. Psalms are biblical texts full of beauty and meaning, and they are part of the liturgy of the wedding mass. But can you choose which one is read? Are there options? Who reads it?
If you are organizing your wedding and have doubts about this topic, you are in the right place. At UAUU we have been organizing weddings in Barcelona for years, both religious and civil, and we know that understanding these details will help you personalize your ceremony and make it even more meaningful.
What is a psalm and why is it read at weddings?
A psalm is a religious poem or chant that is part of the Book of Psalms in the Bible. In Catholic weddings, the psalm is read or sung after the first reading, as part of the liturgy of the word.
Its function is to reflect on the message of the previous reading and prepare the atmosphere for the Gospel. Psalms usually speak of love, gratitude, trust in God and blessing, so they fit perfectly in a marriage celebration.
Can I choose the psalm for my wedding?
Yes, in most cases **you can choose the psalm** that will be read at your ceremony. The Catholic Church offers a selection of approved psalms for weddings, and you can choose the one you like best or the one that best reflects your feelings.
However, it is important that you consult with the priest who will officiate the ceremony. He will tell you which psalms are allowed and if there are any restrictions according to the liturgical calendar or parish rules.
Atypical wedding
The most used psalms in Catholic weddings
Although there are several approved psalms for weddings, some are especially popular for their beauty and message. Here are the most used ones:
Psalm 127 (128): “Blessed are those who fear the Lord”
It is the most classic and common psalm in Catholic weddings. It speaks of the happiness of the home, the blessing of children and the prosperity of the family. It is perfect if you are looking for a traditional text full of hope.
“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.”
Psalm 102 (103): “The Lord is compassionate and merciful”
This psalm highlights God’s mercy and love. It is ideal if you want to convey a message of gratitude and trust in divine love.
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Psalm 144 (145): “The Lord is good to all”
A psalm that celebrates God’s goodness and his care for all creatures. It is a beautiful and optimistic option.
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
Psalm 32 (33): “The mercy of the Lord fills the earth”
This psalm speaks of creation, justice and God’s love. It is a less common but very poetic option.
“The word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.”
Can I change the psalm if I don’t like the one assigned for that day?
Yes, normally **you can choose** from the approved psalms for weddings, regardless of the day. Although the Church’s daily liturgy has psalms assigned for each date, weddings allow you to select one of the specific psalms for the sacrament of marriage.
The important thing is to discuss it with the priest during the meetings prior to the wedding. He will give you the list of options and help you choose the one that best suits your wishes and your ceremony script.
Who reads the psalm at a wedding?
The psalm can be **read or sung**, and there are several options about who does it:
- A family member or friend: it is very common for someone close to you to read the psalm. It can be a very emotional moment.
- The choir or cantor: if the psalm is sung, it will be done by the church choir or a professional cantor.
- The priest or deacon: in some parishes, the psalm is read by the priest himself.
If you want someone special to read it, notify them in advance so that person can prepare and rehearse.
Tarnna Estudi Creatiu
Can psalms be read at a civil wedding?
Although psalms are religious texts, **you can include them in a civil wedding** if you like them and want to give a spiritual touch to your ceremony. In a civil wedding you have total freedom to personalize the content, so you can include readings of psalms, poems, philosophical texts or any other text that moves you.
At UAUU we have seen civil weddings with psalm readings that have been beautiful and very emotional. The important thing is that the text represents you and that it is part of your story.
Can the priest use some psalms or others according to his criteria?
The priest must respect the list of psalms approved by the Church for weddings. He cannot invent or choose psalms that are not on that official list. However, within that selection, he can advise you on which one is most appropriate according to the tone of the ceremony or your preferences.
If you have doubts, ask him directly. Priests are usually very open to explaining the meaning of each psalm and helping you choose the one that best fits your marriage.
Tips for choosing the perfect psalm for your wedding
- Read the psalms calmly: don’t just stick with the title. Read the full text of each psalm and choose the one that moves you most.
- Think about the message: do you want a psalm about family? About God’s love? About gratitude? Choose according to what you want to convey.
- Consult with the priest: he can give you ideas and explain the context of each psalm.
- Decide whether it will be read or sung: a sung psalm can be very emotional, but also longer. Think about the pace of the ceremony.
- Choose well who will read it: if a family member reads it, make sure they feel comfortable speaking in public.
- Personalize the ceremony: if you are getting married civilly, you can include the psalm you like best without restrictions.
Frequently asked questions about wedding psalms
Is it mandatory to read a psalm at a Catholic wedding?
Yes, the psalm is part of the liturgy of the word in a Catholic religious wedding. It is a mandatory element of the ceremony.
Can I write my own psalm?
No. In a Catholic wedding you can only use the psalms approved by the Church. However, in a civil wedding you can write your own text or adapt a psalm to your liking.
How long does reading a psalm take?
It depends on whether it is read or sung. Read, a psalm lasts between 1 and 2 minutes. Sung, it can last between 3 and 5 minutes.
Can I use a psalm in English or another language?
It depends on the parish. Some allow readings in other languages if there are guests of different nationalities. Consult with the priest.
The importance of choosing the right psalm for your wedding
Choosing the psalm for a wedding is an opportunity to add meaning and emotion to your ceremony. Whether in a religious or civil wedding, psalms are beautiful texts that can reflect your values, your love and your hopes as a couple.
At UAUU we know that every detail counts, and that’s why we help you organize your wedding in a personalized way, taking care of every moment of the ceremony. Our venues in Barcelona, such as Can Macià or Ca n’Alzina, are perfect for both religious and civil celebrations, with all the space and flexibility you need. If you want your wedding to be unique and full of details that represent you, we are here to help you.