I play a wide variety of music including Religious Hymns & Songs, Folk, Popular, Country, Classical, Swing, Contemporary and everything in between.
My main instrument is Guitar and I can also incorporate Piano, Low Whistle, Tin Whistle and Ukulele.
Further down on this page you will find a complete list of all the Wedding Music I have performed to date. If there is any particular song/hymn you would like me to perform at your wedding but it does not appear below, please feel free to contact me with your requests.
Reasonable notice should be given when asking for new material to be added (minimum of 4 weeks).
Package Deals are available for Ceremony and Pre-Dinner Reception Music. (I can also provide music for during your wedding banquet and for your Day 2 celebrations)
The full Wedding Music Song List covers everything that is needed for a Church Ceremony.
Certain parts will apply if you are having a Civil, Spiritual or Humanist Wedding Ceremony: Entrance Song / Lighting of Candles / Signing of The Register / Recessional Song. More music can be added to your Civil ceremony depending on what your celebrant suggests and what other elements and rituals you are including in the the ceremony. We can chat about this in finer detail during the planning stages.
The more music the better in my opinion!
Here is an overview of what is needed for your Church Wedding Ceremony Music.
(A template is available For Download & Print HERE)
Standard parts of the Mass such as the Holy Holy, Mystery of Faith the Our Father & the Lamb of God can also be sung if required by the priest. This is something I usually discuss with the priest when I arrive to the church on your wedding day.
Now let’s look at some songs! Use the Index below to skip to the section you want to explore.
Song Index:
ENTRANCE SONG
LIGHTING OF CANDLES
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
OFFERTORY / SIGN OF PEACE
COMMUNION
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
RECESSIONAL SONG
OTHER INFO…
I can also provide music for your Wedding After Party (separate setlists are available for these options).
Click HERE to watch a recent highlights reel uploaded to YouTube
I often work with other musicians including cellists, violinists, female vocalists, pianists etc. These are all subject to availability.
A final list of songs should be sent to me at least four weeks before your wedding day. All song choices should be checked with myself and your priest / celebrant before your wedding booklet goes to print.
If you are having trouble finding a link to listen to certain songs just let me know, as I may have a recording on my social media accounts.
***New Song to the list (Added March 2023)***
***BETTER – JJ HELLER***
A Gift Of A Thistle – Instrumental on Low Whistle (from the film Braveheart)
All I Want Is You – U2
Angel – Jack Johnson
A New Day Has Come – Celine Dion
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
At My Most Beautiful – R.E.M.
At The Beginning – Peter Hollens / Evynne Hollens
Beautiful in White – Shane Filan
Be Right There – Bryan Adams
Better Half of Me – Tom Walker
Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Falling Like The Stars – James Arthur
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk
First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
From This Moment – Shania Twain
Future Days – Pearl Jam
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
I Am Always Going to Love You – Jon Mc Laughlin
I Guess I’m In Love – Clinton Kane
I’ll Always Be Right There – Bryan Adams
I’ll Follow You – Jon Mc Laughlin
In A Country Church Yard – Chris de Burgh
La Vie En Rose – Daniela Andrade
Lay Your Head – Maverick Sabre
Little Trip To Heaven – Tom Waits
Love You ‘Till The End – The Pogues
Lover of The Light – Mumford & Sons
Never Seen Anything ‘Quite Like You’ – The Script
Nightswimming – R.E.M.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Safety Rope – Mick Flannery
She Moved Through The Fair (Instrumental)
She Moved Through The Fair (Vocals, Guitar & Low Whistle)
She’s A Mystery to Me – Bell X1
Simply The Best (Schitt’s Creek version)
This Is The Day – Wedding Song
This I Promise You – Ronan Keating
Tightrope – From The Greatest Showman
To Find You – From The Movie ‘Sing Street’
To Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
Turning Page – Sleeping at Last
Unconditional – Picture This (stripped back acoustic version)
Walk Beside Me (from Celtic Woman)
Warm – The Coronas
Wedding Song – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
When I Say I Do – Matthew West
When You Say Nothing At All – Ronan Keating
When You Were Sweet 16 – The Furey’s
Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott
You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
Yours – Ella Henderson
LISTEN TO ALL OF THESE ENTRANCE SONGS ON THE GO!! CLICK HERE FOR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
A Gift of A Thistle (from the film Braveheart)
A Mhuire Mhathair – Instrumental
Black is the colour – Instrumental on Whistle
Blackbird – The Beatles – Guitar Instrumental
Gabriel’s Oboe
In Dreams (from Lord of The Rings)
Kean O’Hara (Turlough O’Carolan) – Instrumental
Lily Love (The Chieftains) – Instrumental
Morning Has Broken (Instrumental on Low Whistle or Piano)
Red is The Rose – Instrumental on Low Whistle
Raglan Road – Instrumental on Low Whistle or Tin Whistle
She Moved Through The Fair – Low Whistle
Will Ye Go Lassie Go / Wild Mountain Thyme – Instrumental on Whistle
I prefer to do these pieces instrumental as it is a very short part in the ceremony and can be time managed better with instrumental music to allow for a more smooth running ceremony. There will be a lighting of two single candles at the start of the ceremony and then the centre marriage candle later in the ceremony.
Civil / Humanist Ceremonies will vary so check what is needed with your celebrant.
As The Deer Pants For The Water
I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love
Set Your Heart On The Higher Gifts
Gospel Acclamation – From The Mass of Celtic Saints – Liam Lawton
Alleluia, Alleluia, Give The Glory…
2 pieces of music need to be chosen here. One for The Offertory Procession and one for The Sign of Peace (note: some churches no longer include The Sign of Peace)
Be Still For The Presence of The Lord
Bí Íosa im Chroíse | Jesus Be In My Heart
Make Me A Channel of Your Peace
Peace Is Flowing Like A River
COMMUNION HYMNS
1 or 2 Religious Hymns are needed here and maybe one other
song of your choice if your priest will allow it.
As The Deer Pants For The Water
Bí Íosa im Chroíse | Jesus Be In My Heart
Come to the Water – Matt Maher
Come to the Waters (Folk Style liturgical)
Give Me Joy In My Heart
Hallelujah (with Alternative Lyrics for Church)
I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love
In Christ Alone – Stuart Townend
In Love For Me / This Is My Body
Make Me A Channel of Your Peace
May the Road Rise to Meet You (An Irish Blessing)
Set Your Heart On The Higher Gifts
Song of Ruth (Wherever You Go)
All I Ask Of You (Phantom of the Opera)
At The Beginning (from the musicial Anastasia)
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Bright Blue Rose – Christy Moore
Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
Come What May (Moulin Rouge)
Everything To Me – Shane Filan
Fallen – Lauren Wood (from ‘Pretty Woman’ the film)
Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk
From This Moment
God Bless This Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Good Morning Beautiful – Nathan Carter
Higher Love – James Vincent Mc Morrow
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
I Will – Christy Hennessy
I Will Love You – Fisher
I’ll Always Be Right There – Bryan Adams
I’ll Be – Edwin Mc Cann
I’ll Keep You Safe – Sleeping At Last
In A Country Church Yard – Chris de Burgh
Lean On Me – Bill Withers
Moments Like These – Picture House
Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens
Need to Breathe – Multiplied (Christian Worship song)
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
Picture In A Frame – Tom Waits
Somewhere Only We Know – Keane / Lily Allen
Somewhere Out There – From “An American Tail”
Thank You – Chris Cornell / Led Zeppelin
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Think About You – Guns N’ Roses
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
This I Promise You – Ronan Keating
This Ring
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
When You Say Nothing At All – Ronan Keating
When You Were Sweet Sixteen – The Fureys
Wherever you Will Go – The Calling
Wild Mountain Thyme (Will Ye Go Lassie Go) – Trad.
With A Little Help From My Friends – the Beatles
You & Me – Shane Filan
You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
Your Song – Ellie Goulding / Elton John
After All – The Frank And Walters
Best Day of My Life – American Authors
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Lick The Tins
Candy – Paolo Nutini
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes
For The Very First Time – Roxette
Happy Together – The Turtles
I Love You Will Still Sound The Same – Oh Honey
I’m a Believer – The Monkees
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
I Will Wait – Mumford and Sons
Islands in the Stream – Dolly Parton / Kenny Rogers
Just The Two Of Us – Bill Withers
Love is All Around – Wet Wet Wet
Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra
On Top of The World – American Authors
Shiny Happy People – R.E.M
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
Somebody Like You – Keith Urban
Stay With Me – Sam Smith – (Irish Version also available – Ar Mo Thaobh)
Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Take My Hand – Picture This (latest version)
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
This Little Light of Mine (Gospel Song)
When We Kissed The World Fell In Love – Wallis Bird
You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates
You’re My Best Friend – Stevie Ann or Queen
You’ve Got A Friend In Me – Randy Newman
You’ve Got the Love – Florence & The Machine
Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MY FAVOURITE RECESSIONAL SONGS IN ONE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
I hope this has helped. Please feel free to get in touch with any
questions. And remember, learning new songs for your wedding is
all part of my job so don’t be afraid to ask. If it’s not on the list already I will happily add it to my repertoire for you.
Use the Contact Form below to start a conversation about your wedding music.
CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE SONG LIST FOR YOUR DRINKS RECEPTION OR WEDDING AFTER PARTY
Barry was Amazing when he played at our wedding on the 22nd December 2022. He was prompt in his responses from when we initially contacted him. He was extremely professional, approachable, helpful and relaxed and any request we had he happily obliged.
We really appreciated that he learned Picture This – Unconditional & Niall Horans’ Black And White for the ceremony in such a short space of time. We were blown away at how good they were (along with all of the other requests). On the day, guests were commenting at how amazing he was and they really enjoyed his interactions with guest requests. His involvement and music on the day was instrumental to starting the party that ran late into the night. It made the wedding day extra memorable. All over Christmas when we were catching up with family and friends, they were still commenting on how enjoyable his music was on the day!
We would highly recommend Barry as he will create the perfect atmosphere for your big day.
Go raibh míle maith agat!
Barry came up to Zio Restaurant in Portadown for a Sunday afternoon wedding Day 2. We expected a relaxing afternoon winding down from the previous day’s main wedding , with nice background music, but Barry turned it into an amazing party , he reacted to the crowd and had the place bouncing! 80 people dancing at 4.00pm on a Sunday afternoon!
He played some great numbers , from ‘Shallow’ to ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma’ , and lots more greats.
He really helped make it a day to remember !
We made the best decision to have Barry play at our drinks reception in Darver Castle in February. Barry has a fantastic voice and created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere with his music. He also had plenty of craic with the guests and we heard rave reviews about him all day and after. Barry was so professional and easy to deal with in the run up to the day, I can’t emphasis enough how important it is to have experienced and trustworthy suppliers to alleviate the stress in the run up to the day. Thanks so much again Barry and hopefully hear you play again soon!
Barry performed at our wedding ceremony & drinks reception on 4th Feb in Wrights-Anglers Rest and did an amazing job. We absolutely loved his version of the songs we had chosen. Barry is so professional and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. So many of our guests complimented his work. He played a huge part in helping us create the perfect day. We would recommend Barry without hesitation and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for making our day so memorable.
We had Barry for our church ceremony and drinks reception afterwards in Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon. Barry is such a gentleman to work with. He was always there to email back and forth with song choices and advice with the church. Barry really creates a nice atmosphere at the drinks reception, a hit with all ages and made our day extra special! He’s got a superb voice – which helps too 😉 Thanks again, Mr and Mrs Devine
We had Barry for our church and venue music and he was AMAZING!! Barry played during our ceremony, he even met with my friend the week before as she sang too and he accompanied. By the time we met Barry we had our music for our drinks reception organised by a family friend so I asked Barry would he play music during our meal which he kindly agreed to do. This was the best decision, he was brilliant! He even learnt a song for our entrance music. It really set the atmosphere for the day and we loved every minute, as did our guests. Barry is a pro, if you have him on your wedding day you are in for a treat!!
Barry performed both at our wedding ceremony and at our wedding party and we couldn’t be happier with both. He is so talented and professional, our guests were absolutely raving about him! Barry is such a talented musician, he knows the perfect song for every occasion and responds to what the audience enjoy. On top of being so talented he is such a genuine, friendly person and such a pleasure to deal with. Cannot recommend Barry enough, he is a class act.
Barry performed our day 2 music in Cabra Castle and we couldn’t fault him. Stress free, with sore heads from the wedding that’s what was needed!! Barry played loads of favourites and had people up dancing. We couldn’t ask for any more, would definitely recommend!
From the first time I heard Barry sing I knew we would have to have him at our wedding ceremony. He was absolutely fantastic and so amazing to work with. We still have so many of our wedding guests contacting us about how wonderfully Barry sang Raglan Road at our ceremony. It is by far the best version I have ever heard. He is a an amazing musician, so talented and really made our ceremony and wed-festival a beautiful day to remember. Thank you so much Barry and we are already planning to go see you play live again in the near future.
I am a wedding celebrant and marriage solemniser (Kathryn Cashman) and I know that it is very important to have a wedding singer who is willing to go that extra mile to add ambiance and magic to your ceremony. Barry has an amazing voice and is a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Barry as your wedding singer for your ceremony and drinks reception.
We booked Barry after listening to his music on his YouTube channel.
Hearing a male voice sing at a wedding seems to be such a rarity. We loved the tone of his voice, his take on hymns and popular music.
But it does not even come close to listening to him live.
Dealing with him was a breeze.
Listening to him at our own wedding day was simply breathtaking.
Our guests are still talking about the beautiful music he provided.
There’s nothing left to say but simply, thank you Barry for everything!
We hope to hear you again soon!
We have a constant supply of guests who are asking how we came about such a wonderful singer.
His vocals and music for the pre-ceremony, ceremony and drinks reception were amazing, we kept getting compliments from the guests all day and it really was a lovely background to the whole afternoon.
From our initial meeting to the many emails that were sent in preparation for our big day, Barry was a true professional – always prompt to respond and catered to our every request.
He brought our Wedding Mass to a new level.
Barry performed for our wedding in Co. Clare & we could not have been happier with our music choice. Barry has everything under control and our guests were blown away by his voice.
Barry played our ceremony in City Hall Dublin. He was truly amazing. All of our guests commented on the quality of his voice and playing. He played pre & post ceremony and created the most magical atmosphere. From our first contact he was so helpful and professional and made the whole process so easy. Nothing was too much trouble and he even learned a song that we wanted to include. Thank you so much for making our day so special.
Barry is simply the best. We first heard Barry sing at my cousins wedding almost 6 years ago and it was our first decision we made when planning our wedding. Initially Barry had been booked and we were gutted but lucky for us covid worked in our favour as he became available on our date. We are married almost 8 weeks now and still people are saying how amazing Barry was and the large choice of songs he can sing makes it hard to narrow down what to choose. As we had a level 5 Lockdown Wedding, Barry sang our first dance song after our ceremony and it was all kinds of magic!
If you are planning a wedding, first things first, get in touch with Barry you will not regret it
Barry has become a good friend to us over the last 18 months or so. He has been with us on our wedding journey through two cancellations and we finally got to tie the knot on 16th January. I cannot praise Barry’s professionalism and genuineness enough, not to mention his amazing talent. We are hoping for a vow renewal on our 1st anniversary and hope Barry can perform, we cannot recommend him highly enough.
Barry played at our Wedding in November 2020 at The Alex Hotel. He was outstanding, beautiful vocals and exceptional guitar playing. We had 25 guests on the day and they all were singing his praises. Since booking Barry he was always kind considerate and professional and couldn’t have been more helpful as our plans changed multiple times due to the pandemic. I truly don’t think you will find anyone better.
We would highly recommend Barry for any wedding ceremony / reception drinks (we had him at both for ours). Barry was wonderful from the beginning. He was very accomodating when our original wedding date changed. He was in regular contact with us from start to finish. He learnt a few of our favourite songs so they could be played/ sang on our big day. Most of our guests commented on how wonderful he was. Having a smaller wedding we were worried the room may seem empty- but Barry ensured that wasn’t the case & ensured guests were enjoying themselves.
In addition he is a pure gent to deal with.
Barry is a very dear friend of ours and we are so privileged to have had him sing at our wedding on NYE. He performed at our ceremony and drinks reception and genuinely added sparkle to our day. Nothing is a problem for Barry, he will learn a song if you request it. Knowing how much of a Westlife fan I am, he played a Shane Filan song as myself and my husband arrived into the hotel. Our guests, though few, absolutely loved his voice and could have listened to him all day. Barry’s winning personality and professionalism adds to the day without a doubt!
Barry Hughes what can I say… Class.
We had Barry play at our wedding for church ceremony and pre-drinks reception, to say he was amazing is an understatement. We had a small wedding of 25 people and on plan Z at this stage but that didn’t matter because the atmosphere Barry created was phenomenal. He’s a true gent, a professional, a top class performer and he made our special day magical.
If anyone needs a guy to be present in the moment and to feed off the energy in the room Barry is your man.
Thank you Barry,
Lee and Wayne.
Barry was booked last minute to play the evening of our wedding. He was a pleasure to deal with and so accommodating from the start. The music Barry provided created a fantastic atmosphere which with only 25 people made such a difference to our night. He was lively, entertaining and took any requests with a smile. I’d guess that Barry could play anything put to him and could adapt to any scenario. It was a joy to listen to him on our wedding night and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Barry sang at our wedding party a couple of weeks ago and I would highly recommend him especially given the current uncertain times driven by Covid19. Our wedding party had only 14 people and Barry had every guest on the dance-floor! The energy and atmosphere was fantastic! Barry has a large set of songs and he selected a great variety of upbeat songs for the day including playing some requested songs for our first dance and a special song for our son. All our guests thought he was fantastic and he made our small wedding party ever more special and rememberable!! We will be having Barry at our postponed wedding party in 2022 when hopefully we can have all our friends and family with us but I would highly recommend any couple who are going ahead with their micro wedding this year to book Barry, you will not be disappointed.
A Huge Thank you Barry for playing our drinks reception for our intimate wedding day especially with the ever changing guidelines and restrictions. It was a big relief to know we could rely on you even in such challenging times and thank you for being so accommodating!! Your beautiful music was a breath of fresh air to welcome us all to the reception. Everyone loved to hear you play. Hope to be hearing more of your music in the near future!! Sincere thank you!!
We had Barry sing at our wedding ceremony in St. Josephs Church, Carrickmacross. I cannot recommend him enough, if you are anyway unsure just have a look through some of Barry’s videos or even watch one of his live gigs. He was so professional and really helpful when it came to picking our music, he sent us a link showing what parts of our wedding we needed music for which was really helpful. On the day itself he provided a unique and warm vibe to our wedding ceremony and he added our personal touch to the music. Our guests also had nothing but great reviews about Barrys music.
We had a rescheduled intimate wedding due to the Covid restrictions. Barry was patient and professional with us as we tried to plan our ceremony at short notice, and was happy to learn a song for the bride’s entrance. He played the low whistle and the tin whistle for some beautiful instrumental pieces and then some fun tunes on the guitar during our small drinks reception afterwards. Barry is super talented and we were delighted with every aspect of our dealings with him. We would definitely recommend Barry to anyone looking to get married, especially anyone opting for a smaller more personal event during these strange times.
Having had the privilege of seeing Barry perform on several occasions, I knew immediately that I wanted him singing me down the aisle on our wedding day! We were lucky he was available and when selecting our songs, he couldn’t have been more accommodating, offered insightful advice and was always accessible. On the day itself, he was ever the professional, sang beautifully, played incredible music, made the songs his own and made the ceremony feel like a true celebration. We still receive high praise from the music on the day! We would highly recommend Barry for your special day/occasion as he will just make it even more memorable. Thank you so much once again, Barry
I cannot tell you how much praise you received from our family and friends….. I myself was quite nervous arriving to the church but as I heard you singing I relaxed straight away.
I couldn’t get over how many of our guests commented to us on the day, even the hotel manager asked me for your details so he could recommend you to future couples. Everybody thought you were amazing, I can honestly say, we were so delighted to have had you sing at our wedding day.Thank you so much Barry a true professional 🙂
Barry played at our wedding reception and at our after party the next day. We were absolutely delighted on both occasions. He played relaxed chilled out music at the reception and a huge mix of songs the next day. Lots of our guests made comments about how good Barry was on guitar and vocals. Would definitely not hesitate in recommending Barry. He is a very talented musician and you will not be disappointed.
Our wedding day was enhanced by having Barry Hughes perform both at the ceremony and our reception. The music helped make the ceremony a warm embracing and memorable experience for us, and every comment from our guests about the music then and at the reception afterwards was huge praise for your voice and talents. Absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a musician/singer to bring that something extra to the day.
Before i walked up the aisle I had a smile on my face at how beautiful he made it sound.
Without a doubt Barry is a complete professional
The way he performed our entrance song – ‘Let it Breathe’ by The Water Liars – had most of the room (including the groom) in tears. In saying this, he also had the room dancing during our exit song
The music for the ceremony was absolutely perfect
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