If you’re to have a traditional Scottish wedding, it should have the sounds of the homeland playing. The Bagpipes are one of the few sounds that will make a Scotsman stop in his tracks…as if to call him home! I have seen grown men tear to the sounds of “Amazing Grace”, “Danny Boy” and “Scotland The Brave”. My wife says she can literally see my blood stir when I hear a piper play and that’s what your guests will say when they enter the venue to the sounds of a piper. Trust me, there is nothing more majestic than to have a piper walk to the Altar after the pronouncement of the couple and escort them out for the recessional!
The following are my views but please keep in mind each piper (as with most musicians) have their own thoughts, selections and experiences that may differ and may be better! I have learned that every piper is more than willing to share his or her thoughts and will help you present a beautiful ceremony for your guests. I have also included a list of pipers in the Southern California area (and beyond) that may be of service to you.
When to have the piper play!
Believe it or not, it is important to limit the amount of playing. Most ceremony’s are indoors and the pipes are loud in confined spaces.
NOTE: Make sure you have permission to have a piper playing inside your church. Some may not allow a piper inside but rather outside.
Before the Ceremony
I recommend the piper begin about 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. That is when most of the guests are there and will be most appreciated.
The Processional
Have your piper stand in the rear of the church. The piper can play for the entire wedding party as they enter NOTE: Make sure the piper has a special tune for just the bride
During the Service
If you are planning a remembrance to a loved one during the ceremony, you should limit it to one song.
Check with your piper to see if they have a set of small pipes and have them played during this time. They have a less obtrusive sound and volume.
The Recessional and Receiving Line
You have three choices here.
• 1) Have your piper walk to the altar after the presentation of the couple and march the bride and groom down aisle.
• 2) Have your piper stand in the rear of the church and play for the entire wedding party during the recessional.
• 3) Have the piper outdoors at the door and have someone cue them when it is time for the recessional. This works great as they can continue playing for your guests as they leave the venue, go through the receiving line and then congregate. This should take about a half hour and is delightful to witness as your guests are waiting.
During the Reception
The biggest thrill is to have your piper do a “show” for your guests sometime after the main course and before the traditional reception events. You’ll know you’ve done a good job by bringing a piper to your celebration by the clapping, stomping and cheers from your guests during this short 15 to 20 minute presentation.
Suggested Ceremony Music for pipers
Bolded songs denote my personal favorite 
) and as a reminder, your piper may have other selections and ideas to choose from.
Processional
• Highland Cathedral
• Mairi’s Wedding
• The Skye Boat Song
• The Cradle Song
• Canon in D
• Ode to Joy
• Flowers of Scotland
Brides Entrance
• For All Those Endearing Young Charms
• Bridal Chorus
• Joy Cairns
• Come to the Hills
• Highland Cathedral
Recessional
• Scotland the Brave
• Highland Laddie
• Mairi’s Wedding
• Cullen Bay
• The Rowan Tree
Special Events
— Remembrance of family
• Amazing Grace
• Danny Boy
Special Events
— Unity Candle
• She Moves through the Fair
• Amazing Grace
PIPERS FOR HIRE
San Diego Area
Larry Samuels
(619) 223-4189
Inland Empire Area
Forrest Cormany
(951) 536-6625
Los Angeles Area
Danny Burns
(818) 625-3765
