D
E
E7
G
A
Bm
Em
The Wedding Song
Noel Paul Stookey
The original "Wedding Song" is a gentle folk ballad, famously performed by Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) with fingerpicked guitar and warm, flowing chords. The song is a wedding favorite, known for its heartfelt lyrics and simple, melodic structure.
For beginners, this version is playable with open chords: D, A, G, E, E7, Bm, and Em. The trickiest is Bm, usually played as a barre chord, but you can use the simplified Bm (x24432) or even x20202 for easier transitions.
Strumming Pattern:
**Try a gentle down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-U-D-U) throughout, which suits the folk style. Keep it soft and steady. For variety, you can lightly arpeggiate (pick out) the chords, especially in the intro or between verses.
Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between D, A, and G smoothly, as these repeat often. The change from E to E7 is simple—just lift your ring finger. When you reach Bm, take your time; if the barre is too tough, use a Bm7 (x20202) as a substitute.
Techniques:
Listen to the original for the song’s gentle tempo. Don’t rush the transitions—let the chords ring. For a fuller sound, try light palm muting during verses, then open up for the chorus (“There is love”).
With practice, this song is approachable and rewarding for beginners.
Intro
D D D D E E7 G G D D
Verse 1He is now to be among you, at theA calling of your hearts
G Rest assured this troubadour is acting on HisD part
The union of yourA spirits here hasG caused Him to reD main
For whenBm ever two orD more of you, areA gathered in His name
There isG love, there isD love
E E7 G G D D
Verse 2Well a man shall leave hisA mother, and aG woman leave herD home
Bm They shall travelD on to where theA two shall be as one
As itD was in the beA ginning, isG now and til theD end
Bm Woman draws herD life from man andA gives it back again
And there isG love, there isD love
E E7 G G D D
BridgeWell thenG what's to be theEm reason, for beA coming man andD wife?
Is itG love that brings youEm here orA love that brings youD life?
For if loving is theA answer, thenG who's the givingD for?
DoBm you believe inD something, that you'veA never seen before?
Aw there isG love, ohhh there'sD love
E E7 G G D D
Vocal BridgeMmm hmmm mmmmA mmmm
Bm Mmmm hmmm mmmmA mmm
OutroOh theD marriage of yourA spirits here hasG caused Him to reD main
For whenBm ever two orD more of you areA gathered His name
There isG love, aw there'sD love
E E7 G G D