LDS Funeral Music Rules: What's Allowed and What's Not in the Chapel

Music is the element that catches the most families off guard during LDS funeral planning. You've picked your mother's favorite song, arranged for a soloist, and then the bishop tells you it doesn't meet chapel standards. Knowing the rules before you start planning avoids that conversation entirely.

The Core Principle

All music performed inside an LDS chapel — including during funeral services — must invite a spirit of reverence and focus the congregation's thoughts on Jesus Christ. This standard is identical to what applies during Sunday worship. The General Handbook is explicit: funeral music must conform to the same guidelines as sacrament meeting music.

This is not a suggestion. The bishop has final approval over every musical selection in the program, and selections that don't meet the standard will be changed.

What's Permitted

Congregational hymns: The congregation sings an opening and closing hymn. These should be established, reverent pieces from the LDS hymnbook. Common funeral choices include:

• I Know That My Redeemer Lives
• Abide with Me!
• God Be with You Till We Meet Again
• O My Father
• Come, Come, Ye Saints
• How Great Thou Art

Instruments: The primary approved instruments are the organ and the piano. Other acoustic instruments — violin, cello, flute, clarinet — may be used if the bishop gives specific approval. The expectation is that these complement rather than replace the organ or piano.

Special musical numbers: A vocal solo, duet, or small ensemble performing a reverent piece is standard. The song should center on gospel themes — the Atonement, resurrection, eternal families, or comfort during trials. Classical sacred pieces and arrangements of hymns work well.

What's Prohibited

Secular music inside the chapel. Pop songs, rock ballads, jazz, country, show tunes, and contemporary love songs are not permitted on the chapel stand, regardless of their sentimental value to the family. If you are unsure whether a sacred song fits the standard, check with the bishop before including it.

Electronic backing tracks. Pre-recorded instrumental tracks, karaoke-style accompaniment, and digital soundscapes are prohibited. All music must be performed live.

Brass instruments and percussion. Trumpets, drums, and similar instruments are not permitted in the chapel, even for live performance.

Theatrical performances. Dramatic readings with musical accompaniment, choreographed performances, or entertainment-oriented presentations don't meet the reverence standard.

The Cultural Hall Workaround

Many families who want secular music or contemporary tributes hold a separate gathering in the cultural hall — either before the chapel service or after the graveside dedication. The cultural hall (the meetinghouse gymnasium) operates under looser guidelines. Video slideshows, recorded music, personal photo displays, and informal tributes are all appropriate in this space.

This split approach — a formal, doctrine-focused chapel service paired with a more personal cultural-hall gathering — satisfies both the Church's requirements and the family's desire to celebrate their loved one's individuality. The bishop can help you structure the timing so both events flow naturally.

Submitting Music for Approval

Submit your proposed musical selections to the bishop as early as possible — ideally during the initial planning meeting. Include:

• Song titles and performers/musicians for each number
• Whether you're using the organ, piano, or requesting approval for other instruments
• The text of any vocal pieces the bishop hasn't heard before

Getting approval early prevents the stress of last-minute substitutions. If the bishop objects to a selection, ask what he'd recommend instead — most bishops have a list of pieces that work well for funerals and will gladly suggest alternatives.

The Mormon / LDS Funeral Guide includes a music selection worksheet with approved hymn recommendations, a bishop approval checklist, and practical guidance on structuring a cultural-hall tribute alongside the chapel service.