Copyright Issues
Creative works such as hymns are subject to copyright from the time they are written until 70 years after the death of the author or composer. During that period it is illegal to reproduce the work without the permission of the copyright holder or his/her appointed agent. Many hymns, however, were written so long ago that they are no longer covered by copyright and you may, if you wish, copy the words directly from this web site.If you wish to print the words to a copyright hymn in your order of service you must obtain the permission of the copyright holder. Details of the copyright holders are given in the pages of this web site and will normally be found in the hymn book if you choose a hymn that is not shown here. A small fee will normally be charged for this and you will usually be informed of a small copyright acknowledgment that should be included at the end of the words.
Because weddings are classed as private functions you do not need any permission to sing the hymns.