Dave Milliken • Wedding Singer & Guitarist

Contemporary and classical music for weddings and events in the Ottawa area

Dave Milliken hunkering with his Gibson acoustic guitar

Introduction

Live music adds wonderful ambience to a wedding ceremony. More and more couples are choosing contemporary music for their ceremonies. After all, your wedding is your special day and you can choose music that means something to you. I can sing your favorite song while I accompany myself on guitar or I can play the piece as an instrumental arrangement for solo guitar. Here are a couple of songs that I have recently performed at weddings:

 

See my complete repertoire below.

Testimonials

Weddings

"Dave performed during our wedding ceremony and it literally made the ceremony for us! He really went above and beyond when helping with our song selection, and the end result was beautiful. We got married the day after the tornadoes hit Ottawa, meaning our venue had no power and we had no cell reception. Dave, being professional and reliable, somehow made everything work regardless. We recommend every couple have live guitar music at their wedding, and we recommend Dave be the guy to do it! ."
- Jess O'Dacre-Atkinson and Rob Atkinson, September 22, 2018

"Dave played acoustic guitar and sang at our wedding. We enjoyed his performance very much and received several comments from guests asking where I found him and what a good job he did. I would recommend Dave to anyone getting married in the area who is looking for musical accompaniment."
- Yi Pei & Dave Gruder, September 9, 2018

"Dave played for us at our outdoor wedding ceremony, and he far exceeded our expectations. We were worried with the windy weather we had on our wedding day that the music might not carry well outdoors, but the music was actually perfect quality and volume despite the wind. His 'And I Love Her' by the Beatles was so, so good. Amazing voice, amazing music, so happy we hired him to play during our ceremony and cocktail hour."
- Lindsey McMurray & Hugh Doyle, July 7, 2018

"We really enjoyed your music and it was the perfect addition to our ceremony. Thank you for sharing your talent with us on our very special day. We would highly recommend you to anyone who is in search of a musician and will keep you at the top of our list if we ever need your service in the future. Thank you again!"
- Karla Fraser & Andrew Renaud, October 18, 2014

"We were so glad to have you as part of our day! EVERYONE was raving at how great you were, you really set the mood and the tone and you are a true professional at your job!!"
- Sarah Murray & Jeff Terpstra, September 13, 2014

"Thank you again so much! You were amazing! Everyone commented on how great you were!"
- Kim Fuller & Herb Lima, August 23, 2014

"Dave was wonderful! He was appropriately dressed, on time, and sang/played to perfection. He was very helpful during the planning process and easy to work with. All of my song requests were exactly as I asked them to be and perfectly timed. I was extremely happy with him."
- Jessica Bird & Vladimir Vukovic, July 19, 2014

"Thank you so much for playing such beautiful music at our wedding ceremony and reception! It made for a classy and elegant feel! We had many people tell us how much they enjoyed it! I would most certainly recommend for any wedding or party! Thanks again."
- Morgan Nelson & Jay Higgins, May 24, 2014

"Many thanks for the amazing job you did on the processional song, as well as all other music you put together for our day. I realize that it was late notice, but you handled yourself with the utmost professionalism, even taking on a new song. There are no words that can express our gratitude for your important contribution to my personal Wedding day vision. We received many requests as to who you were, where I had found your talent, and the outstanding job that you did. Everyone involved in the Wedding was very impressed. Thanks again."
- Sylvie Brunet & Mariusz Drozdowski, November 2, 2013

"I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU for the wonderful arrangement of music you played for Kyle and I during the ceremony and the cocktail hour. We received many rave reviews on your music and we've already recommended you to another couple for their wedding. Thank you again, and I know who we will be calling when we need music to be played at an event!"
- Natasha Ruspic & Kyle Higgins, October 19, 2013

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing job you did with the music at our wedding ceremony! We received so many positive comments on how well you played and what an amazing voice you had! I will definitely be recommending you for any future events my friends/family have where they are looking for a musician! Fantastic! Thanks again! We will forever be grateful!"
- Véronique Rousseau & Adam Byrne, October 13, 2013

"Thank you so much for being a part of our special day. It was wonderful to have you there and you really added a great element to our ceremony and reception at the gallery. Many of our guests commented on how great that music was. You executed the songs that we selected beautifully and the musical choices you made for the reception fit perfectly with our vision. Your playing and singing was great and we were so happy to have you at our wedding."
- Michelle Legault & Jesse Vallier, October 5, 2013

"We loved your music :) our guests did too! We are so happy to have had you there on our big day, we'll remember it for years to come! Thanks again!"
- Emily Lancaster & Marc Forget, September 28, 2013

"We were very happy with the ceremony music at our wedding and we were told it was great from our guests as well! Thank you."
- Diana Habicht & Derek Barrett, September 21, 2013

"Thank you!!! Everyone commented on how lovely the music was during the ceremony and Josh and I will always remember the sound of your voice as I walked down the aisle. When I told Josh that I was writing to thank you, he gave you two thumbs up. You did an excellent job and you were the added touch that made our ceremony extra special. Your talent and professionalism make the many recommendations we will give for you a no brainer."
- Kristina Huggins & Josh Currie, September 20, 2013

"We were so HAPPY with your performance. We really appreciate you learning our special song that meant so much to us and we were very pleased with how you sung and played it. It was beautiful. We will always remember that."
- Breanne Merklinger & Matthew MacDonald, June 14, 2013

"This is just a short note to thank you for your wonderful guitar presentation at Jody & Tony's wedding celebration. I continue to receive positive comments from the guests who attended the event that you added that special touch to a memorable day. There is no question that you are a very talented guitarist and we all enjoyed your repertoire. Well done!!"
- David Finch (Jody & Tony Finch), September 1, 2012

"We really enjoyed having you play at our wedding. The ceremony music was exactly what we had hoped for, both playing and singing, and the entertainment for our guests afterwards was very well received. A number of people commented how much they enjoyed listening to you play and making requests ... your song list is impressive, as is your ability in both modern and classical music. You helped make it a perfect day for us, and we’d certainly recommend you to anyone else looking for a fun, adaptable and professional musician. Thank you, and great job!"
- Natasha & Brent Dean, July 29, 2012

"Dave my guests had nothing but wonderful things to say about you during the cocktail hour, they enjoyed the mix of music you played and said your energy was great! I would recommend your services to anyone, and would use you again in a heartbeat! Thank-you."
- Robin & Donnie Robitaille, June 23, 2012

"Thank you Dave for the wonderful music you played at our wedding ceremony. It made our day so special and we were very pleased. Many guests commented on the beautiful music and what a pleasure it was hearing you."
- Alex & Stephanie St-Arnaud, May 11, 2012

"Ryan and I would just like to thank you so much for playing at our wedding on Saturday. Your music added so much to the day, and we've had so many compliments from our guests about how great you were! We loved the music during the ceremony too, nice choice with "Here Comes The Sun"! Thank you for helping to make the day so amazing!"
- Jenny Throop, August 13, 2011

"Your music added a beautiful touch to our wedding, making our special day even more magical. We loved your choice of music, and it wasn't just us - we got lots of compliments from other wedding guests, telling us how much they enjoyed your playing. We appreciated your professionalism and felt that your rates were more than reasonable. We would definitely recommend you to friends. Thanks for being part of our day!"
- Maria Lahiffe & Norm Filiol, June 25, 2011

"We were recommended to Dave by a friend as we were specifically looking for someone who could play Spanish-type music. From the minute we met with him, and he played the first bar of music, we were sold. Since my husband and I just knew the sound and the atmosphere we were looking for in the wedding, we asked Dave just to "wing-it" for the majority of the wedding ceremony. I have to say, there was nothing better that standing outside the church doors and feeling the good vibes from the people inside. The music was bright, happy, and made the perfect atmosphere to walk into. Dave, if you could hear how happy people were to hear this music, it would have done your heart good. Thank you so much for being so professional, reliable and really just getting the kind of people we are. You are a talented man."
- Roxanne & Yuri Halushka, June 4, 2011

"Mark & I would like to extend a big thank you for bringing your music to our wedding at Tew's Falls this past Saturday. You were awesome. Your music & singing helped to make our ceremony fit our personal style perfectly. I was really touched when you moved up the walk to get closer to our congratulatory hug-fest! It was a great day, and one we'll not soon forget. Thanks for the part you played in it."
- Jen & Mark Drake, May 28, 2011

"Our wedding was a small, intimate affair (26 guests) and we wanted a musician that would fit that vision. We were hampered by the fact that we live in Calgary but were getting married in Ottawa; because our families lived in Ontario. We found Dave Milliken online and we were immediately impressed by his professional website and the musical samplings on it. We communicated with Dave by e-mail and outlined our thoughts. He was very helpful by suggesting many songs and was very receptive to songs that we wanted; even offering to learn some that he had never played. We met Dave in person just before our ceremony. He was a perfect gentleman and a gifted performer. He played for hours, to the delight of our guests. We were very pleased with Dave and would recommend him to anyone for any event."
- Dave & Hilary Jennings, April 9, 2011

"We want to thank you soooo much for helping to create the best wedding day ever!!! You did an amazing job with my song “I’ll Be”. I loved it... All of our family and friends are still talking about what a great time they had and how amazing you were during the ceremony and the cocktail hour! Everybody really enjoyed the variety of music...honestly we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts....You were absolutely wonderful! We will definitely recommend you whenever we can! Thank you so much!"
- Samra Uzicanin and Jeremie Astles, August 13, 2010

"We are glad that we chose you to play music at our ceremony. It was fantastic. We will be referring you to others. Thanks,"
- Christine Finlay & Alain Decoste, July 24, 2010

"Thank you so much for being part of our wedding day. Your music was perfect for our ceremony and we couldn't be happier with the service you provided. Thank you for learning "Sunshine on my Shoulders" for our wedding. It was a very special surprise for my parents - as that was their wedding song 31 years ago. Thank you again for helping to make our day so special."
- Keith & Brenda Van Ryswyk, July 24, 2010

"We were so happy with the music at the ceremony. Everyone (guests and wedding party) complimented your style and the music that was played. It was perfect!! Thanks again! Everything was perfect and the music was the icing on the cake :)"
- Robin McCorkell, June 19, 2010

"We loved our music! Thank you so much for being part of our wedding. Several of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed your music. If you ever need a reference, please don't hesitate to ask us as we would be happy to provide a glowing one. All the best,"
- Lauren Babcock-Dunning & Nick Turk-Browne, June 12, 2010

"Thank you for doing an awesome job with the music at our wedding. The song arrangements were perfect, helped set the mood and gave the day that special feeling we were looking for. We would not hesitate to recommend you in the future. Thanks for sharing in our day!"
- Courtney Edwards & Peter Smith, May 29, 2010

"Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. Your music is beautiful and helped make the day memorable. I always wanted an outdoor wedding with acoustic guitar music, and you helped make this dream a reality. We appreciate all your hard work, and the help you gave us in trying to decide what songs to use. Thanks for everything!"
- Meghan & Mike Auger, May 28, 2010

"Dave, you were fantastic!!!! Everyone was saying how great you were. I'm so happy I found you!!! It was perfect! Thank you so much for being part of our day :) I will keep you in mind for our next big party. And of course if I hear anyone looking for a singer I will send them your way."
- Amanda & Luke Campbell, March 27, 2010

"Everything was fantastic, and we received so many compliments on the music you provided. We were really happy with your performance, and it made our special day so much more memorable. Thanks again!"
- Melissa Hamilton & Stéfan Ruest, September 11, 2009

"Thank you so much for learning the songs and playing them so well at our wedding. It was just as we hoped it would be and your talent was enjoyed by all."
- Margaret MacCrimmon & Colin Wharton, August 28, 2009

"I can't tell you how happy we were with the music during the ceremony. It was exactly what I wanted."
- Chantal LeBlanc & Yannick Jacob, August 26, 2009

"I just have to say a huge THANK YOU! Your music is beautiful and you really captured the ambiance we were going for. We received so many compliments from our guests and a couple even asked for your contact info. I have passed along your website address. You are a great artist and many thanks."
- Andrea Latendresse & Jeff Marmus, August 15, 2009

"We just wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful music you played at our wedding - everyone including the priest was raving about how incredible you were!! The songs, your playing & your voice set the perfect mood for our wedding!! Thank you for playing such an important role in our marriage ceremony - we could not have imagined more perfect music!! We would highly recommend you to any looking for a musician. We truly appreciate that you took the time to learn "Beautiful Day" for our ceremony - thank you again for making everything so special!"
- Barry & Danielle Gaudet, April 25, 2009

"I just wanted to send you a quick note to say Thank You for playing at our wedding. Hearing Canon in D while the wedding party walked in before me was exactly what I wanted. It was beautiful. It was very nice of you to take a special request for a song that we really like - I was so pleased to hear you playing Green Eyes when we were signing the registry. Solsbury Hill was perfect for us to walk away after the ceremony, and Yellow was a nice touch, too. Thanks for adding it! Genevieve told me she was impressed and pleased to meet you. She has had many other musicians at her site, and she said you were one of the easiest, most pleasant ones to deal with :-) From now on, whenever I hear that someone is engaged, right after I congratulate them, I will highly recommend that they check out what you have to offer by visiting your website. You were professional and polite at all times. We were privileged to have such a talented musician for our special day."
- Brianna Cameron & Marc-Andre Ladouceur, October 25, 2008

"We were both extremely happy with the music during our ceremony! It suited the atmosphere of our wedding perfectly! I really want to thank you for being part of our wedding, and for doing such a beautiful job on all of the songs. Many of our guests commented on the ceremony music and how smoothly it all went together. Thank you again :)"
- Tricia Mattice & Jessy Kouk, June 14, 2008

"We were truly impressed with your music. It was a terrific addition to our wedding ceremony. Many of our guests specifically mentioned how amazing your music was. Thank you again for taking the time to learn new songs for us. It made it even more special. We feel very fortunate that you were recommended to us. In turn, we highly recommend your services to anyone (and have already done so!). We wish you continued success and hope to enjoy your music in person again soon."
- Sue Carchidi & John Lammey, May 31, 2008

"Thank you so much for being part of our special day. You are a talented musician and a true professional. Thank you for going out of your way to do an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon for our entrance; it meant a lot to us to have this song, and it was beautifully played. Thank you!"
- Lisa Mitchell & Josée Chevalier, May 24, 2008

"Your musicianship and professionalism framed our wedding ceremony beautifully. Our guests raved about how excellent the music was. You are very talented. We want to thank you again for enhancing our special day, especially on such short notice."
- April & Sean Coleman, March 21, 2008

"We were both pleased with the music you played and we had lots of great comments from the guests on your selections. Thank you again for being part of our special day."
- Melissa Davenport & Stephanie Small, September 1, 2007

"I wanted to thank you again for the amazing job. We had many compliments on the beautiful arrangements you did!"
- Natalie Matula & Peter Kelly, May 5, 2007

"I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful job you did at our wedding - you were great. The music and songs you did were perfect and just what I had wanted."
- Joanne & Sean Lyons, April 28, 2007

"We wanted to let you know that you did an incredible performance on Sunday! Your playing/singing was beautiful and we were super pleased with the music at our wedding ceremony."
- Sari Markel & Dan Ting, August 6, 2006

"We simply cannot tell you how meaningful that song was for all of us, and truly stands out as a moment in time we won't ever forget as a family. You were so easy to work with, and we felt 100% confident with you and your experience. You helped make a perfect day even more memorable and extremely personally meaningful."
- Annmarie & Ruari Long, June 25, 2006

"I wanted to tell you that we were absolutely thrilled with your playing. We had several comments from the guests about how wonderful the ceremony music was and everyone was very impressed. Thanks again for everything! Please feel free to use us as a reference, we will definitely recommend you to others!!"
- Rosemary Quirouette & Steve Morse, August 19, 2005

Events

"I wanted to thank you once again for your beautiful performance during our event at Rainbow Foods. The music suited the event perfectly, and I had many customers comment on how much they enjoyed your playing."
- Stephanie Carbert, Rainbow Foods, June 14, 2012

"I just wanted to thank you on behalf of my family for the excellent music you provided at my father's memorial mass on Saturday September 6th. The balance of solos, classical guitar and organ for the hymns was perfect. There were so many compliments about the elegance of the mass and this was due in large part to the music. Several members of the RCMP Veteran's Association commented that it was one of the most fitting memorial tributes they had ever attended for a member of the Force. I sincerely appreciate the excellent service you provided."
- Dale Synnett-Caron, September 6, 2008

"It was wonderful to have you with us. People really enjoyed your music and singing. Thank you for contributing to the success of the art show."
- Phil Emond, Gordon Harrison Art Show, June 2 & 3, 2007

"It was truly a pleasure to have you join us at the Wakefield Mill. Your musical talent, professionalism, and easy-going nature put the evening over the top!"
- Keely Hachey, MD Financial, April 19, 2007

Listen/Watch

Guitar and Voice

Instrumental Guitar (No Voice)

Classical Guitar (No Voice)

Rates

For a wedding ceremony in Ottawa, my fee is $350. This includes prelude music for fifteen minutes as guests are arriving, as well as any pieces that you would like during the ceremony, up to and including the recessional. For additional music before the ceremony or after the recessional, I charge $100 per hour, and you can book this time in increments of 15 minutes. There may be an additional fee to cover travel time or set-up time depending on the venue and location. My prices include the tax.

Once the details of location and timing are set, I can email you a contract to fill out and send back to me. Along with that, I ask for a cheque for half the amount and a post-dated cheque for the balance in order to confirm the booking.

I am also available to perform at other private and corporate events and parties. For an event in Ottawa, my fee is $300 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour.

Repertoire

My repertoire is divided into three categories:
Guitar and Voice,
Instrumental Guitar (No Voice) and
Classical Guitar (No Voice).

Guitar and Voice

These songs cannot necessarily be re-arranged to be performed without the vocal. For songs without voice, please continue to Instrumental Guitar (No Voice).

The following songs are great choices for a ceremony because of their lyrics. To see a full list of the songs I sing, click here.

To see the lyrics for any of the songs listed below, click on the word in the third column.

Song Artist Lyrics
A Thousand Years Christina Perri lyrics
And I Love Her The Beatles lyrics
Banana Pancakes Jack Johnson lyrics
Better Together Jack Johnson lyrics
Crazy Little Thing Called Love Queen lyrics
Eight Days A Week The Beatles lyrics
Everlong Foo Fighters lyrics
Green Eyes Coldplay lyrics
Grow Old With You Adam Sandler lyrics
Happy Together The Turtles lyrics
Harvest Moon Neil Young lyrics
Here Comes The Sun The Beatles lyrics
Here, There And Everywhere The Beatles lyrics
Hey There Delilah Plain White T's lyrics
I Walk The Line Johnny Cash lyrics
I'll Be Edwin McCain lyrics
I'm A Believer The Monkees lyrics
I'm Yours Jason Mraz lyrics
Ice Cream Sarah McLachlan lyrics
Imagine John Lennon lyrics
In My Life The Beatles lyrics
Is This Love Bob Marley lyrics
Let My Love Open The Door Pete Townshend lyrics
Lost Together Blue Rodeo lyrics
Love You 'Til The End The Pogues lyrics
Marry Me Train lyrics
Nothing Else Matters Metallica lyrics
Pride And Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan lyrics
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/
What A Wonderful World
Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole lyrics
Thank You Led Zeppelin lyrics
What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong lyrics
When You Say Nothing At All Alison Krauss lyrics
Yellow Coldplay lyrics
You're My Best Friend Queen lyrics

Instrumental Guitar (No Voice)

Song Artist or Composer Genre
Blackbird The Beatles Rock
You And Me Lifehouse Rock
Here Comes The Sun The Beatles Rock
Marry Me Train Rock
Better Together Jack Johnson Rock
Fix You Coldplay Rock
Annie's Song John Denver Pop
Here, There and Everywhere The Beatles Rock
Hallelujah Leonard Cohen Rock
To Make You Feel My Love Garth Brooks/Adele Pop
All of Me John Legend Pop
Baby I Love Your Way Peter Frampton Rock
A Thousand Years Christina Perri Pop
Never Going Back Again Fleetwood Mac Rock
Fields Of Gold Sting Rock
Can't Help Falling in Love Elvis Presley Pop
She's Everything Brad Paisley Country
When You Say Nothing At All Allison Krauss Country
Future Days Pearl Jam Rock
First Ride Don Ross Folk
The Longest Time Billy Joel Pop
Signe Eric Clapton Rock
Si Bheag Si Mhor Turlough O'Carolan Celtic
Rainbow Connection Muppets Pop
Nothing Else Matters Metallica Rock
Let My Love Open The Door Pete Townshend Rock
In My Life The Beatles Rock
La vie en rose Louis Armstrong/Edith Piaf Jazz/Pop
What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong Jazz/Pop
Something Pretty Patrick Park Rock
You're My Best Friend Queen Rock
Horizons Genesis Folk
Classical Gas Mason Williams Folk
Mood for a Day Yes Folk
Dust in the Wind Kansas Folk
He'll Make Me Happy Jeff Moss (Muppets) Pop
I Will Be Here Steven Curtis Chapman Pop
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm Crash Test Dummies Rock
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic The Police Rock
Love You 'Til The End The Pogues Rock
Rain Song Led Zeppelin Rock
After the Gold Rush Neil Young Folk
Bron-yr-aur Led Zeppelin Folk
Busted Down Around O'Connelly Corners Doobie Brothers Folk
Friends Led Zeppelin Folk
Hey Hey Eric Clapton/Big Bill Broonzy Blues
Is There Anybody Out There? Pink Floyd Rock
You've Got A Friend James Taylor/Carole King Folk
Malagueña Traditional Spanish
Moorish Dance Traditional Spanish
Mary Had a Little Lamb Stevie Ray Vaughan Blues
Pride and Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan Blues
Lenny Stevie Ray Vaughan Jazz
Little Wing Jimi Hendrix Rock
Over the Hills and Far Away Led Zeppelin Rock
Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin Rock
Goodbye Blue Sky Pink Floyd Rock

Classical Guitar (No Voice)

Piece Composer
Adelita (Mazurca) Tárrega, Francisco
Air Anonymous
Air on the G String  Bach, J. S. 
Allegretto, op. 241 Carulli, Ferdinando
Allegro, op. 60, no. 23 Carcassi, Matteo
Allegro, op.100, no. 11 Giuliani, Mauro
Alman Johnson, Robert
Amable, El Ferrer, José
Amanecer Zenamon, Jaime Mirtenbaum
Andante Espressivo, op. 40, no. 7 Giuliani, Mauro
Andantino, op. 44, no. 3 Sor, Fernando
Aria Logy, Johann Anton
Allemanda Calvi, Carlos
Aria di Fiorenza Calvi, Carlos
Asturias (Leyenda) Albéniz, Isaac
Ballet Anonymous, transc. Paul Gerrits
Balleto  Anonymous
Barcarolle Kraft, Norbert
Bossa Zenamon, Jaime Mirtenbaum
Bourrée, from Lute Suite No. 1 Bach, J. S. 
Bridal Chorus, from Lohengrin Wagner, Richard
Campanella Kellner, David
Can She Excuse Dowland, John
Canarios Sanz, Gaspar
Canon in D Pachelbel, Johann 
Caprice, op. 20, no. 2  Legnani, Luigi
Choros Semenzato, Domingos
Dance Anonymous, arr. Oscar Chilesotti
Der Fuggerin Tanz  Neusidler, Melchior
Estudio Sencillo 1 Brouwer, Leo
Estudio Sencillo 4 Brouwer, Leo
Etude in A Major, op. 60, no. 3 Carcassi, Matteo
Frog Blues Gagnon, Claude
Gallarda Mudarra, Alonso
Españoleta Sanz, Gaspar
Gigue Brescianello, Giuseppe 
Golondrina, La Sevilla, Narciso Serrandell
Greensleeves  Cutting, Francis
Herencia Latina (Rumba) Peña, Paco
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach, J. S. 
Kemp's Jig Anonymous
Lady Laiton's Almain Dowland, John
Làgrima (Prelude) Tárrega, Francisco
Larghetto, op.50, no. 17 Giuliani, Mauro
Lejania Zenamon, Jaime Mirtenbaum
Lesson, op. 31, no. 4 Sor, Fernando
Lesson, op.60, no. 5 Sor, Fernando
Menuet, BWV anh. 116 Bach, J. S. 
Miami Montreuil, Gérard
Miniature No. 19 Reiher, Alan
Miniature No. 3 Reiher, Alan
Minuet in G Major Anonymous
Minuet, BWV Anh. 114 Petzold, Christian
Minuet, from Sonata No. 26 Paganini, Niccolò
Minuet, from Suite BWV 822 Bach, J. S. 
Minuetto Paganini, Niccolò
Moorish Dance Traditional
Malagueña Traditional
Mrs. Winter's Jump Dowland, John
My Lady Hunssdon’s Allemande Dowland, John
Ode To Joy Beethoven, Ludwig van
Paper Dragon Koshkin, Nikita
Pavane I Milan, Luis
Petite valse des cinq cordes Kleynjans, Francis
Prelude No. 4 Villa-Lobos, Heitor
Prelude, from Cello Suite No. 1 Bach, J. S. 
Recuerdos de la Alhambra Tárrega, Francisco
Reminiscence Kraft, Norbert
Round Battle Galliard Dowland, John
Sarabande Logy, Johann Anton
Sarabande Anonymous
School Blues Katz, Brian
Si Bheag Si Mhor O’Carolan, Turlough
Sicilienne Carulli, Ferdinando
Sleepers Awake Bach, J. S. 
Solitudine  Anzaghi, L. O.
Spanish Romance  Anonymous
Study in Seven Kraft, Norbert
Study, op. 35, no. 13 Sor, Fernando
Study, op. 60, no. 9 Carcassi, Matteo
Study, T.I. ii-26 Tárrega, Francisco
Tempi Lontani  Anzaghi, L. O.
Trumpet Tune Clarke, Jeremiah
Vals en re Tárrega, Francisco
Vals Espanol Ferrer, José
Variations in Tremolo from Op. 21 Regondi, Giulio
Village Dance Traditional, arr. Claude Gagnon
Viñeta Criolla III Cordero, Ernesto
Vivace Falckenhagen, Adam
Waltz, op. 2, no. 2 Sor, Fernando
Wedding March, from A Midsummer Night's Dream Mendelssohn, Felix

Availability

Dates on which I am already booked for at least part of the day are listed here. You may still be able to book another event on these dates depending on the timing.

FAQs

Where can I have music in my wedding ceremony?
Anywhere you like! But the most common places are:
  • Prelude - as guests start to arrive, usually about 15 minutes before the wedding ceremony is scheduled to begin.
  • Processional - as the bride walks down the aisle. This can be one piece of music for the entire processional (including ring bearer, flower girl, bridesmaids and bride) or two pieces (a separate piece for the bride).
  • Between readings.
  • During the lighting of a unity candle.
  • Signing of the registry - there may be time for two pieces here.
  • Recessional - as the bride and groom walk back down the aisle together at the end of the ceremony.
  • Postlude - as the guests are milling about after the ceremony and pictures are being taken. (There is an extra fee for this since it occurs after the ceremony.)
What if the song isn't the right length for the processional or the signing?
I can adjust the length of the song as I am playing it by repeating or skipping verses and I can create an ending at many different places in the song in order to make it end at the right time. If you would like to hear the whole song even if it is not finished by the end of the processional or signing, just let me (and the officiant) know ahead of time.
How did you become a wedding singer?
I have been singing for many years in bars and clubs around Ottawa and beyond, both solo acoustic guitar shows and with many different bands in which I also played guitar or bass. Throughout this time, my alter ego was playing classical guitar at weddings with a flutist in Duo Capriccio. In the last few years, I have received more and more requests to sing contemporary songs at weddings, so here I am!

Photos

Photo by Erin Petruska Photography
Dave performing at the weddding ceremony of Breanne Merklinger & Matthew MacDonald at the Rockcliffe Park Pavilion in Ottawa, June 14, 2013

  Dave Milliken playing at the wedding of Nicola De Angelis
Dave playing guitar at the weddding ceremony of Nicola De Angelis & Emmanuel McKinnonat Strathmere, North Gower, Ontario, October 7, 2012
 
Dave playing guitar following the weddding ceremony of Jen Richard & Mark Drake at Tews Falls near Hamilton, Ontario, May 28, 2011
 
Dave playing guitar at the weddding ceremony of Tricia Mattice & Jessy Kouk at the Canada Club near Perth, Ontario, June 14, 2008
 
Photo by Sam and Mary Photography
Dave playing prelude music at the weddding ceremony of April & Sean Coleman at the Courtyard Restaurant in Ottawa, March 21, 2008
 
Dave playing classical guitar at the weddding ceremony of Melissa Davenport & Stephanie Small at Strathmere, North Gower, Ontario, September 1, 2007
 
Dave providing classical background music before the weddding ceremony of Joanne & Sean Lyons at Olde Virginia Manor, Manotick, Ontario, April 28, 2007
 
Dave singing and playing during the cocktail hour following the weddding ceremony of Joanne & Sean Lyons at Olde Virginia Manor, Manotick, Ontario, April 28, 2007
Dave Milliken
613-247-1402