Written by Dorothy Gurney, Composed by Joseph Barnby
“O Perfect Love” is a solemn wedding hymn by writer Dorothy Gurney and composer Joseph Barnby, with two tune names “O Perfect Love” and “Sandringham.”
The wedding hymn “O Perfect Love” was written in 1883 by an English writer, Dorothy B. Gurney, who wrote only this one hymn text throughout her lifetime. She wrote this for her older sister’s wedding.
Gurney stated that writing this hymn was no effort after the initial idea came to her from the two-fold aspect of perfect union – love and life – and that she always felt God helped her write it. The text first appeared in the Anglican Church hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern, Supplement, published in 1889.
Full article … [O Perfect Love]
This is a message for Tel Asiado
I am planning to get married and was looking for appropriate hymns to include in my order of service.
I really like the hymn “O perfect love” and am seeking your permission to use it in my wedding ceremony as I understand that you hold the copyright.
Hi Yvonne,
No, I’m not the holder of the hymn’s copyright. I merely wrote an article about this lovely hymn. But, as hymns like “O Perfect Love” are normally a part of worship through music in church services, I see no reason why you can’t use it on your wedding day.
All the best to your wedding.
God bless,
Tel
Thanks for your kind wishes. I have since found out that copyright has expired for this hymn and it is now in the public domain so I should be able to use it without a problem.
All the best
Yvonne