Grammy® Award-Winning Saxophonist Kirk Whalum Launches “Weddings by Whalum”
Grammy® Award-Winning Saxophonist Kirk Whalum Launches Weddings by Whalum
An Unforgettable Marriage & Music Experience
(October 17, 2025) Memphis, TN — Soulful saxophonist, ordained minister, and twelve-time Grammy® Award nominee Kirk Whalum is bringing his signature sound and heartfelt spirit to a new stage — the wedding altar. Today, Whalum officially announces the launch of Weddings by Whalum, a bespoke wedding and vow-renewal officiant service blending deep spiritual meaning with the unforgettable power of music.
Known around the world for the rich, gospel-rooted tenor sax that graced Whitney Houston’s iconic “I Will Always Love You,” Whalum now shares his wisdom from 45 years of marriage and a lifetime of ministry to create utterly unique ceremonies. Each couple he marries is encouraged to “discover each other’s real name” — a concept Whalum draws from a treasured encounter in South Africa, reminding couples they are each Cherished in the Creator’s eyes, and called to live into that truth for life.
“Love,” says Whalum, “buttressed by mutual respect and empathy, is the one truly important thing. Everything else is secondary. For Ruby and me, 45 years together have been through the fire, but that fire forged the bond that makes marriage sacred.”
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Whalum offers personalized officiating that reflects a couple’s story, traditions, and spiritual character — performing weddings of any size thanks to his Masters of Art in Religion and deep experience in both ministry and music. He has officiated over a dozen weddings and numerous vow renewals, including ceremonies for more than 50 couples at once.
The Signature Weddings by Whalum Offerings
Couples can choose from three exclusive experiences:
- The Promise — Officiated ceremony including personal words of wisdom (approx. 45 minutes)
I Will Always Love You — Ceremony with personal words of wisdom and Whalum’s iconic saxophone performance of “I Will Always Love You” (approx. 60 minutes; subject to AV setup)
Epic Cool — Ceremony with Whalum’s sax performance of “I Will Always Love You” followed by a 45-minute live band set of Whalum’s catalog (approx. 105 minutes total)
Music plays a central role in Whalum’s ceremonies, not just as celebration but as a lifelong tool for connection. “Music can soften hearts, create space for calm dialogue, and remind couples to dance together through the years,” Whalum says.
Booking & Availability
Kirk Whalum’s Weddings by Whalum requires a minimum of 30 days’ notice for booking, with 3 months preferred. As Whalum continues to tour actively, dates are subject to his touring schedule.
Whalum’s marriage ministry is an extension of a distinguished career that includes over 25 solo recordings, collaborations with Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Larry Carlton, and more. An in-demand educator and host of the daily podcast Bible In Your Ear, Whalum continues to inspire audiences worldwide — now with the chance to create an “evergreen life together” for couples starting their journey.
For booking inquiries, visit: info@prominentglobal.com
More About Kirk Whalum
Kirk Whalum is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer renowned for his soulful, passionate sound rooted in his Memphis gospel upbringing. He developed his distinctive tenor sax voice through experiences in the Houston nightclub scene, where jazz pianist Bob James discovered him and helped him secure a recording deal. Whalum has released over 25 solo albums, including the highly successful For You and the Gospel According to Jazz series. He is famously known for performing the saxophone solo on Whitney Houston’s iconic 1992 hit “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard soundtrack. Aside from his solo career, Whalum has worked with legendary artists like Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, and Al Jarreau. An ordained minister with a Master of Arts in Religion, Whalum balances his music career with ministry, education, and community service, frequently incorporating his deep spirituality into his performances and recordings. He is also a member of the jazz group BWB and hosts a daily podcast called Bible In Your Ear.
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