wedding-ceremony-songs

Wedding Ceremony Songs to Set the Mood

Here are 3 lists of wedding ceremony songs grouped for different parts of a wedding ceremony:

Processional Wedding Ceremony Songs

Following chart represents the most popular Processional Wedding Ceremony Songs. This is the music to introduce the bride while she walks down the aisle.

Processional Wedding Ceremony Songs

  1. Trumpet Voluntary. Clarke
  2. Bridal Chorus, Wagner (Here Comes The Bride)
  3. Heaven. DJ Sammy
  4. Only Time. Enya
  5. Canon in D, Pachelbel
  6. All My Life. KC and JOJO
  7. Wedding March/Marriage of Figaro. Mozart
  8. Come Away With Me. Norah Jones
  9. The Prayer. Charlotte Church and Josh Groban

More Processional Wedding Ceremony Music

Signing The Register Wedding Ceremony Songs

  1. Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
  2. Marry Me, Train
  3. Glasgow Love Theme, from Love Actually
  4. How Would You Feel, Ed Sheeran
  5. Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles
  6. Butterflies, Kacey Musgraves
  7. Until, Sting
  8. Unchained Melody, Righteous Brothers (Alt ethereal version by Lykke Li)
  9. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You, Elvis Presley

More Feature Wedding Ceremony Songs

Recessional Wedding Ceremony Songs

  1. Wedding March, Mendelssohn
  2. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel
  3. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Stevie Wonder
  4. At Last, Etta James
  5. Songbird, Fleetwood Mac
  6. Amazing Day, Green Day
  7. How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You – James Taylor
  8. From This Moment – Shania Twain
  9. This Will Be An Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole

More Recessional Wedding Ceremony Songs

Your Complete Guide to Wedding Ceremony Music

The perfect wedding soundtrack does more than fill silence—it tells your love story, captures precious moments, and creates an atmosphere that your guests will remember forever. From the anticipation of the processional to the joy of the recessional, each musical choice adds a unique thread to the tapestry of your special day. Let’s explore some of the most beloved wedding ceremony songs, each one capable of helping you create the perfect soundtrack for your celebration.

Processional Songs

Trumpet Voluntary – Clarke

Perfect for: A traditional, regal entrance with timeless appeal

This majestic piece has graced royal weddings for centuries, featuring triumphant brass and a stately tempo that naturally matches a bride’s walking pace. Clarke’s masterpiece creates an atmosphere of dignity and celebration, making it particularly suitable for formal church ceremonies or grand venues.

Bridal Chorus – Wagner (“Here Comes the Bride”)

Perfect for: The quintessential traditional bride’s entrance

Wagner’s composition has earned its place at the top of many wedding ceremony songs, instantly signaling that magical moment when all eyes turn to the bride. While some consider it traditional, its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to create an unforgettable entrance that feels both timeless and meaningful.”

Heaven – DJ Sammy

Perfect for: A contemporary twist on the traditional processional

This modern dance classic, reimagined as a ballad, offers a perfect blend of romance and contemporary style. Its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics about finding paradise in love make it an excellent choice for couples seeking a more current sound while maintaining the emotional impact of their entrance.

Only Time – Enya

Perfect for: Creating a ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere

Enya’s mystical voice and the song’s flowing melody create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The gentle building of instruments and haunting vocals make this an ideal choice for brides wanting their entrance to feel like a magical moment suspended in time.

Canon in D – Pachelbel

Perfect for: A classic, emotional processional that never fails to move

This beloved classical piece, often featured among the most cherished wedding ceremony songs, builds beautifully with interweaving melodies that create a sense of growing joy and anticipation. Its familiar yet eternally fresh sound makes it particularly suitable for both traditional and modern ceremonies, offering the perfect backdrop for a graceful entrance.

All My Life – KC and JoJo

Perfect for: A smooth, R&B-influenced entrance

This R&B classic brings warmth and soul to your ceremony. The romantic lyrics and gentle melody create an atmosphere of deep love and commitment, perfect for a contemporary ceremony that honors traditional romance.

Wedding March/Marriage of Figaro – Mozart

Perfect for: A sophisticated, classical entrance

Mozart’s masterpiece brings elegance and refinement to your ceremony. The piece’s light, airy quality combined with its classical sophistication makes it ideal for couples seeking a traditional yet less commonly used processional choice.

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Perfect for: An intimate, jazzy processional

Jones’s velvet voice and the song’s gentle swing create a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. As one of the standout wedding ceremony songs, its subtle jazz influences and romantic lyrics make it perfect for couples wanting their ceremony to feel both sophisticated and deeply personal.

The Prayer – Charlotte Church and Josh Groban

Perfect for: A powerfully moving entrance

This duet’s soaring vocals and profound lyrics create an incredibly emotional moment. The combination of classical and contemporary styles makes it particularly suitable for couples wanting to blend traditional ceremony elements with modern musical choices.

Signing of the Register

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole

Perfect for: Adding a touch of whimsy and hope during the document signing

This unique ukulele interpretation brings a fresh, joyful perspective to the classic song. Its gentle, optimistic tone creates the perfect atmosphere for this administrative moment, transforming it into something magical and meaningful.

Marry Me – Train

Perfect for: A contemporary, sweet moment during the signing

Pat Monahan’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s direct, romantic lyrics make this modern classic perfect for this intimate moment. The gentle acoustic guitar and warm melody create a comfortable atmosphere while maintaining the ceremony’s significance.

Glasgow Love Theme – from Love Actually

Perfect for: A cinematic moment during the signing

This instrumental piece from the beloved romantic comedy creates a moment of pure emotion without lyrics. Its swelling strings and gentle melody perfectly underscore this intimate moment in your ceremony.

How Would You Feel – Ed Sheeran

Perfect for: A contemporary yet deeply romantic interlude

Sheeran’s emotional ballad captures the intimate feeling of two people in love. Its gentle piano opening and building intensity mirror the growing emotion of the ceremony, making it ideal for this meaningful moment.

Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

Perfect for: A bright, optimistic signing moment

This Beatles classic brings warmth and optimism to the signing portion of your ceremony. Its uplifting melody and positive lyrics about new beginnings make it a perfect choice for this transitional moment.

Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves

Perfect for: A sweet, country-tinged interlude

Musgraves brings a fresh, contemporary country sound to this moment. The song’s gentle celebration of falling in love creates the perfect backdrop for this intimate part of your ceremony.

Until – Sting

Perfect for: A sophisticated, jazz-influenced moment

Sting’s smooth vocals and the song’s elegant arrangement bring sophistication to this ceremonial moment. The romantic lyrics and jazzy undertones make it perfect for couples wanting their signing moment to feel both classic and contemporary.

Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers (Alt ethereal version by Lykke Li)

Perfect for: A hauntingly beautiful interlude

This timeless love song, especially in Lykke Li’s ethereal interpretation, creates a deeply romantic atmosphere. The powerful emotion in the melody and lyrics makes it perfect for this intimate moment.

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley

Perfect for: A timeless romantic moment

Elvis’s classic love song brings both romance and nostalgia to your ceremony. Its simple, direct expression of love makes it perfect for this meaningful moment of your ceremony.

Recessional Songs

Wedding March – Mendelssohn

Perfect for: A classic, triumphant exit as newlyweds

This exuberant piece has been celebrating newly married couples for generations. Its joyous melody and triumphant tone perfectly capture the elation of the moment when you’re first presented as a married couple.

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel

Perfect for: A grand, classical exit

Handel’s masterpiece brings royal grandeur to your recessional. Its quick tempo and jubilant melody create the perfect soundtrack for your first steps as a married couple.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

Perfect for: An upbeat, soulful celebration

Wonder’s classic hit brings an infectious energy that’s perfect for celebrating your first moments as a married couple. Its upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics about committed love make it an ideal choice for couples wanting to exit their ceremony with joy and style.

At Last – Etta James

Perfect for: A romantic, soulful conclusion

James’s timeless voice and the song’s celebratory message about finding true love make this a perfect choice for your wedding ceremony songs, especially for that triumphant exit. The rich orchestration and emotional delivery create a moment of pure joy and satisfaction.

Songbird – Fleetwood Mac

Perfect for: A tender, folk-rock recessional

Christine McVie’s gentle voice and the song’s sweet melody create a perfect moment of celebration. As one of the most beautiful wedding ceremony songs, its message of devoted love makes it ideal for your first moments as a married couple.

Amazing Day – Coldplay

Perfect for: A modern, uplifting exit

This contemporary track brings both emotion and energy to your recessional. The building instrumentation and uplifting lyrics make it perfect for couples wanting a modern, powerful exit.

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You – James Taylor

Perfect for: A joyful, classic rock recessional

Taylor’s warm voice and the song’s celebratory tone create the perfect atmosphere for your exit. As one of the most heartfelt wedding ceremony songs, its message of gratitude for love makes it especially meaningful for this moment.

From This Moment – Shania Twain

Perfect for: A country-pop celebration

Twain’s powerful vocals and the song’s romantic lyrics create an emotional recessional moment. The blend of country and pop styles makes it perfect for couples wanting their exit to feel both traditional and contemporary.

This Will Be An Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole

Perfect for: An upbeat, joyful conclusion

Cole’s energetic celebration of endless love brings the perfect combination of class and joy to your recessional. As one of the best wedding ceremony songs, its upbeat tempo and positive message make it ideal for your jubilant exit as newlyweds.

Making Your Musical Choices Work for You

Remember, while these songs are tried-and-true favorites, your wedding ceremony songs should ultimately reflect your personal style and story as a couple. Work closely with your musicians or DJ to ensure the arrangements match your vision—whether that means traditional interpretations, modern covers, or completely unique versions of these beloved songs.

When making your final selections consider factors like

  • your venue’s acoustics
  • the length of your aisle
  • the overall tone of your ceremony.

Don’t hesitate to mix traditional and contemporary pieces if that better represents you as a couple. The most important thing is choosing music that moves you and creates the atmosphere you’ve dreamed of for your special day.

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