What Songs Should You Play During Your Wedding Ceremony?
Music is a powerful part of any wedding ceremony—it sets the mood, evokes emotion, and reflects the couple’s unique love story. From the bridal party’s procession to the bride’s grand entrance, the signing of the register, and the joyful recessional, the right songs make each moment even more meaningful.
But with thousands of songs to choose from, how do you decide?
Music is a powerful part of any wedding ceremony—it sets the mood, evokes emotion, and reflects the couple’s unique love story
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With over 20 years of experience as a highly engaging celebrant, MC, and DJ, Jamie Cartner has provided the soundtrack for hundreds of wedding ceremonies. In this blog, he shares the top song choices made by real couples for walking down the aisle, signing the register, and making their grand exit as newlyweds.
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Let’s dive in and discover real wedding ceremony song ideas by real couples!
Walking Down the Aisle
Few moments in a wedding are as emotional and magical as this one—the first time the couple locks eyes, the bride is escorted down the aisle by a loved one, surrounded by close friends and family. The music sets the tone, creating an atmosphere of love, anticipation, and serenity.
Brides often choose acoustic and melodic songs that enhance the beauty of the moment, with heartfelt lyrics and gentle instrumentals. Many of the songs on this list have been reimagined in various covers, but "You Are the Reason" and "A Thousand Years" remain firm favorites. I’ve also included some instrumental classics that add an elegant touch to this unforgettable walk and are chosen from time to time.
Photo courtesy of Be One Photography
Few moments in a wedding are as emotional and magical as this one.
This couple's choice was "A Thousand Years" by Piano Guys as the Bride's attendants walked down the aisle and Christina Perri's version played as the Bride was escorted by her father.
Top songs picks for walking down the aisle chosen by real couples
SONG | ARTIST |
You Are the Reason | Calum Scott |
A Thousand Years | Christina Perri |
From This Moment | Shania Twain |
Beautiful in White | Shane Filan |
All This Time | OneRepublic |
Can’t Help Falling in Love | Most covered song – Elvis Presley's original' |
Truly Madly Deeply | Savage Garden and host of amazing covers |
At Last | Etta James |
I Get to Love You | Ruelle |
Beautiful Crazy | Luke Combs |
What Dreams Are Made Of | Sami Fong |
Perfect | Ed Sheeran and host of covers |
Imagine | Ben Platt |
Forever Starts Today | Tim Halpern |
Canon in D | Pachelbel |
Wedding March | Mendelsson |
Air on the G-string | Bach |
Can You Feel the Love Tonight | Elton John |
Signing of the Register
The signing of the register is a key moment in your ceremony, but since it only involves the couple, celebrant, and witnesses, it’s also a time to keep your guests engaged. Music plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere, creating a warm and relaxed ambience as the legal paperwork is completed—a process that typically takes 4 to 8 minutes, depending on photos.
One of the most requested wedding ceremony songs for this moment is "I’m Yours" by Jason Mraz, with its feel-good melody and uplifting lyrics.
The signing of the register is a key moment in your ceremony.
The guests enjoyed "I Can't Help Falling In Love" Haley Reinhart's version & "You Are The Reason" by Calum Scott, as I signed the paperwork with this couple at Kangy Gardens' Jardin Chapel
Below, you'll find a selection of other popular song ideas. Each song brings its own unique charm to this special part of your wedding day.
SONG | ARTIST |
I’m Yours | Jason Mraz |
A Thousand Years | Christina Perri |
Forever Starts Today | Tim Halpern |
Amazed | Lonestar |
Wonderwall | Oasis |
I Guess I’m in Love | Clinton Kane |
Until I Found You | Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold |
Say You Will | Hearts & Colors |
Spend It With You | Kodaline |
Better Together | Jack Johnson |
Little Things | One Direction |
Better Together | Luke Combs |
In Case You Didn’t Know | Brett Young |
Somewhere Over The Rainbow | Israel Kamakawiwo’ole |
How Long Will I Love You | Ellie Goulding |
Love Song | Kenny G |
Girls Like You | Vitamin String Quartet |
The Joyful Recessional – The Happy Couple
There’s no moment quite like this—the newlyweds, hand in hand, walking back up the aisle to the cheers, applause, bubbles, and rose petals from their loved ones. It’s a celebration of love, joy, and the beginning of a new chapter.
The recessional song should be upbeat and full of energy, much like the excitement of the couple’s grand entrance at the reception. While "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang remains a timeless favorite, songs like "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors and "I Got You (I Feel Good) " by James Brown never fail to lift the moment.
Photos courtesy of Be One Photography
Joyful Recessionals
Soft petals were falling to "Celestial" by Ed Sheeran. Bubbles, laughter and cheeky grins were had with "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen. And love was in the air with "Love On Top" by Beyoncé.
These three ceremonies were held at Linton Gardens
Below is a list of some of the top picks from real couples for their recessional song—guaranteed to send you off in style!
SONG | ARTIST |
I Found You | Cash Cash & Andy Grammar |
Best Day of My Life | American Authors |
Celestial | Ed Sheeran |
Signed, Sealed, Delivered | Stevie Wonder |
Still Into You | Tiffany Alvord |
Let My Love Open the Door | Pete Townsend |
Ain't No Mountain High Enough | Jimmy Barnes |
Accidentally In Love | Counting Crows |
Celebration | Kool and the Gang |
You and Me | Lifehouse |
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) | Natalie Cole |
Everybody | Foo Fighters |
Another One Bites The Dust | Queen |
Here Comes The Sun | The Beatles |
Marry Me | Train |
Belong Together | Mark Ambor |
Friday I’m in Love | The Cure |
Love On Top | Beyoncé |
I Got You (I Feel Good) | James Brown |
To inspire you, I've included photos of real couples enjoying special moments of their wedding ceremony. I was honoured to be their celebrant and assist them in creating these unforgettable celebrations.
While these lists highlight some of the most popular chosen wedding ceremony songs, it barely scratches the surface of the endless musical possibilities. When you meet with me to plan your ceremony, I’ll bring my full repertoire, offering even more personalised options to match your vision.
When you meet with Jamie Cartner to plan your ceremony, he’ll bring his full repertoire, offering even more personalised options to match your vision.
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And the music doesn’t stop there! As you dance your way out of your ceremony, stay tuned for Jamie’s next blog, where he’ll dive into the ultimate soundtrack for your reception—covering everything from your grand entrance to the final farewell. Get ready to curate the perfect playlist for every unforgettable moment of your big day!
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