Wedding Ceremony Music [40+ Songs + Playlists]

Last updated October 16, 2020

What type of ambiance do you want to create for the stage where you will be sharing your vows? Do you want classic orchestral tunes or some contemporary songs that hold a special place in your heart? Check out our list of some of the best ceremony music choices – there are 40 different songs that are sure to inspire.

More Wedding Ceremony Music

• 25+ Wedding Recessional songs – Updated twice per year!
• 25+ Wedding Prelude songs – Also updated twice per year!
• How to Have a Social Distancing Wedding Ceremony – The uncertainty of the coronavirus means that couples are having to get creative to plan their wedding ceremony. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate social distancing into the mix.
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing Awesome Wedding Vows – Battle tried, tested, and proven tips that will make writing (and delivering!) your vows a breeze.
• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Reception Seating – We have some great ideas on how to take the frustration out of your wedding ceremony

Common Questions About the Wedding Ceremony

How many songs do you need for a wedding ceremony?

The traditional “classic” western wedding ceremony has three phases: the prelude, the processional, and the recessional. The prelude music is what plays while guests arrive and are seated; the professional music is what plays while the wedding party, including the bride, enters; the recessional is what plays after the ceremony concludes.

Does the Groom walk down the aisle to music?

In most traditional western weddings, the groom and groomsmen are already at the alter when the bride arrives. However, it is also common for the groom/groomsman to walk down the aisle to some prelude music. There isn’t really a “right” or “wrong” way to do it so long as you both wind up at the alter in the end!

Why does everyone stand when the bride enters?

Standing when the bride begins to walk down the aisle is a custom that has been part of the traditional wedding ceremony for a long time. However, it is getting quite common for the officiant to ask guests to remain seated, as many brides prefer their guests to remain seated vs. stand. Again, this is another wedding tradition that certainly isn’t set in stone!