After the first dance, the walking in and walking out (the procession and recession) part of the wedding ceremony is the most important music section. So it’s really important to use the right song for the occasion. Below are DJWORX’s and professional wedding DJs suggestions for the best traditional and modern wedding ceremony songs.
Table of Contents
What is a processional song?
A processional song is the music that the wedding party actually walk down the aisle to. Also known as – walking in music.
Dominic from The Wedding Duo – “The beginning of the ceremony is when it all begins. 18 months of planning all comes down to that moment…make it big! If you find the perfect song for the bride, one thing I suggest to my couples is to use an instrumental version of that same song for everyone else. One of my favorites is I Get to Love You, by Ruelle. I use the instrumental version from Brian Catuccio, then when it’s time for the bride I switch to Ruelle. It is amazing! “
What options are there for the wedding walking in and out music?
- having the same processional song for the whole bridal party
- having a special song just for the bride
- traditional or modern
What is a recessional song?
At the end of the ceremony, the now married couple leave the wedding venue to your recessional music. Normally there isn’t recessional music for the rest of the bridal party. Also known as – walking out music.
Dominic from The Wedding Duo – “Something to consider when selecting a recessional song for after the “I do’s” is finding the right part of the song. American Authors have a perfect song called Best Day of My Life. I always set it to start right at :37 seconds into the song. There is a perfect break right there, and the first lyric that plays is “THIS IS GONNA BE THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!” So, look for the chorus or a good spot in the song to get the most out of that moment!”
Wedding ceremony songs advice for DJs
As a DJ it’s vital to have the right music as wedding ceremony songs if it is your responsibility. It’s very likely that you will discuss the music for this part of the wedding ceremony with the couple beforehand, so take this list with you to the meeting, as all of the songs on it are perfect for the wedding procession/recession. Having a predetermined list of songs reduces stress for the couple in having to choose the right song, and will show off your professionalism by being able to suggest appropriate tunes.
If you are an experienced wedding or event DJ you might think you have the perfect setlist, with the perfect wedding ceremony songs but it can always be improved! It’s important to keep up date with what happy couples might request, as tastes change over time, so have a read through here to see if there are any wedding ceremony songs that could improve your playlist. Let us know any songs we have missed in the comments below and we’ll add them to the list. All of these songs are available on Spotify. Find out how to DJ with Spotify.
Processional Wedding Ceremony Songs
1. Here Comes the bride (also known as the Bridal Chorus) – Wagner
This piece of classical music is the traditional choice for the bridal procession. Often played on an organ, but the wedding DJ might be required to play this if its a non traditional venue (ie not a church).
2. Canon in D – Pachelbel
We’ve all been to a wedding where this has been played.
3. A Thousand Years – The Piano Guys (originally Christina Perri)
Often couples can’t decide between a classic instrumental or a more modern lovesong with vocals for their processional music. Why not get the best of both worlds with an instrumental cover of one of your favourite songs? We love this piano and cello cover of Christina Perri – check out The Piano Guys for more classical covers.
4. DJ Lanz suggests – How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Ellie’s ethereal vocals bring a sense of tenderness and vulnerability to the song. The lyrics of the song express enduring love and commitment. They speak to the timeless nature of love and the promise to cherish and support each other for a lifetime, making it a poignant choice for a wedding ceremony.
5. Glasgow Love Theme – from Love Actually
Walking down the aisle to a song from your favourite film soundtrack is another way to incorporate instrumental music with a personal touch into your ceremony. There are loads of options to choose from – Love Actually is a great place to start, and will have you welling up before you know it.
6. Marry Me – Train
If you want a modern song but aren’t sure what sort of thing to go for, then we think this a great choice. The melody and lyrics are both beautiful, and the tempo isn’t too fast for a processional.
7. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
For something a little bit different, you can’t beat this gorgeous ukelele cover – it’s sure to get everyone smiling!
8. DJ Lanz’s choice – Can’t Help Falling in Love – Haley Reinhart
9. Berlin – Take My Breath Away
DJWORX recommends this for a wedding between 80s music fans, or between people born in the 1980s. A great option which DJ Lanz agrees with “This is a is a classic love song known for its romantic and sweeping melody. When performed as an instrumental piano piece by The Tickled Ivories it adds a layer of elegance and sophistication to the song. The simplicity of the piano allows the melody to shine through, without the distraction of lyrics, making it a beautiful backdrop for the processional.”
Recessional Wedding ceremony songs
10. Wedding March – Mendelssohn
The traditional choice for wedding recessionals. If your venue is a church this will likely be the choice people are expecting, but it doesn’t have to be.
11. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
This classical piece may be intended to signify an arrival, but it works perfectly for a recessional – it’s high tempo and undoubtedly joyful. Perfect for more traditional couples.
12. All Love Everything – Aloe Blacc
DJ Lanz is a professional wedding DJ from California and recommends this within your wedding ceremony songs playlist because “the upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm make it a great song for getting guests excited and ready to celebrate. It’s danceable groove encourages everyone to clap, sway, or even dance along as the couple makes their grand exit. The lyrics of the song express a commitment to love and support each other through life’s ups and downs. This affirmation of commitment resonates with the newly married couple as they embark on their journey together, making it a meaningful choice for the recessional.”
13. Don’t Stop Believing – Vitamin String Quartet (originally Journey)
Another classical cover of a modern tune – we love this version of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing as played by a string quartet, as it strikes the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.
14. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
One of the most popular modern choices – and with good reason! After all, you and your new husband have just signed the wedding register, so the lyrics “signed, sealed, delivered – I’m yours!” are particularly meaningful.
15. First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes
This adorable acoustic song is a great choice for couples looking for a quirky alternative, and we think it’s a lovely way to start the first day of your married life.
16. Now That We Found Love – Heavy D And The Boyz
Will Smith and Eva Mendes danced to this in Hitch. One for the 90s crew for sure. We wouldn’t recommend playing the other tune that Heavy D featured is known for, D-Mob’s – We Call It Acieed…
17. A DJ Lanz choice – You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Lanz “This is a fantastic choice for a recessional wedding song, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration. The song’s upbeat tempo and soulful sound create a celebratory atmosphere, making it perfect for the recessional. It sets a tone of happiness and excitement as the newly married couple walks back up the aisle together, ready to start their journey as spouses”
The Wedding event itself – What to play
Read what to play at the wedding itself with input from professional wedding DJs in the next part of this series.
At DJWORX we support all types of DJs. More people are professional event and wedding DJs than nightclub DJs (some do both). Weddings are the ultimate test of a DJs professionalism, attention to detail and skill at reading an event. They also require you to work with the happy couple and venue as a team.
Dominic from The Wedding Duo – “Most weddings have 3 to 4 generations represented, and all walks of life. It is different from a night at the club. As the DJ, I am responsible to keep the party going and the dance floor packed. I try to play songs for all ages, but there are songs that have stood the test of time and are known by everyone that I play at almost every event. Dancing Queen, ABBA; September, Earth, Wind and Fire; I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Whitney Houston; Yeah, Usher; Play that Funky Music, Wild Cherry are a few of the heavy hitters that have stood the test of time”
“Regardless of what you hear from your cousin about what “you have to do” or “you can’t possibly do” or what social media tries to convince you is a trend EVERY bride is doing – it is your day. You should look at your fiance and decide what it is that the two of you want and try to block out the rest of the noise. Music too. You know what your family and friends like better than me, so tell your DJ some of the songs or artists to include when the dance floor opens. I have couples give me 10 songs they want me to include, and I have had others give me a playlist with 14 hours of music, because they love it all! I do suggest you go through your playlist and only include the ones you REALLY want to hear. If the list is too long, there will be one you really wanted to hear that gets missed because it was buried in a massive list. Like anything, communication is key. You are the guests of honor, talk to your DJ and it will help the party go as you dreamed!”
Advice from professional wedding DJ’s
DJ Lanz
Choosing the right wedding ceremony songs is vital. DJ Lanz is a dynamic female DJ based in Los Angeles, California. With an 15 years of experience, DJ Lanz has offered her expert opinion on the best wedding ceremony songs above. She specializes in curating unforgettable musical experiences for intimate weddings, as well as corporate events, fashion shows and luxury affairs. Follow DJ Lanz on Instagram
The Wedding Duo
Dominic and Serena, The Wedding Couple are based in Texas and one fo the few married couples we have ever come across who are Wedding DJ pro’s. Read more about them.
Their wedding experience started in Northern California working for other companies, and moving to Texas gave them the opportunity to do it their way. Over 15 years in this industry h
as given them a lot of experience and one thing that is always true, no two weddings are the same. Follow the Wedding Duo on social. They even have a shop and podcast.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thewedduo/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weddingduo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.weddingduo?igsh=YXducHN4cXExaDRv
