100 Best Wedding Recessional Songs To Exit Ceremony (2022)
Updated on October 25, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell
What happens after you’re announced as a married couple? You need another song. Yes, another song.
After the couple (that’s you) is announced by the officiant, the recessional begins with the wedding couple’s exit.
Then, the wedding party exits followed by the wedding guests from the front (family) to the back rows.
You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique recessional songs for a ceremony exit song.
Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding recessional songs that include many different eras and music styles.
Let’s start with the most popular right now.
Our Top 10 Wedding Recessional Songs
- “Wildest Dreams” by Duomo
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder
- “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates
- “Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors
- “Cowboy Take Me Away” by Virgo Rising
- “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons
- “Grow As We Go” Ben Platt, Sara Bareilles
- “First Day of My Life” by Brooklyn Duo
- “All You Need Is Love” by Katy Perry
- “10,000 Hours (Piano Remix)” by Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
Listen to Recessional Songs Playlist
Wedding recessional songs for walking back down the aisle
Whichever song you chose to take that stroll down the aisle and out into your new life is significant.
Any couple can finish with the music of a thousand other weddings but you want to make a statement about your newly minted philosophy toward a marriage.
Be bold. Be yourselves. Announce your betrothal with some edge.
If you have a special wedding recessional song that you think we should add to our list, please add your song suggestion through the comment section below.
Please Note: Many songs listed below can be found with vocals and instrumental songs.
Classical Recessional Songs
First Day of My Life – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A piano and cello cover of the Bright Eyes song celebrating your first day as a married couple.
Livin’ on a Prayer – 2Cellos
Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
Why Play: An uptempo cello cover of the popular hair band rock song by Bon Jovi.
Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A piano and cello cover of the widely popular classical song by Pachelbel.
River Flows in You – Hauser
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A cello cover of the popular Yiruma song.
Wildest Dreams – Duomo
Released in 2018, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A string cover of the Taylor Swift song that was featured in the TV series Bridgerton.
Highland Cathedral – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Released in 1998, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A song featuring bagpipes that would add a dramatic theme to your exit.
Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
Released in the 1700s, Genre: Classical
Why Play: An upbeat song featuring an organ and a horn that all guests will rise to.
After you pick your song to exit to, don’t forget about the song to play as you and your wedding party walk down the aisle – the processional.
R&B Recessional Songs
Forever – Lee Fields
Released in 2022, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna hold you forever / I wanna love you forever”
Why Play: A song about loving someone forever with a bluesy soulful voice.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Jennifer Hudson
Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause baby there / Ain’t no mountain high enough / Ain’t no valley low enough / Ain’t no river wide enough (no) / To keep me from getting to you”
Why Play: A cover of the famous love song by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell ending your wedding ceremony on a high note.
Better – Khalid
Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “We don’t got to hide / This is what you like, I admit / Nothin’ feels better than this”
Why Play: A mid-tempo love dedication saying that nothing is better than this moment right now.
Marry Me – Jason Derulo
Released in 2014, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Will forever be enough, so there ain’t no need to rush / But one day, I won’t be able to ask you loud enough / I’ll say, “Will you marry me?”
Why Play: A song keeping with the getting married theme.
Love On Top – Beyonce
Released in 2011, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Baby it’s you / You’re the one I love / You’re the one I need / You’re the only one I see”
Why Play: An upbeat song to play as you exit the ceremony professing your love for each other.
Forever – Chris Brown
Released in 2007, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s like I waited my whole life / For this one night (one night) / It’s gon’ be me you and the dance floor”
Why Play: A dance song featured on the TV show The Office that will have everyone celebrating.
No One – Alicia Keys
Released in 2007, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You and me together / Through the days and nights / I don’t worry ’cause / Everything’s gonna be alright”
Why Play: A romantic love song saying that the rest of your life will be OK as long as you have each other.
All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
Released in 1997, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re all I’m thinking of / I praise the Lord above / For sending me your love / I cherish every hug / I really love you”
Why Play: A love story about how you will love someone for your whole life.
September – Earth Wind & Fire
Released in 1978, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Our hearts were ringing / In the key that our souls were singing / As we danced in the night”
Why Play: If you want to dance out your exit, pick this song. Play it again to get everyone dancing during the reception too.
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Released in 1975, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of / And no one, no one can take the place of you / This will be / You and me”
Why Play: A happy song saying that your love for each other will last forever.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
Released in 1970, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You set my soul on fire / That’s why I know you’re my heart’s only desire / Oooh baby, here I am / Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours”
Why Play: One of the most popular recessional songs as it signifies you are now married.
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson
Released in 1967, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You know your love (your love keeps lifting me) / Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me) / Higher (lifting me)”
Why Play: A fun song describing how you make each other feel.
At Last – Etta James
Released in 1961, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “At last / My love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song”
Why Play: A soulful romantic song talking about how lucky you are for finding your true love.
What songs do you want playing as guests take their seats as the ceremony begins? See our list of prelude songs.
Rock Recessional Songs
I’m In Love With You – The 1975
Released in 2022, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “I can summarize it for you / It’s simple and it goes like this / I’m in love with you”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song sharing that you are in love with each other.
Beautiful Thing – Old Foes
Released in 2022, Genre: Rock Instrumental
Why Play: A song that you can play at any venue just for rock and roll fans.
I Wanna Remember (Acoustic) – NEEDTOBREATHE, Carrie Underwood
Released in 2021, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna memorize you, wanna stay here forever / ‘Cause I-I-I, I-I-I / I take a picture in my mind so we’re always together”
Why Play: A love story reminding you to enjoy the moment and not to forget your wedding day.
If I Didn’t Have You – BANNERS
Released in 2021, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Thought I had nothing to lose / But that’s not the truth / I don’t know what I’d do / If I didn’t have you”
Why Play: An up-tempo song that increases with excitement as it plays and says that you would be lost without each other.
Best Day Of My Life – American Authors
Released in 2013, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m never gonna look back / Woah, never gonna give it up / No, please don’t wake me now / This is gonna be the best day of my life”
Why Play: A song referring to the best day of your life – your wedding day.
Marry Me – Train
Released in 2009, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Promise me you’ll always be / Happy by my side / I promise to sing to you / When all the music dies / And marry me”
Why Play: A song that fits the moment of marrying your lover.
Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Released in 2008, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “The more I see, the less I know / But I know one thing that I love you (baby girl) / I love you, I love you, I love you”
Why Play: A rock reggae vibe giving happy vibes of being in love.
You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Released in 2008, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s like you see right through me / And make it easier / You please me, you don’t even have to try / Oh, because / You are the best thing”
Why Play: A mid-tempo bluesy song professing how lucky you are to have each other.
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Released in 2005, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s not always easy and / Sometimes life can be deceiving / I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together”
Why Play: A romantic love song talking about how much better you are together than apart.
Beautiful Day – U2
Released in 2000, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s a beautiful day / Sky falls, you feel like / It’s a beautiful day / Don’t let it get away”
Why Play: An iconic rock group singing about wonderful your wedding day is. #micdrop
Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
Released in 1994, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “I would like to hold my little hand / And we will run, we will, we will crawl / Send me on my way”
Why Play: The perfect song to leave the building. You can have it play leaving the ceremony or the reception. Your choice.
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Here comes the sun / And I say it’s all right”
Why Play: Instrumental versions are commonly played at the beginning of the reception. The original fits right as a closing song.
The recessional is the song played as you exit the ceremony. Pick the song that will play as your last dance to close out your reception. Will it be romantic or end on a high note?
Pop Recessional Songs
Songbird – Rita Wilson, Josh Groban
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “And the songbirds keep singing / Like they know the score / And I love you”
Why Play: A vocal duet version of the popular Fleetwood Mac love song.
All You Need Is Love – Katy Perry
Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “All you need is love / All you need is love, love / Love is all you need”
Why Play: A modern take on the Beatles song for something we all need.
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Music Travel Love, Felix Irwan
Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Then I kiss your eyes / And thank God we’re together / And I just want to stay with you / In this moment forever / Forever and ever”
Why Play: An acoustic cover of the popular Aerosmith love song.
Ocean – LunchMoney Lewis, Meghan Trainor
Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re just like the ocean / I’m drowning in your love / I’m just like a waterfall falling / Falling for you again”
Why Play: A mid-tempo love song that is not played at every wedding talking about falling in love.
Forever And Ever, Amen – Ronan Keating & Shania Twain
Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh darling, I’m gonna love you forever / Forever and ever, amen”
Why Play: A collaborating blending of country and pop covering Randy Travis’ love song.
Brand New Day (Acoustic 2020) – Joshua Radin
Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s a brand new day / For the first time in such a long long time / I know I’ll be OK”
Why Play: You are no longer the same once you tie the knot. It is a new day and this song speaks of the new beginning together.
All My Life – Sailr
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Keep all of these words close to your heart / I’m gonna love you all my life”
Why Play: A love song dedication letting each other that you will love each other all of your life.
Grow As We Go – Ben Platt
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You can ebb and I can flow / And we’ll take it slow / And grow as we go”
Why Play: You can play the solo or the duet version with Sara Bareilles. The song tells about going through life together.
I Am Yours – Andy Grammer
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I am yours / Now and always / Wouldn’t dream to be anything more”
Why Play: Just a piano and Grammer singing with his romantic lyrics of giving yourself to another.
Could I Love You Any More – Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Seven billion people in the world / Finding you is like a miracle / Only this wonder remains / Could I love you any more?”
Why Play: A song about emphatically loving someone and the luck of finding your one true love.
Lover – Taylor Swift
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Can we always be this close forever and ever? / And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever) / You’re my, my, my, my / Lover”
Why Play: A song about loving another forever and ever.
Carry Me Away – John Mayer
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Take me out and keep me up all night / Let me live on the wilder side of life / Carry me away”
Why Play: Just for yacht rock fans. This is a play on words as you exit the ceremony.
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kina Grannis
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “So take my hand / Take my whole life, too / For I can’t help falling in love with you”
Why Play: The song was featured in Crazy Rich Asians and is a cover of Elvis Presley’s love song.
How Would You Feel (Paean) – Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll be taking my time, spending my life / Falling deeper in love with you / So tell me that you love me too”
Why Play: A love song about telling someone that you love them and telling them so for your whole life.
Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
Released in 2016, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Ooh, it’s something magical / It’s in the air, it’s in my blood, it’s rushing on / I don’t need no reason, don’t need control / I fly so high, no ceiling, when I’m in my zone”
Why Play: End your wedding ceremony with an exclamation point and with a fun atmosphere.
Brand New – Ben Rector
Released in 2015, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Like a heartbeat skip, like an open page / Like a one way trip on an aeroplane / It’s the way that I feel when I’m with you, brand new”
Why Play: An uptempo song celebrating something new – like marrying your life partner.
I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “My whole heart / Will be yours forever / This is a beautiful start / To a lifelong love letter”
Why Play: A playful mid-tempo love song saying that you choose to be with each other.
A Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause you’re a sky full of stars / I want to die in your arms / ‘Cause you get lighter the more it gets dark / I’m gonna give you my heart”
Why Play: A celebratory song saying you want to spend the rest of your lives together.
Yours – Ella Henderson
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I know every day you say it / But I just want you to be sure / That I’m yours”
Why Play: A slow song that tells everyone that you can officially call each other “yours”.
On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons
Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ve been waiting to smile / Been holding it in for a while / Take it with me if I can / Been dreaming of this since a child / I’m on top of the world”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song celebrating how you feel now that you tied the knot.
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Released in 2011, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Darling, don’t be afraid / I have loved you for a thousand years / I’ll love you for a thousand more”
Why Play: A popular selection because it was featured in the Twilight Saga during the wedding scene.
Good Life – Onerepublic
Released in 2009, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight / Like this city is on fire tonight / This could really be a good life”
Why Play: If you want to tell the world that you will enjoy life together from this day forward, play this song as your exit song.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Baby, do you believe I’m yours? / You best believe, you best believe I’m yours”
Why Play: Yup, you are now married and now you can say that the other is yours.
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Released in 1997, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life / Tryna make ends meet, tryna find somebody then you die / I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down / You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet”
Why Play: The song is about the highs and lows of life including love.
You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates
Released in 1980, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m down on my daydream / Oh, that sleepwalk should be over by now, I know / Ah you / Yeah a-yeah, you make my dreams come true”
Why Play: A fun song to say that now that you have married your lover, you’re dreams have come true.
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “The colors of the rainbow / So pretty in the sky / Are also on the faces / Of people going by / I see friends shaking hands, saying, “How do you do?” / They’re really saying, “I love you”
Why Play: A classy and romantic song describing your life full of love.
Happy Together – The Turtles
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you / For all my life / When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue / For all my life”
Why Play: A statement that you will be happy together forever.
Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
Released in 1964, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You are all I long for / All I worship and adore / In other words, please be true / In other words, I love you”
Why Play: A fun-loving way of saying that you love each other.
A popular event during a wedding ceremony is the unity ceremony. The unity ceremony signifies the union of two becoming one. Highlight your unity ceremony with a special song.
Country Recessional Songs
Keep Her – Johnny and Heidi
Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m gonna keep her / If wishes do come true / I’m gonna keep her / Cause she’s way too much to lose”
Why Play: A play on words that you will keep her and love her throughout your life.
Thank God – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown
Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “You loved me when you didn’t have to / But you did and you do, and he knew / Thank God for giving me you”
Why Play: A song about thanking God for finding each other.
Found It In You – Tiera Kennedy
Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “The confidence to know that I can be happy / Just ’cause you tell me that you got me / All that I was looking for, I ain’t gotta look no more / I found it in you”
Why Play: A love song talking about finding someone that makes you happy in love.
Anyone / Still the One – Charlotte Ave
Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “You are the only one I’ll ever love / Yeah, you, if it’s not you, it’s not anyone”
Why Play: A song talking from the heart about how your partner will be the only one you love and making it through life together.
10,000 Hours (Piano Remix) – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’d spend ten thousand hours and ten thousand more / Oh, if that’s what it takes to learn that sweetheart of yours / And I might never get there, but I’m gonna try / If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life”
Why Play: A stripped version of the original about loving someone forever and a day.
Walk With Me – Delta Rae
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “If you walk with me / Take my hand, I’ll stand by you / Hand in hand, I’ll walk with you”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song telling of walking through life together – or walking out the ceremony.
Made for You – Jake Owen
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh like a ship without a sea / Or a song without a melody / I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do / ‘Cause I was made for you”
Why Play: A true love song about how you were made for each other.
Parachute (Acoustic) – Lexanna
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Went ahead and placed my bet / and I put it on you and I and let it ride / I took a chance and climbed on board your airplane”
Why Play: The song tells a story about taking a chance on each other into the great unknown.
Best Shot – Jimmie Allen
Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m not saying that I’m perfect / Oh ’cause girl you know I’m not / But I’ll love you with everything I’ve got / Girl, I’ll give you my best shot”
Why Play: A song about a man saying he will do his best to care for his new wife.
This Is It – Scotty McCreery
Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Lookin’ out, can’t you see forever / Take my hand, just take it in / This is a moment we won’t forget”
Why Play: A complete love story from the proposal, the wedding, and living life together.
Yours (Wedding Edition) – Russell Dickerson
Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “The best me has his arms around you / You make me better than I was before / Thank God I’m yours”
Why Play: Now that you are married you can call each other yours.
Millionaire – Chris Stapleton
Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Down deep as a diamond mine / She’s my treasure so very rare / She’s made me a millionaire”
Why Play: Just how lucky are you for finding the love of your life? It can’t be bought or sold.
Grow Old – Florida Georgia Line
Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “So let my shoulder hold your tears / Walk beside me through the years / Baby let’s see, where this love could lead”
Why Play: A love song telling a story of growing old together.
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
Released in 2011, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “And for when I think I lost my way / There are no words here left to say, it’s true / God gave me you”
Why Play: A song thanking God that you found each other. See the Dave Barnes version too.
Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland
Released in 2010, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “There you go pulling me right back in / Right back in, right back in / And I know I’m never letting this go / I’m stuck on you”
Why Play: After you tie the knot and begin your exit, you could say that you are now stuck like glue together.
Forever And For Always – Shania Twain
Released in 2002, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “’Cause I’m keepin’ you forever and for always / We will be together all of our days / Wanna wake up every mornin’ to your sweet face / Always”
Why Play: A romantic way of saying that you will love each other forever and always.
Cowboy Take Me Away – The Chicks
Released in 1999, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I said, cowboy take me away / Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue / Set me free, oh, I pray / Closer to heaven above and closer to you”
Why Play: Just for a cowboy and cowgirl, he is going to sweep her off of her feet as they ride off into the sunset.
After the ceremony is over, couples typically take pictures and then go to the reception hall. You will need to select a song for your entrance and introduction as the newly married couple into the venue.
Indie Recessional Songs
One Life – James Bay
Released in 2022, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna hit the ground running / Do you wanna marry me? / I’ve only got one life and I want you in it”
Why Play: You only live one life and you want to share it with each other.
Best Day Of My Life – Tom Odell
Released in 2022, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Saw a billboard, it said something like / Everything, everything is gonna be alright / I think today is the best day of my life”
Why Play: A play on words saying that your wedding day is the best day of your life.
What a Wonderful World – Sawyer Fredericks
Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Of people going by / I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do / They’re really saying, I love you”
Why Play: An emotional and romantic cover of the Louis Armstrong song.
My Love Will Follow You – Dave Barnes
Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “From this day on / My life long / Whatever we go through / My love will follow you”
Why Play: Tell each other that you will love each other forever with this song.
No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version) – Us The Duo
Released in 2020, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll take care of you / And love you just because / You and I are better than forever / Nothing can stop us”
Why Play: A song saying that you will love someone no matter what and be there wherever they are.
Evermore – Hollow Coves
Released in 2020, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “That day I came to find / That you are all / I was hoping for / It’s you I’ll call / My evermore”
Why Play: A very romantic song about finding your true love and being together evermore.
To Whatever Comes After – Jon Danforth
Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “My love is yours to the end / and then to whatever comes after”
Why Play: A love story about being there for each other no matter what happens.
Forever From Now – Sheffield
Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Of all the flowers that will bloom come May / You’re the prettiest I’ve found / I will love you forever from now / And I will hold you like no one’s around”
Why Play: A song about loving someone for as long as you live even when no one is looking.
Rest of Our Lives – The Light the Heat
Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Dance with me beneath the stars / Moonlight crashing on our wild hearts / With your hand in mine”
Why Play: A song about enjoying life with each other for the rest of your lives.
Finally Mine – Juliet Roberts
Released in 2018, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ve been searching and looking, and wishing and dreaming / For so long / All through the night, all I think about is you / And all through the day, finally / Finally mine”
Why Play: Just as the title insinuates, you are ecstatic that you finally tied the knot with the one your love.
For a Lifetime – Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard
Released in 2018, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s like I can hardly breathe when you say my name / I know we’ve waited and we’ve prayed / And here we are / For a lifetime”
Why Play: A love song dedication that you thankfully get to spend the rest of your life with the one you love.
I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Released in 2016, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I get to love you / It’s the best thing that I’ll ever do / I get to love you / It’s a promise I’m making to you”
Why Play: A love promise that you get to love each other forever.
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Released in 2012, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I belong with you, you belong with me / You’re my sweetheart”
Why Play: A fun sing-along song letting everyone know that you love each other.
Higher Love – James Vincent McMorrow
Released in 2010, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “We walk blind and we try to see / Falling behind in what could be / Bring me a higher love”
Why Play: A dramatic cover of the Steve Winwood song.
Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Released in 2009, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh, home, let me come home / Home is wherever I’m with you / La, la, la, la, take me home”
Why Play: A upbeat describing your love for each other and that love lives wherever you are.
We Are Man And Wife – Michelle Featherstone
Released in 2006, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “There is no doubt that / You are the one for me / Cause you are the love of my life”
Why Play: After you kiss each other, you are now officially husband and wife (if not, don’t pick this song) – just as the song says.
First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes
Released in 2005, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “This is the first day of my life / I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you / But now I don’t care, I could go anywhere with you / And I’d probably be happy”
Why Play: Yes, your wedding day is the first day of your life as a married couple.
Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Released in 1987, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “And found myself alone, alone / Alone above a raging sea / That stole the only girl I loved / And drowned her deep inside of me”
Why Play: This is not only for goth rock fans but a song honoring being in love with each other.
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
Released in 1975, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “How sweet it is to be loved by you / Feels so fine / How sweet it is to be loved by you”
Why Play: You can select the Marvin Gaye version too. A song about being happy in love.
A very popular dance during a wedding reception that is rarely skipped is the first dance. See a list of popular and unique first dance songs picked by other wedding couples.
Other Recessional Songs
Cowboy Take Me Away – Virgo Rising
Why Play: A guitar cover of The Chicks’ song.
Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Hand in Hand – David Arkenstone
Released in 2018, Genre: Celtic
Why Play: The perfect harp song to play as you exit the ceremony.
Now That We Found Love – Heavy D. & the Boyz
Released in 1991, Genre: Hip Hop
Meaningful Lyrics: “All up in money my furnish was decades you hear what I’m sayin’ / Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan / The whole New York City / I said I love you to death”
Why Play: A fun-loving dance song letting the world you love each other.
Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Released in 1993, Genre: World
Why Play: An upbeat song to mark the happy occasion of your wedding day.
Meaningful Lyrics: “Someday I’ll wish upon a star / Wake up where the clouds are far behind me / Where trouble melts like lemon drops”
What is a good closing song?
Don’t confuse the recessional song with the last dance song. The recessional is typically the last song of the wedding ceremony. The last dance song or send-off song is typically the last song of the wedding reception. A good closing song is “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes or “Closing Time” by Semisonic.
What is a good song to walk out to after we are married?
Traditional wedding recessional songs are fine. You may want that. We’ve included “Ode To Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven, “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell, and “Hornpipe” by George Frideric Handel.
Classical may not be your thing. Signaling the end of the wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be a total bummer. You can also choose fun songs for the recessional. These include the “Star Wars Theme” by John Williams, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor.
What is a recessional song at a wedding?
Wedding recessional songs are played at a wedding ceremony after the wedding couple has been announced to family and friends as officially married. The wedding recessional song plays while the wedding couple walks down the aisle after the ceremony is complete; away from the altar. The song can continue to play as the wedding party also exits down the aisle. The guests follow.
What is the difference between the processional and recessional?
Walking to the altar is customarily set to music. That’s the processional song — you know, the one you dream about since you dreamed of your wedding. The recessional song is played after the “I Dos” as you leave the altar and exit.
How do you exit a wedding?
The recessional order is as follows after the announcement of the newlyweds: 1. Wedding couple 2. Flower girl and ring bearer 3. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen 4. Maid/Matron of honor and Best man 5. Parents 6. Grandparents 7. Guests.
Do you need a recessional song?
Sorry, but you do need to choose a recessional song. It marks the end of the wedding ceremony. The song also honors your union and marks the beginning of your new life together as a married couple. Thus, chose a song that signifies your love for each other.
What happens after the recessional?
The wedding recessional song ends with the ceremony but not the wedding. Next is the receiving line where the wedding couple thanks each guest for coming. And, don’t forget, the party! Yes, and we have more lists for epic dance parties and more at your reception.
Wedding Recessional: Exit Song Anthems
The recessional is the first impression you make as a couple
You two are not the cookie-cutter couple. Not by a long shot. While you practice the wise “go along to get along” policy with regard to the dresses and flowers and ceremonial details — after all, the marriage is for you but the wedding is for your families — the line is drawn at the recessional.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife” (or whatever variation) and the music that follows signals to your guests that this is no longer two people. You are one, unified couple. Your new life begins. It’s your rule now. We think you need an anthem.
Recessional songs are the perfect spot in the wedding ceremony for an anthem — an epic song to show your personality. Why not choose an anthem that reflects who you are as a couple? Here are a few ideas.
Nirvana – Come as You Are – You look amazing in your gown and tuxedo but underneath the glam are a pair of hearts clothed in flannel. You’re a grungy couple with just a hint of cynicism about the world and Cobain spoke to you both in your youth. From the iconic guitar opening to the world-weary vocals, this song announces to the world that you are coming as you are (“as you were, as a friend, as a known enemy”).
Chris Young – Gettin’ You Home – One of those connections (on top of your mutual love for trucker hats and watching the sunset while sipping lemonade on the back porch) is that you both have a pair of well-worn and cherished cowboy boots. Perhaps a bit of two-stepping down the aisle and out of the sanctuary is exactly the message you want to send to your friends and family.
The Ramones – Baby I Love You – Is the song our brains should play every time we get a crush on someone. The two of you took that simple, puppy love of staring across a crowded room and only seeing each other and building a solid life together. It’s also ear-wormy enough that your family and guests won’t want to wait until you’re fully out of the room before they get up and follow you, humming along. It’s a nod to John Hughes’ movie credits — and recessional moment.
The Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl – Your courtship was that of a groom seeking someone to blow his mind with her amazing perspective on the world, life, and love. This Dead Milkmen hit says it all.
She’s So Hot…Boom! – Flight Of The Conchords – This anthem is a little unorthodox but so are you. You and your new spouse are irreverent, funny, and have few boundaries. So why not splash that excess of personality like paint on a Pollack and strut your stuff in style? Also, the bits at the reception from the show will guarantee a lot of laughs.
Journey – Any Way You Want It – Talk about hitting your stride with a bang! Steve Perry and Journey represent an attitude and the amount of hairspray you’re both wearing right now smells like the ’80s. Herald in your wedded journey with something that makes you put on mirrored sunglasses and jam your way out of the chapel. Use this to anoint your day and everyone else will be singing about “lovin’ things,” too.
The White Stripes – Fell In Love With A Girl – That opening guitar riff declares, in no uncertain terms, that you are both charging into your future together with which there is a reckoning. You are one of those couples — hip, powerful, and unified in your passionate embrace for life, love, and each other.
If you are having your wedding in a church, the music must meet specific guidelines. Be sure to check out our list of wedding songs to play in churches and also Catholic wedding songs.
Wedding Songs For The Ultimate Party!
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