100 Best Wedding Processional Songs by Genre + Lyric Quotes

Updated on October 25, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

The processional song sets the mood for the entire wedding ceremony. It makes a statement about you as a wedding couple;  not just as a bride.

We’ve talked to wedding couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide ceremony music.

We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique processional songs for walking down the aisle.

Every couple’s music tastes are different.

Thus, we selected wedding processional songs that include many different genres such as classical, jazz, country, rock, indie, new age, and more.

 

 
Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Our Top 10 Wedding Processional Songs

1. “Wildest Dreams (Cover)” by Dallas String Quartet
2. “Canon in D” by Brooklyn Duo
3. “A Thousand Years” by Piano Guys
4. “Marry Me” by Tommee Profitt, Fleurie
5. “Take My Name (Wedding Version)” by Parmalee
6. “Feels Like Home” by Bridesmaids Quartet
7. “Angel (Acoustic)” by Ric Hassani
8. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Music Travel Love
9. “What Dreams Are Made Of” by Brent Morgan
10. “Imagine (Acoustic)” by Ben Platt

Listen to Processional Songs Playlist

The Best Wedding Processional Songs List

Classical Processional Songs

Feels Like Home – Bridesmaids Quartet

Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: An instrumental cover of the popular wedding love song by Chantal Kreviazuk.

Young and Beautiful – Ashot Dumanyan

Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A violin and piano cover of the Lana Del Rey song that talks about loving each other even when you are old.

Wildest Dreams (Cover) – Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A string cover of Taylor Swift’s song. A popular selection for Bridgerton fans.

Hold My Hand (Lady Gaga) [Piano Arrangement] – Alexandre Pachabezian

Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A piano cover of the love theme for the new Top Gun movie Maverick.

Can’t Help Falling in Love (Arr. for Violin and Acoustic Guitar by Andy Poxon) – Anne Akiko Meyers & Jason Vieaux

Released in 2022, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A beautiful instrumental of the popular Elvis Presley love song.

You Are The Reason – The Piano Guys & Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A cover of the popular Calum Scott love song saying to each other you are the reason you live.

Disney Medley – 40 Fingers, Emanuele Grafitti, Enrico Maria Milanesi, Andrea Vittori, and Matteo Brenci

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A fun instrumental collection of songs made popular by Disney.

Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A piano and cello cover of the traditional wedding song by Pachelbel.

River Flows in You – Hauser

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A cello cover of the song by Yiruma expressing the feeling of falling in love.

Wildest Dreams – Duomo

Released in 2018, Genre: Classical
Why Play: The song was actually in the Bridgerton series during Daphne and Simon’s honeymoon.

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Daniel Jang

Released in 2018, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A violin cover of Elvis Presley’s love song.

A Thousand Years – The Piano Guys

Released in 2017, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A very popular tune selected for wedding processionals. The original by Christina Perri was featured in the Twilight Saga.

All I Want Is You – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2000, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A cover of the rock love ballad by U2.

Highland Cathedral – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Released in 1998, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A song featuring bagpipes that would signify that you have arrived and please stand.

Jurassic Park Theme – John Williams

Released in 1993, Genre: Classical
Why Play: Movie fans love this instrumental song to play as they walk down the aisle.

Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone

Released in 1986, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A very classy song to play as you or your wedding party process down the aisle.

Coronation March – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Released in 1891, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A very dramatic classical song to announce the wedding has started.

The Prince of Denmark’s March – Jeremiah Clarke

Released in the 1700s, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A song you would expect in the times of Robin Hood that is still appropriate today featuring a horn.

Air On The G String – Johann S Bach

Released in the 1700s, Genre: Classical
Why Play: A very romantic traditional processional song as you glide and make your way to the altar.

Once you select the processional song, there is another song to have for your ceremony. Pick your recessional song – the song as you exit the ceremony.

Country Processional Songs

Love Makes You Blind (Acoustic Version) – Kaylee Rose

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll never know why / You see me in this light / But I thank God every day every night / Boy, loves make you blind”
Why Play: Just a girl and a guitar expressing how she feels being in love.

Take My Name (Wedding Version) – Parmalee

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “So take my hand, let me make you mine / I’m through waiting, taking my time / Never felt like this before / Take my name and make it yours”
Why Play: What better way to walk to your new life partner than to express taking their name?

Growing Old With You – Restless Road

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll build this home together / Weather any storm / And as the years keep rolling on / You’ll be right where I belong”
Why Play: A song telling a story about building a life together.

Walk in a Room (Reimagined) – Muscadine Bloodline

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “My heart starts to beat, out of my chest / Harder and harder the closer you get / Baby, I fall, every time you walk in a room”
Why Play: A song about how your lover feels every time they see you and are in love with you.

I Love You More – Avery Anna

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “No it won’t be perfect, but / On the worst of our days / That’s what I mean when I say / I love you more”
Why Play: A love story about how she realizes their relationship won’t be perfect but their love will overcome all.

So in Love With You – Jonny Houlihan

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna breathe life into everything that we do / ‘Cause baby, I’m so in love with you / I wanna grow old with you”
Why Play: A song about wanting to spend the rest of your life together in love.

I Prayed for You – 4th + Main

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom / I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you”
Why Play: An acapella cover of the Matt Stell song speaking about how you didn’t know how much you needed someone.

10,000 Hours (Piano Remix) – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life / I’m gonna love you”
Why Play: A slowed-down acapella and piano version about wanting to spend the rest of your lives together and loving each other.

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 love song of how you are made for each other.

Speechless – Dan + Shay

Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “What it’s doin’ to me, ain’t a secret / ‘Cause watchin’ you is all that I can do / And I’m speechless”
Why Play: Ironically selected for your lover waiting for you at the altar and they are speechless when they see you.

In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “In case you didn’t know / Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you / And I would be lyin’ if I said / That I could live this life without you”
Why Play: An expression of love that you emphatically love your bride or groom.

Yours (Wedding Edition) – Russell Dickerson

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I came to life when I first kissed you / The best me has his arms around you / You make me better than I was before / Thank God I’m yours”
Why Play: A song about being thankful that you found each other.

From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay

Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Why Play: A song giving thanks to previous generations and building your love for each other over a lifetime.
Meaningful Lyrics: “And we’ll build this love from the ground up / For worse or for better / And I will be all you need / Beside you, I’ll stand through the good and the bad”

Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

Released in 2004, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “This much I know is true / That God blessed the broken road / That led me straight to you”
Why Play: A love story about life’s journey to each other and being thankful to find each other.

You Had Me from Hello – Kenny Chesney

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Well, you had me from “Hello” / I felt love start to grow the moment I looked into your eyes / You won me, it was over from the start”
Why Play: As you walk down the aisle listening to this tune, you will remember the sweet, unforgettable moments of your first dates – the first kiss, the first time he made you laugh, the first time you said “I Love You” to each other.

From This Moment On – Shania Twain feat. Bryan White

Released in 1997, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re the reason I believe in love / And you’re the answer to my prayers from up above / All we need is just the two of us / My dreams came true because of you”
Why Play: A beautiful duet confessing that you will love each forever and a day.

A very common event during the wedding ceremony is a unity ceremony. This is to symbolize two becoming one. Pick a song to play for your wedding unity ceremony.

R&B Processional Songs

Angel (Acoustic) – Ric Hassani

Released in 2022, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I might lose sleep tonight / ‘Cause finally my dream has come true / I was created for you / You are my angel”
Why Play: A song about finding your true love.

Is This Love – Allen Stone

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “So I throw my cards on your table / See: I wanna love ya, I wanna love and treat ya / love and treat ya right”
Why Play: A soulful interpretation of Bob Marley’s hit about wanting to love someone.

Today I Do – Tamia

Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t have to think before I answer / ‘Cause your love erased all the questions for me / So here I stand, baby this isn’t pretend / Oh, today I do”
Why Play: A song expressing your love for your lover in front of family and friends.

I Choose You (Acoustic) – Kiana Ledé

Released in 2017, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m good on my own, but with you, I’m something else / You’re telling me to choose up, but I already choose you”
Why Play: A love song telling the world who you choose to spend the rest of your life with.

Why I Love You – MAJOR.

Released in 2016, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away / Forever and a while in my heart is where you’ll stay”
Why Play: A love dedication letting them know you love them.

All Of Me – John Legend

Released in 2013, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Give your all to me / I’ll give my all to you / You’re my end and my beginnin’ / Even when I lose, I’m winnin'”
Why Play: A modern love song that will last a lifetime.

Forever – Jaheim

Released in 2001, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever the love I have for you will last forever / Loving you always / Forever my love for you won’t change / Girl loving you is the best thing I can do”
Why Play: A soulful love song message about loving each other forever.

If you will have your wedding ceremony in a church, get song ideas for a church wedding and appropriate.

Pop Processional Songs

Marry Me – Tommee Profitt, Fleurie

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I promise to sing to you / When all the music dies / Marry me today and every day”
Why Play: A beautiful acoustic cover of the popular wedding song by Train.

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 / I love you”
Why Play: A pop vocal cover of the love song first released by Fleetwood Mac.

What Dreams Are Made Of – Brent Morgan

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ve got somewhere I belong / I’ve got somebody to love / This is what dreams are made of”
Why Play: A cover of a song from The Lizzie McGuire Movie that signifies that your dreams are coming true.

Marry Me (Ballad) – Jennifer Lopez, Maluma

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Church bells let ’em ring, ring, ring / This queen need a king, king, king / For life, for life, for life”
Why Play: A song from the movie Marry Me that tells a wedding love story.

love is just a word – Jasmine Thompson, Calum Scott

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re everything to me / The better part of me”
Why Play: A love expressing how the other is the best part of you and how much you need the other.

Imagine (Acoustic) – Ben Platt

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “If something happened, don’t know what I’d do / I can’t imagine / I can’t imagine my life without you”
Why Play: A love song describing how you cannot live without your life partner.

Unconditionally – Caleb and Kelsey

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “There is no fear now / Let go and just be free / I will love you unconditionally”
Why Play: A cover of the Katy Perry song that is a loving duet and how much you love each other.

loving you – Mahogany Lox

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re my sunshine and my moonlight / Light up my world, you make it so bright / And every day that I’m around ya / It makes me happy that I found ya”
Why Play: A song that will not e played at every wedding and expresses how happy you are that you found each other.

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Music Travel Love

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh, take my whole life too / Oh, for I can’t help / Falling in love with you”
Why Play: An acoustic cover of the Elvis Presley love song.

You’re the One That I Want – Dylan Rockoff with Caroline Kole

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re the one that I want (You are the one I want) / Ooh, ooh, ooh / You’re the one that I want (You are the one I want)”
Why Play: A slower cover of the song made popular in Grease.

The Only One – Music Travel Love

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Don’t you know that I’ll always be there / Baby, I swear, ’till my days on this earth are done / You’re the only one”
Why Play: Not a cover but an original love song about dedicating your life to each other.

Wedding Medley: Marry Me / Bless the Broken Road / All of Me / A Thousand Years – Anthem Lights

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Marry Me / Today and every day”
Why Play: An acapella collage of wedding songs in case you cannot pick just one.

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 the movie Crazy Rich Asians and became an instant processional hit.

Love Someone – Lukas Graham

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You love the way I make you feel / Everything becomes so real / Don’t be scared, no, don’t be scared / ‘Cause you’re all I need”
Why Play: A love song about finding your one true love and loving them forever no matter what.

Perfect Symphony – Ed Sheeran with Andrea Bocelli

Released in 2017, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I will not give you up this time / But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own / And in your eyes, you’re holding mine”
Why Play: A mix of pop and opera on a remake of a classic wedding love song.

I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Tell the world that we finally got it all right / I choose you / I will become yours and you will become mine / I choose you”
Why Play: A fun mod-tempo song professing your love for each other.

XO – John Mayer

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “In the darkest night / I’ll search through the crowd / Your face is all that I see / I’ll give you everything”
Why Play: We all know XO signifies a kiss and hug. This song also professes your love for each other.

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 song about being ready for love and wanting to be together forever.

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you / And longer if I may”
Why Play: A love song describing how you will love them forever.

Forever – Ben Harper

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “And now I hope I can find my forever home / So give me your forever / Please your forever / Not a day less will do, from you”
Why Play: A very romantic about loving someone every day of your life.

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: One of the most popular processional songs of all time because of the Twilight Saga and is played during the wedding.

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “There’s no need to complicate / Our time is short / This is our fate, I’m yours”
Why Play: What better way to tell someone you love them than by telling them that you are theirs?

Songbird – Eva Cassidy

Released in 1998, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “To you, I would give the world / To you, I’d never be cold / ‘Cause I feel that when I’m with you / It’s alright”
Why Play: A slow romantic cover of the Fleetwood Mac love song.

Instrumental songs are popular selections for wedding processionals. Check out our lists of popular violin wedding songs and popular piano wedding songs.

Indie Processional Songs

Made to Love You – Drew Angus

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “And oh it’s such a simple thing / I know just what I was made to do / I was made to love you”
Why Play: If you like Ed Sheeran, You will love Angus and this love dedication that will not be played at every wedding.

Kiss the Girl – Brent Morgan

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “You better do it soon, no time will be better / She don’t say a word / And she won’t say a word until you kiss the girl”
Why Play: A cover of the song in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Anything – JJ Heller

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’d give up anything for you / But I would not give you up for anything”
Why Play: A love song from you to your life partner letting them know that you would do anything to have them in your life.

Love You True (String Sessions) – Lydia Luce

Released in 2020, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Keep me grounded, keep me still / I swear I choose forever / Love you true, I will”
Why Play: A very personal way of telling someone you love them forever.

I Found You – Samantha Durnan

Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Let me be the one who takes / Your hand on this is no mistake”
Why Play: A song letting everyone know how happy you are for finding the love of your life.

All My Life – Sailr

Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Whenever you start to feel like running / And you forget just who you are / Keep all these words close to your heart / I’m gonna love you all my life”
Why Play: A love song to your lover telling them that you will love them for all of your life.

For a Lifetime – Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard

Released in 2018, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I know we’ve waited and we’ve prayed / And here we are / For a lifetime”
Why Play: What better way to start out your wedding than by saying that you will love them for a lifetime?

I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis

Released in 2017, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh believe me / I’ve been counting my stars / Cause I will spend my whole life / Loving you”
Why Play: A beautiful duet love song letting each other know you want to spend the rest of your life with each other.

I Get To Love You – Ruelle

Released in 2016, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Whatever may come, your heart I will choose / Forever I’m yours, forever I do / I get to love you”
Why Play: This is one of the most popular modern processional songs and says you get to love your ride or die forever.

Take My Hand (The Wedding Song) – Emily Hackett feat. Will Anderson

Released in 2014, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “So gimme your word / And I’ll give you all I’ve got / No, we don’t have much / But it sure feels like a lot”
Why Play: A popular unity song that can also mark the beginning of your commitment to love each other in marriage.

Bright – Echosmith

Released in 2013, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I see colors in a different way / You make what doesn’t matter fade to grey / Life is good and that’s the way it should be”
Why Play: A fun mid-tempo love song telling a story of how happy you are in love.

If you want popular wedding song suggestions by your favorite music style, check out our lists of wedding songs by music style! Discover songs by jazz wedding music, country wedding music, rock wedding music, indie wedding music, and R&B wedding music. You can see all of our wedding songs by genre song lists.

Folk Processional Songs

When You Love Someone (Live) – Gretchen Peters

Released in 2022, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’d risk it all / No matter what may come / When you love someone”
Why Play: A cover of the love song first released by Bryan Adams about what it means to be in love.

Marry Me – The Wicks

Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Marry me in the nighttime / When all of the stars fall away”
Why Play: A love story about your wedding day.

Someone Like Me – Julia Westlin

Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m lost, hopelessly, I surrender all I got / Just like a fairytale, about / Someone like you and Someone like me”
Why Play: A love song about surrendering yourself to another on your wedding day.

Steal My Heart Away – The Paper Kites, Ainslie Wills

Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause you / Steal my heart away / Every time / Right down the line”
Why Play: A love song about being in love.

No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version) – Us The Duo

Released in 2020, Genre: Folk
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 love dedication letting someone know that you will be there for them forever.

I Chose You – Caleb Edens

Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “So when the world around us falls, I’ll pick you up like overalls / Romanticize life in 60 years / Singing we’ll grow young together, die in love together”
Why Play: A upbeat love song talking about choosing to spend the rest of your lives together.

Heavenly Day – Patty Griffin

Released in 2013, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh because right now is only thing / That all that we really have to do / Is have ourselves, a heavenly day”
Why Play: A song that describes the meaning behind two becoming one on your wedding day.

Ho Hey – The Lumineers

Released in 2012, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “I belong with you, you belong with me / You’re my sweetheart”
Why Play: A fun song to choose to walk down the aisle to and how you belong together.

I Do – Colbie Caillat

Released in 2011, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Maybe yes and maybe no / I can’t live without it, I can’t let it go / Ooh, I did, I get myself into / You make we wanna say I do”
Why Play: An uptempo love song that lets your other half know that you are about to say “I Do”.

First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes

Released in 2005, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “And you said / “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”
Why Play: Yep, you guessed it. It’s the first day of your life as a married couple with this song.

If you want a processional song specific to your role, see our list of favorite bride processional songs and favorite groom processional songs.

Rock Processional Songs

The One – Kodaline

Released in 2015, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause our two / Hearts will make it easy / Joining up the pieces / Together making one”
Why Play: What better way to let someone know that they are “the one” for you?

Wedding Song (Acoustic) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Released in 2013, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “In flames, I sleep soundly / With angels around me / I lay at your feet / You’re the breath that I breathe”
Why Play: A very personal and romantic love song.

Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit

Released in 20125, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “And with this love song to you / It’s not a momentary phase / You are my life, I don’t deserve you / But you love me just the same”
Why Play: A love dedication letting your lover know that you will never stop loving them.

Without You – Eddie Vedder

Released in 2011, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “There is a dream, I’ve dreamt about you / And from afar, I lie awake / Close my eyes to find I’d never be the same / Without you”
Why Play: The lead singer of Paarl Jam with his ukelele tells a love story that you cannot live without your life partner.

Marry Me – Train

Released in 2010, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you / And you’re beautiful / Now that the wait is over / And love and has finally showed her my way / Marry me”
Why Play: The first forever question is the proposal and the second is at your wedding. This song asks the questions too.

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 bluesy love song letting everyone know you found the best thing that happened to you.

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: How awesome it is that you are better together than apart?

Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

Released in 1997, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “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.

Your wedding party could enter the wedding ceremony with their own song. See our list of bridesmaids processional songs and groomsmen processional songs.

Other Processional Songs

Make You Feel My Love (Acoustic Instrumental) – Casper Esmann

Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Why Play: A cover of Garth Brooks’ song and later popularized by Adele.

Forrest Gump: Opening Theme – Mark Northam

Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Why Play: A song you can play to highlight your walk down the aisle with beautiful piano music and a nod to the movie.

The Chronicles of Narnia Main Theme – Patrik Pietschmann

Released in 2019, Genre: New Age
Why Play: Another piano song from a popular movie that fits into any wedding theme.

Hand in Hand – David Arkenstone

Released in 2018, Genre: Celtic
Why Play: A song featuring a harp for a romantic setting.

Come Away – Bridget Willard

Released in 2004, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “Arise my fair one and come away / Come away, come away with Me / Arise my true love and come away”
Why Play: An independent artist sharing a love story with her lover and God.

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Released in 1993, Genre: World
Meaningful Lyrics: “Somewhere over the rainbow / Bluebirds fly / And the dreams that you dream of / Dreams really do come true”
Why Play: An upbeat song for a happy day sharing your love for each other and with friends and family.

If you are a big reader or movie buff, you may know the name, J.K. Rowling. See our list of Harry Potter wedding entrance songs.

 

Should I Choose a Traditional Processional Song?

There’s nothing wrong with traditional songs. If you like the expected then there are plenty of traditional songs to choose from. Traditional wedding processional songs listed below include “Wedding March” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell, and “Canon In D Major” by Johann Pachelbel.

If you choose to shake things up, then choose a song that reinforces your theme. If you have a beach-themed wedding, we would suggest “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. We have also included romantic pop songs which include “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys and “A Whole New World,” from the movie Aladdin.

What Is the Best Processional Song?

No matter your favorite music style or the theme of your wedding, you can definitely find a song on our list that will fit your needs. If you like country music, Zac Brown Band would be a good start. If you would like the processional to be more of a pomp and circumstance type of song, then consider The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Are You Walking Down The Aisle?

Some brides choose not to walk down the aisle. There is a line of thinking that the whole concept of “giving the bride away” echoes the patriarchal society we live in. That’s totally fine. The bride and groom can both walk down the aisle – or the bride can walk alone.

If you choose to walk down the aisle, it’s traditionally accompanied by music. We call this the processional song. The processional is the start of the actual ceremony rituals. Yes, there is music played as guests meander in and take their seats. However, the first official ceremony song typically starts with the processional song.

If the bride would like a special song just for her and a different song for the wedding party, then you have two processional songs. This should be coordinated with your wedding planner and professional DJ. The wedding rehearsal is an important night for practicing the timing of this walk. If the song is too long, your DJ should help you choose how to edit the song.

A special song should also be considered for the recessional. The wedding couple starts the recessional after the announcement of the newly married couple to their guests the officiant. Then, the wedding party exits. The wedding party is followed by the wedding guests from the front to back rows. But, that’s another blog post.

But We’re a Same-Sex Couple

Celebrate yourselves. This is what a wedding is all about. Why not both walk down the aisle? You can choose to walk together or each have a special person to walk with you — one person at a time. You can each have a song that speaks to your part in the marriage. Have fun with it.

Ultimately, the wedding is about you — the wedding couple. Its purpose is to celebrate your union with your closest friends and family. The song choice should be a fun part of your wedding planning.

Walk Down The Aisle To Your Favorite Song

Walking to the altar from behind wedding guests to start the wedding ceremony is known as the processional. (See 7 Pre-Ceremony Wedding Surprises for Guests)

This part of the ceremony is customarily set to music. When choosing a processional song, it is important to factor in who is walking down the aisle and how long the aisle is at the wedding venue. The people walking down the aisle could include the entire wedding party or just the bride. (See Wedding Party Roles – Each Member And Their Roles)

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Wedding Songs For The Ultimate Party!

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About Matthew Campbell