Music Licensing For Your Wedding: What You Can Play

Music is a crucial part of any wedding ceremony, setting the tone and creating a romantic atmosphere. But can you use any music you like?

Well, it depends. If you're getting married in a house of worship, there may be restrictions on the type of music you can use. Some conservative venues will have a specific list of traditional or religious songs, while others may only allow instrumental music with no recorded words.

However, if you're having a more casual or non-traditional wedding, you can be more flexible with your music choices. You can choose songs that fit the vibe of your service, mirror your personal preferences, or even opt for non-traditional or unique songs that hold a special meaning for you.

Keep in mind that you'll need different types of music for the prelude, processional, and recessional, and that the music should be the right length to accompany these moments. You'll also want to consider the size and acoustics of your venue when making your selections.

In the end, the most important thing is to choose music that you and your partner love and that reflects your unique relationship.

Prelude music: This sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin

Prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. It sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The prelude usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes before the start time. The prelude will last around 20-30 minutes, so you'll need between five and ten songs for this part of the day.

Prelude music should be mainly background music. You don't want anything that will overpower your guests' conversations while they're waiting for the ceremony to start. Instrumental tracks and soft acoustic songs are usually safe options. You can save the fun party tunes for your recessional and wedding reception.

• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Better Together" by Luke Combs
• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Water Music (Hornpipe)" by George Frideric Handel
• "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "I Do" by Colbie Caillat
• "The Four Seasons (Spring)" by Antonio Vivaldi
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Endless Love" by Luther Vandross ft. Mariah Carey
• "Main Title from The Notebook" by Aaron Zigman
• "My Only One (No Hay Nadie Más)" by Sebastián Yatra ft. Isabela Merced
• "There You Are" by Zayn
• "Good As You" by Kane Brown
• "Easy" by Camila Cabello
• "Golden Hour" by Kasey Musgraves
• "The One" by Kodaline
• "God Only Knows" by John Legend & Cynthia Erivo ft. yMusic
• "Your Hands Are Cold" by Dario Marianelli
• "Invisible String" by Taylor Swift
• "Angel of Mine" by Monica
• "Yellow" by Coldplay
• "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran
• "Beyond" by Leon Bridges
• "Maestro" by Hans Zimmer
• "Me Enamora" by Mau y Ricky
• "Love" by Lana Del Rey
• "Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett
• "All of My Days" by Alexi Murdoch
• "La Vie En Rose" by Louis Armstrong
• "The Only Exception" by Paramore
• "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé and Jay-Z
• "Still Fallin'" by Hunter Hayes
• "Moon River" by 2Cellos
• "Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop" by Landon Pigg
• "Ever Ever After" by Carrie Underwood
• "The Theme from 'The Search for Everything'" by John Mayer
• "Real Love" by The Beatles

Processional music: This is played while the wedding party walks down the aisle

The processional song is played while the wedding party walks down the aisle. It's the first song your guests will hear and will set the tone for the entire day.

You can choose to have the same song for each person or group entering the ceremony space, or you can select different songs for each entrance. For instance, you might opt for one song for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.

If you're having a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song that matches the length of your aisle. You might also want to consider the pace of the song—ideally, it should be neither too fast nor too slow, with a rhythm that matches the natural walking pace.

• "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner
• "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Here, There, Everywhere" by The Beatles
• "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder

Recessional music: This is played as the couple exits the ceremony

The recessional song is played as the couple exits the ceremony, and it's an important part of the wedding as it's the first song the newlyweds will hear as a married couple. It should be joyful, upbeat, and celebratory, reflecting the couple's happiness.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You can opt for a classical piece, a traditional cultural tune, a sacred wedding song, an instrumental version of a popular song, or a current hit. The song should be meaningful to the couple and create the right atmosphere.

• Love On Top by Beyonce
• Best Day of My Life by American Authors
• Crazy in Love by Beyonce
• I Do by Colbie Caillat
• Marry You by Bruno Mars
• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) by Stevie Wonder
• You're the One That I Want from Grease
• Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
• Oh Happy Day by a gospel choir
• Ode to Joy by Beethoven
• The Dog Days are Over by Florence + the Machine
• Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
• All You Need is Love by The Beatles
• Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
• Happy by Pharrell Williams
• I'm a Believer by The Monkees
• Paper Rings by Taylor Swift
• Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
• Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Interludes: Songs played during significant moments such as lighting a unity candle

Interludes are songs played during significant moments of the wedding ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle. They are usually ultra-romantic and emotional and can be instrumental or vocal.

• "Ave Maria" by Schubert
• "In My Life" by The Beatles
• "Sleepers Awake!" by Bach
• "Gymnopedie No. 1" by Satie
• "Wedding Song" by Kenny G
• "Greensleeves" by Various Artists
• "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban (Piano Tribute)
• "Love Theme from St Elmo's Fire" by David Foster
• "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman
• "Give Me Forever (I Do)" by John Tesh
• "Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Byrd
• "One Hand, One Heart" by Bernstein (West Side Story)
• "When You Say Nothing At All" by Ronan Keating
• "Let It Be" by The Beatles
• "Everything I Do" by Bryan Adams
• "I Do (Cherish You)" by 98 Degrees
• "How Deep Is Your Love" by Bee Gees
• "By My Side" by Ben Harper
• "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
• "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk
• "Circle of Life" by Elton John
• "Beautiful in My Eyes" by Joshua Kadison
• "This I Promise You" by N Sync
• "Forever and For Always" by Shania Twain
• "From This Moment" by Shania Twain and Bryan White
• "Unconditional" by Clay Davidson
• "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
• "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney
• "You Light Up My Life" by Leanne Rimes
• "Grow Old With Me" by Various
• "Always" by Atlantic Starr
• "You're My Latest, Greatest Inspiration" by Teddy Pendergrass
• "Always & Forever" by Heatwave
• "All My Life" by K-Ci & JoJo
• "For You" by Kenny Lattimore
• "Amazing Grace" by Various
• "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli
• "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban
• "Ave Maria" by Pavarotti
• "You and Me" by Rosie Thomas
• "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac
• "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Covenant Hymn" by Gary Daigle
• "The Wedding Song" by Noel Paul Stookey
• "This Little Light of Mine" by Various
• "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
• "Candle of Unity" by KayaMBeE
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Always and Forever" by Heatwave
• "By My Side" by Ben Harper
• "Eternal Love" by Virgil Deckow
• "Faithfully" by Brian McKnight
• "For a Lifetime" by Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard
• "For Life" by Moses Bliss
• "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain & Bryan White
• "Happily Ever After" by Case
• "I Am Yours" by Andy Grammer
• "I Could Never Love You Enough" by Brian McComas
• "I Get to Love You" by Ruelle
• "I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You" by Future & Grannis
• "If I Didn't Love You" by Ben Abraham
• "If It Were Up To Me" by Johnny and Heidi
• "Inseparable" by Natalie Cole
• "Last Love" by Jon Mullins
• "Never Stop (Wedding Version)" by SafetySuit
• "Our Forever" by Spencer Crandall
• "Touching Heaven" by JOHNNYSWIM
• "Wherever Time Goes" by Jake & Brittney Hoot
• "Worth It" by Ryan Cabrera
• "Yours" by Ella Henderson
• "Yours" by Russell Dickerson

Postludes: Music played while guests exit the ceremony

The postlude is the music played as the guests are exiting the ceremony. It should have a celebratory feel, similar to the recessional song. Here are some ideas for postlude songs:

• "Beautiful Day" by U2
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "I Do" by Colbie Caillat
• "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups
• "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder
• "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé and Jay-Z
• "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven
• "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "You and Me" by Lifehouse
• "Perfect Duet" by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
• "Canon in D Major" by Pachelbel
• "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner
• "Rigaudon" by André Campra
• "Amazing Grace" by Terri Geisel
• "Procession of Joy" by Hal Hopson
• "Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29" by J.S. Bach
• "Wedding March: from The Marriage of Figaro" by W.A. Mozart
• "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke
• "Water Suite No. 2 in D Major" by G.F. Handel & Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra
• "Wedding Song (There is Love)" by Noel "Paul" Stookey
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Trumpet Tune" by Jeremiah Clarke
• "Paperman" by Christophe Beck
• "Appalachia Waltz" by Mark O'Conner, Edgar Meyer, & Yo-Yo Ma
• "The Feather Theme (from Forrest Gump)" by Alan Silvestri
• "Begin Again" by The Piano Guys
• "I'm Yours" by The Vitamin String Quartet
• "Gumption" by Hans Zimmer
• "A Day Without Rain" by Enya
• "Better Together" by Romeo Loves Juliet
• "All I Want Is You" by Bridesmaids Quartet
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "The Marriage Prayer" by John Waller
• "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
• "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath
• "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban
• "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood
• "In a Moment" by Rebecca St. James
• "I'll Wait for You" by Moriah Peters
• "Soon" by Hillsong United
• "Nobody Loves Me Like You" by Chris Tomlin
• "Wedding Day" by Casting Crowns
• "Heaven's Knife" by Josh Garrels
• "Loyal" by Lauren Daigle
• "Ave Maria" by Céline Dion
• "Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Vince Gil
• "Come Thou Fount" by MercyMe
• "Here I Am, Lord" by Dan Schutte
• "Nearer My God to Thee" by The Piano Guys
• "He Shall Feed His Flock" by G.F. Handel
• "O God, Beyond All Praising" by BJU Singers & Orchestra
• "The Prayer" by Josh Groban & Charlotte Church
• "On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Crawford
• "For the Beauty of the Earth" by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
• "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" by Susan Boyle
• "Nothing Without You" by Smokie Norful
• "Wait on the Lord" by Donnie McClurkin & Karen Clark Sheard
• "Bigger Than Me" by Le'Andria Johnson
• "I Found Love (Cindy's Song)" by Bebe & Cece Winans
• "My Life, My Love, My All" by Kirk Franklin
• "I Worship You" by Mary Mary
• "My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw
• "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney
• "Speechless" by Dan + Shay
• "Grow Old with Me" by Mary Chapin Carpenter
• "I Could Not Ask for More" by Sara Evans
• "Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs
• "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain & Bryan White
• "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts
• "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young
• "The Bones" by Maren Morris
• "Amazed" by Lonestar
• "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice
• "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
• "I Run to You" by Lady A
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
• "Now That We Found Love" by Heavy D & The Boyz
• "Suddenly" by Billy Ocean
• "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Khan
• "You Are" by Charlie Wilson
• "One in a Million" by Aaliyah
• "Share My Life" by Kem
• "A Couple of Forevers" by Chrisette Michele
• "All This Love" by DeBarge
• "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
• "La Vie en Rose" by Cristin Milioti
• "Is This Love" by Allen Stone
• "Sweet Disposition" by Vitamin String Quartet
• "Heaven" by Boyce Avenue & Megan Nicole
• "You & Me (acoustic)" by Dave Matthews
• "L-O-V-E" by Joss Stone
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Taken by Trees
• "Let's Stay Together" by Obadiah Parker
• "Paradise (Acoustic)" by George Ezra
• "A Sky Full of Stars (Live)" by Coldplay
• "That's When I Knew" by Alicia Keys
• "Rhythm of Love" by Plain White T's
• "Little Things" by One Direction
• "Never Gonna Be Alone" by Nickelback
• "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows
• "Gimme Some Lovin'" by The Spencer Davis Group
• "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen
• "Lovesong" by The Cure
• "Everlong" by Foo Fighters

Frequently asked questions