Choosing Music For Your Wedding: What's Allowed?

Music is a key part of any wedding, from the ceremony to the reception. It helps to create the right atmosphere and sets the tone for the entire event. But can you use any music you want? The short answer is no. If you're using copyrighted music, you'll need to obtain a license, and some venues may have strict guidelines about the type of music that can be played. However, you can make popular songs your own by changing up the instruments or having a live performance.

Prelude music

When choosing your prelude music, consider whether you want live musicians or a playlist. Live music tends to be more expensive, and you will need to research local musicians and check their demos or see them play live. If you opt for a playlist, you can choose between instrumental music and songs with lyrics. A good rule of thumb is to pick songs that are mellow and won't bring too much energy to the environment—you can save the fun party tunes for later!

• "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber
• "Air On A G String" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Ave Maria" by Johann Sebastian Bach and Charles Gounod
• "Beethoven - Ode to Joy Instrumental Piano Music" by Royal Wedding Orchestra
• "Cello Suite No.1 in G Major, BWV 1007: Prelude" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
• "Concerto grosso in B minor, op. 6 no. 12, HWV 330" by George Frideric Handel
• "Étude No. 2" by Philip Glass
• "Four Romantic Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 75: I. Allegro moderato" by Antonín Dvořák
• "Fur Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven
• "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
• "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
• "I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Largo From Xerxes" by George Frideric Handel
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan
• "Minuet in G Major" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Moon River" by 2Cellos
• "Mozart - Ave Verum Wedding Hymns" by Royal Wedding Orchestra
• "O Perfect Love" by Joseph Barnby
• "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Water Music Suite, HWV 348-350: Alla Hornpipe" by George Frideric Handel
• "A Sky Full of Stars" by Vitamin String Quartet
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
• "Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Piano & Cello" by Benny Martin and The Wong Janice
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Haley Reinhart
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder

Processional music

The processional marks the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The same song can be used for each person, but it's also common to switch to another song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their big entrance. The number of processional songs you'll need depends on factors such as the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Usually, people choose two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and then a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.

• "You & Me" by Dave Matthews Band
• "100 Years" by Five for Fighting
• "Your Song" by Elton John
• "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
• "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
• "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Everything" by Lifehouse
• "A Day Without Rain" by Enya
• "Yellow" by Vitamin String Quartet
• "Glasgow Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
• "Flower Duet" by Leo Delibes
• "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copeland
• "Hymne" by The O'Neill Brothers Group
• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
• "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "The Winner Is" by DeVotchKa and Mychael Danna
• "Here I Am, Lord" by Collin Raye
• "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Conrad Kocher
• "Dodi Li" by Steven Sher
• "Erev Shel Shoshanim" by Tucson Chamber Artists & Eric Holtan
• "Mi Ban Siach" by Simcha Leiner
• "Sunrise, Sunset" by John Williams, Chaim Topol, Norma Crane, Michael Gläser and more
• "Mere Humsafar" by Mithoon and Tulsi Kumar
• "Deewani Mastani" by Various Artists
• "Din Shagna Da" by Jasleen Royal
• "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
• "Married Life" from Up
• "A Thousand Years" by The Piano Guys
• "He's A Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean
• "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
• "Tale As Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast
• "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
• "Joy of my Life" by Chris Stapleton
• "Invisible String" by Taylor Swift
• "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis
• "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson
• "Space" by Biffy Clyro
• "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings
• "What a Wonderful World" by Vitamin String Quartet
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel

Bridal processional

The bridal processional is one of the most memorable moments of a wedding day—and perhaps even your life. The right music can make the moment even more special.

If you're after a traditional bridal march, you might opt for an instrumental or acoustic prelude, or a classic wedding march. "Here Comes the Bride" by Richard Wagner is a classic choice.

If you're looking for something more modern, you could choose a song that's meaningful to you as a couple, or one that teases your vows. You could even have a song remixed into a slower, more walkable pace—this is a great option if you're hiring live musicians to perform during your ceremony.

• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
• "Canon in D Major" by Johann Pachelbel
• "Clair De Lune" by Debussy
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor
• "I Choose You" by Ryann Darling
• "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5
• "La Vie en Rose" by Édith Piaf
• "Marry Me" by Train
• "Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "She's Got a Way" by Billy Joel
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
• "You're Still the One" by Shania Twain
• "Your Song" by Elton John

Recessional music

The recessional music is played at the end of the wedding ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk up the aisle. This is the first song the newly married couple will hear as they exit the ceremony, so it should be a thoughtful and romantic choice.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a recessional song. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit straight from the charts. The song should be sentimental and one that you and your partner love.

• "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
• "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates
• "Beautiful Day" by U2
• "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
• "On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons
• "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
• "Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding
• "Oh! You Pretty Things" by David Bowie
• "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
• "CUFF IT" by Beyoncé
• "Happy Now" by Kali Uchis
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
• "All I Do Is Dream of You" by Michael Bublé
• "Happy Together" by The Turtles
• "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher
• "Your Love" by The Outfield
• "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
• "You & Me" by That Band Honey
• "Still into You" by Paramore
• "Lo que tú me das" by Juanpalitoschinos
• "Crazy In Love" by Daniela Andrade
• "Sugar" by Ebony Day ft. Jake Coco
• "All You Need Is Love" by Paul Canning
• "Wonderwall" by Jake Coco
• "Stand by Me" by Tom Speight
• "Islands In The Stream" by Feist, Constantines
• "You've Got A Friend In Me" by Sleeping At Last
• "Here Comes The Sun" by Imaginary Future
• "Every Breath You Take" by Aaron Krause ft. Liza Anne
• "Halo" by Lotte Kestner
• "All of Me" by Ivy Ravenwood, Harpist
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, Fernando Wilson
• "Love On Top" by Midnite String Quartet
• "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by The Cairn String Quartet
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Greg Maroney, Pianist
• "Wedding March" (from A Midsummer Night's Dream) by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven
• "Allegro Maestoso" (from Water Music Suite) by George F. Handel
• "Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (Allegro)" by Johann S. Bach
• "Crown Imperial (Coronation March)" by Sir William Walton
• "Hallelujah Chorus" (from The Messiah) by George F. Handel

Reception entrance music

The wedding reception is what most guests are looking forward to, so choosing the right music to accompany your grand entrance is crucial. You can opt for a traditional, slow-paced, and romantic entrance with ballads and power crooners, or go for something more fun and upbeat with pop, hip-hop, or R&B hits. Here are some ideas for reception entrance songs to get your guests excited and set the tone for the rest of the night:

"Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé

The high-energy tempo of this song sets a thrilling and celebratory tone, making it perfect for a dynamic and grand wedding entrance.

"Gimme Gimme (Sgt Slick Remix)" by ABBA

ABBA's classic song is revamped with a modern remix, bringing a lively and dance-worthy vibe. This creates a dynamic atmosphere for a couple's entrance, making it both timeless and contemporary.

"Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

With its high-energy beats and empowering lyrics, this song is a bold and impactful choice. It builds anticipation and is perfect for a couple ready to make a statement.

"Throw Your Hands Up" by Qwote & Pitbull

This song has an infectious rhythm and Pitbull's energetic presence, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It's perfect for couples who want to kick off their celebration with enthusiasm and get their guests moving.

"You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Hall & Oates

This upbeat and feel-good song sets a cheerful and optimistic tone. It's the perfect backdrop for a couple entering with joy and excitement, radiating positive vibes throughout the room.

"Happy" by Pharrell Williams

This uplifting anthem brings an infectious joy and creates a feel-good atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for couples who want to start their wedding festivities with smiles and positivity, getting everyone in a cheerful mood.

"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas

This anthem is a high-energy choice, promising a night of celebration. It's ideal for couples who want to kick off their reception with a joyous and energetic vibe, getting everyone excited for the party ahead.

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

This funky and energetic song creates a lively atmosphere for couples entering with style and flair. It's a great choice to get your guests moving and grooving, setting the tone for a fun-filled night.

"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors

Capturing the upbeat and optimistic feel, this song expresses the sheer joy and excitement of a couple entering a new chapter together. It's a great way to showcase the happiness and love that radiates from the newlyweds.

"Marry You" by Bruno Mars

This romantic ballad is filled with love and devotion, making it an ideal choice for couples who want to showcase their heartfelt sincerity and affection as they enter their wedding reception.

Remember, the best wedding entrance songs are those that bring out your personality and style. Choose songs that reflect your relationship, create a fun atmosphere, and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Frequently asked questions