
Choosing the right song to walk down the aisle to is an important part of wedding planning. The music you choose will set the tone for the ceremony and say something about who you are as a couple. Classical music is a popular choice for traditional weddings, with songs like Here Comes the Bride and the Wedding March enduring the test of time. However, modern couples are increasingly opting for unique processional songs, including romantic hits by popular artists, instrumental pieces, and songs from movies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional songs | "Here Comes the Bride", "A Thousand Years", "The Wedding March", "Here, There, and Everywhere" by The Beatles, "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last |
| Modern songs | "All of Me" by John Legend, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley or Twenty One Pilots, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "American Mouth" |
| Instrumental songs | String quartets, solo violin, piano, acoustic guitar, violins |
| Non-traditional songs | "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine, "Cherry Blossom Girl" by Air, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen |
| Classical songs | "Romeo & Juliet" by Norah, "Jaunty, Upbeat Jazz" by Cole, "Bach" composition |
| Popular genres | Country, R&B, pop ballads, classical, contemporary, jazz |
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What You'll Learn

Classical music
Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major"
This is a widely recognised classical piece, featuring a soft and delicate melody that builds in intensity. It begins with a solo cello and culminates in a flourish of violin virtuosity, making it a perfect choice for the bride's entrance as she walks down the aisle.
Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March"
"The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn is a classic choice for wedding processions. Its elegant and majestic melody is often associated with the image of a bride walking down the aisle.
Handel's "Water Music" and Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
The music of Handel is a popular choice for weddings, especially his Water Music Suites and "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba." These pieces offer a majestic and celebratory sound, perfect for a grand and regal bridal entrance.
Bach's "Ave Maria" and Wachet Auf
Johann Sebastian Bach's compositions are also frequently chosen for wedding aisle songs. "Ave Maria" is a beautiful and transcendent piece, while "Wachet Auf" is a great organ favourite for church weddings, creating a solemn and elegant atmosphere.
Saint-Saëns' "The Swan"
"The Swan" by Saint-Saëns has a serene pace and sweeping melody, making it an excellent choice for setting the tone for the ceremony. It is often performed as a cello and harp duet, adding a touch of elegance and serenity to the occasion.
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Romantic songs
The walk down the aisle is likely to be the most memorable walk of your life, so choosing the right music to accompany it is essential. If you're looking for traditional romance, you can't go wrong with classical entrance tunes like "Here Comes the Bride" (also known as "The Bridal Chorus", composed by Richard Wagner in 1850), or the "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn, which even Shakespeare used in A Midsummer Night's Dream. "Ave Maria" is another timeless and traditional choice.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, there are plenty of romantic hits to choose from. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri has solidified its place as a wedding processional classic, as has "Can't Help Falling In Love", whether you opt for the Elvis Presley or Twenty One Pilots version. For a lighter, more upbeat entrance, The Troggs' "Love is All Around" is a popular choice. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz is a great choice for a beach wedding, especially with its ukulele intro. John Legend's "All of Me" is a beautiful, modern love song, and the instrumental version is a great way to add a contemporary twist to a traditional ceremony.
For a unique entrance, you could consider a string quartet version of a popular song. The Vitamin String Quartet's version of "As the World Falls Down" from Labyrinth is a romantic choice. For something a little more fun, you could enter your wedding to the steel drum version of The Beatles' "Here, There, and Everywhere".
Remember, the song you choose should capture your style and reflect who you are as a couple.
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Instrumental songs
For those seeking a more modern twist, there are many contemporary instrumental arrangements to choose from. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, featuring a combination of piano and cello, creates a heartfelt and emotional atmosphere. The Vitamin String Quartet is also known for their gorgeous acoustic renditions of popular tunes, perfect for the processional or first dance. For a cheerful wedding recessional, consider a ukulele instrumental of a classic song, adding a whimsical and joyful touch to your special day.
If you're looking for something unique and non-traditional, instrumental rock songs or alternative tunes can set a memorable and distinctive tone. Soundtracks and acoustic covers provide a sweet and inspiring option for the wedding entrance, adding a cinematic quality to your special moment. From the graceful melodies of classical songs to the modern charm of contemporary covers, there is a diverse range of instrumental music to choose from for your wedding aisle.
For a grand and ceremonial entrance, "Trumpet Tune" is a fantastic choice. "Prelude in C Major" by Bach is another uplifting and cheerful option, known for its cinematic quality. "Hoppípolla" is a unique and magical choice, creating an otherworldly ambiance for your wedding processional. "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack is a charming instrumental piece that will boost everyone's mood as you walk down the aisle.
Finally, for a truly romantic and intimate atmosphere, consider "The Swan," a gentle and lyrical piece. Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1" is a minimalist masterpiece, exuding simplicity and beauty with its serene and delicate melody. These instrumentals will create a magical and captivating atmosphere as you take your first steps towards your new chapter.
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Modern pop ballads
Ed Sheeran's music, for instance, has been described as a perfect fit for modern weddings. Songs like "Perfect," "Thinking Out Loud," and "Shape of You" are popular choices for slow dances and receptions.
Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" is another contemporary ballad that has solidified its place in wedding playlists. Couples may opt for the original version or an instrumental version, both of which offer a slow, modern take on a traditional wedding song.
For a beach wedding, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" with its ukulele intro can be an excellent choice. John Legend's "All of Me" is another modern classic, and an instrumental version of this song can be a great entrance song for a bride who wants to blend tradition with a modern twist.
Couples who want to incorporate a magical vibe or an intimate feel into their wedding can consider hiring a wedding band or musician to perform modern pop ballads. Acoustic folk bands, contemporary pop bands, harpists, and string quartets are just a few options to explore.
Other popular modern wedding songs include "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves, "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones, and "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay. These songs can help set the mood and create a celebratory atmosphere for the guests and the happy couple.
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Traditional bride entrance songs
The bride's entrance is often the most dramatic and distinctive moment of a wedding ceremony. The music chosen for this moment will set the tone for the entire day.
Traditionally, the groom does not walk down the aisle to music but instead waits for his bride at the altar. The bride, meanwhile, is often accompanied by a significant person in her life, such as a parent or sibling.
If you're looking for traditional bride entrance songs, you might consider the following:
- "Here Comes the Bride" is a classic choice that will instantly convey the occasion to your guests.
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri has solidified its place as a wedding processional song, with many brides choosing to walk down the aisle to this tune.
- "Can't Help Falling In Love" is a classic, whether you prefer the Elvis Presley version or the Twenty One Pilots take.
- "All Of Me" by John Legend is a great choice for the bride who wants a traditional wedding with a modern twist, especially in its instrumental string quartet or solo violin version.
- "Here, There, and Everywhere" by The Beatles, particularly in its steel drum version, is a fun choice.
- "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last is a popular choice for brides who want a romantic, modern entrance song.
You can also add a touch of jauntiness to your wedding with some upbeat jazz, or go for a classical favourite with soaring strings and innocent lyrics.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional songs for the walk down the aisle include "Here Comes the Bride", "The Wedding March", and "A Thousand Years". Classical music, such as Bach compositions, are also popular choices.
Modern brides have chosen to walk down the aisle to instrumental versions of popular songs, such as "All of Me" by John Legend, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, and "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley or Twenty One Pilots.
Some couples opt for non-traditional songs that are meaningful to them, such as "La Vie En Rose" for a Parisian flair, or "Here, There, and Everywhere" by The Beatles for a steel drum twist. Others choose songs from movies, such as "As The World Falls Down" from *Labyrinth*, or "Early Sunsets Over Monroeville" by My Chemical Romance.
The song you choose should capture your style and reflect who you are as a couple. It can be romantic, upbeat, or atmospheric. You can also choose to have different songs for different parts of the ceremony, such as the prelude, processional, and recessional.





























