Rhiannon Hendricks
Classical music adds a touch of elegance to any wedding ceremony. From the bridal chorus to hymns, there are many classical songs to choose from to make your wedding day memorable. Whether you're looking for a traditional or contemporary piece, classical music has something for everyone. For instance, Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' or 'Canon in D' by Pachelbel. If you're looking for something more modern, Howard Shore's 'Concerning Hobbits' from The Lord of the Rings is a popular choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Classical |
| Mood | Soft, elegant, graceful, calming, captivating, dramatic, warm, contemplative, majestic, serene, bright, striking, sublime, simple, traditional, schmaltzy, rousing, lively, suspenseful, intense, fun, peppy |
| Instruments | Violin, harp, piano, flute, cello, guitar, organ, choir, trumpet, keyboard, recorder |
| Tempo | Fast, slow |
| Occasion | Processional, recessional, first dance, during the signing of the register, background music, hymn |
| Specific examples | Canon in D/Pachelbel's Canon, Bridal Chorus, Gabriel's Oboe/Nella Fantasia, Wachet Auf, Spring, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Water Music Suites, My Spirit Sang All Day, Gaelic Blessing, Air on the G String, Ave Maria, Clair de Lune, For Once in My Life, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Concerning Hobbits, The Swan, Hymnes à l'Amour, Jerusalem |
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What You'll Learn
Classical music for the wedding procession
Classical music is a popular choice for wedding processions, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the ceremony. Here are some classical music suggestions for your wedding procession:
Canon in D Major by Pachelbel
Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" is a well-known and beloved classical piece that can add a sense of grandeur and tradition to your wedding procession. It is often chosen for its elegant and sweeping melody, providing a beautiful backdrop for the bridal entrance.
Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin ("Here Comes the Bride")
If you're looking for something more traditional, the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's 1850 opera Lohengrin, commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride," is a popular choice. This piece has stood the test of time and was even played at Meghan Markle's wedding to Prince Harry.
Gabriel's Oboe by Morricone
Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe," also known as "Nella Fantasia," has become a wedding favourite. It is the main theme from the 1986 film "The Mission." This piece is a wonderful choice for the procession, offering a serene and captivating atmosphere for your special day.
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
For a majestic and ceremonial feel, Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" is an excellent choice. With its grand and celebratory tone, it will make the bride feel like royalty as she walks down the aisle.
Wachet Auf by Bach
If you're having a church ceremony, consider Bach's "Wachet Auf" as a great organ favourite to welcome your guests. It sets a solemn yet beautiful tone for the occasion and can be followed by more upbeat selections.
Hymns and Choral Works
Hymns and choral works can add a solemn and joyous dimension to your wedding procession. "Jerusalem" by Parry, for example, is a rousing and memorable choice that was featured at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, in 2011. Gerald Finzi's "My Spirit Sang All Day" is another bright and ecstatic choral work that celebrates the joy of love.
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Classical music for the wedding recessional
Classical music is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, and there are many options to choose from. If you're looking for classical music for your wedding recessional, here are some ideas to get you started.
One popular choice is Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," which is commonly used in movies and TV shows during wedding scenes. Its bright and exciting melody is sure to be recognized by your guests. For a fun and lighthearted option, consider Handel's "Hornpipe," which will add a sense of whimsy to your recessional. Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from his Ninth Symphony is another enduring choice, providing a joyful backdrop to your exit. If you're looking for something a little more intimate, Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" is a lovely option with its bright and exciting delivery.
If you're a fan of Mozart, you might also want to consider his Flute Overture, which will add a touch of imperial ambiance to your day. Alternatively, for a dramatic entrance or exit, a fast-paced Mozart tune featuring heavy violins could be perfect. Another classic option is Bach's "Wachet Auf," a great organ favourite that can be played as your guests arrive. If you're looking for something more modern, Max Richter's "Recomposed" version of Vivaldi's "Spring" is worth considering.
For a contemporary feel, you might want to veer away from the traditional classical options. Bruno Mars's "Marry You" is a popular choice with its catchy beat and sentimental lyrics. "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by Marvin Gaye, popularized by James Taylor's cover, is another option with its sentimental lyrics. If you're looking for something elegant and rock 'n' roll, Coldplay's smash hit from 2008 blends strings and rock instrumentation beautifully.
Ultimately, the choice of music is yours, and you can mix and match to suit your taste. Classical music can add a sense of elegance and drama to your wedding recessional, so be sure to pick songs that resonate with you and your partner.
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Classical music for the first dance
Classical music is a popular choice for weddings, providing an elegance unlike any other. Here are some classical music suggestions for the first dance at your wedding:
"Brudevalsen"
The "Bridal Waltz" from the ballet "Et Folkesagn", composed by Niels W. Gade, is a must-have at Danish weddings. The traditional dance involves the bride and groom taking centre stage while the guests form a circle around them and clap along. As the couple dances, the circle gradually tightens until the newlyweds are forced to kiss.
"Grand Valse Villageoise"
Also known as the "Sleeping Beauty Waltz", this piece is from Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Sleeping Beauty". It is sure to be recognised by your guests, especially those who grew up with Disney's animated classic, "Sleeping Beauty", whose theme song, "Once Upon a Dream", is set to the same tune.
"Jalousie 'Tango Tzigane'"
This famous tango, also known as "Jealousy", was composed by Niels W. Gade. With a dramatic opening that transitions into a romantic, lyrical tango, it is the perfect medium for a couple to tell their love story.
"Symphony, No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto"
This piece by Ludwig van Beethoven may seem a little sombre for a wedding, but it is a gorgeous, lyrical tango. It has also been performed with lyrics as the song "Land and Liberty" by the opera-crossover group Amici Forever.
Mozart
A classic Mozart melody is perfect for setting the tone for your wedding. A Mozart piece featuring heavy violins can make your entrance or exit dramatic, while a soft, contemplative Mozart melody is suitable for the first dance. A Mozart flute overture can also add a touch of imperial ambiance to your wedding.
Handel's "Water Music Suites"
If you're looking for that majestic, Baroque sound with trumpets, you can't go wrong with Handel's "Water Music Suites". His composition "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" is another majestic classic that will make the bride feel like royalty.
Bach's "Wachet Auf"
For a church ceremony, Bach's "Wachet Auf" is a great organ favourite to play as the guests arrive.
Other suggestions
- "Gabriel's Oboe" by Ennio Morricone, also known as "Nella Fantasia", is the main theme for the 1986 film "The Mission".
- "Concerning Hobbits" by Howard Shore from "The Lord of the Rings" is a contemporary favourite filled with sweeping string lines and a lilting waltz theme.
- "The Swan" by Saint-Saëns has a serene pace and sweeping melody to set the scene for your ceremony.
- "My Spirit Sang All Day" by Gerald Finzi is a modern choral work that is a declaration of the joy of love, full of brightness and ecstasy.
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Classical music for the bridal chorus
Classical music is a popular choice for bridal choruses, providing an elegance that many other music genres lack. When it comes to bridal chorus music, the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's 1850 opera "Lohengrin", more popularly known as "Here Comes the Bride", is a traditional choice. This piece can be timed by the organist to end suitably as the bride reaches the altar. Another well-known option is Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major", which starts with a solo cello and ends with a flourish of violin virtuosity, building in intensity as the nearlyweds meet at the altar.
If you're looking for something a little different, Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe", also known as "Nella Fantasia", is a wonderful choice for the procession. This piece was the main theme of the 1986 film "The Mission". For a contemporary twist, Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from "The Lord of the Rings" is a 21st-century wedding favourite, with sweeping string lines and a lilting waltz theme.
For a majestic, regal feel, Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" is a classic choice, while Handel's "Water Music Suites" offer that timeless Baroque sound. If you're after something with a faster pace, Beethoven's classics are a great option, and Mozart's compositions, such as his Divertimentos for string quartet, are always a sublime choice.
When it comes to planning your bridal chorus music, it's important to consider the musicians you'll be working with and the specific setting of your wedding. Meeting with your musicians and discussing options is crucial to ensuring your chosen music will work well with the venue and their skills.
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Classical music for the wedding march
Classical music is a popular choice for weddings, providing an elegance that many other genres cannot. The soft, classical tone of many wedding songs makes them perfect for background music during multiple parts of the ceremony.
One of the most iconic wedding marches ever written is Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba". This piece is simple and elegant, with rich harmonies and a gorgeous yet simple melody. It is a serene and celestial piece of music that is perfectly fitting as processional music for your wedding ceremony. Another option for a wedding march is Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March", which is one of the most popular wedding songs of all time.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings is a 21st-century wedding favourite. It is filled with sweeping string lines that give way to a lilting waltz theme, creating the perfect musical match for a room of eager guests. Another modern choice is Gerald Finzi's "My Spirit Sang All Day", a choral work that is a declaration of the joy of love, full of brightness and ecstasy.
For the religious ceremony, hymns are a lovely way to break up the readings and exchanging of vows. 'Jerusalem' by Parry is a reliable choice, as it is lively, memorable, and was even featured at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, in 2011.
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Frequently asked questions
Some classical wedding songs for walking down the aisle include Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba", "Canon in D" (also known as "Pachelbel's Canon"), and Gerald Finzi's "My Spirit Sang All Day".
Classical wedding songs that can be played at the reception include Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from *The Lord of the Rings*, and "Gabriel's Oboe" by Morricone (also known as "Nella Fantasia"), which was the main theme for the 1986 film *The Mission*.
Classical wedding songs for the first dance could include a Mozart melody, or a Beethoven classic.
Classical wedding songs that can be played while the bridal party is being seated include "Air on the G String", and "Ave Maria".
