Wedding Processional Songs for Every Moment of the Ceremony

Quick answer: The most popular wedding processional songs are Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” Bach’s “Air on the G String,” and modern picks like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Most couples choose one song for the wedding party and a separate song for the bride’s entrance.

A wedding ceremony usually has five musical moments: the prelude, the processional for the wedding party, the bride’s entrance, any interludes, and the recessional. Choosing a song for each moment, instead of one song for the whole walk, gives every entrance its own feeling. This guide lists processional songs by moment, with notes on how each one works for live strings. For the full list across your whole day, see our best string quartet songs for weddings.

How to Choose a Processional Song

Pick a steady, walkable tempo. The processional is about pace. Songs with a clear, even pulse make it easy for the wedding party to walk naturally without rushing.

Think about length, not just the melody. Live musicians can repeat a section, slow down, or move to the ending on cue, so the song fits your aisle and your wedding party exactly. With a recording, you’re stuck with the track.

Separate the bride’s entrance. A change of song, or a lift into a new key, tells guests to stand and turns the moment into the emotional peak of the ceremony.

Match your venue. A grand ballroom or cathedral can carry Wagner or Handel. A beach or garden ceremony often suits something lighter, like a pop song arranged for strings.

Check with your officiant. Some houses of worship have their own guidelines on secular music during a religious ceremony. Ask before you finalize your list.

Prelude Songs (as Guests Arrive)

The prelude plays while guests find their seats. It sets the mood, so choose graceful, unhurried pieces.

1. “Air on the G String” — J.S. Bach. Long, sustained phrases. A string-orchestra piece at heart, so it sounds natural on quartet or duo.
2. “Clair de Lune” — Claude Debussy. Originally for piano; strings give it a soft, shimmering texture.
3. “Gabriel’s Oboe” — Ennio Morricone, from The Mission. The melody moves beautifully to the violin.
4. “River Flows in You” — Yiruma. A modern piano favorite that works well as a gentle violin melody.
5. “Bloom” — The Paper Kites. Light and acoustic; a good choice for outdoor ceremonies.
6. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — Elvis Presley. Familiar to every generation. Often saved for the processional, but lovely as prelude too.
7. “Spring” from The Four Seasons — Antonio Vivaldi. Bright and lively, written for strings in the first place.
8. “Viva la Vida” — Coldplay. The driving rhythm translates well to strings and gives the prelude a modern edge.

Processional Songs for the Wedding Party

The wedding party walks to a steady tempo. Classical pieces are the traditional choice, but modern songs arranged for strings are just as common.

Classical processional songs:

1. “Canon in D” — Johann Pachelbel. The most requested processional for a reason: its repeating bass line keeps a steady pace, and musicians can extend it for a larger wedding party.
2. “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” — J.S. Bach. A flowing melody over a gentle, even rhythm.
3. “Trumpet Voluntary” (Prince of Denmark’s March) — Jeremiah Clarke. Stately and bright; on strings, the first violin takes the trumpet line.
4. “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” — George Frideric Handel. Quick and energetic, for couples who want a lively entrance.
5. “Ave Maria” — Franz Schubert. Slow and reverent; best for a short aisle or a small wedding party.

Modern processional songs:

6. “A Thousand Years” — Christina Perri. One of the most requested modern processionals. In a quartet arrangement the cello can carry the melody for the first verse.
7. “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran. Simple, romantic, and easy for guests to recognize.
8. “Marry Me” — Train. Sweet and straightforward, with a gentle tempo.
9. “Make You Feel My Love” — Bob Dylan, made popular again by Adele. Tender and slow.
10. “Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles. Warm and optimistic; a favorite for daytime and outdoor ceremonies.
11. “Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran. A slow groove that settles into a comfortable walking pace.
12. “Hallelujah” — Leonard Cohen. Powerful when the strings build each verse.

Bride’s Entrance Songs

The bride’s entrance is the moment guests stand. A distinct song, or a clear change in the music, marks it.

1. “Bridal Chorus” — Richard Wagner, from Lohengrin. Known to most guests as “Here Comes the Bride.” Grand on a full quartet.
2. “Canon in D” — Pachelbel. Many couples use the Canon for the wedding party, then have the musicians build to its fullest section as the bride appears.
3. “Gabriel’s Oboe” — Ennio Morricone. Emotional and sweeping.
4. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — Elvis Presley. Gentle and familiar, especially effective on solo violin.
5. “A Thousand Years” — Christina Perri. If you used another song for the wedding party, this makes a natural bridal entrance.
6. “Halo” — Beyoncé. A modern choice that builds beautifully with four string players.
7. “Experience” — Ludovico Einaudi. Starts quietly and grows, which suits a long aisle.
8. “You Are the Best Thing” — Ray LaMontagne. Upbeat and joyful, for a less formal entrance.

Interlude Songs (Readings, Unity Rituals, Signing)

Interludes cover quiet moments in the ceremony: a unity candle, a sand ceremony, or the signing of the register. Keep them short and soft.

1. “Ave Maria” — Franz Schubert.
2. “Meditation” from Thaïs — Jules Massenet. A classic violin solo.
3. “Hallelujah” — Leonard Cohen.
4. “The Swan” — Camille Saint-Saëns. Written for cello, ideal for a duo or quartet.
5. “Over the Rainbow” — Harold Arlen.
6. “Gymnopédie No. 1” — Erik Satie.

Recessional Songs (Your Exit as Newlyweds)

The recessional is pure celebration. Pick something bright that lifts the room.

1. “Wedding March” — Felix Mendelssohn, from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The classic recessional.
2. “Ode to Joy” — Ludwig van Beethoven. Triumphant and instantly recognizable.
3. “La Réjouissance” — George Frideric Handel, from Music for the Royal Fireworks. Festive and quick.
4. “Spring” from The Four Seasons — Vivaldi. Joyful and classical.
5. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” — Stevie Wonder. A feel-good pop exit.
6. “September” — Earth, Wind & Fire. High energy that carries straight into cocktail hour.
7. “Marry You” — Bruno Mars. Upbeat and fun.
8. “All You Need Is Love” — The Beatles. Guests often sing along.

Arranging Processional Songs for Strings

Solo violin carries the melody beautifully and suits intimate ceremonies. Songs with a strong tune, such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “Meditation,” work best. See our wedding violinist page.

Duo (violin and cello) adds a bass line, which makes pieces like “Canon in D” sound complete.

Trio or quartet gives you full harmony and the volume to fill a large room or an open-air space. Big entrances like Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” or “Halo” sound their best with four players. See our wedding string quartet page.

Custom arrangements: if your song isn’t already in our repertoire, we can create a custom arrangement for an additional fee. Share your must-play list early in planning.

Putting It Together: A Sample Ceremony

• Prelude: “Air on the G String,” “Clair de Lune,” “Viva la Vida”
• Wedding party: “Canon in D”
• Bride’s entrance: “A Thousand Years”
• Unity ritual: “Meditation” from Thaïs
• Recessional: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”

For how ceremony music fits into the rest of your day, read our wedding ceremony music guide and wedding music timeline. When you’re ready to plan your songs with live musicians, share your date and venue in the form below.