When it comes to crafting the perfect wedding ceremony, music plays a pivotal role. The right selection can set the mood, evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests. There is an array of music options to consider, each bringing its own charm to the celebration.
We spoke to Jason Jani of SCE Event Group about all of the different options and how to pick out the song that’s just right for the two of you. Are you having a formal event or is it casual in a barn? Do you prefer the classics or want to go with something more contemporary? Words or instrumental? Live musicians or prerecorded? Deejay or string quartet? Sentimental or just a beautiful tune?
There’s so many options to pick from, so Jason made the job a little easier by giving us access to his Top Wedding Ceremony Music Tracks playlist. First look through your options here, then head over to the playlist. You can listen to a lot of different options to get a feel for the possibilities, and then select the one that’s perfect for your wedding. I also included the list below.
Different styles available
Traditional Classics
Timeless and elegant, classical pieces like Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” and Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” have been wedding favorites for generations. These pieces exude sophistication and are ideal for more formal ceremonies.
Contemporary Hits
For couples seeking a more modern touch, contemporary songs can add a personal and trendy vibe to the event. Whether it’s a favorite love ballad or a song that holds special meaning for the couple, these tunes can create an emotional connection with everyone present.
Instrumental Versus Vocals
Decide whether you prefer instrumental melodies or songs with vocals. Instrumental music can be emotionally powerful while allowing guests to focus on the ceremony’s significance. On the other hand, vocals can add a personal touch and showcase meaningful lyrics.
Live Performance or Pre-recorded
Consider if you want live musicians, such as a string quartet, harpist or pianist, to perform during the ceremony, or if a deejay with pre-recorded tracks will suffice. Live performances add an element of grandeur, while pre-recorded tracks provide more flexibility in song choices and budget.
Reflect Your Love Story
Select music that reflects your love story and journey as a couple. Whether it’s a song that holds sentimental value or a melody that captures the essence of your relationship, personalized choices make the ceremony more intimate.
Consider the Venue
Factor in the venue’s acoustics and size when choosing music. Some pieces may sound better in a church with its natural reverberation, while others may suit an outdoor garden wedding.
Church Restrictions
If you’re having a ceremony in a church, be mindful of any music restrictions or guidelines they may have. Some churches may only permit sacred music or have limitations on secular songs.
In the end, the key to picking the right wedding ceremony music is to choose pieces that resonate with you as a couple and align with the overall theme and atmosphere of your special day. Take the time to listen to various options, seek recommendations from musicians or wedding planners and, most importantly, trust your instincts in making this decision.
Top Wedding Ceremony Songs
Click here to listen to Top Wedding Ceremony Music Tracks by Jason Jani on Spotify.
- “Marry Me” by Train
- “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys
- “River Flows In You-Original” by Yiruma
- “Canon in D Major” (arranged for string quartet) by Johann Pachelbel
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis
- “Stay With You” by John Legend
- “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
- “Bittersweet Symphony” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
- “Here Comest the Sun—Remastered” by The Beatles
- “Canon and Gigue in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel
- “All You Need is Love” by Dallas String Quartet
- “Just the Way You Are” by The Piano Guys
- “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain and Bryan White
- “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits
- “How Sweet It Is (To Be Love by You) by James Taylor
- “Perfect (Instrumental Version) by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “The Wedding Song (Instrumental Version)” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “Wherever You Will Go” by Charlene Soraia
- “At Last—Single Version” by Etta James
- “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
- “Hallelujah” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “What a Wonderful World (Instrumental Version)”
- “Only Love” by Ben Howard
- “Symphony No. 3 in G Minor” by Louise Farrenc
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- “Chasing Cars” by Simply Three
- “Dream A Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
- “Songbird—Acoustic” by Eva Cassidy
- “Grow Old With You” by ortoPilot
- “Eternal Source of Light Divine” by George Frideric Handel
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
- “A Sky Full of Stars” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle
- “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Daniel Jang
- “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” by Louis Armstrong
- “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
- Marry Me” by VioDance
- Canon in D (Instrumental Version)” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “Pachelbel’s Canon” in D
- “Forrest Gump—Theme from the Motion Picture” by Alan Silvestri, Mark Northam
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by The Cairn String Quartet
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the Estilo String Quartet
- “Ave Maria” by Johann Sebastian Bach
- “Never Think” by the Vitamin Piano Series
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “Use Somebody” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “Canon in D Major” by Johan Pachelbel
- “Dragonflies, Frogs and Bumblebees” by Will McNicol
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Wedding March “by The Ivory Humnal
- “Wonderful Tonight” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “Stay With Me (Instrumental Version)” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “You Make My Dreams Come True (Instrumental Version)” by The O’Neill Brothers Group
- “Sunny Beach” by Chillout Sound Festival
- “Sea of Love” by Cat Power
- “Always Remember Us This Way” by Acoustic Heartstrings
- “Bach—Minuet in G Major” by Royal Wedding Orchestra
- “A Thousand Years/Pachelbel’s Canon” by Paul Hankinson
- “Air on a G String” by Relaxing Piano Music
- “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach
- “Canon in D (2-minute and 20-second versions)” by The Piano Brothers
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- “Say You Don’t” by Roostz, Dylan Russell
- “We Can’t Stop” by Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
- “Big Blue Sea” by Bob Schneider
- “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer
- “Un Jour tu Verras” by Mouloudji
- “You Me and Jesus”—2002 Remaster by Cliff Richard
- “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Wedding March” (String Quartet) by Bobby Morganstein Productions
- “Love” by Smooth Jazz All Stars
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
- “New Moon [The Meadow]” by Aleandre Desplat
- “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Instrumental Version)
- “Kiss Me” by New Found Glory
- “Yellow” by Dallas String Quartet
- “String Quartet in F Major” by Bamberger Quartet
- “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
- “My Heart is Not a Machine” by Whitley
- “Love Will Keep Us Alive” by The Eagles
- “Danza 2016” by Lucky Chops
- “Open My Eyes (That I May See)” by Doug Gazlay
- “Today” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “Somewhere over the Rainbow” (Hawaiian Version) by Steven Current
- “Love & Marriage” by Romantic Piano Music Masters
- “The Love We Stole” by Bear’s Den
- “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure
- “Take Me Home Country Roads “by Country Guitar Players
- “A Thousand Years” by Vitamin String Quartet
- “Canon and Gigue in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel
- “Kissing You” by Des’ree
You may also be interested in:
