The All-Time Greatest Modern Wedding Ceremony Music Playlist
Fresh, modern song ideas for every part of your ceremony — with curated playlists you can listen to right here.
So you're getting married. Little did you know the ridiculous amount of stuff that needs to be planned. The smallest, most intricate details — and you have no idea where to start. Naturally, you Google search: Top Wedding Ceremony Songs. As you go through this list it's like you're in a time warp and this stuff isn't even close to relevant anymore. I mean seriously, all classical music… like when's the last time you listened to any of that? Luckily, with the emergence of YouTube, we now have a plethora of amazing talent that is making "classical" renditions of lots of top 40 songs we all love so much. You can now have that classical feel with a modern touch. Your guests might actually find themselves singing along to the words in their mind. The team at Mystical Entertainment Group decided to compile lists that will help you with each portion of your wedding ceremony. You can click the top-right of each playlist to see every song in that section. Take a listen. If you're working with us, make sure to fill in the bottom of the wedding formalities planner with your favorites for each section. Cheers and happy wedding planning to you!
Wedding Ceremony Prelude Mix (the stuff people listen to while they wait)
Don't leave your guests seated in silence! You can use prelude music to set the tone for the ceremony — and even the reception! If you're going for a traditional or classical feel you can play something like Bach or Mendelssohn. If you want something more modern there are amazing ensembles like StringSpace and The Vitamin String Quartet that can give you fun classical renditions of modern music. You can also play more upbeat music if you want to set the party vibe early. Below is a list we've compiled so you can listen. Enjoy!
Wedding Ceremony Processional (for bridal party, parents, etc.)
The processional can include the parents of the couple and members of the wedding party. As with the rest of the ceremony, you can really let your personality shine when it comes to choosing processional music. You can play your parents' wedding song as they walk down the aisle, or dedicate a special song for your partner as they wait for you at the altar. Recently, couples have been using more fun pop songs as the wedding party makes their way down the aisle. Here are a few songs we love for the wedding processional:
Wedding Ceremony Processional (entrance of the "main attraction")
Here is the moment everyone in attendance has been waiting for — the big reveal! You have to make sure this moment is perfect, and the right song can add to the magic of it all. Romance takes center stage as couples typically use love songs like "All of Me" and "A Thousand Years." If you'd like to be a bit different, there are amazing acoustic covers of all-time favorite love songs, like Kina Grannis' rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." Check out some great songs to make your way down the aisle:
Wedding Recessional (after "I do")
Congratulations — you're married! Let's get this party started! The recessional should set the tone for the remainder of the wedding. Think outside the box and don't be afraid to let loose with this choice! While there's nothing wrong with a great love song or romantic pop hit, we recommend something fun and upbeat like "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors or "Now That We Found Love" by Heavy D and The Boys. Maybe you're a huge Star Wars fan and want to walk out to the Imperial March? The options can be endless, so we've put together the following list to help you narrow it down:
Wedding ceremony music: frequently asked questions
What are the four parts of wedding ceremony music?
A wedding ceremony's music typically breaks into four moments: the prelude (played while guests are being seated), the processional for the wedding party and parents, the processional for the couple's grand entrance, and the recessional after the "I do." Choosing a song for each moment keeps the ceremony flowing and sets the mood.
Can I use modern pop songs for my wedding ceremony?
Absolutely. Ensembles like StringSpace and The Vitamin String Quartet perform "classical" instrumental renditions of today's top 40 hits, so you get a timeless, elegant feel with a song you actually love. Acoustic covers — like Kina Grannis' version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" — are another popular way to modernize a classic.
How long should the prelude music last?
Plan for prelude music to cover the roughly 20–30 minutes while guests arrive and are seated, up until the processional begins. A short playlist on repeat is fine — the goal is simply to make sure your guests are never sitting in silence.
What is a good wedding recessional song?
The recessional sets the celebratory tone for the rest of the day, so upbeat is the way to go. Crowd-pleasers include "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors and "Now That We Found Love" by Heavy D & the Boys — and there's no rule against a fun surprise, like walking out to the Imperial March.
How do I pick my ceremony songs with Mystical Entertainment Group?
Listen through the four playlists above, then fill in the wedding formalities planner with your favorite for each section. Our team handles the rest so every moment is cued perfectly on your big day.
Planning a wedding in New Jersey or New York and want a team that nails every one of these moments?
Talk to Mystical Entertainment Group
