Wedding Ceremony Music
Everything you need to plan the music for your wedding ceremony — from the prelude to the postlude.
Your wedding ceremony is the most emotional and important part of your wedding day. The music you choose for it will convey to your family and friends your feelings on love and marriage, your outlook on life, and the overall style and tone of the celebration.
Planning your ceremony music well is one of the highest-return investments you can make in the quality of your wedding day. Get it right and every part of the ceremony will feel heightened — the arrival of the bride, the exchange of vows, and the triumphant walk back down the aisle.
Key Decisions to Make First
Traditional or Contemporary?
Your first decision is whether you want classical, traditional ceremony music or modern, contemporary songs. This is often partly determined by your venue — many churches and religious institutions have specific requirements about the type of music permitted. Always check with your officiant before committing to any specific song.
Live Music or Recordings?
Live music — whether a string quartet, solo vocalist, pianist, harpist, or church choir — adds an irreplaceable warmth and spontaneity to a ceremony. Recorded music offers consistency, a wider choice of songs, and is typically more affordable. Many couples choose a combination: live music for the ceremony's key moments, and a DJ or playlist for the reception.
Where Do You Want Music?
In most ceremonies, music appears at several points — not just the processional. Click each link below to explore song ideas for every part of your ceremony:
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