30 Wedding Songs to Walk Down Aisle

Your wedding processional sets the emotional tone for your entire ceremony.

The right song transforms a simple walk into a moment that guests will remember for years—and the wrong one can leave everyone wondering if they accidentally wandered into someone else’s wedding.

After helping countless couples navigate this decision (and witnessing a few musical disasters), I’ve compiled thirty songs that actually work for walking down the aisle.

These aren’t just popular tracks thrown together—they’re songs with the right tempo, emotional weight, and that magical ability to make even your most stoic uncle tear up.

Classic Wedding Processionals

These timeless choices have soundtracked thousands of “I do” moments for good reason. They’re elegant, universally recognized, and won’t have your grandmother clutching her pearls.

• Canon in D by Pachelbel remains the gold standard of wedding processionals. Yes, it’s been done a million times, but there’s something undeniably powerful about those opening notes that signals “wedding in progress” to every soul in attendance.
• Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride) by Wagner is so iconic it’s practically synonymous with weddings. Some couples avoid it for being too traditional, but honestly, if you want that full fairy-tale moment, nothing else quite delivers the same punch.
• Ave Maria by Schubert brings a sacred, ethereal quality that works beautifully in both religious and secular ceremonies. The soaring melody gives you plenty of time to make your entrance without rushing, and it photographs beautifully—your videographer will thank you.
• Wedding March by Mendelssohn typically serves as the recessional, but some couples flip the script and use it for the processional. It’s bold, triumphant, and announces your arrival like you’re royalty—which, let’s face it, you are on your wedding day.
• Air on the G String by Bach offers sophisticated elegance without being overly familiar. It’s recognizable enough that guests know they’re hearing something special, but unique enough that it won’t remind them of every other wedding they’ve attended.

Modern Love Songs

Contemporary hits can create deeply personal moments that reflect your actual relationship rather than wedding tradition. Just make sure the lyrics actually match the occasion—you’d be surprised how many love songs are actually about breakups.

• A Thousand Years by Christina Perri has become the modern equivalent of Canon in D. It’s romantic without being saccharine, and the build-up perfectly matches the pacing of a processional walk.
• All of Me by John Legend captures that “I love everything about you, even your weird habits” feeling that real marriages are built on. The piano arrangement translates beautifully to string versions if you want something more ceremony-appropriate.
• Perfect by Ed Sheeran speaks to couples who found their person in the most ordinary, extraordinary way. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, and most of your guests will already know the words.
• Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran offers another Ed Sheeran option for couples who want something slightly more contemplative. The guitar melody creates a gentle, intimate atmosphere that works especially well for smaller ceremonies.
• Make You Feel My Love by Adele (originally Bob Dylan) promises the kind of devotion that actually means something. Adele’s version brings emotional depth that can turn even the most practical bride into a puddle of happy tears.

Instrumental Arrangements

Sometimes the most beautiful processional is one where the melody speaks louder than words. Instrumental versions allow guests to focus entirely on the visual moment unfolding before them.

• Vitamin String Quartet arrangements transform popular songs into ceremony-appropriate orchestral pieces. Their catalog includes everything from Beatles classics to current pop hits, all arranged with wedding-appropriate elegance.
• Piano Guys versions blend classical instruments with contemporary sensibilities. Their arrangements feel both timeless and current—perfect for couples who want something familiar but not predictable.
• Acoustic guitar arrangements create an intimate, organic feeling that works beautifully for outdoor ceremonies. The gentle strumming provides a romantic backdrop without overwhelming the natural sounds of your venue.
• Harp arrangements add an ethereal, almost magical quality to any song. Whether it’s a classical piece or a modern hit arranged for harp, the instrument itself elevates the entire moment.
• String quartet arrangements offer the perfect balance of elegance and warmth. They’re formal enough for the most traditional venues but personal enough to feel authentic to your relationship.

Unique and Unexpected Choices

For couples who want their processional to reflect their personality rather than wedding convention, these options create memorable moments that guests will talk about long after the last dance.

• La Vie En Rose by Édith Piaf brings French romance and sophistication to your entrance. Even if your guests don’t speak French, the emotion in Piaf’s voice transcends language barriers.
• Moon River by Audrey Hepburn channels old Hollywood glamour and timeless romance. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, and the gentle melody creates a dreamy atmosphere.
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole works surprisingly well for couples getting married in beautiful outdoor settings. The ukulele version brings joy and hope—exactly what weddings should celebrate.
• At Last by Etta James makes a bold statement about finally finding your person. It’s soulful, powerful, and guaranteed to give everyone goosebumps when those opening notes play.
• The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra captures that moment when you see your partner and remember exactly why you fell in love. It’s classic without being cliché, romantic without being overwhelming.

Songs for Different Wedding Styles

Quick Tips for Choosing Your Processional

Your song choice should feel authentic to your relationship while considering your ceremony’s practical needs. A three-minute song might be perfect for a long aisle, but it’ll feel endless if you only have twenty steps to take.

Consider your venue’s acoustics and equipment capabilities. That gorgeous acoustic arrangement won’t have the same impact if it’s played through a crackling sound system, and outdoor venues might require different considerations than indoor spaces.

Think about your guests and the overall tone you want to set. Your death metal love song might be meaningful to you, but it could leave your grandmother wondering if she’s in the right place.

Making Your Final Decision

The perfect processional song is one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself as you walk toward your future spouse. It should give you confidence, create the emotional atmosphere you want, and feel true to who you are as a couple.

Don’t overthink it to the point of paralysis—trust your instincts and choose something that moves you. After all, in twenty years, you won’t remember if the song was trendy or traditional.

You’ll remember how it felt to hear those opening notes and know it was time to marry your person.