40 Songs for Walking Down the Aisle

The first notes of your entrance song are the moment everyone stands and turns to look. Choosing the right wedding processional songs sets the mood for your entire ceremony, whether you want something grand and classical, softly romantic or joyfully upbeat.

Here are 40 options grouped by style, with a short note on each to help you imagine it in your venue. Many of the pop songs also exist as instrumental versions for strings or piano, which often suit a processional beautifully.

Classical Processional Music

1. Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel

The most requested processional piece for good reason. Its steady, building progression works for any length of aisle.

2. Bridal Chorus – Richard Wagner

From the opera Lohengrin, this is the melody many people know as Here Comes the Bride. Instantly recognisable and traditional.

3. Air on the G String – Johann Sebastian Bach

An arrangement of a movement from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3. Calm, elegant and ideal for a string quartet.

4. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Johann Sebastian Bach

Flowing and joyful, this piece is a favourite for church weddings and sounds lovely on organ or strings.

5. Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke

Also known as the Prince of Denmark’s March, it gives a regal, celebratory feel to the bride’s or couple’s entrance.

6. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – George Frideric Handel

Lively and bright, it is often chosen for the wedding party’s entrance before a slower piece for the couple.

7. Spring from The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi

Cheerful and fresh, especially fitting for spring and garden weddings.

8. Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy

Dreamy and delicate, best for intimate ceremonies or evening settings.

9. Ave Maria – Franz Schubert

A serene and emotional choice, often performed by a soloist or violinist.

10. Gymnopedie No. 1 – Erik Satie

Slow, simple and quietly modern-sounding, it works well for minimalist and relaxed ceremonies.

Romantic Modern Songs

11. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

One of the most popular modern processionals, frequently played as a string or piano instrumental.

12. Perfect – Ed Sheeran

A tender ballad that suits both the processional and the first dance.

13. All of Me – John Legend

Piano-led and heartfelt, it translates beautifully to a solo instrumental.

14. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

A timeless melody that has been covered in countless soft acoustic and string versions.

15. Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Adele’s cover of the Bob Dylan song is slow and moving, ideal for a short, emotional walk.

16. At Last – Etta James

Classic, soulful and warm. The instrumental opening alone sets a wonderful mood.

17. Marry Me – Train

Sweet and gentle, with lyrics that feel made for the moment.

18. Turning Page – Sleeping at Last

An atmospheric, poetic song popular with couples who want something less expected.

19. Bloom – The Paper Kites

Soft indie folk with a hushed, intimate sound. Lovely for outdoor ceremonies.

20. Speechless – Dan + Shay

Its lyrics about being left lost for words by a partner’s appearance make it a natural processional choice.

21. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz

A steady acoustic song about commitment, ideal for couples who value honesty over grand gestures.

22. The Book of Love – Peter Gabriel

Gabriel’s version of the Magnetic Fields song is slow and stately, with a gentle orchestral feel.

Upbeat and Joyful Choices

23. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

Bright and hopeful, it makes guests smile the moment it begins.

24. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder

Energetic and fun, perfect for a couple who wants a celebratory entrance.

25. Marry You – Bruno Mars

Playful and full of bells, it is great for a relaxed, party-style ceremony.

26. Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Folky and joyful, this song often gets guests clapping along.

27. Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Warm and uplifting, it suits a sunny daytime ceremony.

28. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Breezy and cheerful, especially fitting for beach weddings.

Film Scores and Timeless Standards

29. Married Life – Michael Giacchino

From the film Up, this waltz-like piece is sweet, nostalgic and deeply moving for many guests.

30. Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone

From the film The Mission, its soaring melody is elegant on oboe, cello or violin.

31. Storybook Love – Mark Knopfler

The gentle theme from The Princess Bride, ideal for couples who love the film.

32. Kissing You – Des’ree

Famous from the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, it has a hauntingly romantic sound.

33. Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

The beloved ukulele medley brings a soft, easygoing island feel.

34. Concerning Hobbits – Howard Shore

From The Lord of the Rings, its light, pastoral melody delights fantasy fans.

35. La Vie en Rose – Edith Piaf

A classic French chanson that feels romantic and elegant, whether sung or played on accordion or strings.

Country and Folk Favourites

36. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

A heartfelt country ballad about the journey that led to the right person.

37. Then – Brad Paisley

A gentle song about love growing deeper over time.

38. Amazed – Lonestar

A classic country love song that builds into a sweeping chorus.

39. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

Warm and relaxed, it suits rustic barn and farm weddings.

40. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay

A tender song about building a life together, step by step.

How to Time Your Processional

Most processionals last only one to three minutes. Many couples use one song for the wedding party and a second for the couple’s or bride’s entrance, which creates a clear change in mood. Ask your musicians or DJ to start the couple’s song at a recognisable point, such as the chorus, and to fade gracefully once everyone has reached the front. Walk the aisle at your rehearsal with the music playing to check the timing.

Tips for Choosing Your Song

• Consider instrumentals. Lyrics can compete with the moment, so many couples prefer string or piano versions.
• Check venue rules. Some religious venues restrict secular music during the ceremony, so ask in advance.
• Think about acoustics. Delicate pieces may get lost outdoors without amplification.
• Book live musicians early. Give them your choices well ahead so they can arrange or learn the pieces.
• Have a backup. Keep a downloaded copy on a phone in case of technical problems.

Final Thoughts

Your processional song is the soundtrack to one of the most emotional moments of your wedding. Listen to your shortlist while imagining the walk, choose the piece that gives you goosebumps, and let it carry you down the aisle.