Top 10 Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to
Many couples leave planning song selection to their last item on the to do list. Plan ahead with our list of top 10 processional songs for any wedding ceremony! Make sure the song you walk down the aisle fits your individual personality and love story! Read a wedding musician’s perspective on how ceremonial music can impact your wedding by setting the right tone to fit your personality and needs.
#1. Pachebel’s Canon in D
This piece is a classic for a reason- it stands the test of time, and adds to the swelling emotion of a walk down the aisle. Pachebel’s Canon is an everlasting song that is beautiful to listen to, and also mimics the beat of walking down the aisle- making your ceremony as easy as possible. You ceremonial musicians probably know it by heart, and the great thing about this piece is there are many spots your musicians can end on that will still match your wedding party’s walk down the aisle.
Watch/listen to our Violin, Flute, Piano Trio play this song!
#2. Thousand Years- Christina Perry
This song has both timeless lyrics and a modern, contemporary sound. Similar to Canon in D, this piece has a nice chromatic chord progression that matches people walking really well. You don’t run down the aisle, right? This beat is beautiful and creates a laid back vibe to your big entrance
.
#3. Air on the G String
This song has a more prestigious and serious tone to it. I would recommend choosing this for a larger wedding party, as there aren’t many spots that would make sense for your musicians or DJ to stop the song at. Listening to this song, I picture a beautiful Fall or Winter wedding with deeper, vibrant colors and accents. However, the choice is totally yours!
#4. Can’t Help Falling in Love- Elvis Presley
There is something so humble, emotional, and innocent about playing this song during a wedding ceremony. I have played it both as the main piece for a bride’s walk down the aisle, and also for the bridesmaid, ring bearer, and flower girl (or whomever is involved in your wedding party). It is beautiful on its own, or accented with a more classical piece such as Pachebel’s Canon in D.
#5. Perfect- Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has added many invaluable hits to the wedding music industry for sure! This song is slow, steady, emotional and catchy too. I would recommend choosing a specific section of the song that will match the length of your ceremony and wedding party size. This is something you can discuss individually with your wedding musicians.
#6. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This song, while it is a classic, is not your traditional song choice for walking down the aisle. However, it creates a magical, light atmosphere, that I can picture right away with any ensemble.
#7. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
Bright, cheery, and upbeat is how I would describe this choice for any wedding ceremony. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring has adds a waltzy feel to a baroque, classical piece. The style for musicians states “andante moderato”, which translates in English to walking moderately. This song is sure to add cheer to any wedding, as it also translates in German to simply, “Joy”.
.
#8. What a Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong
A timeless classic that will remind your entire audience to stop and admire the beauty of life while you walk down the aisle. This could sound great pre-recorded, or, if you prefer instrumentals instead of Louis Armstrong’s voice, you could do that as well. The opportunities are really endless with any of these contemporary pieces.
Watch/ Listen to our Saxophone & Guitar Duo play this song!
#9. All of Me- John Legend
A modern, forthright song about loving someone completely for who they are. If that’s how you feel about the person you’re marrying, then this might be the perfect song to accentuate your walk down the aisle. Marriage is a promise, and this song is almost like musical vows to the person you love.
#10. Air- Handel’s Water Music
If you’d prefer a less traditional classical piece, then Air from Water Music might be the song for you! This song is perfect for any venue, time of year, audience, etc. It’s slow, so if you’d prefer a quicker walk down the aisle, then you might want to consider a different choice.
