Wedding Recessional Music

The most popular choice is Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” written originally for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This sounds fabulous played on the organ, which gives it all the oomph and drama the song deserves. Other traditional choices may include Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” which is very upbeat and happy, and the “Hallelujah Chorus” or “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” both by Handel.

If you want to use something different, but still a traditional-sounding instrumental piece, talk to your musicians. The performers may know of another appropriate option that is not overly-used in this role. “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” would make an excellent choice.

Or, if you want to totally buck tradition and use a fun, contemporary song, feel free. Unless your house of worship has strict standards on what type of music can be played, there are no longer and hard and fast rules on the topic. Besides, most wedding guests are tired of the same old same old.

Some ideas for new wedding recessional music are “Oh, Happy Day” and U2’s “Beautiful Day.” If you have soulful roots, or just love Motown music, consider something by Stevie Wonder. His songs are fun and well known, so everyone will be singing along. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a great example.

If you have special heritage, now is a time to incorporate those unique rituals into your ceremony. For example, if you or your fiancée are Scottish, have a bagpiper lead you back down the aisle. If you are daring enough, throw is some techno music, such as “Sandstorm” by Darude. Make it your own!



Whether you go with traditional, classical, wedding recessional music: "The Wedding March", "Pachelbel's Canon", or Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" or with something different, the most important aspect of the wedding is what comes after the wedding - the marriage.