Gift Guide

45 Groom Entrance Songs for the Walk Down the Aisle

The bride's entrance gets the spotlight, but the groom's walk sets the tone for the ceremony. Here are 45 groom entrance songs, from romantic picks to rock, country, R&B, fun movie themes and elegant instrumentals, with tips on when the groom walks in, how long the song should be and how to match it to the rest of the ceremony music.

What song should a groom walk out to?

The groom's song should feel like him. For a romantic ceremony, "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton and "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott are popular. For a rock fan, an instrumental version of "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica works beautifully on strings. For a groom who wants to make guests laugh, the Rocky theme or the Star Wars main title is a classic.

Do grooms get entrance music?

Yes, more and more often. In a traditional processional the officiant and groom simply take their places, but many couples now give the groom his own short walk down the aisle, alone, with his parents or with the officiant. The usual order is: officiant, groom (with parents if they are walking), groomsmen and bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer, then the bride.

Romantic groom entrance songs

  1. "Joy of My Life", Chris Stapleton: a love song for his wife and bandmate.
  2. "Beautiful in White", Shane Filan: written to be played at a wedding.
  3. "You Are the Reason", Calum Scott: soaring and sincere.
  4. "All of Me", John Legend: piano and devotion.
  5. "Here and Now", Luther Vandross: the R&B wedding classic.
  6. "You & I (Nobody in the World)", John Legend: about seeing her as she is.
  7. "Kiss the Girl", Samuel E. Wright: a playful Disney nod.
  8. "At Last", Etta James: the love was worth the wait.
  9. "First Day of My Life", Bright Eyes: tender and indie.
  10. "Can't Help Falling in Love", Elvis Presley: timeless.
  11. "Marry Me", Train: sweet and simple.
  12. "Better Together", Jack Johnson: easy and warm.

Rock groom entrance songs

  1. "Nothing Else Matters", Metallica: often played by a string quartet.
  2. "Back in Black", AC/DC: for a groom who wants the guests clapping.
  3. "Thunderstruck", AC/DC: the build-up is made for a big entrance.
  4. "Sweet Child O' Mine", Guns N' Roses: that opening riff, on guitar or strings.
  5. "Don't Stop Believin'", Journey: hopeful and loud.
  6. "Kiss from a Rose", Seal: lovely as an instrumental.
  7. "Mr. Brightside", The Killers: for the millennial groom.
  8. "Livin' on a Prayer", Bon Jovi: for a groom with a sense of humor.

Country groom entrance songs

  1. "Speechless", Dan + Shay: about seeing his bride for the first time.
  2. "Die a Happy Man", Thomas Rhett: needing nothing more.
  3. "Bless the Broken Road", Rascal Flatts: for couples who found each other the long way.
  4. "Tennessee Whiskey", Chris Stapleton: smooth and slow.
  5. "Beautiful Crazy", Luke Combs: about loving her quirks.
  6. "Forever After All", Luke Combs: a love that lasts.
  7. "God Gave Me You", Blake Shelton: gratitude for the person who changed everything.

R&B groom entrance songs

  1. "Spend My Life with You", Eric Benét and Tamia: a duet that sounds like vows.
  2. "Adorn", Miguel: smooth devotion.
  3. "Best Part", Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R.: soft and intimate.
  4. "Always and Forever", Heatwave: the 70s slow jam classic.
  5. "Ribbon in the Sky", Stevie Wonder: love that was meant to be.
  6. "Back at One", Brian McKnight: a countdown to forever.
  7. "Let's Stay Together", Al Green: soul for a long marriage.

Fun songs for the groom's walk

  1. "Gonna Fly Now", Bill Conti: the Rocky theme, for a triumphant walk.
  2. "Star Wars (Main Title)", John Williams: for the groom from a galaxy far, far away.
  3. "Mission: Impossible Theme", Lalo Schifrin: a stealthy walk to the altar.
  4. "Eye of the Tiger", Survivor: pure confidence.
  5. "All I Do Is Win", DJ Khaled: for the groom who knows he won.
  6. "Can't Stop the Feeling!", Justin Timberlake: bright and clean.
  7. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours", Stevie Wonder: a joyful walk-in.

Instrumental picks for the groom

  1. "Canon in D", Pachelbel: often saved for the bride, but lovely for the whole processional.
  2. "Air on the G String", Bach: calm and elegant.
  3. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Bach: a church favorite.
  4. "A Thousand Years", string quartet version: romantic and recognizable.

How long should the groom's entrance song be?

The groom's walk usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Ask the musicians or DJ to start the song at a strong point (often the chorus or the most recognizable riff) and fade or transition into the wedding party's song once he reaches the front. Practice the timing at the rehearsal so he is not standing at the altar waiting for the music to end.

Should the groom's song match the bride's?

It does not have to, but it helps if the ceremony feels like one story. A common approach is to keep the same style (all strings, all acoustic) and let the groom's song be lighter or more personal, then switch to the most emotional piece for the bride. If the groom chooses something fun, let the wedding party's song bring the mood back down before the bride appears. See our walking down the aisle songs and our wedding party entrance songs.

Songs for a groom walking in with his mom

When the groom walks down the aisle with his mother, choose something tender that honors her: "In My Life", "You Raise Me Up", "Simple Man" as an instrumental or "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men. It is a quiet moment many mothers remember as much as the mother-son dance. See our mother-son dance songs.

Hip-hop picks for the groom

For a hip-hop fan, choose a clean version with a strong intro: "All I Do Is Win", "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis or "Just the Two of Us" by Will Smith. Have the DJ start at the beat drop so the walk begins with energy.

Groom and groomsmen walking in together

If the groomsmen walk in with the groom, pick a song with a big, building intro so the whole line can enter on the beat: "Eye of the Tiger", "Gonna Fly Now", "Thunderstruck" or "Back in Black". Rehearse it once; a slightly off-beat walk is what guests will film.

Groom entrance songs for a church wedding

Many churches limit secular songs during the ceremony. Instrumentals like "Canon in D", "Air on the G String" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", or a hymn arranged for organ, work in almost any church. Check with the officiant before booking musicians.

A song written about your story

Every song above was written for someone else. A personalized wedding song can tell your story, from the first meeting to the proposal, and can be played as the groom walks in, at the first dance or as a surprise gift from the groom to the bride on the wedding morning. See our custom wedding song guide and our first dance songs.

How to create your wedding song

  1. Choose a style from 14 genres: ballad, country, R&B, rock and more.
  2. Add both of your names.
  3. Share three moments from your story, each with one concrete detail.
  4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
  5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3 for your DJ or musicians, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Walk in to a song about the two of you: create your wedding song and hear four previews for free.

Everything you want to know

What song should a groom walk down the aisle to?

Popular picks include "Joy of My Life" by Chris Stapleton, "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott, "All of Me" by John Legend, a string version of "Nothing Else Matters" or, for a laugh, the Rocky theme.

Do grooms get entrance music?

Yes, more and more weddings give the groom his own short walk, alone, with his parents or with the officiant. He usually enters right after the officiant and before the wedding party.

How long is the groom's entrance song?

The walk takes 30 to 60 seconds. Start the song at a strong point, like the chorus, and transition into the wedding party's song once the groom reaches the front.

Can we get a song written for our wedding?

Yes. With Cantarova you add both names and a few moments from your story, review the lyrics and listen to 4 free previews. The full song is ready within minutes.

Why people choose Cantarova

  • Because a song about your story makes the ceremony yours.
  • Because it is ready within minutes, even the week of the wedding.
  • Because you hear 4 free previews before you pay.

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