40 Instrumental Wedding Songs, from Canon in D to Married Life

What is the most popular instrumental wedding song?

"Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel is the most popular instrumental wedding song, used for the bridal processional at countless ceremonies. "Air on the G String" by Bach, "Clair de Lune" by Debussy and Yiruma's "River Flows in You" are close behind, and string covers of pop songs like "A Thousand Years" are the modern favorite.

Classical processional music

1. "Canon in D", Pachelbel: the classic bridal processional.
2. "Air on the G String", Bach: graceful and calm.
3. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Bach: flowing and joyful.
4. "Bridal Chorus", Wagner: the tune known as "Here Comes the Bride".
5. "Trumpet Voluntary", Jeremiah Clarke: a regal entrance.
6. "Trumpet Tune", Purcell: bright and stately.
7. "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba", Handel: lively strings for the wedding party.
8. "Spring", from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons: fresh and sunny.
9. "Ave Maria", Schubert: often played on violin or cello.

Classical music for the ceremony and signing

10. "Clair de Lune", Debussy: dreamy piano.
11. "Gymnopédie No. 1", Satie: quiet and intimate.
12. "Salut d'Amour", Elgar: written as an engagement present for his fiancée.
13. "The Swan", Saint-Saëns: a cello favorite.
14. "Meditation", from Massenet's Thaïs: a violin solo.

Classical recessionals

15. "Wedding March", Mendelssohn: the classic recessional.
16. "Ode to Joy", Beethoven: a triumphant exit.
17. "Alla Hornpipe", from Handel's Water Music: festive brass.
18. "Rondeau", Mouret: known as the Masterpiece Theatre theme.

Modern piano pieces

19. "River Flows in You", Yiruma: the modern processional favorite.
20. "Kiss the Rain", Yiruma: soft and romantic.
21. "Una Mattina", Ludovico Einaudi: gentle and hopeful.
22. "Nuvole Bianche", Ludovico Einaudi: emotional and building.
23. "Experience", Ludovico Einaudi: swelling strings and piano.
24. "Comptine d'un autre été", Yann Tiersen: from the film Amélie.

Film and TV themes

25. "Married Life", Michael Giacchino: from Up, a beloved choice.
26. "Gabriel's Oboe", Ennio Morricone: from The Mission.
27. "Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso", Ennio Morricone: tender and nostalgic.
28. "Dawn", Dario Marianelli: from Pride & Prejudice.
29. "Bella's Lullaby", Carter Burwell: from Twilight.
30. "Concerning Hobbits", Howard Shore: from The Lord of the Rings, for fantasy fans.
31. "Throne Room and Finale", John Williams: a Star Wars recessional for movie lovers.
32. "Main Title", Ramin Djawadi: the Game of Thrones theme, a dramatic entrance for fans.

Guitar and string covers of popular songs

33. "A Thousand Years", The Piano Guys: the piano and cello cover.
34. "Perfect": Ed Sheeran's song as a string quartet arrangement.
35. "Can't Help Falling in Love": the Elvis classic on guitar or strings.
36. "Thinking Out Loud": beautiful on solo piano.
37. "Here Comes the Sun": lovely on acoustic guitar.
38. "Romanza": the anonymous Spanish guitar piece.
39. "Yellow": Coldplay's song in a Vitamin String Quartet style.
40. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow": on ukulele, for a beach wedding.

Where instrumental music fits in the day

• Prelude: 20 to 30 minutes of soft classical or piano music as guests arrive.
• Processional: one piece for the wedding party and another for the bride or couple.
• Signing: a short, quiet piece like "Gymnopédie No. 1".
• Recessional: something bright, from Mendelssohn to a pop cover.
• Cocktail hour and dinner: piano, jazz or string covers that never compete with conversation.

For more, see our processional songs, wedding exit songs and cocktail hour songs.

Instrumental music for the cocktail hour

During cocktails, a jazz trio or pianist playing standards like "The Way You Look Tonight", "Fly Me to the Moon" and "La Vie en Rose", or string covers of the couple's favorite pop songs, keeps the mood relaxed while guests mingle and the couple takes photos.

Instrumental songs for the first dance

Some couples dance to an instrumental: "Married Life" from Up, a piano version of "Perfect" or Yiruma's "River Flows in You" give a gentle waltz feel without lyrics, which suits couples who would rather not choose words.

Live musicians or recordings?

A string quartet, harpist, pianist or classical guitarist makes the ceremony feel special, and most can learn one pop arrangement if you ask a few months ahead. For a smaller budget, a good sound system playing high-quality recordings works well, especially for an outdoor or destination ceremony.

Instrumental wedding songs for a church ceremony

Many churches prefer sacred or classical instrumental music during the ceremony: "Canon in D", "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Ave Maria" and "Trumpet Voluntary" are almost always welcome. Ask the church musician what they play well. For more, see our Christian wedding songs.

Choosing music for the walk down the aisle

Time the processional before the day: walk the aisle at a gentle pace and note how many seconds it takes, then choose a piece, or a section of one, that fits. A musician can loop or end a piece at the right moment; with recordings, ask the DJ to fade it smoothly once you reach the front.

A song written for your wedding

Instrumental music sets the mood; a personalized song tells your story. Many couples pair a classical processional with a song written about them for the first dance or the end of the night.

How to create a wedding song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: acoustic, classical, pop and more.
2. Add both your names.
3. Share three moments from your story together.
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, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Add a song about your story to the day: create a song and hear four previews for free.