One of such important aspects of a wedding is the processional. The sounds you hear at the beginning of the wedding, while you walk in, can set the tone for the entire event, so choose your wedding processional songs wisely.
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You can choose one song for everyone, or choose a separate song for each group in your bridal party. While there are many traditional options for processional music, we have listed here different types, because each couple is different. From alternative wedding processional songs to more popular modern wedding processional songs, you are free to take your pick from the list below:
What is a processional song at a wedding?
The processional song is what it sounds like: The song – that plays when important family members, your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the bride, make their way down the aisle.
Classic Wedding Processional Songs
There are lots of popular wedding processional songs that can be used in a classical or traditional wedding. Most of these are lovely instrumentals with just the right crescendos to cue in your entrance and also fade into a second song if you choose. Below are some of the popular entrance songs.
- Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups
A most popular and beautiful song to add to your list of wedding ceremony entrance songs, especially for a classical or traditional wedding.
Album: Chapel of Love, 1964
Lyrics: “Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married; going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married. Gee, I really love you and we’re gonna get married; going to the chapel of love.” - Fur Elise by Beethoven
This tune from Beethoven to one that he loved will be a lovely addition to a list of wedding march songs.
Album: 100 Most Essential Classical Favorites, 2010
Lyrics: “Ode an die freunde
O freunde, nichtdiesetoene!
Sondernlasstunsangenehmereanstimmen und
Freundenvollere!” - Arioso by J.S. Bach
A beautiful instrumental, this popular melody will be the delight of any bridal party at a classical wedding. The guests as well will appreciate this piece.
Album: Classical Study Music, 2015
Lyrics: Instrumental - Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy
Composed by Claude Debussy, this is another popular classical tune that is great as processional songs for the bridal party.
Album: Clair de Lune – single, 2014
Lyrics: Instrumental - The Wedding Song (There is Love) by Peter, Paul & Mary
Lovely tune by Peter, Paul and Mary, The Wedding Song is a classical and spiritual tune that has been played at countless weddings till date and does not grow old.
Album: The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary, 2005
Lyrics: “Well a man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home; they shall travel on to where the two shall be as one. As it was in the beginning, is now until the end; woman draws her life from man and gives it back again. And there is love, there is love.”
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Modern Wedding Processional Songs
If you want to stick with what’s recent and trendy, then choose some modern songs to set the tone for your wedding processional. Your wedding party will be happy about your choices and possibly your guests as well. The right music sometimes can be everything.
- Marry You by Bruno Mars
This beautiful number by Bruno Mars makes a great entrance number that your wedding party and guests are sure to enjoy.
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans, 2010
Lyrics: “It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do; hey baby, I think I wanna marry you. Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice; who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you…” - Crazy in Love by Béyonce feat. Jay-Z
Having Beyonce and Jay-Z cue you into your wedding is nothing short of a great idea. Crazy in love is one of the best processional songs as modern songs go.
Album: Dangerously in Love, 2003
Lyrics: “I look and stare so deep in your eyes; I touch on you more and more every time. When you leave, I’m begging you not to go; call your name two or three times in a row.” - Real Love by Beach House
A truly great tune, anyone would be happy to walk down the aisle to Real Love.
Album: Teen Dream, 2010
Lyrics: “I met you somewhere in hell beneath the stairs; there’s someone in that room that frightens you when they go boom. The color you say is black is the one you might lack; in the size of your eyes, is there a righteous prize?” - Salted Wound by Sia
You’re either a fan of the movie or a fan of the song. Either way this is a great tune to have on your list of wedding party processional songs.
Album: Fifty Shades of Grey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), 2015
Lyrics: “Lonely float got in the way; you are the feel, and knew it anyway. Take a chance, it wasn’t what you know; take my hand, and don’t let go.” - Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Be warned, this warm and sultry tune by Adele can result in a tear or two if you choose it for walking down the aisle.
Album: 19, 2008
Lyrics: “When the rain is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case. I could offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love.”
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Unique Wedding Processional Songs
If you’re looking for some unique and out-of-the-box wedding songs to add to your list for entrance or processional music, check out this list right here. They might be unexpected and a little different from the norm, but still, give all the feels needed for a great entrance.
- Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This sweet, sweet tune by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is always great for a wedding procession song. Even more so if it’s for a destination wedding at a beach or tropical island.
Album: Ka ‘Ano’I, 1990
Lyrics: “Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. And the dreams that you dream of, once in a lullaby.” - Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
From a man who definitely loves his woman, this soft and beautiful tune is definitely one to walk down the aisle to.
Album: Slowhand, 1997
Lyrics: “It’s late in the evening; she’s wondering what clothes to wear. She’ll put on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair, and then she asks me, do I look all right? And I say, yes, you look wonderful tonight.” - The One by Kodaline
A great, upbeat love song. This tune, as well as the lyrics, are perfect for a wedding processional. Giving you all the right feels goosebumps and even tears for that walk down the aisle.
Album: Coming Up for Air, 2015.
Lyrics: “Cause you make my heart feel like it’s summer when the rain is pouring down. You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong. That’s why I know you are the one, that’s how I know you are the one.” - Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars couldn’t have sung better words to make everyone smile and even blush during your wedding processional.
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans, 2010
Lyrics: “When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change, ‘cause you’re amazing just the way you are.” - I Choose You by Sara Bareilles
Another perfect one for that bridal party processional song, I Choose You is an upbeat and fun number with all the right lyrics and tunes.
Album: The Blessed Unrest, 2018.
Lyrics: “Tell the world that we finally got it all right, I choose you. I will become yours and you will become mine, I choose you, I choose. You, yeah.”
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Popular Wedding Processional Songs
Though a lot of these popular songs are not new wedding hits, they sound brand new every time you listen to them. These songs are tried and true and will not let you down if you need something beautiful for your professional music.
- At Last by Etta James
With its vintage flair and classical sound, this popular tune could not be more perfect for a bridal processional song.
Album: At last! 1960
Lyrics: “At last my love has come along, my lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah.
At last the skies above are blue, my heart was wrapped up clover the night I looked at you.” - God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
A love song played over and over for decades; this is a classic masterpiece that touches the hearts and minds of anyone that hears it. The lyrics and tune make it perfect for a bridal processional.
Album: Pet sounds, 1966
Lyrics: “If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on, believe me; the world could show nothing to me. So what good would living do me; God only knows what I’d be without you.” - All I Ask of You by Andrew Lloyd Webber
A song that sings of the reassurances of love, this musical from The Phantom of the Opera is another great number for a wedding entrance.
Album: Movie – The Phantom of the Opera, 2004.
Lyrics: “Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears. I’m here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you.” - Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
Easily recognized as the tune behind the popular song, ‘Here Comes the Bride’, this classical piece is a great as it is popular. Often played on an organ, it’s a lovely choice for the procession at a classical or traditional wedding.
Album: 1850 Opera
Lyrics: “Treulichgeführtziehetdahin,wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr’!Siegreicher Mut, Minnegewinneinteuch in TreuezumseligstenPaar.Streiter der Tugend, schreitevoran!” - Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
Composed by Johann Pachelbel, this is another classical number often used in wedding ceremonies. One of the most popular ever, it is a great choice for a processional.
Composed: 1680 – 90
Lyrics: Instrumental
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Alternative Wedding Processional Songs
Not everyone is interested in classic wedding songs for their big day. Some couples will prefer something alternative and different from the usual. For brides and grooms who fall into this category, we have compiled a list of slightly alternative music for their wedding procession.
- History in The Making by Darius Rucker
If you’re looking for country songs to add to your list of entrance or processional song, then this tune from Darius Rucker should be perfect.
Album: Learn to Live, 2008
Lyrics: “Don’t move, baby don’t move, aw look at you, I just want to take this in. The moonlight dancin’ off your skin. Our time, let’s take our time.” - Hallelujah by Pentatonix
Definitely an out-of-the-box type choice, but there is no denying that this rendition of Hallelujah by Pentatonix is one great tune.
Album: A Pentatonix Christmas, 2016
Lyrics: “Well, your faith was strong but you needed proof; you saw her bathing on the roof. Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya. She tied you to the kitchen chair, she broke your throne and she cut your hair, and from your lips, she drew the Hallelujah.” - All This Time by One Republic
No doubt a love song that resonates with all the feels of walking down the aisle to the one you love.
Album: Waking up, 2009
Lyrics: “All this time we were waiting for each other. All this time I was waiting for you. We got all these words, can’t waste them on another.” - Love by Lana Del Rey
Even though this is not a popular option, it is definitely a brilliant one. This song of love by Lana Del Rey is a captivating tune that wraps you up in its beautiful lyrics and melody.
Album: Lust for life – Single, 2017
Lyrics: “You get ready, you get all dressed up, to go nowhere in particular. Back to work or the coffee shop, doesn’t matter cause it’s enough. To be young and in love, to be young and in love.” - Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
As alternative as it gets, this lovely rock song is a great option for couples looking for entrance music that is different from the norm.
Album: Urban Hymns, 1997
Lyrics: “I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down, you know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah. No change, I can’t change, I can’t change, I can’t change, but I’m here in my mold, I am here in my mold.”
Wedding Party Processional Songs
If you are choosing separate music for your groomsmen ceremony entrance songs as well as for your bridesmaids, then you need to check out some of these songs we have compiled for just that.
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Bridal Party Ceremony Entrance Songs
- Love on Top by Beyonce
This upbeat number from Beyonce is sure to put your bridesmaids and every one of your guests in a great mood.
Album: 4, 2011
Lyrics: “Now everybody ask me why I’m smiling out from ear to ear, (they say love hurts).
But I know (it’s gonna take the real work), nothing’s perfect but it’s worth it.
After fighting through my tears and finally you put me first.” - You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman by Carole King
Most women love this sensual R&B number from Carole King. No doubt your bridesmaids will too.
Album: Tapestry, 1971
Lyrics: “Looking out on the morning rain, I used to feel uninspired.
And when I knew I had to face another day, lord, it made me feel so tired.
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind; but your love was the key to my peace of mind.” - I Do by Colbie Caillat
This upbeat song has just the right tempo for a fun and laid back outdoor or beach wedding processional.
Album: All of You, 2011
Lyrics: “You make we wanna say I do, I do, I do, do dododododo doo, yeah, I do, I do, I do, do dododododo doo.
‘Cause every time before it’s been like, maybe yes and maybe no.” - All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
This classic from the Beatles is a feel-good song that will have your bridesmaids smiling from ear to ear as they walk down the aisle.
Album: Movie – Magical Mystery Tour, 1967
Lyrics: “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game. It’s easy.” - Is This Love by Bob Marley
This reggae classic from Bob Marley spreads great vibes for a tropical island or beach wedding.
Album: Kaya, 1978
Lyrics: “I want to love you, and treat you right. I want to love you, every day and every night; we’ll be together, with a roof right over our heads. We’ll share the shelter, of my single bed.”
Groomsmen Ceremony Entrance Songs
- Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake
A song specifically for the guys, your groomsmen will not mid marching into this.
Album: The 20/20 Experience, 2013
Lyrics: “I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit, tie; I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit.
Can I show you a few things? A few things, a few things, little baby ’cause, I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit.” - Humble by Kendrick Lamar
With over 500 million views on youtube, this song is a strong contender for wedding ceremony music ideas for groomsmen.
Album: DAMN, 2017
Lyrics: “But now I’m countin’ this, parmesan where my accountant lives.
In fact, I’m downin’ this.” - Look Alive by Drake
With its popular “shoot” dance move, this is one song the guys will love to make an entrance to in their own way.
Album: Simi, 2018
Lyrics: “Oh well, we gon’ see how hard they ride. I get racks to go outside, and I split it with the guys.” - Marry Me by Jason Derulo
The right lyrics and tempo, this song has all the right ingredients for a beautiful processional song.
Album: Talk dirty, 2014
Lyrics: “How many girls in the world can make me feel like this? Baby I don’t ever plan to find out.
The more I look, the more I find the reasons why, you’re the love of my life.” - Started from the Bottom by Drake
Another popular Drake song, would make for a grand entrance by the men of the hour.
Album: Nothing was the Same, 2013.
Lyrics: “Started from the bottom, now we’re here. Started from the bottom, now my whole team here.”
While a number of couples prefer the usual classical music and songs for their wedding processional, we can’t ignore the fact that each couple is different and unique in their own way. So this compilation of wedding processional songs seeks to meet each type of couple at least halfway. We hope you find what you’re looking for from this list made especially for you.
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