Wedding Recessional Songs
Walk back down the aisle as a married couple to music that matches the joy of the moment. Traditional, instrumental and contemporary options.
Your recessional is the moment the ceremony ends and the celebration begins. You've just been pronounced married — now walk back down that aisle with everything you've got. The music you choose for this moment should match exactly how you feel: joyful, triumphant, and free.
Unlike the processional — which calls for restraint and emotion — the recessional calls for release. Don't hesitate to choose something upbeat, unexpected, or even playful. This is one of the most photographed moments of the entire wedding.
Traditional Classical Recessional Songs
The iconic choices — grand, triumphant and timelessly appropriate.
| Song | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding March (A Midsummer Night's Dream) | Mendelssohn | The ultimate triumphant recessional |
| Alla Hornpipe (from Water Music Suite) | Handel | Majestic and joyful |
| Trumpet Tune | Purcell | Bright and celebratory |
| Wedding March | Wagner | Grand and ceremonial |
Instrumental & Non-Traditional Classical Recessionals
Classical in spirit but less expected — from film scores to Baroque masterpieces.
| Song | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival of the Queen of Sheba | Handel | Brilliant and jubilant — one of the best recessionals |
| Ode to Joy | Beethoven | Universally loved and deeply uplifting |
| St Anthony Chorale | Haydn | Noble and warm |
| Trumpet Voluntary | Clark | Bright and triumphant |
| Sonata in G | Tartini | Elegant and flowing |
| Autumn (from The Four Seasons) | Vivaldi | Rich and celebratory |
| Spring (from The Four Seasons) | Vivaldi | Joyful and bright |
| Badinerie (from Suite No. 2 in B minor) | Bach | Playful and light-footed |
| Serenade to Spring | Secret Garden | Beautiful New Age instrumental |
| Florin Dance (from The Princess Bride) | Mark Knopfler | Whimsical and delightful |
| Love's Theme | Love Unlimited Orchestra | Warm and celebratory |
| Meryton Townhall (from Pride & Prejudice) | Jean-Yves Thibaudet | Light and English — perfect for garden weddings |
| Basingstoke Assembly (from Becoming Jane) | Adrian Johnston | Period charm and warmth |
Contemporary Recessional Songs
Modern, upbeat and celebratory — for couples who want their exit to feel as personal as their entrance.
| Song | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking on Sunshine | Katrina and the Waves | Pure joy — impossible not to smile |
| Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe | Barry White | Smooth and celebratory |
| At Last | Etta James | Romantic and triumphant |
| One Love (People Get Ready) | Bob Marley | Joyful and universal |
| Beautiful Day | U2 | Epic and uplifting — universally loved |
| This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) | Natalie Cole | Bright and soulful |
| All You Need Is Love | The Beatles | Joyful sing-along classic |
| Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now | Starship | Upbeat 80s anthem |
| I'm a Believer | The Monkees or Smashmouth | Guaranteed to make guests grin |
| My First, My Last, My Everything | Barry White | Soulful and celebratory |
| I Got You (I Feel Good) | James Brown | Irresistibly upbeat |
| It's the End of the World as We Know It | R.E.M. | Fun and surprising — great for the couple with a sense of humour |
| Congratulations | Cliff Richard | Unashamedly celebratory |
| Crazy Little Thing Called Love | Queen or Michael Bublé | Fun and upbeat |
| I Got You Babe | Sonny & Cher or UB40 | Sweet and joyful |
| Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours | Stevie Wonder | The perfect recessional — total joy |
| Happy Together | Turtles | Sunny and upbeat |
| Lovely Day | Bill Withers | Warm and celebratory |
| Here Comes the Sun | George Harrison or Nina Simone | Optimistic and beautiful |
| Just Like Starting Over | John Lennon | Perfect for second marriages |
| Fly Me to the Moon | Frank Sinatra | Swinging and romantic |
| Everywhere | Fleetwood Mac | Warm and joyful |
| I Do | Colbie Caillat | Modern, sweet and uplifting |
| I Believe in a Thing Called Love | The Darkness | Rock energy and sheer fun |
| Such Great Heights | Postal Service | Indie joy |
| Love at First Sight | Kylie Minogue | Upbeat pop perfection |
| Island in the Sun | Weezer | Sunny and carefree |
| Better Together | Jack Johnson | Relaxed and joyful — great for beach or outdoor weddings |
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