Wedding Music Inspiration: The Best Entrance Pieces and First Dance Songs

It’s the day of your wedding. You’ve spent months, or perhaps even years, planning this.

Your favourite people have travelled from far and wide to come celebrate with you. Dressed in their Sunday best, they quietly admire the venue and the decorations you and your partner have chosen. There is so much love and excitement in the room as everyone waits for the wedding ceremony to begin. And then the music starts playing… What song do they hear?

Choosing the first song can feel near impossible – how do you pick a piece that might possibly shape the mood of the whole ceremony! Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work and have compiled some of the best wedding songs so that you aren’t overwhelmed when it comes to planning your wedding. From timeless classics to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, there’s so much to explore!

Best Wedding Entrance Songs for Walking Down the Aisle

Let’s start off with some wedding favourites. These works have been chosen time and time again by couples around the world for the bridal procession, and for good reason. Whether traditional or contemporary, each piece sets the perfect tone for the ceremony, be it joyous, reflective or excitement.

Wagner: Bridal Chorus

If tradition is what you’re after, there’s no better pick than Wagner’s Bridal Chorus 'Treulich geführt' from Lohengrin. One of the most recognisable pieces of wedding music, it remains a popular choice for couples seeking a classic and formal feel for their ceremony.

Mendelssohn: Wedding March

Energetic, joyful and triumphant, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream is often played at the end of the wedding ceremony as the newlyweds make their exit together. However, used at the start of the ceremony, it can create a wonderful sense of anticipation and celebration as the bride walks down the aisle.

Be Thou My Vision (traditional hymn)

Hymns remain a deeply meaningful part of many church weddings and Be Thou My Vision is one of the most frequently chosen. Its words speak of guidance, love, and companionship, resonating strongly with the commitment being made. The result is a ceremony that feels timeless, reflective, and heartfelt.

The Beatles: In My Life

If classical music isn’t quite your thing, why not pick a wedding pop favourite like In My Life by the Beatles? Packed full of nostalgia and reflection, the song brings a sense of warmth and sincerity to the occasion. When played as an instrumental cover, its gentle melody and intimate tone set the perfect tone for the start of the ceremony.   

Purcell: An Evening Hymn

Less commonly chosen but deeply expressive, Purcell’s An Evening Hymn is a serene and contemplative option for a wedding entrance. With rich harmonies and expressive writing, the piece offers a moment of stillness and sincerity amidst the celebration.

Found the right fit for your ceremony? All these pieces are available in a variety of sheet music editions, making it easy to choose an arrangement that suits your ceremony. Whether performed by string quartet, piano, or vocal ensemble, live music brings a sense of intimacy that transforms familiar works into something deeply personal.

Wagner: Bridal Chorus The Wedding Collection ISMN: 979-0-2201-3054-0 Order No:  ED 13150 View in store	Mendelssohn: Wedding March The Wedding Collection ISMN: 979-0-2201-3054-0 Order No:  ED 13150 View in store	Be Thou My Vision  (traditional hymn) ISMN: 979-0-001-22299-0 Order No:  ED 24059 View in store	The Beatles: In My Life Beatles Classics ISMN: 979-0-001-20691-4 Order No:  ED 22630D View in store	Purcell: An Evening Hymn Songs ISMN: 979-0-2201-1605-6 Order No:  ED 12413 View in store

Timeless First Dance Songs for Every Couple

Once the ceremony is over, it’s time to dance! But what should you choose as the first song to dance to as a married couple? For some, the answer will come to you straight away – you won’t have to spend too much time thinking about this. Other couples may not have a song that perfectly represents them. Thankfully, there are no rules or right answers when it comes to finding the first dance song. Whether you want something reflective, upbeat or intimate, we’ve got some suggestions for you!

John Legend: All of Me

A modern love song that has become a first dance favourite, All of Me is a fantastic choice for couples who want their first dance to be an intimate and devoted moment to each other without having to worry about incorporating flashy dance moves into their routine.

Christina Perri: A Thousand Years

Another intimate pick, the lyrics of Perri’s A Thousand Years capture the feeling of a love that has been patiently waiting across time. Its gentle build and emotional tone make it a natural fit for a romantic first dance.

Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World

This warm and timeless classic celebrates the beauty found in everyday moments and shared life. Its soothing tone and uplifting message make it a graceful, nostalgic choice for couples who want their first dance to feel joyful, simple, and full of gratitude.

John Paul Young: Love is in the Air

Bright, upbeat, and irresistibly feel-good, this disco-era hit brings a sense of fun and celebration to the dancefloor. It’s ideal for couples who want their first dance to feel light-hearted, energetic, and full of joy.

Mairi’s Wedding (traditional folk tune)

 Full of lively charm and spirit, Mairi’s Wedding is a joyful nod to Scottish tradition. Often played at ceilidhs, it invites guests onto the dancefloor and transforms the first dance into a shared celebration, full of energy, laughter, and togetherness.

John Legend: All of Me Pop Piano Playlist 1 ISMN: 979-0-001-21352-3 Order No:  ED 23478 View in store	Christina Perri: A Thousand Years Easy Charts Play-Along Special Edition: Movie Hits! ISMN: 979-0-001-16260-9 Order No:  MF 3699 View in store	Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World Pop for Alto Saxophone 3 ISMN: 979-0-001-20920-5 Order No:  ED 23231 View in store	John Paul Young: Love is in the Air Let's Dance ISMN: 979-0-001-14476-6 Order No:  ED 20041 View in store	Mairi's Wedding Ceilidh Collection ISMN: 979-0-060-13904-8 Order No:  BH 13904 View in store

Unique alternatives to traditional wedding songs

While the pieces above remain firm favourites, we appreciate that some couples may prefer something a little more unique.

For a more contemporary approach, we’ve curated a playlist featuring composers such as Edmund Finnis, Gavin Bryars, Tōru Takemitsu, and others, alongside more established repertoire. These works offer modern, reflective sound worlds that highlight the atmosphere of the wedding day and the significance of the occasion.

Explore the playlist here: