The Recessional
The recessional marks the joyful conclusion of the wedding ceremony, when the wedding party exits the ceremony space and begins the celebration as newlyweds. This moment is typically accompanied by music that is upbeat, triumphant, and celebratory—setting the tone for the festivities to follow.
In a traditional order, the newly married couple leads the recessional, followed by the wedding party in reverse order of the processional. This may include the ring bearers and flower girls, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and then the bridesmaids and groomsmen. If the wedding party entered in pairs, they will typically exit in pairs as well.
This is a meaningful moment of celebration. Choose music that reflects your personality, your energy, and the feeling you want to carry into your marriage. Let it reflect your love story.
Recessional Music Options (by Mood)
Classic & Timeless
Ode to Joy — Barrymoore Chamber Orchestra
Trumpet Voluntary — Jeremiah Clarke
Wedding March — Felix Mendelssohn
Hornpipe — Handel
Canon in D (upbeat arrangement) — Pachelbel
Joyful & Upbeat
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) — Stevie Wonder
You Make My Dreams — Hall & Oates
Love on Top — Beyoncé
Best Day of My Life — American Authors
Happy Together — The Turtles
Sugar — Maroon 5
Walking on Sunshine — Katrina and The Waves
Romantic & Light
All You Need Is Love — The Beatles
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do — ABBA
It Had to Be You — Harry Connick Jr.
You’re My Best Friend — Queen
Love Never Felt So Good — Justin Timberlake
Thinking Out Loud (instrumental) — Ed Sheeran
Modern & Indie
Such Great Heights — The Postal Service
Somewhere Only We Know — Keane
Home — Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Ho Hey — The Lumineers
First Day of My Life — Bright Eyes
A Sky Full of Stars — Coldplay
Instrumental / Elegant Covers
Use Somebody — Vitamin String Quartet
Love Story (instrumental) — Taylor Swift (string quartet)
A Thousand Years (instrumental) — Christina Perri (piano/strings)
Perfect (instrumental) — Ed Sheeran
Can’t Help Falling in Love (instrumental) — Elvis Presley (strings/piano)
Music Selection Tips
Choosing your recessional music is an opportunity to express your personality as a couple and set the tone for the celebration ahead. Consider the following when making your selection:
Match the energy
The recessional is typically upbeat and celebratory. Choose a song that feels like a natural celebration moment as you walk back up the aisle as newlyweds.
Consider timing
Your ceremony exit may vary in length depending on your processional pace and the size of your wedding party. Select a track that can comfortably support the full moment.
Think about your guests’ experience
This is often the first moment guests transition from ceremony to celebration. An uplifting song helps create a smooth and memorable shift in atmosphere.
Stay true to your style
Whether classic, modern, romantic, or fun, the right song should feel authentic to you as a couple rather than simply what is trending.
Coordinate with your DJ or musician
Ensure your selection is communicated in advance, along with any preferences for where the song should begin, such as the intro or chorus.
Ultimately, your recessional music should feel like a reflection of your story, joyful, intentional, and uniquely yours.