67 Perfect Wedding Recessional Songs to Celebrate Your Big Exit
After your officiant announces you and your partner as officially married, you'll need the perfect song to capture the joyous mood at the end of your wedding ceremony. The wedding recessional song is the first thing you'll hear as a married couple. Whether played by a DJ or live musician, your wedding ceremony exit song should be a thoughtful and romantic choice.
As you create your wedding ceremony music soundtrack, you might wonder, "What is a recessional song?" Simply put, the recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony when the newlyweds and wedding party walk back up the aisle. This is different from the processional, which is played as the couple and their wedding party walk down the aisle before the ceremony begins.
Remember, there are no strict rules for choosing wedding recessional songs. You can opt for a classical instrumental piece, a sacred wedding song, an acoustic cover, traditional cultural music, or a current hit straight from the charts. Like your first dance, reception exit, and cake-cutting songs, your wedding recessional music should be a sentimental choice you and your partner love.
If you're searching for a memorable wedding recessional song, we're here to help, regardless of your music tastes. We've curated a list of the best recessional wedding songs to play when you walk hand in hand as newlyweds.
Upbeat Wedding Recessional Songs
End your ceremony on a high note with an upbeat recessional song. If you imagine skipping, dancing or running up the aisle with your new spouse, cue one of these high-energy hits. We have a feeling your guests will start grooving with you.
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
"Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding
"The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
"CUFF IT" by Beyoncé
"Happy" by Kali Uchis
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars
"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
"Still into You" by Paramore
Acoustic Cover Wedding Recessional Songs
If you love the idea of having live music, ask your wedding ceremony musicians about performing an acoustic cover of a popular song. A string quartet, pianist, harpist or guitarist will bring a unique sound to your wedding ceremony exit song. Take inspiration from these song covers.
"Crazy In Love" by Daniela Andrade
"Wonderwall" by Jake Coco
"Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
"You've Got a Friend in Me" by Sleeping at Last
"Here Comes the Sun" by Imaginary Future
"All of Me" by John Legend
"Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, Fernando Wilson
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Fun Wedding Recessional Songs
Try one of these unique tunes if you want a song that's not typically played as a wedding ceremony exit song. You might even find some gems to add to your personal playlist.
"You're the One That I Want" (from Grease) by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
"Girls Like You" by Maroon 5
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
"Love's Holiday" by Earth, Wind & Fire
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Lauryn Hill
"Time of Our Lives" by Pitbull and Ne-Yo
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
"Two of Us" by The Beatles
"How Deep Is Your Love" by The Bee Gees
Classical Wedding Recessional Songs
There's no need to break from tradition if you like the classics. From "Wedding March" to "Spring," these timeless tunes are no-fail crowd-pleasers for the end of your ceremony.
"Wedding March" (from A Midsummer Night's Dream) by Felix Mendelssohn
"Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven
"Allegro Maestoso" (from Water Music Suite) by George Frideric Handel
"Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (Allegro)" by Johann Sebastian Bach
"Crown Imperial (Coronation March)" by Sir William Walton
"Hallelujah Chorus" (from The Messiah) by George Frideric Handel
"Hornpipe" (from Water Music Suite) by George Frideric Handel
"Spring (Allegro)" (from The Four Seasons) by Antonio Vivaldi
"Toccata" (from Symphony No. 5, Op. 42) by Charles-Marie Widor
"Trumpet Tune and Bell Symphony" by Henry Purcell
"Wedding Song (There Is Love)" by Noel Paul Stookey
"Largo from Xerxes" by George Frideric Handel
"One Hand, One Heart" (from West Side Story) by Leonard Bernstein
"On Wings of Song" by Felix Mendelssohn
"Badinerie" (from Orchestral Suite No. 2) by Johann Sebastian Bach
"Rondeau" (Theme from Masterpiece Theater) by Jean Joseph Mouret
"Violin Sonata in G Major" by Giuseppe Tartini
"Triumphal March" by Edvard Grieg
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Posthorn-Serenade" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Modern Wedding Recessional Songs
There are plenty of contemporary songs that'll show off your personality and your stellar taste in music. These recent hits are perfect for couples who want to personalise their ceremony. From Beyoncé to Harry Styles, find our favourite modern wedding recessional songs here.
"Mirrors" by Justin Timberlake
"We Found Love" by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
"Wildest Dreams" by Duomo
"River" by Leon Bridges
"You Are in Love" by Taylor Swift
"Adore You" by Harry Styles
"Love Me Harder" by Ariana Grande
"Shotgun" by George Ezra
"I Like Me Better" by Lauv
"10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
"All the Stars" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane
"I Feel It Coming" by The Weeknd and Daft Punk
Choosing the perfect wedding recessional song is a delightful part of your wedding planning process. It's the moment when you and your partner triumphantly walk back up the aisle, ready to start your new life together. Whether you prefer a classic, an acoustic cover, a modern hit or an upbeat tune, the right song will encapsulate the joy and excitement of your special day.
We hope this list has inspired you and helped you find the perfect soundtrack for your wedding exit. Remember, the most important thing is that the song resonates with you and your partner, making your grand exit a memorable and joyous occasion. Happy planning and here's to a lifetime of love and happiness!
