60 Wedding Recessional Song Ideas For Your Special Moment

This most recognizable of Vivaldi’s compositions was written in the 18th century in what was a groundbreaking style for the time. Even if you know it was part of a larger work called “The Four Seasons” that illustrated a year in the natural world, you probably didn’t know that Vivaldi also composed sonnets to accompany each concerto, making this the perfect wedding recessional song for intellectuals and classical music lovers.

Soft, flowing, and impossibly graceful, this piece lends a timeless calm to any ceremony. Originally composed in the early 18th century, it became widely known through a 19th-century violin arrangement. Its gently descending melody makes it ideal for a slow, heartfelt walk down the aisle or a serene moment of reflection.

Bright and regal, this baroque masterpiece was originally performed for King George I on the River Thames. With its uplifting rhythm and stately feel, it makes a perfect entrance or recessional choice for couples seeking classic grandeur without the heaviness of formality.

If this fanfare sounds familiar, it’s because it was once the theme for Masterpiece Theatre—and has long evoked elegance and tradition. Its trumpet-led flourish makes it a dramatic, celebratory way to begin or end your ceremony with a burst of historic charm.

Literally translating to “The Rejoicing,” this buoyant piece was commissioned for a public celebration. With bright brass and percussive energy, it’s the ultimate joyful sendoff for couples who want to exit with excitement and flair.

Originally featured in the beloved film Howl’s Moving Castle, this waltz carries a magical, storybook quality. Its sweeping melody brings a cinematic charm that makes it perfect for whimsical weddings, especially for couples who value beauty, imagination, and a sense of wonder.

This piece blends Celtic influences with soft classical instrumentation, making it a modern favorite for romantic ceremonies. The flowing lines and gentle crescendos feel deeply emotional—ideal for couples who want music that’s personal, graceful, and quietly moving.

From the acclaimed film If Beale Street Could Talk, this track is a masterclass in emotional restraint and elegance. Its layered strings and rising intensity make it ideal for a modern wedding that embraces minimalism and feeling over grandeur.

A powerful opening theme that was once used for royal and religious ceremonies, this piece brings a commanding presence to any wedding processional. The trumpet-driven introduction makes it a fantastic choice for traditional settings or grand entrances.

Perhaps the most iconic wedding piece of all time, this composition is built around a repeating bass line that slowly adds intricate layers. Its sense of order and beauty has made it a go-to for decades, perfect for walking down the aisle with poise and meaning.

Taken from The Nutcracker, this enchanting waltz combines sweeping elegance with fairy-tale sparkle. Whether you use it as a processional or for your first dance, it creates a dreamy, romantic ambiance that feels both classic and joyful.

The foursome behind this tune met at Berklee College of Music well before it helped them find commercial success. The literary quartet says this song is about their commitment to staying hopeful despite difficult times. This theme seems to match up with traditional wedding vows that speak to sticking together through sickness and health and through good times and bad.

Best lyrics: “I’m never gonna look back, woah. I’m never gonna give it up, no. Please don’t wake me now. Ooh, this is gonna be the best day of my life.”

Beyoncé has said she channeled her inner Etta James while recording this 2011 track, which earned her a Grammy. She played the R&B legend in the 2008 biopic Cadillac Records and found inspiration in James’ unapologetic boldness to push her own work in new directions. The throwback ‘80s jam was named Greatest Song of the 2010s by Harper’s Bazaar, and it’s sure to get all generations in the mood to shake a tailfeather.

Best lyrics: “Baby it's you / You're the one I love / You're the one I need / You're the only one I see / Come on baby it's you / You're the one that gives your all / You're the one I can always call / When I need to make everything stop / Finally you put my love on top.”

This incredibly upbeat song was released in 2012, not long after lead singer Dan Reynolds married singer-songwriter Aja Volkman, with whom he has four children. The two announced a pending divorce in early 2018, then surprised everyone later that year with news that they were staying together after all. And that happy ending puts us on top of the world!

Best lyrics: “I’ve been waiting to smile, holding it in for a while. Take you with me if I can, been dreaming of this since a child. I’m on top of the world.”

For this song’s video, lead singer Adam Levine and director David Dobkin were inspired by the film Wedding Crashers. They arranged to crash a series of real-life weddings around Los Angeles, telling only the grooms so the brides would be really surprised. Consider surprising your partner with this exit song, even if Maroon 5 can’t make an appearance.

Best lyrics: “I don’t really care where you are. I just wanna be there where you are.”

Taylor’s country days led to the creation of some of the best recessional songs for those who love the lighthearted country vibe! We don’t know who the song is about, but we do know that Taylor once said it was about the same guy as the one she wrote about in “Tim McGraw,” which is also a great song choice to walk down the aisle to as a married couple.

Best lyrics: “Our song is the slamming screen door / Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window / When we're on the phone and you talk real slow / 'Cause it's late and your mama don't know / Our song is the way you laugh / The first date; ‘Man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have.”

The title and chorus words came from Wonder’s mother, Lula, who exclaimed them when she heard her son working on this song. It was the first song that 20-year-old Wonder produced on his own and the first to feature future Supremes member Lynda Tucker Laurence. All that sweetness piled on top of this tune’s toe-tapping exuberance makes it an easy choice for your wedding.

Best lyrics: “Seen a lot of things in this old world. When I touch them, they mean nothing, girl. Ooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered: I'm yours, I'm yours.”

A pure shot of serotonin, this ‘80s anthem radiates the kind of joy you’ll want to bottle up from your wedding day. It was written by Kimberly Rew, the band’s guitarist, and has since been featured in everything from feel-good commercials to rom-coms — all for good reason. This one’s for couples who want to dance down the aisle without a care in the world.

Best lyric: “I’m walking on sunshine, whoa!”

This breakout single helped Florence Welch become a global name. Inspired by a piece of art she saw under Waterloo Bridge in London that read “Dog Days Are Over,” she and co-writer Isabella Summers crafted this soaring anthem. The tribal percussion, harps, and layered vocals build from gentle reflection to explosive catharsis — perfect for couples stepping out of stormy seasons and into something brighter.

Best lyric: “Happiness hit her like a train on a track.”

An unexpected but perfectly modern pick, this EDM-meets-pop banger is ideal for couples who want to bring the party energy out of the gate. Its pulsing beat and simple but heartfelt lyrics make it a hands-in-the-air kind of moment.

Best lyric: “I feel so close to you right now.”

Released in 1980, this bouncy pop-rock track became one of Hall & Oates’ most enduring songs, even though it never reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Its popularity surged decades later thanks to its placement in (500) Days of Summer, where it served as a jubilant soundtrack to a love-fueled dance scene. It’s since become synonymous with pure, uncomplicated joy — just the thing for your first steps as newlyweds.

Best lyric: “You make my dreams come true.”

A soft rock gem from the early ‘80s, this track is smooth, romantic, and just mystical enough to make your exit feel enchanted. It’s a great fit for dreamy duos who believe in a little bit of serendipity.

Best lyric: “You can have anything that you desire.”

With its gospel-style vocals and funky looped piano, this electronic hit brings a wildly original twist to the wedding recessional moment. Offbeat couples will love the blend of gratitude and groove.

Best lyric: “I have to praise you like I should.”

Soft, sweet, and a little psychedelic, this Harry Styles ballad has all the charm of a modern fairytale. If you want your exit to feel like floating on a cloud, with just a touch of glam, this is your song.

Best lyrics: “Just let me adore you / Like it's the only thing I'll ever do.”

Written and sung by Christine McVie, this shimmering pop song was released in 1987 as part of the band’s Tango in the Night album. It’s just as romantic today, especially for Fleetwood Mac fans looking for a touch of nostalgia. The YouTube comment section for this song is still brimming with heartfelt declarations of love all these years later, proving its timeless appeal.

Best lyric: “I want to be with you everywhere.”

Playful, romantic, and utterly charming, this ABBA classic is an on-the-nose pick — in the best possible way. It’s ideal for light-hearted couples who want to emphasize just how ready they are to say “I do.” (Five times, in fact.)

Best lyric: “I found you at last.”

For a love that’s truly unstoppable, this crossover hit makes for a memorable and fun wedding recessional song choice. Hill was pregnant with her and husband Tim McGraw’s second child when the video was filmed, so all her costumes had to be altered last-minute. Choose this tune to symbolize the way you and your partner roll with whatever.

Best lyrics: “It’s the way you love me. It’s a feeling like this. It’s centrifugal motion. It’s perpetual bliss.”

Inspired by Jackie Gleason’s catchphrase on the TV show The Honeymooners and first recorded by Marvin Gaye, this sweetly relaxed 1975 version features Taylor’s then-wife Carly Simon on backup vocals. This is one of the best recessional songs for including all the generations present.

Best lyrics: “With sweet love and devotion deeply touching my emotion, I want to stop and thank you, Baby.”

The youngest of the Beatles, Harrison, doesn’t always get credited for his songwriting. He not only wrote this tune about welcoming light and heat after a long winter, but he also composed its complicated chord progressions and key changes, played both electric and acoustic guitar in it, and brought in a Moog synthesizer, which was cutting edge in 1969. After his death in 2001, this tune came to feel like a love song to the world. It’s an excellent wedding recessional song for older couples and those who have weathered long, cold storms before ending up at each other’s side.

Best lyrics: “Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do / Here comes the sun, and I say / It's all right / Little darling, the smile's returning to their faces / Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here.”

This selection could work well with a bohemian or earthy wedding theme. Can you envision this song playing as a flower crown sits atop your head? Despite going their separate ways after nine years of marriage, Cher delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy at Sonny’s funeral in 1998, noting his “unforgettable character.” Let this well-known song be the wedding recessional, your guests will find both uplifting and memorable.

Best lyrics: “They say our love won't pay the rent. Before it's earned, our money's always spent. I guess that's so, we don't have a lot, but at least I'm sure of all the things we’ve got.”

Folk hero Ray LaMontagne’s work is a true treasure trove of amazing first dance songs and ceremony recessional songs. Because the chorus line of “You are the best thing” is repeated numerous times in a row in this song, the message is bound to be received by your wedding guests as you walk past them all as a newly married couple.

Best lyrics: “We've come a long way, baby / You know, I hope and I pray that you believe me / When I say this love will never fade away.”

Timberlake revealed in his 2018 book, Hindsight, that he wrote this song for his wife, Jennifer Biel, long before he proposed to her in 2011. It was inspired by the long-term relationship his grandparents had, which showed him what lasting love could be. “I know that’s what I have with my wife,” he says. “She changed me. She changed my life.”

Best lyrics: “Aren't you somethin' to admire? / 'Cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror / And I can't help but notice / You reflect in this heart of mine.”

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Love, Actually, an admirer of the animated film Yellow Submarine, or a devout follower of John Lennon’s simple life philosophy, this classic tune makes for an instantly recognizable wedding recessional song. Written in 1967 for the first live international television broadcast, Our World, it was Lennon’s take on propaganda, meant to convey the radical idea that love was at the root of changing a world ravaged by war.

Best lyrics: “Nothing you can make that can't be made / No one you can save that can't be saved / Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time / It's easy / All you need is love.”

Freddie Mercury did not write this song. The bass player for the band, John Deacon, composed this sweet 1975 hit for his wife, Veronica Tetzlaff, whom he married the same year. They’re still married and have six kids. If you’re marrying your best friend, this is your wedding recessional song for you.

Best lyrics: “Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had. I've been with you such a long time. You're my sunshine, and I want you to know that my feelings are true: I really love you.”

First written in 1941 and recorded by Glenn Miller, it was Etta James’ 1960 version that cemented this song’s legacy. Her sweeping, bluesy delivery transformed it into one of the most enduring love ballads of all time. It gained renewed attention when Beyoncé performed it for Barack and Michelle Obama’s first dance at the 2009 inauguration. This is the song for couples who feel like they’ve truly found their person — finally.

Best lyric: “At last my love has come along.”

Originally penned by Bob Dylan in 1997, this ballad has been covered by many, but Adele’s 2008 rendition gave it haunting new depth. She recorded it at the suggestion of her manager for her debut album, 19, and it went on to become a staple at weddings and funerals alike. If you're looking for a recessional song that quietly devastates — in a good way — this is it.

Best lyric: “I could hold you for a million years.”

This house-meets-gospel anthem began its life as a niche club hit in 1986, but exploded in popularity in the 2000s thanks to remix culture and a powerful Florence + the Machine cover. The original, with Candi Staton’s soulful vocals, is a rallying cry for enduring love in chaotic times. It’s perfect for couples who’ve found solid ground in one another.

Best lyric: “I know I can count on you.”

Written for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, this sultry ballad captures the aching vulnerability of love in its most fragile, cinematic form. Del Rey's haunting vocals float like a vintage film reel — romantic, tragic, and hypnotizing. Ideal for couples who love a bit of drama with their devotion.

Best lyric: “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?”

Originally appearing on her 1976 album All I Can Do, this deep cut finds Parton in storytelling mode — intimate, tender, and quietly radiant. It’s a heartfelt pledge to always be there when things get hard. For couples who love the comfort of slow-burning, steady love, this one's a hidden gem.

Best lyric: “Let me walk in the sunshine of your smile”

This unexpectedly sweet tune was written for the opening of Shrek 2 — but don’t let that distract you. With its bright acoustic strumming and lead singer Adam Duritz’s raspy sincerity, it’s a pure expression of falling hard and fast. A quirky, joyful pick for playful romantics.

Best lyric: “Running down into the spring that's coming, all this love.”

A breakout hit in 2023, this track blends soul, rock, and gospel into a raw meditation on overwhelming love. Teddy Swims, known for his viral covers, pours every ounce of emotion into his delivery, making it one of the most powerful contemporary slow-dance options out there.

Best lyrics: “I lose control / When you're not next to me / I'm fallin' apart right in front of you.”

Released in 2012, this song channels heartbreak, resilience, and the kind of loyalty that true love demands. Its folky crescendo and ragged honesty make it a poignant choice for couples who’ve been through a lot together and came out stronger.

Best lyrics: “It's better to feel pain than nothing at all / The opposite of love's indifference.”

Written by Diane Warren for the 1998 blockbuster Armageddon, this power ballad gave Aerosmith their first No. 1 hit in nearly three decades. It’s maximalist, over-the-top, and entirely sincere — a showstopping exit for couples who live (and love) large.

Best lyrics: “I don’t wanna close my eyes / I don’t wanna fall asleep / ‘Cause I’d miss you, baby / And I don’t wanna miss a thing.”

Mariah’s debut single in 1990 showcased her powerhouse vocals and introduced the world to her iconic whistle register. This gospel-infused ballad is about hope, fulfillment, and the arrival of true love after longing. It’s especially resonant for couples who took the scenic route to each other.

Best lyric: “I had a vision of love and it was all that you’ve given to me.”

The original by Arctic Monkeys has been a generational favorite for rock fans, but Hozier’s bluesy reinterpretation of the hit brings a soulful, confessional intensity to a song about desire and vulnerability. The acoustic cover transforms its brooding edge into something raw and intimate — ideal for moody romantics.

Best lyrics: “Crawlin’ back to you / Ever thought of callin’ when you’ve had a few?”

When interviewed about the origins of this tune, songwriter Ben Gibbard joked that this was one of the first songs he wrote with a positive spin on love and the joy derived from it, which was a departure from his more usual melancholic breakup themes. Audiences have picked up on that cheerful message, landing this song high on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Songs of the 2000s. Choose this one to bring an uplifting message of love to your ceremony recessional song.

Best lyrics: “I am thinking it's a sign / That the freckles in our eyes are mirror images / And when we kiss they're perfectly aligned / And I have to speculate / That God Himself did make / Us into corresponding shapes / Like puzzle pieces from the clay.”

This hit from the classic 1978 film was not part of the original stage musical Grease. It was written by John Farrar to suit actor Olivia Newton-John’s vocal range, replacing the Elvis Presley-inspired “All Choked Up.” The film’s director, Randall Kleiser, didn’t like the tune because it seemed so different from the rest of the score. Thankfully, his opinion was overruled, and this feel-good duet became one of the best-selling hits in modern music history. Choosing this upbeat song doesn’t mean you have to wear leather pants under your wedding dress, but Sandy would be proud of you for doing so!

Best lyrics: “You're the one that I want. / You, oo, oo, honey. / The one that I want. You, oo, oo, honey. / The one that I want. / You, oo, oo / Are what I need. / Oh, yes indeed.”

Lead singer Marcus Mumford and his wife, actress Carey Mulligan, met at a camp when they were 12 years old and became pen pals. Years later, they reconnected and got married in 2012 and are raising two children together. Whatever your unique love story is, you may find that this song and its lyrics speak to you.

Best lyric: “But love the one you hold, and I’ll be your goal to have and to hold.”

Martie Maguire wrote this song for her younger sister’s wedding to a real-life cowboy. Apparently, Maguire had not approved of other men her sister had dated, but saw country singer Charlie Robinson as a better match. According to Grammy-winning country music artist Marcus Hummon, Maguire’s co-author on the song, they churned out the future No. 1 hit in just 30 minutes!

Best lyrics: “I said, cowboy take me away / Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue.”

This sweet, catchy song sounds like it was penned by two people madly in love - because it was! It’s the brainchild of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros singer Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos, who were a couple when they wrote it.

Best lyrics: “Alabama, Arkansas / I do love my ma and pa / Not that way that I do love you/ Well, holy moley, me oh my / You're the apple of my eye / Girl, I've never loved one like you.”

This chart-topping ballad from 1992 became Vanessa Williams’ biggest hit, solidifying her crossover from beauty queen and actress to acclaimed vocalist. The song’s gentle piano line and heartfelt lyrics reflect on the slow, surprising magic of finally ending up with the right person, even when you never saw it coming.

Best lyric: “Sometimes the very thing you’re looking for is the one thing you can’t see.”

A standout track from their 2009 album Waking Up, this song blends arena-pop optimism with nostalgic lyrics about appreciating the present moment. It became a sleeper hit, with frontman Ryan Tedder describing it as the band’s love letter to life on the road. Choose this for a breezy, modern celebration of the little joys that make a love story truly golden.

Best lyric: “This could really be a good life, good life.”

Released in 2022, this track marked a rare moment of pure romantic sincerity for a band known for ironic detachment. Matty Healy’s earnest vocal performance, paired with jangly guitars and playful lyrics, turns this into a jubilant declaration of affection. It’s a great choice for couples who wear their hearts on their sleeves — or at least want to on the big day.

Best lyric: “I know I am and I’m so in love with you.”

Featured in The Princess Diaries, this early-2000s Disney anthem is pure, sparkly optimism. Though Myra’s career was brief, this song became a cult favorite among Millennials who grew up dreaming of fairytales. It’s the perfect cheeky nod for Disney-loving duos who want their own happily ever after.

Best lyric: “You showed me faith is not blind.”

This punk-pop deep cut from their 2004 Catalyst album is full of teenage sincerity and electric guitar. While the band was best known for high-energy anthems, this track slows things down, offering up earnest lyrics about lifelong commitment, minus the usual pop-punk snark. A perfect choice for couples who bonded over late-night mixtapes.

Best lyrics: “Hold my hand / I'll be with you till the end.”

Released in 2002, this disco-pop banger helped cement Kylie Minogue’s reputation as the queen of glittery, feel-good dance music. Nominated for a Grammy, it captures that fizzy, floaty feeling of falling fast and deep. It’s a fabulous pick for couples who want a joyful, confident strut out of the ceremony.

Best lyrics: “And everything went from wrong to right / And the stars came out to fill up the sky.”

This slow-building 2006 track became synonymous with longing and devotion after its feature in Grey’s Anatomy. Lead singer Gary Lightbody described it as “the most pure and open love song” he’d ever written. Its simple lyrics and atmospheric guitar make it a powerful choice for those quiet, sacred, just-married moments.

Best lyrics: “If I lay here / If I just lay here / Would you lie with me and just forget the world?”

The winning single from American Idol season 11, this Mumford-esque folk anthem became an unexpected hit. With lyrics about belonging and support, it’s become a low-key wedding favorite. Phillips has said the song took on deeper meaning for him over time, much like any long-term love story.

Best lyric: “Just know you're not alone.”

This lesser-known indie-pop track pairs lush instrumentation with lyrics that read like a handwritten love note. Its title — simple, classic — sets the tone for a storybook romance. This one’s perfect for couples who want a hidden gem to call their own.

Best lyric: “From the start, it was meant to be.”

Released in 1967, this love song hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, knocking out The Beatles. Despite its major-key cheer, the song’s origins were surprisingly humble — it was initially rejected by over a dozen bands. It’s now one of the most iconic declarations of romantic idealism ever recorded.

Best lyrics: “Imagine me and you, I do / I think about you day and night, it’s only right.”

A traditional wedding exit song—also called a wedding recessional song—is played at the end of the ceremony as the couple walks back down the aisle, newly married. These songs are usually upbeat and joyful, symbolizing celebration and new beginnings. Classical choices like Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” or Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” are time-honored staples, though many modern couples opt for contemporary or personal favorites.

A processional song plays when the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle at the start of the ceremony. A recessional song, on the other hand, plays at the conclusion, when the couple makes their exit as newlyweds. The tone of the recessional is typically more triumphant, fun, or emotional to reflect the big moment.

Start by thinking about the mood you want to set. Do you want something fun and upbeat, sentimental, or classical and timeless? Your song should reflect your personalities as a couple. Consider lyrics, tempo, and significance. If the song gives you goosebumps or makes you smile every time, it’s probably the one. Don’t be afraid to stray from tradition—unexpected gems often make for an unforgettable exit.

Looking ahead to your first dance? Here’s our favorite list of first dance songs to get you inspired.

Absolutely! These days, modern wedding exit songs are just as common—if not more so—than traditional ones. Whether it’s Harry Styles, Florence + the Machine, or a sweet acoustic indie cover, your choice can be whatever feels authentic to you as a couple.

It’s a great idea to make sure your wedding ceremony exit song complements the overall music flow. If your processional was classical, consider a similarly elegant or lighthearted classical piece for your exit. If you walked in to acoustic guitar or a soulful ballad, your recessional could be an upbeat continuation of that vibe. Think of it as the grand finale to your love story’s opening chapter.