Your ceremony might only last half an hour, but it's the part of the day guests remember most clearly. The music does a lot of quiet work: it settles the room, builds anticipation, carries you down the aisle and sends you back out married.
After more than a decade of playing at weddings, we've learned that the best ceremony music isn't about picking the most famous pieces. It's about choosing music that fits each moment, the length of your aisle and the feel of your venue. Here's how we'd approach it, moment by moment.
Before the ceremony: as your guests arrive
We usually start playing 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins, as guests find their seats. This music sets the mood, so it should be relaxed and welcoming rather than dramatic.
This is a lovely place for a mix of light classical pieces and string arrangements of songs you love. Popular choices include Pachelbel's Canon in D, Bach's Air on the G String, Elgar's Chanson de Matin and arrangements such as Ed Sheeran's Perfect, Sting's Fields of Gold or Elton John's Your Song. If there's a song that means something to the two of you but feels too informal for the aisle, this is the perfect spot for it.
The processional: your entrance
This is the moment everyone turns around, and it's the most important piece you'll choose. Many couples choose two pieces here: one for the bridal party and a second, more special piece for the bride or the couple's entrance. The change in music signals to guests that it's time to stand.
A few things to consider:
Pace. A steady, unhurried piece helps you walk at a comfortable speed. Something too fast can make the walk feel rushed.
Length of the aisle. A short aisle might only need 45 seconds of music. Don't worry if your chosen piece is longer, as our musicians will watch for your arrival and bring the piece to a graceful close at the right moment.
Classical or contemporary. Timeless choices include Pachelbel's Canon in D, Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary and Wagner's Bridal March. Many couples now walk in to a string arrangement of a favourite song instead, such as A Thousand Years or Can't Help Falling in Love, which can be wonderfully personal.
If you're unsure, tell us the feeling you want (romantic, joyful, grand or understated) and we'll suggest pieces that fit.
The signing of the register
The signing often takes longer than couples expect, usually 10 to 15 minutes once photographs are included. That's a lot of silence to fill, so we'd normally plan two or three pieces here.
Because guests are seated and watching, this is a wonderful chance for music they'll really listen to. It's a popular moment for something a little more personal or playful: a string version of your first dance song, a theme from a favourite film such as Concerning Hobbits, or a classical work with a family connection. Couples often choose pieces such as Mascagni's Intermezzo Sinfonico from Cavalleria Rusticana, the Largo from Vivaldi's Winter, Elgar's Salut d'Amour or Massenet's Meditation from Thaïs.
We'll keep an eye on proceedings and move between pieces naturally, so there's never an awkward pause.
The recessional: walking out married
The recessional is your celebration moment, so this is the place for something upbeat and joyful. The energy should lift the whole room as you walk back down the aisle together.
Mendelssohn's Wedding March is the traditional choice, and it's traditional for a reason. Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and the Hornpipe from his Water Music are lovely alternatives. Many couples finish with an arrangement of a feel-good song such as Here Comes the Sun, Best Day of My Life or Mr Brightside, which gets guests smiling (and sometimes clapping along) as they follow you out.
We'll usually keep playing as guests leave the ceremony room, so the celebratory feeling carries straight through to the drinks reception.
Practical tips for planning your ceremony music
Check with your registrar or officiant. Civil ceremonies in England and Wales can't include religious music, so pieces such as Schubert's Ave Maria need to be saved for a church service or played before the ceremony begins. Your registrar will be happy to confirm what's suitable.
Confirm your choices early. We ask couples to finalise their ceremony music several weeks before the wedding, which gives our musicians time to prepare everything properly.
Requesting a song that isn't on our list. We're always happy to try to source the music you'd like. We simply ask that you purchase the sheet music (this usually isn't a huge amount), and the ensemble will learn and perform it at no additional cost.
Choose an ensemble that suits the space. A duo is beautiful in an intimate room, while a quartet gives a fuller sound in a larger venue or outdoors.
Share your timings. Let us know your ceremony start time, who's walking down the aisle and in what order, and we'll plan each cue around you.
How Apollo Strings can help
You don't need to have it all worked out before you get in touch. Many of our couples start with just one or two pieces they love, and we help shape the rest of the ceremony around them.
Browse our Repertoire for inspiration, or get in touch to talk through your ceremony. When you're ready, you can make a booking online in just a few minutes.
