120 of the Best Wedding Recessional Songs to Exit Your Ceremony To

Wedding recessional songs, better known as wedding exit songs, are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds and the guests clap wildly. Happy, celebratory and bursting with love, your wedding recessional song should reflect the excitement you’re feeling inside. You just got married to the love of your life! We promise you won’t stop smiling.

At the top of the aisle, you’ll normally wait with your partner and your guests will gather outside to throw confetti. This means you could get away with choosing a couple of wedding songs to walk out of your wedding ceremony to depending on how long you think it’ll take everyone to congregate.

Tim Sentance, Director of Boujee Music says: "This is a moment of true celebration, when all your guests will be clapping, whooping and cheering, and pairing it with the perfect song will make it even more joyful and memorable for you and your guests. Our most popular wedding recessional song requests from couples are 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel, 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire, and '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher' by Jackie Wilson. And of course, the classic 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn."

Want even more inspiration? We have over 100 songs to exit your ceremony to, plus, a Spotify playlist with classic wedding recessional songs to help you pick your favourite. Enjoy listening!

• Classical Recessional Wedding Songs
• Up-Beat Wedding Recessional Songs
• Non-Traditional Wedding Recessional Songs
• Funny Wedding Recessional Songs
• Classic Recessional Wedding Songs
• Wedding Ceremony Exit Playlist Songs
• Hire Musicians for the Recessional
• Wedding Recessional Songs: Expert Advice

120 of the Best Wedding Exit Songs

Tim Sentance of Boujee Music gave us his top wedding recessional song choices no matter what your music taste. Highlighted in bold, there is a song to suit all couples and wedding styles. 

Classical Recessional Wedding Songs

• Widor's Toccata – Charles-Marie Widor
• Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah – George Frideric Handel
• 1st Movement from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Mozart 
• Spring – Vivaldi
• Waltz Of The Flowers – Tchaikovsky
• Trumpet Tune And Bell Symphony – Henry Purcell
• One Hand, One Heart – Bernstein 
• On Wings Of Song – Mendelssohn
• Sonata in G Major – Giuseppe Tartini 
• Ave Maria – Schubert

Up-Beat Wedding Recessional Songs

• Can't Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
• Love You I Do – Jennifer Hudson
• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye 
• Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay
• Happy – Pharrell Williams
• Dancing In The Moonlight – Toploader
• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
• I'm Yours – Jason Mraz
• Marry You – Bruno Mars
• Electric Love – Børns
• Forever And For Always – Shania Twain
• Ho Hey – The Lumineers
• Sugar – Maroon 5
• Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
• Higher Love – Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
• Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves

Non-Traditional Wedding Recessional Songs

• I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
• Crazy In Love – Beyoncé
• One More Time – Daft Punk
• Treasure – Bruno Mars
• Electric Feel – MGMT
• XO – Beyoncé
• Sweet Creature – Harry Styles
• 10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
• Better Together – Jack Johnson
• Carry Me Away – John Mayer
• Yours – Ella Henderson
• Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
• Call Of The Search – Katie Melua 
• Everything  – Michael Bublé 

Funny Wedding Recessional Songs

• Get Lucky – Daft Punk 
• I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
• Hakuna Matata – The Lion King
• Hey Ya – OutKast
• We Will Rock You – Queen
• Don't Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John ft. Kiki Dee
• Gold Digger – Kayne West ft. Jamie Foxx

Classic Recessional Wedding Songs

• All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from “Solomon” – Bela Banafalvi & Budapest Strings
• It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr.
• At Last –  Etta James
• You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
• (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson
• “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125: Choral) – Beethoven
• Beautiful Day – U2
• I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do – ABBA
• Love Story – Taylor Swift
• We Go Together – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
• Love and Marriage – Frank Sinatra
• Salut D’amour – Elgar
• Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
• Canon and Gigue in D Major: I. Canon – J.S. Bach Orchestra
• Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows
• Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Be Our Guest – Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach & Chorus – Beauty an
• Bring Me Sunshine – Morecambe & Wise
• For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder
• Living on A Prayer – Bon Jovi
• I Was Born To Love You – Freddie Mercury
• If I Fall to Your Heart – Derwent Hannon
• Wedding Day – Bee Gees
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 Incidental Music: No. 9 Wedding March – Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra & George Szell
• She Is Love – Oasis
• Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Posthorn-Serenade – Mozart
• Love Lust – King Charles
• The Best of Me – Cliff Richard
• On This Day – David Pomeranz
• Recessional: Rondeau (Mouret) – Wedding Music Experts: The O’Neill Brothers
• You’ve Got A Friend In Me (From “Toy Story”/ Soundtrack) – Randy Newman
• Amazed – Lonestar
• Any Other Name – Original – Thomas Newman
• Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Brandenburg Concerto No.1 in F, BWV 1046: 1. (without tempo indication) – The English Concert & Trevor Pinnock
• I Was Born To Love You (Extended Version) – Freddie Mercury
• Oh My Love – The Score
• Bel Air – Lana Del Rey
• Best Day of My Life – American Authors
• Music for the Royal Fireworks – Suite, HWV 351: IV. La réjouissance – Karl Münchinger & Stuttgarter Kammerorchester
• Rule the World – Take That
• The Edge Of Glory – Lady Gaga
• Lovely Day – Bill Withers
• Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
• Evergreen (Love Theme from “A Star Is Born”) (Live) – Barbra Streisand
• Verdi: Aida: Triumphal March & Ballet – Giuseppe Verdi
• Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding
• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

How Do You Choose Your Recessional Song?

Songs for recessional at a wedding give you the opportunity to have a little fun, show your personality and break any nerves you may feel walking back down the aisle. Don’t forget classical music choices too, just remember the tone should be triumphant and the tempo relatively upbeat.

What is a Good Song to Walk Out to After We Are Married?

"A good wedding recessional song is joyous, it is up-beat, and it instantly brings a happy feeling. It also needs to stay strong or have an impactful intro, so that everybody's mood is lifted the moment it kick in. Of course, it's also important that the lyrics fit the moment, talking about love or happiness - or at least not about anything inappropriate!" explains Tim Sentance, Director of Boujee Music.

What Does Recessional Mean in a Wedding?

When the wedding ceremony is over, it's time for the recessional. "This is the moment that all the planning, preparations, build-up and excitement has been about - you are finally married! The wedding recessional song is played as you and your partner (and your wedding party) exit your wedding ceremony," explains Tim. 

Wedding Ceremony Exit Playlist Songs

As you step out of your ceremony and into your new life together, choosing the right wedding exit songs (or indeed wedding exit music) can turn that moment into a jubilant, unforgettable finale. Whether you’re after fun wedding songs to exit ceremony, upbeat recessional songs wedding style, or even a recessional hymn that nods to tradition, this playlist gives you plenty of options.

Think triumphant, celebratory, full of love - because you’ve just made it official! Here are some extra favourites to pair with the rest of your wedding recessional songs list and give your guests a moment to cheer as you make your exit.

• Beyoncé – Crazy in Love
• Bruno Mars – Marry You
• Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
• Shania Twain – Forever And For Always
• American Authors – Best Day of My Life
• The Lumineers – Ho Hey
• Coldplay – Sky Full of Stars
• Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine
• Taylor Swift – Love Story
• Take That – Rule the World
• Lady Gaga – The Edge of Glory
• Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen
• Maroon 5 – Sugar
• Steve Winwood & Eric Clapton – Higher Love
• Michael Bublé – Everything
• The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun
• Katy Perry – Firework
• Sam Smith – How Do You Sleep?
• Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé – Perfect Duet
• Kylie Minogue – Can’t Get You Out of My Head

Hire Musicians for the Recessional

As you plan that exhilarating walk out together, you’ll want the moment to feel just as triumphant as it does heartfelt. Whether you’re seeking the perfect live version of your carefully-chosen wedding exit song, or looking to elevate the mood with unforgettable, bespoke wedding exit music, live musicians can truly make the difference.

Below, we showcase some of the best live musicians on Hitched to book for your exit moment, whether you’re after one of those timeless wedding songs for the recessional, a bridal recessional song that brings a tear, or an upbeat recessional songs wedding-style number that has your guests clapping as you stride out.

From subtle acoustic sets to bold band finishes, these live acts will help your list of fun wedding songs to exit ceremony or modern wedding exit music feel utterly memorable. Ready to make your grand exit sound as perfect as it feels? Let’s dive in.

1. The Noughtie Boys - South East London

From pop and rock hits to feel-good tunes, The Noughtie Boys in South East London can rock your wedding day. Whether you want to belt The Killers until the early hours or sway to classics by Kelly Clarkson, this amazing band has you covered. 

• Pricing: From £900

Find out more

2. Viva La Vintage Singer - West Yorkshire

For a vintage nod to times gone by, you must check out Abbi-Kaye, the Viva La Vintage Singer. From swing and jazz to to rock n' roll, she's a walking, talking jukebox of throwback tunes and melodies. 

• Pricing: From £350

Find out more

3. Sarah Lucy Jazz Trio - Surrey

If you're after a nice range of everything, from saxophone and clarinet to guitar and vocals, you really can't go wrong with Sarah Lucy Jazz Trio. This versatile line-up can cover everything from smooth ballads to toe-tapping tunes - guaranteed to get your guests on the dance floor!

• Pricing: From £350

Find out more

4. Wedding Vocals by Emily - Hertfordshire

Sometimes, only sweet singing will do the trick. If that sounds like you, then Wedding Vocals by Emily could be just what you're looking for. From soft country to heart-melting Disney classics, Emily's beautiful harmonies will leave your guests swooning. 

• Pricing: From £350

Find out more

5. The Snap Chaps - Strolling Band - Cambridgeshire

Consisting of a four-piece, all singing band, The Snap Chaps consists of a fantastic line-up of talented musicians, offering everything from a jazzy saxophone to a standing cocktail drumkit. With plenty of party packages available, this group has something for every couple. 

• Pricing: From £2,200

Find out more

Wedding Recessional Songs: Expert Advice

We caught up with The Noughtie Boys to talk all things wedding recessional songs - from fun and upbeat tunes to classical favourites and modern twists, here's what they had to say.

What are the best songs to exit a wedding ceremony?

"Of course it’s a personal choice, but traditionally people like to have something wedding-themed playing.

"Think along the lines of “Marry You” by Bruno Mars or “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole. If you want to go more classical/orchestral, a lot of people pick pieces like “Wedding March” or “Ode to Joy”."

What is a recessional in a wedding?

"It’s essentially the ceremony exit music. It’s important in that it sets up the vibe for the coming reception and soundtracks a beautiful moment."

Which songs work for a fun or upbeat wedding exit?

"How long have you got!? People seem to like something a bit more dancey to get a good atmosphere going - suggestions from our band included “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang (from our keyboardist Conor) and “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones (from our guitarist Nate!)."

Are there modern or non-traditional wedding exit songs?

"There’s loads - I recently got to sing “We Should Get Married” by Dan and Shay which was fun. “I’m in Love With You” by the 1975 has been another, which was adorable!

"If people want to blur the line a little, I’ve noticed “Bridgerton”-styled arrangements of modern songs have gone down a treat."

How long should the recessional song be?

"It can be anywhere from a minute or two to a long (maybe close to 10 minutes?) piece of music. Some of my friends had a beautiful piece out of Lord of the Rings as the recessional at their wedding, which was really special (our friend group are all massive fantasy nerds)."

Do you need music for the entire bridal party exit?

"Generally it’ll be the bride and groom, followed by their respective wedding parties, walking in pairs. Plenty of people also like to have the recessional playing for everyone in the wedding to exit to as well."

Can you use popular songs for a wedding recessional?

"Of course! As many people are realising, there’s no set “rules” to your wedding day - it’s about YOU and your partner, and what you want the vibe to be. So I’m very much in the camp of let’s have some fun with it"

Make sure you get an amazing photo of your wedding exit with these magical confetti photo ideas