You’ve spent months planning your wedding, and you probably have a very clear vision of how you want it to look and feel.
Between the venue location, the colors you’ve chosen, and the decor you’ve decided on, that vision you’ve dreamed of is all coming together!
And the best way to make sure it all wraps up perfectly? Plan out your music to match the mood of your wedding day!
One thing that can cause some discord is deciding on a mood and feel for your wedding ceremony, but having music that doesn’t quite match.
So, if you can describe your wedding ceremony vision as “romantic,” “timeless,” “classic,” “ethereal,” or “traditional,” we’ve rounded up our top 15 best traditional songs for wedding ceremony music to help match your dream wedding!
Wedding ceremony music ideas: Our favorite 15 best traditional songs
- Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy
Why we love it: A timeless, classical piece that sounds fantastic with a string quartet. If you want your wedding to be remembered as classic, timeless, and romantic, this is a perfect choice to include in your prelude playlist.
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
Why we love it: A well known piece (even if you don’t recognize the name) that is a perfect blend of subtlety and an uplifting pace. A great piece of music to have in your wedding ceremony if you’re looking for a classical touch without sounding too “boring.”
- E Major Violin Concerto by Johann Sebastian Bach
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a Bridgerton style wedding, this is a great choice for your wedding prelude. The epitome of classical music with a romantic flair. We definitely can see this being played for a garden wedding.
- Cello Suite 1 Prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach
Why we love it: Another classical piece from Bach, this is also a great choice if you’re looking for a romantic flair for your wedding mood. More subtle than E Major Violin Concerto, but still an excellent choice for a timeless, classic wedding.
- Ave Verum Corpus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Why we love it: An ethereal, angelic piece that is a touch dramatic but in the most subtle of ways. This would be a perfect piece for a traditional church wedding.
- Spring from Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
Why we love it: This well-known piece is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a faster, upbeat pace, while still bringing the softness and elegance of classical music. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, especially if your ceremony is outside!
- Ave Maria by Johann Sebastian Bach
Why we love it: A soothing, timeless piece that’s perfect for a wedding that doesn’t want to add too much drama. This gorgeous piece would be excellent for a winter wedding, no matter what your venue is!
- String Quartet No. 1 in D Major by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Why we love it: A subtle, classic piece from Tchaikovsky that would be a great choice for any traditional, elegant wedding. We can see this piece being used in indoor and outdoor venues during any season.
- Water Music – Air in F by George Friderich Handel
Why we love it: A perfect choice for fans of Bridgerton or Downton Abbey who want their wedding day to reflect some of that personality.
- Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
Why we love it: The quintessential bridal march – of course this one made the list! If you’ve got your heart set on walking down the aisle to something other than this piece, then think about including this one into your prelude music if you’re planning on having a timeless, elegant wedding!
- Suite Bergamasque III by Claude Debussy
Why we love it: This is a subtle but beautiful piece that is perfect for a garden or backyard wedding. If you’re looking for something that will flow smoothly with a quiet, intimate wedding, this is a great song to add to your queue.
- Arioso by Johann Sebastian Bach
Why we love it: A gorgeous piece of timeless, classical music that exudes romance. This piece will fit seamlessly into any kind of wedding, whether it’s a larger outdoor wedding, an intimate backyard wedding, or an indoor, traditional wedding.
- Serenade, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Why we love it: This piece was originally made for strings, so it always sounds incredible when played by a string quartet. We love how it immediately complements a timeless, classic wedding vision.
- Meditation by Jules Massenet, Sebastian Comberti, and Miriam Keogh
Why we love it: One of our absolute favorites, this piece is the perfect choice for just about any kind of traditional and timeless wedding. It will serenade your guests from the first notes played and quickly remind them of the love you are celebrating on your wedding day.
- Salut d’Amour by Edward Elgar
Why we love it: A gorgeous piece, especially when played by a string quartet. This is an uplifting, romantic piece of music that is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Especially if you’re planning on an outdoor venue!
As you’re planning your wedding, don’t forget that music can be the part that really ties everything you’ve envisioned together.
Be sure to plan out your wedding ceremony music in advance, or talk with your string quartet to see what they suggest for your ceremony.
And if you want your day to be remembered as classic, timeless, and romantic, then we definitely suggest adding a few of these traditional songs for your wedding ceremony. Chances are, your string quartet will be able to play them, no problem!
If you’re thinking you want your wedding to be known for its modern flair, check out our blog post on our favorite modern wedding ceremony music ideas here!
Still don’t have a string quartet booked?