Music at your wedding ceremony is what fills the air and sets the tone for the entire day. Long after the flowers have wilted and the confetti’s been swept away, what sticks in your memory is the atmosphere created by the sound that framed those big moments. The quiet build-up as you take those steps down the aisle, the beautiful strings while you sign the papers, the tune that lifts everyone to their feet as you head back up the aisle as a married couple.
I’m Annette Eldridge, a Melbourne based cellist who arranges and performs popular songs for weddings. The cello has a way of making familiar music feel unexpected. A pop song played live on strings can reveal emotions you didn’t know were there. Guests often stop mid-conversation because they hear a song they know, but it feels like they’re hearing it for the first time.
I get asked all the time – ‘What are the best songs for a wedding ceremony?’
When you’re picking your wedding tunes, think about the flow of the day. Each part has its own vibe. The processional is usually gentle and steady, giving you time to take it all in. The signing of the registry is reflective and relaxed. The recessional should be upbeat, as it celebrates the important moment you are announced as husband and wife.
Here’s a list of 40+ songs that couples have chosen and work well performed on cello, violin and string quartet.
For the aisle walk, I’ve played beautiful arrangements like:
- CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE, ELVIS
- A THOUSAND YEARS, CHRISTINA PERRY
- OCEAN EYES, BILLIE EILISH
- LATCH, SAM SMITH
- CANON IN D, PACHELBEL
- ALL OF ME, JOHN LEGEND
- PERFECT, ED SHEERAN
- AVE MARIA, SCHUBERT
- YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL, LANA DEL REY
- BEAUTIFUL IN WHITE, WESTLIFE
- RECKONER, RADIOHEAD
- NOTHING ELSE MATTERS, METALLICA
For the signing, something easy-going and heartfelt like:
- WILDEST DREAMS, TAYLOR SWIFT
- YOU’RE STILL THE ONE, SHANIA TWAIN
- TALE AS OLD AS TIME FROM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
- HERE COMES THE SUN, THE BEATLES
- AT LAST, ETTA JAMES
- LOVE STORY, TAYLOR SWIFT
- UNTIL I FOUND YOU, STEPHEN SANCHEZ
- LOVELY, BILLIE EILISH
- I’M KISSING YOU, DESREE
- MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE, ADELE
- WE FOUND LOVE, RIHANNA
For the exit, a track with a bit of punch like:
Classic & Timeless
- FLY ME TO THE MOON, FRANK SINATRA & COUNT BASIE
- CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU, FRANKIE VALLI
- ISN’T SHE LOVELY, STEVIE WONDER
- SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I’M YOURS), STEVIE WONDER
- STAND BY ME, BEN E KING
- LOVELY DAY, BILL WITHERS
- ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, THE BEATLES
- THIS WILL BE (AN EVERLASTING LOVE), NATALIE COLE
Contemporary Pop
- HALO, BEYONCE
- SKY FULL OF STARS, COLDPLAY
- JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, BRUNO MARS
- MARRY YOU BY BRUNO MARS
- WITHOUT YOU BY DAVID GUETTA
- HOME, EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGENTIC ZEROS
- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY, THE VERVE
- VIVA LA VIDA, COLDPLAY
- LOVE STORY, TAYLOR SWIFT
- WE FOUND LOVE, RIHANNA
- BIRDS OF A FEATHER, BILLIE EILISH
- SHUT UP & DANCE, WALK THE MOON
Go with music that means something to you. It doesn’t need to be a “wedding song”. If you both love it, it’ll work. I often arrange everything from old-school classics to unexpected pop and dance tracks so they suit the mood of a ceremony, while keeping their character.
Live string music will ensure it matches the ceremony and is flexible with the time you need. If you take your time down the aisle or photos during the signing, I’ll keep playing until you’re ready. If there’s a pause for laughter or a few happy tears, the music waits. It moves with you, which makes it feel part of the wedding day and enhances the atmosphere.
When you’re choosing songs for your wedding ceremony, close your eyes and picture the moment. If the tune gives you a little buzz, you’ve found the one. Your wedding soundtrack should feel like you.
If you’d like a hand shaping your wedding ceremony music, I’d love to be part of your day. You can have a listen to my arrangements and see what I do at annetteeldridge.com.
