100 Best Instrumental Wedding Songs Modern & Classical
Updated on February 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
Make your wedding ceremony just a little classier with instrumental songs.
It doesn’t have to be boring songs that put guests to sleep.
You’d be surprised at some of the cover songs of popular wedding hits.
You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique instrumental wedding songs for your wedding day.
Every couple’s instrumental music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.
Let’s start with the most popular right now.
Top 10 Classical Songs Streamed
(popularity on Amazon)
- “Thunderstruck” by 2Cellos
- “Chance” by Helen Jane Long
- “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys
- “Canon in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel
- “Time Lapse” by Angèle Dubeau
- “Chopin: Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2” by Daniel Barenboim
- “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion
- “Still, Still, Still” by The Piano Guys
- “Futo” by Shida Shahabi
- “Forever” by Timothy A Rossell
Play Instrumental Wedding Songs Playlist
What are popular wedding instrumental songs by era?
This curated list represents our favorite best instrumental songs for your wedding. Instrumental songs will make it just that much more special.
Did we neglect to mention your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
2020s
You Are The Reason – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2022 on the album You Are The Reason
Yellow – Virgo Rising
Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2
All Too Well – Virgo Rising
Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2
Feels Like Home – Bridesmaids Quartet
Released in 2022 on the album Popular Instrumental Songs for Your Wedding Day (2022)
Beautiful Thing – Old Foes
Released in 2022 on the album Beautiful Thing
Young and Beautiful – Ashot Dumanyan
Released in 2022 on the album Young and Beautiful
Watermelon Sugar – UNSECRET, Unsecret String Quartet
Released in 2022 on the album Watermelon Sugar
Sign of the Times (Stripped) – Steve Horner
Released in 2022 on the album Bridgerton Season Two (Covers from the Netflix Series)
First Day of My Life – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2022 on the album First Day of My Life
Wildest Dreams (Cover) – Dallas String Quartet
Released in 2022 on the album Wildest Dreams
Hold My Hand (Lady Gaga) [Piano Arrangement] – Alexandre Pachabezian
Released in 2022 on the album Piano Covers, Vol. 11
A Whole New World – Disney Ukulele & Disney
Released in 2022 on the album Disney Ukulele: Love
My Gift Is My Song – HAUSER
Released in 2022 on the album My Gift Is My Song
Livin’ on a Prayer – 2Cellos
Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
Ashitaka and San (from Princess Mononoke) – CelloKat
Released in 2021 on the album Ashitaka and San
The Luckiest (arr. Nicholas Buc) – Benaud Trio
Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
You Are The Reason – The Piano Guys & Dallas String Quartet
Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
Say You Won’t Let Go (Instrumental) – Ariella Zeitlin
Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Air on a G String – Hauser
Released in 2020, Genre: Classical
Thinking Out Loud – The Piano Guys
Released in 2020, Genre: Classical
Another genre that has many instrumentals is jazz. See our list of jazz wedding songs.
Want the NEW and TRENDING songs for romance and fun?
2010s
Disney Medley – 40 Fingers
Released in 2019, Genre: New Age
Meant To Be (Instrumental Version) – Steve Petrunak
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Nothing Else Matters – Golden Salt
Released in 2019, Genre: Rock
River Flows in You – Hauser
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite – John Williams
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
Perfect (Instrumental) – Riya Jane “Arjay” Yulde
Released in 2019, Genre: New Age
Wildest Dreams – Duomo
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Daniel Jang
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Let It Be Me – Roberto Dalla Vecchia
Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
Moon River – 2Cellos
Released in 2017, Genre: Classical
All I Want Is You – Bridesmaids Quartet
Released in 2016, Genre: Rock
All Of Me – O’Neill Brothers Group
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – United Guitar Players
Released in 2014, Genre: New Age
Marry Me – United Guitar Players
Released in 2014, Genre: New Age
Stay With Me – Vitamin String Quartet
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Your Song (Instrumental Version) – United Guitar Players
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Wedding March: Recessional – London Philharmonic Orchestra
Released in 2013, Genre: Classical
God Bless the Broken Road – O’Neill Brothers Group
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
I Won’t Give Up – O’Neill Brothers Group
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Begin Again – The Piano Guys
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Claire De Lune – Claude Debussy
Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
Just the Way You Are – The Piano Guys
Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
Without You – Josh Vietti
Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
André Campra: Rigaudon – Massimo Nosetti
Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – What a Wonderful World – Relaxation Guitar Maestro
Released in 2012, Genre: New Age
A Thousand Years – The Piano Guys
Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
Over the Rainbow / Simple Gifts – The Piano Guys
Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
The Cello Song – The Piano Guys
Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
Secrets – Dallas String Quartet
Released in 2011, Genre: Pop
River Flows In You – Yiruma
Released in 2011, Genre: New Age
Here Comes the Sun – Instrumental Songs Music
Released in 2010, Genre: Soft Rock
Bitter Sweet Symphony (Instrumental) – The Verve
Released in 2010, Genre: Classical
1,2,3,4 – Vitamin String Quartet
Released in 2010, Genre: Pop
Another popular genre that commonly has no vocals is EDM. See our list of EDM wedding songs.
2000s
I’m Yours – Guitar Tribute Players
Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Vitamin String Quartet
Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
Such Great Heights – Section Quartet
Released in 2007, Genre: Rock
Nothing Else Matters – Scott D. Davis
Released in 2006, Genre: Folk Rock
The Prayer – O’Neill Brothers
Released in 2005, Genre: Pop
Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong
Released in 2004, Genre: Pop
Pachelbel’s Canon in D – Barrymore Chamber Orchestra
Released in 2003, Genre: Classical
It’s Your Day – Yiruma
Released in 2001, Genre: New Age
Kiss The Rain – Yiruma
Released in 2001, Genre: New Age
Only Time – Enya
Released in 2000, Genre: New Age
When selecting your instrumental wedding song, think about how you will incorporate it into your Big Day. Instrumental songs are commonly used in wedding ceremony music including:
- Prelude songs (as guests arrive at the ceremony)
- Processional songs (walking down the aisle)
- Unity songs (signifying two becoming one)
- Recessional songs (exiting the ceremony)
1990s
Mission Impossible Theme – Danny Elfman
Released in 1996, Genre: Orchestral
Forever In Love – Kenny G
Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz
The Wedding Song – Kenny G
Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz
Book Of Days – Enya
Released in 1991, Genre: New Age
Caribbean Blue – Enya
Released in 1991, Genre: New Age
Next: See our list of popular piano wedding songs and popular violin wedding songs.
1980s
Fairytale – Enya
Released in 1987, Genre: New Age
Once Upon a Time… Storybook Love – Mark Knopfler
Released in 1987, Genre: Orchestral
Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone
Released in 1986, Genre: Classical
Sirius – Alan Parsons Project
Released in 1982, Genre: Rock
Chicken Dance aka The Bird Dance – The Emeralds
Released in 1982, Genre: Polka
Joy – George Winston
Released in 1982, Genre: New Age
Highland Cathedral – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Released in 1982, Genre: International
You can also have instrumental songs accent moments of your wedding reception. See our list of wedding reception songs.
1970s
(Gonna Fly Now) Rocky Theme – Bill Conti/Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Released in 1977, Genre: Orchestral
Star Wars Theme – John Williams
Released in 1977, Genre: Orchestral
Jaws Theme – John Williams
Released in 1975, Genre: Orchestral
1960s
Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s
Released in 1962, Genre: R&B
Jeopardy Theme – Gamers
Released in 1964, Genre: Classical
Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
Released in 1963, Genre: Jazz
1950s
Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
Released in 1958, Genre: Rockabilly
Instrumental songs can highlight moments during your reception such as music for when guests arrive at the reception and dinner music.
1800s
Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn
Released in 1842, Genre: Classical
Ode To Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven
Released in 1824, Genre: Classical
Coronation March – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Released in 1891, Genre: Classical
Romeo And Juliet Love Theme – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Released in 1880, Genre: Classical
Bridal Chorus – Richard Wagner / Otto Sieben
Released in 1850, Genre: Classical
1700s
Autumn – Antonio Vivaldi
Released in 1725, Genre: Classical
Spring – Antonio Vivaldi
Released in 1725, Genre: Classical
Air – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
Allegro Maestoso – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
Hallelujah Chorus – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
Hornpipe – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
Overture – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba – George F Handel
Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
The Prince of Denmark’s March “Trumpet Voluntary” – Jeremiah Clarke
Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
Air On A G String – Johann S Bach
Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Johann S Bach
Released in 1716, Genre: Classical
Why Would I Want an Instrumental Song at My Wedding?
Instrumental songs are simply songs sung without lyrics or verbiage. Instrumental songs can be used during events in the wedding ceremony such as the processional, recessional, unity candle lighting, and more. Instrumental songs can also be played during a wedding reception including during the cocktail and dinner hours, cake cutting, grand entrance, or introductions.
Instrumental music is simple to the listener, allowing for conversation. We get distracted by lyrics. What’s more, instrumental music is completely appropriate for small venues.
When Are Instrumental Songs Appropriate for My Wedding?
Not only can you play instrumental songs during cocktail hour and mealtime, but during the unity candle, processional, recessional, and while guests arrive at the venue. Depending on your type of event and the music you like, The Piano Guys’ version of “A Thousand Years” would make for a fantastic first dance song.
Along with The Piano Guys, another popular instrumental music artist is Vitamin String Quartet. With instrumental versions of hit songs “Stay With Me” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Vitamin String Quartet will remain on wedding playlists for years to come. Brooklyn Duo (piano and cello) “All of Me” by John Legend. (I’m not crying; you’re crying.)
When considering instrumental music for your wedding, live music during the wedding gives intimacy to your special day. For example, bagpipes can play as a grand entrance, a harpist can play during a wedding ceremony, and a three-piece band (lead singer, guitarist, drummer, etc.) can perform at a wedding reception to encourage dancing.
Instrumental Covers of Hit Songs For Weddings
Wedding couples who want to have current songs on the radio incorporated into their weddings definitely can. This is where hiring a musician can help out. However, not every radio hit is perfect for every event a wedding. This is when it is great to have pre-recorded versions. We wouldn’t recommend “Creep” by Radiohead for your wedding, maybe, but this version is amazing.
How Would You Define Instrumental Music?
You may be thinking of Bach and Beethoven. But according to the Dictionary, instrumental is music written for or performed on musical instruments and doesn’t include a song. Instrumental songs are typically written for solo instruments like the piano, violin, or guitar. But can also include trumpet, saxophone, and even string quartets (commonly two violin players, a viola player, and a cellist).
We tend to categorize this type of instrumentation as stuffy chamber music. It doesn’t have to be. If you haven’t heard a string quartet play The Beatles, you have missed out!
What Genres are Covered in the Instrumental Category?
Covers of mainstream songs are commonplace in the jazz genre. They choose a strong melody, play it, and each instrument has a turn riffing on it. When selecting instrumental music for your wedding, consider different types of instrumental songs such as recorded music artists of the piano, guitar, sax, and harpists.
Wedding planners can also consider popular classical music composers like Mozart and Bach. In addition, you can include many big band musicians of today and yesteryear.
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