100 Best Instrumental Wedding Songs Modern & Classical

Updated on February 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission but also support the artists.

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.

best instrumental wedding songs

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)

  1. “Thunderstruck” by 2Cellos
  2. “Chance” by Helen Jane Long
  3. “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys
  4. “Canon in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel
  5. “Time Lapse” by Angèle Dubeau
  6. “Chopin: Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2” by Daniel Barenboim
  7. “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion
  8. “Still, Still, Still” by The Piano Guys
  9. “Futo” by Shida Shahabi
  10. “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
song on Amazon

Yellow – Virgo Rising

Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2
song on Amazon

All Too Well – Virgo Rising

Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2
song on Amazon

Feels Like Home – Bridesmaids Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Popular Instrumental Songs for Your Wedding Day (2022)
song on Amazon

Beautiful Thing – Old Foes

Released in 2022 on the album Beautiful Thing
song on Amazon

 

Young and Beautiful – Ashot Dumanyan

Released in 2022 on the album Young and Beautiful
song on Amazon

Watermelon Sugar – UNSECRET, Unsecret String Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Watermelon Sugar
song on Amazon

Sign of the Times (Stripped) – Steve Horner

Released in 2022 on the album Bridgerton Season Two (Covers from the Netflix Series)
song on Amazon

First Day of My Life – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2022 on the album First Day of My Life
song on Amazon

Wildest Dreams (Cover) – Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Wildest Dreams
song on Amazon

 

Hold My Hand (Lady Gaga) [Piano Arrangement] – Alexandre Pachabezian

Released in 2022 on the album Piano Covers, Vol. 11
song on Amazon

A Whole New World – Disney Ukulele & Disney

Released in 2022 on the album Disney Ukulele: Love
song on Amazon

My Gift Is My Song – HAUSER

Released in 2022 on the album My Gift Is My Song
song on Amazon

Livin’ on a Prayer – 2Cellos

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Ashitaka and San (from Princess Mononoke) – CelloKat

Released in 2021 on the album Ashitaka and San
song on Amazon

 

The Luckiest (arr. Nicholas Buc) – Benaud Trio

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

You Are The Reason – The Piano Guys & Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Say You Won’t Let Go (Instrumental) – Ariella Zeitlin

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Air on a G String – Hauser

Released in 2020, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Thinking Out Loud – The Piano Guys

Released in 2020, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

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?

By submitting this form you agree to receive promotional emails from My Wedding Songs about wedding music planning and other wedding-related topics. You may unsubscribe at any time. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2010s

Disney Medley – 40 Fingers

Released in 2019, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Meant To Be (Instrumental Version) – Steve Petrunak

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
song on Amazon

Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Nothing Else Matters – Golden Salt

Released in 2019, Genre: Rock
song on Amazon

River Flows in You – Hauser

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite – John Williams

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Perfect (Instrumental) – Riya Jane “Arjay” Yulde

Released in 2019, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Wildest Dreams – Duomo

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Daniel Jang

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Let It Be Me – Roberto Dalla Vecchia

Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
song on Amazon

 

Moon River – 2Cellos

Released in 2017, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

All I Want Is You – Bridesmaids Quartet

Released in 2016, Genre: Rock
song on Amazon

All Of Me – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Marry Me – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

 

Stay With Me – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Your Song (Instrumental Version) – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Wedding March: Recessional – London Philharmonic Orchestra

Released in 2013, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

God Bless the Broken Road – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

I Won’t Give Up – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

 

Begin Again – The Piano Guys

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Claire De Lune – Claude Debussy

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Just the Way You Are – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Without You – Josh Vietti

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

André Campra: Rigaudon – Massimo Nosetti

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – What a Wonderful World – Relaxation Guitar Maestro

Released in 2012, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

A Thousand Years – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Over the Rainbow / Simple Gifts – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

The Cello Song – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Secrets – Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2011, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

 

River Flows In You – Yiruma

Released in 2011, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Here Comes the Sun – Instrumental Songs Music

Released in 2010, Genre: Soft Rock
song on Amazon

Bitter Sweet Symphony (Instrumental) – The Verve

Released in 2010, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

1,2,3,4 – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2010, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

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
song on Amazon

 

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Such Great Heights – Section Quartet

Released in 2007, Genre: Rock
song on Amazon

Nothing Else Matters – Scott D. Davis

Released in 2006, Genre: Folk Rock
song on Amazon

The Prayer – O’Neill Brothers

Released in 2005, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong

Released in 2004, Genre: Pop
song on Amazon

 

Pachelbel’s Canon in D – Barrymore Chamber Orchestra

Released in 2003, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

It’s Your Day – Yiruma

Released in 2001, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Kiss The Rain – Yiruma

Released in 2001, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Only Time – Enya

Released in 2000, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

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:

1990s

Mission Impossible Theme – Danny Elfman

Released in 1996, Genre: Orchestral
song on Amazon

 

Forever In Love – Kenny G

Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz
song on Amazon

The Wedding Song – Kenny G

Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz
song on Amazon

Book Of Days – Enya

Released in 1991, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Caribbean Blue – Enya

Released in 1991, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

Next: See our list of popular piano wedding songs and popular violin wedding songs.

1980s

Fairytale – Enya

Released in 1987, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

 

Once Upon a Time… Storybook Love – Mark Knopfler

Released in 1987, Genre: Orchestral
song on Amazon

Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone

Released in 1986, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Sirius – Alan Parsons Project

Released in 1982, Genre: Rock
song on Amazon

Chicken Dance aka The Bird Dance – The Emeralds

Released in 1982, Genre: Polka
song on Amazon

Joy – George Winston

Released in 1982, Genre: New Age
song on Amazon

 

Highland Cathedral – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Released in 1982, Genre: International
song on Amazon

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
song on Amazon

Star Wars Theme – John Williams

Released in 1977, Genre: Orchestral
song on Amazon

Jaws Theme – John Williams

Released in 1975, Genre: Orchestral
song on Amazon

1960s

Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s

Released in 1962, Genre: R&B
song on Amazon

 

Jeopardy Theme – Gamers

Released in 1964, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini

Released in 1963, Genre: Jazz
song on Amazon

1950s

Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy

Released in 1958, Genre: Rockabilly
song on Amazon

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
song on Amazon

Ode To Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven

Released in 1824, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

Coronation March – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Released in 1891, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Romeo And Juliet Love Theme – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Released in 1880, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Bridal Chorus – Richard Wagner / Otto Sieben

Released in 1850, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

1700s

Autumn – Antonio Vivaldi

Released in 1725, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Spring – Antonio Vivaldi

Released in 1725, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

Air – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Allegro Maestoso – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Hallelujah Chorus – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Hornpipe – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Overture – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

The Prince of Denmark’s March “Trumpet Voluntary” – Jeremiah Clarke

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Air On A G String – Johann S Bach

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Johann S Bach

Released in 1716, Genre: Classical
song on Amazon

 

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.

About Matthew Campbell

Wedding Music Expert

Meet Matthew (Matt) Campbell, the passionate wedding DJ and music expert behind My Wedding Songs. With years of experience in the industry and a keen ear for the latest trends, Matt knows just what it takes to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day. From classic love ballads to upbeat party anthems, his articles are jam-packed with insider tips and top recommendations that will have you and your guests on your feet all night long.

But Matt isn’t just a music aficionado – he’s also an active member of wedding planning and DJ communities online, sharing his expertise and learning from other professionals along the way. When he’s not helping couples plan their dream weddings, you can find Matt exploring new destinations with his wife or sipping his favorite beer. Whatever your musical tastes or wedding style, Matt is your go-to resource for creating an unforgettable celebration. Read Full Bio.

2 Comments

Have a correction or feedback?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *