101 Best Wedding Recessional Songs
You’ve thought of every detail of your wedding. Wait. Did you? What about the recessional song? Yes. What is a good song to walk out to after you’re married? There are so many to choose from. We’re here to help.
Walking to the altar is customarily set to music. That’s the processional song — you know, the one you dream about since you dreamed of your wedding. You’ve imagined all of the people walking down the aisle. Your entire wedding party walks down the aisle before you for that one magic moment.
But what happens after you’re announced as a couple? You need another song. Yes, another song. After the couple (that’s you) is announced by the officiant, the recessional begins. Then, the wedding party exits followed by the wedding guests from the front (family) to the back rows.
What is a Wedding Recessional Song?
Wedding Recessional Songs are played at a wedding ceremony after the bride and groom have been announced: husband and wife. Some modern couples prefer not to be announced this way. If you’re a same-sex couple, The Knot has three really great scripts to get you started. It’s your wedding — to celebrate you. Be sure to talk about your preferences with your professional wedding planner.
The wedding recessional song plays while the wedding couple walks down the aisle after the ceremony is complete; away from the altar. The song can continue to play as the wedding party also exits down the aisle. The guests follow.
Table of Contents:
- Wedding Recessional Songs
- Classical Recessional Songs
- R&B Recessional Songs
- Rock Recessional Songs
- Pop Recessional Songs
- Country Recessional Songs
- Indie Recessional Songs
- Miscellaneous Recessional Songs
- Recessional Songs Spotify Playlist
- Questions about the Recessional
Wedding Recessional Songs for Walking Back Down the Aisle
Whichever song you chose to take that stroll down the aisle and out into your new lives is significant. Any couple can finish with the music of a thousand other weddings but you want to make a statement about your newly minted philosophy toward a marriage. Be bold. Be yourselves. Announce your betrothal with some edge.
We’ve chosen songs from our experience as a professional DJ over the years. If you have a special wedding recessional song that you think we should add to our list, please add your song suggestion through the comment section below. Don’t forget to let us know what song it should replace.
Please Note: Many songs listed below can be found with vocals and instrumental songs. If the link is for vocals, please search on Amazon for what you are looking for and vice-versa.
Recessional song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: July 30, 2021
Classical Recessional Songs
2Cellos – Livin’ on a Prayer
2021, Classical
Brooklyn Duo – Canon in D
2019, Classical
Hauser – River Flows in You
2019, Classical
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – Highland Cathedral
1998, Classical
Henry Purcell – Trumpet Tune
1700, Classical
R&B Recessional Songs
Jennifer Hudson – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
2021, R&B
‘Cause baby there
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough (no)
To keep me from getting to you
Khalid – Better
2018, R&B
We don’t got to hide
This is what you like, I admit
Nothin’ feels better than this
Jason Derulo – Marry Me
2014, R&B
Will forever be enough, so there ain’t no need to rush
But one day, I won’t be able to ask you loud enough
I’ll say, “Will you marry me?”
Beyonce – Love On Top
2011, R&B
Baby it’s you
You’re the one I love
You’re the one I need
You’re the only one I see
Chris Brown – Forever
2007, R&B
It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night (one night)
It’s gon’ be me you and the dance floor
Alicia Keys – No One
2007, R&B
You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don’t worry ’cause
Everything’s gonna be alright
K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life
1997, R&B
You’re all I’m thinking of
I praise the Lord above
For sending me your love
I cherish every hug
I really love you
Earth Wind & Fire – September
1978, R&B
Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing
As we danced in the night
Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
1975, R&B
You gave me more joy then I ever dreamed of
And no one, no one can take the place of you
This will be
You and me
Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours
1970, R&B
You set my soul on fire
That’s why I know you’re my heart’s only desire
Oooh baby, here I am
Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours
Jackie Wilson – (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher
1967, R&B
You know your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Etta James – At Last
1961, R&B
At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Rock Recessional Songs
NEEDTOBREATHE, Carrie Underwood – I Wanna Remember
2021, Rock
I wanna memorize you, wanna stay here forever
‘Cause I-I-I, I-I-I
I take a picture in my mind so we’re always together
BANNERS – If I Didn’t Have You
2021, Rock
Thought I had nothing to lose
But that’s not the truth
I don’t know what I’d do
If I didn’t have you
American Authors – Best Day Of My Life
2013, Rock
I’m never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, please don’t wake me now
This is gonna be the best day of my life
Train – Marry Me
2009, Rock
Promise me you’ll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to sing to you
When all the music dies
And marry me
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)
2008, Rock
The more I see, the less I know
But I know one thing that I love you (baby girl)
I love you, I love you, I love you
Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing
2008, Rock
It’s like you see right through me
And make it easier
You please me, you don’t even have to try
Oh, because
You are the best thing
Jack Johnson – Better Together
2005, Rock
It’s not always easy and
Sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together
U2 – Beautiful Day
2000, Rock
It’s a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It’s a beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
Rusted Root – Send Me On My Way
1994, Rock
I would like to hold my little hand
And we will run, we will, we will crawl
Send me on my way
Beatles – Here Comes The Sun
1969, Rock
Here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right
Beatles – All You Need Is Love
1968, Rock
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
Pop Recessional Songs
Music Travel Love, Felix Irwan
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
2021, Pop
Then I kiss your eyes
And thank God we’re together
And I just want to stay with you
In this moment forever
Forever and ever
LunchMoney Lewis, Meghan Trainor – Ocean
2021, Pop
You’re just like the ocean
I’m drowning in your love
I’m just like a waterfall falling
Falling for you again
John Newman – Stand By Me
2020, Pop
You stand by me
Through the longest nights
You stand by me
Through the hardest times
Ronan Keating & Shania Twain – Forever And Ever, Amen
2020, Pop
Oh darling, I’m gonna love you forever
Forever and ever, amen
Joshua Radin – Brand New Day (Acoustic 2020)
2020, Pop
It’s a brand new day
For the first time in such a long long time
I know I’ll be OK
Sailr – All My Life
2019, Pop
Keep all of these words close to your heart
I’m gonna love you all my life
Music Travel Love – The Only One
2019, Pop
Don’t you know that I’ll always be there
Baby, I swear, ’till my days on this earth are done
You’re the only one
Ben Platt – Grow As We Go
2019, Pop
You can ebb and I can flow
And we’ll take it slow
And grow as we go
Andy Grammer – I Am Yours
2019, Pop
I am yours
Now and always
Wouldn’t dream to be anything more
Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz – Could I Love You Any More
2019, Pop
Seven billion people in the world
Finding you is like a miracle
Only this wonder remains
Could I love you any more?
Taylor Swift – Lover
2019, Pop
Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever)
You’re my, my, my, my
Lover
John Mayer – Carry Me Away
2019, Pop
Take me out and keep me up all night
Let me live on the wilder side of life
Carry me away
Kina Grannis – Can’t Help Falling in Love
2018, Pop
So take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you
Ed Sheeran – How Would You Feel (Paean)
2017, Pop
I’ll be taking my time, spending my life
Falling deeper in love with you
So tell me that you love me too
Ed Sheeran – Perfect
2017, Pop
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop The Feeling!
2016, Pop
Ooh, it’s something magical
It’s in the air, it’s in my blood, it’s rushing on
I don’t need no reason, don’t need control
I fly so high, no ceiling, when I’m in my zone
Maroon 5 – Sugar
2015, Pop
I’m right here, ’cause I need
Little love, a little sympathy
Yeah you show me good loving, make it alright
Need a little sweetness in my life
Ben Rector – Brand New
2015, Pop
Like a heartbeat skip, like an open page
Like a one way trip on an aeroplane
It’s the way that I feel when I’m with you, brand new
Andy Grammer – Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)
2015, Pop
Now all my dreams are coming true
I’ve been waiting for this moment
Feels good to be alive right about now
Sara Bareilles – I Choose You
2014, Pop
My whole heart
Will be yours forever
This is a beautiful start
To a lifelong love letter
Coldplay – A Sky Full Of Stars
2014, Pop
‘Cause you’re a sky full of stars
I want to die in your arms
‘Cause you get lighter the more it gets dark
I’m gonna give you my heart
Ella Henderson – Yours
2014, Pop
And I know every day you say it
But I just want you to be sure
That I’m yours
Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World
2012, Pop
I’ve been waiting to smile
Been holding it in for a while
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
2011, Pop
Darling, don’t be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more
Colbie Caillat – I Do
2011, Pop
No, I won’t live without it, I won’t let us go
Just look at what we got ourselves into
You make we wanna say I do
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – Lucky
2011, Pop
Lucky we’re in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
2009, Pop
‘Cause I gotta feeling (woo-hoo)
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
Onerepublic – Good Life
2009, Pop
I say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
2008, Pop
Baby, do you believe I’m yours?
You best believe, you best believe I’m yours
Michael Buble – Everything
2007, Pop
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything
The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
1997, Pop
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life
Tryna make ends meet, tryna find somebody then you die
I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet
Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams Come True
1980, Pop
I’m down on my daydream
Oh, that sleepwalk should be over by now, I know
Ah you
Yeah a-yeah, you make my dreams come true
Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World
1967, Pop
The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying, “I love you”
Turtles – Happy Together
1967, Pop
I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue
For all my life
Frank Sinatra – Fly Me To The Moon
1964, Pop
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you
Country Recessional Songs
Charlotte Ave – Anyone / Still the One
2021, Country
Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours (Piano Remix)
2019, Country
I’d spend ten thousand hours and ten thousand more
Oh, if that’s what it takes to learn that sweetheart of yours
And I might never get there, but I’m gonna try
If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life
Delta Rae – Walk With Me
2019, Country
If you walk with me
Take my hand, I’ll stand by you
Hand in hand, I’ll walk with you
Jason Maxwell – Fall Girl (Acoustic)
2019, Country
I will stand by your side
Keep you safe every night
I’ll be your rock, be the strong hand that’s holding you
Jake Owen – Made for You
2019, Country
Oh like a ship without a sea
Or a song without a melody
I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do
‘Cause I was made for you
Lexanna – Parachute (Acoustic)
2019, Country
Jimmie Allen – Best Shot
2018, Country
I’m not saying that I’m perfect
Oh ’cause girl you know I’m not
But I’ll love you with everything I’ve got
Girl, I’ll give you my best shot
Scotty McCreery – This Is It
2018, Country
Lookin’ out, can’t you see forever
Take my hand, just take it in
This is a moment we won’t forget
Russell Dickerson – Yours (Wedding Edition)
2017, Country
The best me has his arms around you
You make me better than I was before
Thank God I’m yours
Chris Stapleton – Millionaire
2017, Country
Down deep as a diamond mine
She’s my treasure so very rare
She’s made me a millionaire
Florida Georgia Line – Grow Old
2016, Country
So let my shoulder hold your tears
Walk beside me through the years
Baby let’s see, where this love could lead
Blake Shelton – God Gave Me You
2011, Country
And for when I think I lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
Sugarland – Stuck Like Glue
2010, Country
There you go pulling me right back in
Right back in, right back in
And I know I’m never letting this go
I’m stuck on you
Shania Twain – Forever And For Always
2002, Country
‘Cause I’m keepin’ you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every mornin’ to your sweet face
Always
The Chicks – Cowboy Take Me Away
1999, Country
I said, cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue
Set me free, oh, I pray
Closer to heaven above and closer to you
Indie Recessional Songs
Sawyer Fredericks – What a Wonderful World
2021, Indie
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do
They’re really saying, I love you
Dave Barnes – My Love Will Follow You
2021, Indie
From this day on
My life long
Whatever we go through
My love will follow you
Us The Duo – No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version)
2020, Indie
I’ll take care of you
And love you just because
You and I are better than forever
Nothing can stop us
Hollow Coves – Evermore
2020, Indie
That day I came to find
That you are all
I was hoping for
It’s you I’ll call
My evermore
Jon Danforth – To Whatever Comes After
2019, Indie
Sheffield – Forever From Now
2019, Indie
Of all the flowers that will bloom come May
You’re the prettiest I’ve found
I will love you forever from now
And I will hold you like no one’s around
Michael Shynes – Next to You
2019, Indie
I’ll be buried next to you
The world will keep on turning too
But if I am next to you
I do not care
The Light the Heat – Rest of Our Lives
2019, Indie
Dance with me beneath the stars
Moonlight crashing on our wild hearts
With your hand in mine
Juliet Roberts – Finally Mine
2018, Indie
I’ve been searching, and looking, and wishing and dreaming
For so long
All through the night, all I think about is you
And all through the day, finally
Finally mine
Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard – For a Lifetime
2018, Indie
It’s like I can hardly breathe when you say my name
I know we’ve waited and we’ve prayed
And here we are
For a lifetime
Ruelle – I Get to Love You
2016, Indie
I get to love you
It’s the best thing that I’ll ever do
I get to love you
It’s a promise I’m making to you
Lumineers – Ho Hey
2012, Indie
I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweetheart
James Vincent McMorrow – Higher Love
2010, Indie
We walk blind and we try to see
Falling behind in what could be
Bring me a higher love
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home
2009, Indie
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you
La, la, la, la, take me home
Michelle Featherstone – We Are Man And Wife
2006, Indie
There is no doubt that
You are the one for me
Cause you are the love of my life
Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life
2005, Indie
This is the first day of my life
I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you
But now I don’t care, I could go anywhere with you
And I’d probably be happy
The Cure – Just Like Heaven
1987, Indie
And found myself alone, alone
Alone above a raging sea
That stole the only girl I loved
And drowned her deep inside of me
James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
1975, Indie
How sweet it is to be loved by you
Feels so fine
How sweet it is to be loved by you
Miscellaneous Recessional Songs
David Arkenstone – Hand in Hand
2018, Celtic
Heavy D. & the Boyz – Now That We Found Love
1991, Hip Hop
All up in money my furnish was decades you hear what I’m sayin’
Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan
The whole New York City
I said I love you to death
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Over The Rainbow
1990, World
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
What is a Good Song to Walk Out to After We are Married?
Traditional wedding recessional songs are fine. You may want that. We’ve included “Ode To Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven, “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell, and “Hornpipe” by George Frideric Handel.
Classical may not be your thing. Signaling the end of the wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be a total bummer. You can also choose fun songs for the recessional. These include the “Star Wars Theme” by John Williams, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, or “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor.
The wedding recessional song ends with the ceremony but not the wedding. Next is the receiving line where the wedding couple thanks each guest for coming. And, don’t forget, the party! Yes, and we have more lists for epic dance parties and more at your reception.
Similar song lists for further reading:
The Recessional Is The First Impression You Make As A Couple
You two are not the cookie-cutter couple. Not by a long-shot. While you practice the wise “go along to get along” policy with regard to the dresses and flowers and ceremonial details — after all, the marriage is for you but the wedding is for your families — the line is drawn at the Recessional.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife” (or whatever variation) and the music that follows signals to your guests that this is no longer two people. You are one, unified couple. Your new life begins. It’s your rules now. We think you need an anthem.
Wedding Recessional: The Couple’s Wedding Exit Song
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Recessional songs are the perfect spot in the wedding ceremony for an anthem — an epic song to show your personality. Why not choose an anthem that reflects who you are as a couple? Here are a few ideas.
You look amazing in your gown and tuxedo but underneath the glam are a pair of hearts clothed in flannel. You’re a grungy couple with just a hint of cynicism about the world and Cobain spoke to you both in your youth. From the iconic guitar opening to the world-weary vocals, this song announces to the world that you are coming as you are (“as you were, as a friend, as a known enemy”).
Chris Young – Gettin’ You Home
One of those connections (on top of your mutual love for trucker hats and watching the sunset while sipping lemonade on the back porch) is that you both have a pair of well-worn and cherished cowboy boots. Perhaps a bit of two-stepping down the aisle and out of the sanctuary is exactly the message you want to send to your friends and family?
This is the song our brains should play every time we get a crush on someone. The two of you took that simple, puppy love of staring across a crowded room and only seeing each other and built a solid life together. It’s also ear-wormy enough that your family and guests won’t want to wait until you’re fully out of the room before they get up and follow you, humming along. It’s a nod to John Hughes’ movie credits — and recessional moment.
The Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
Your courtship was that of a groom seeking someone to blow his mind with her amazing perspective on the world, life, and love. This Dead Milkmen hit says it all.
She’s So Hot…Boom! – Flight Of The Conchords
This anthem is a little unorthodox but so are you. You and your new spouse are irreverent, funny, and have few boundaries. So why not splash that excess of personality like paint on a Pollack and strut your stuff in style? Also, the bits at the reception from the show will guarantee a lot of laughs.
Talk about hitting your stride with a bang! Steve Perry and Journey represent an attitude and the amount of hairspray you’re both wearing right now smells like the ’80s. Herald in your wedded journey with something that makes you put on mirrored sunglasses and jam your way out of the chapel. Use this to anoint your day and everyone else will be singing about “lovin’ things,” too.
The White Stripes – Fell In Love With A Girl
That opening guitar riff declares, in no uncertain terms, that you are both charging into your future together with which there is a reckoning. You are one of those couples — hip, powerful, and unified in your passionate embrace for life, love, and each other.
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