Classic Wedding Songs: 40 Tried and Tested Songs for Every Moment

These days Canon in D is synonymous with weddings, so it’s hard to believe that the 17th century piece had fallen into obscurity until it was recorded by the Jean-Francois Paillard Chamber Orchestra in the late 1960s.

Clair de Lune means ‘moonlight’ and Claude Debussy’s famous piano piece was inspired by a poem of the same name written by French poet, Paul Verlaine. To us, it conjures images of starry skies and impressionist paintings, perfect for couples looking to create a dreamy atmosphere.

Bridal Chorus was originally written for the opera Lohengrin and was popularised when Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Victoria, used it during her marriage ceremony to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.

Wedding March comes from Mendelssohn’s suite of incidental music to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This classic is often played on the organ.

This piece is giving heavenly vibes, something we think would fit right in with your big entrance at the wedding ceremony.

Another heavenly sounding piece, Flower Duet from Lakmé will give guests goosebumps as you make your way down the aisle.

Classic, formal and upbeat, we think this beauty would strike all the right chords at a stately home wedding venue.

Calming and gentle, we can imagine walking serenely down the aisle to this piece taken from the classical ballet, Swan Lake.

This gentle yet upbeat piano piece has a quietly joyful feel that will add warmth to proceedings – a great pick for those looking for an understated vibe.

The ideal backing track to your procession up the aisle, this piece features vocals and the organ – ideal for traditional church weddings.

Waltz of the Flowers features in the second act of the much-loved ballet, The Nutcracker. Given its origins within the popular Christmas story, we think this waltz is a great choice for festive nuptials.

After months of planning and wedding stress, we think this tune fits perfectly with the feeling of finally tying the knot!

This upbeat classical piece is fused with optimism and joy, making it the perfect pick for your first walk arm in arm as a married couple!

A frenzy of strings begins this familiar tune to joyful effect. We don’t know about you, but this piece transports us straight to the pages of a Jane Austen romance.

Composed between 1717 and 1723, this classical tune would work perfectly in a historic church or country manor. A regular in TV shows and movies, you’ll feel the star of the show walking out to this.

The clue is in the title when it comes to this one. Ecstatic voices erupt from a quiet intro to create major impact – just what you need when stepping out together for the first time as a married couple!

The moment you sign the register and seal the deal with a kiss is the crowning glory of your wedding day, so the Coronation March is only fitting.

Played at a wide range of European royal weddings, including that of Prince William of Wales and the Princess of Wales, Widor’s fifth movement gets the royal stamp of approval.

Despite the title (admit it, it made you titter too) this song is irresistibly romantic. Soft strings create a fairy tale feel that’s just perfect for wedding ceremonies.

Instantly recognisable and undeniably joyful, this piece comes from Mozart’s much-loved comic opera. In fact, The Marriage of Figaro is considered one of the greatest operas ever written and is one of the most performed.

Does it feel you’ve had to wait an eternity for this moment? At Last perfectly encapsulates the feeling! Popular for a reason, you can’t go wrong with this first dance classic.

Listening to the lyrics of this beautiful track is enough to bring a tear to our eyes, so we’re sure it’ll have your guests weeping too!

While Michael Bublé may not have been around as long as some of the other artists on this list, he’s quickly become the artist of choice for many newlywed couples. Personally, we think Everything is the best of his repertoire for first dances.

Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan, Adele’s rendition has arguably taken over as the most popular of all. From the lyrics to Adele’s dulcet tones, we love every part of this romantic track.

Upbeat yet romantic, this classic from Nat King Cole is ideal for couples looking for something they can do more than just sway along to.

Bring some blockbuster romance to your wedding disco by dancing to this showstopper from the 1992 hit movie, The Bodyguard.

Tying the knot at a swanky hotel or decadent manor house? We think this sophisticated yet romantic track is just the thing for kicking off a lavish, cocktail filled evening of celebration.

Recorded for the 1961 album Blue Hawaii, this hit from Elvis Presley quickly became one of the most popular love songs of all time.

Let your loved ones know just how much joy and sunshine your brand-new spouse has brought to your life with this uplifting 1963 soul jazz hit.

Describing the feeling of being so mesmerised by your partner that you fail to notice your surroundings, this 1950s hit is a deeply romantic first dance song choice.

Putting her inimitable spin on an earlier track by Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Queen of Rock n Roll has provided one of the all time wedding song greats - train wheel arms at the ready, we're going in!

The peak Motown offering at any wedding party, get your chorus mime actions at the ready, this is a crowd-pleaser for all ages at your wedding. Hands high for mountains, low for valleys and wide for rivers - you got this!

Included on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, this is a must have at any wedding - not only for it's groove but also for it's nailed on chorus sentiment once those vows have been made. Signed and sealed, baby!

This Oscar-nominated, neo-soul sensation has dominated party playlists since it's release in 2013 and provides the perfect encouragement for an enormous amount of simultaneous clapping and singing - a wedding crowd favourites past-time.

An irresistible party bop to match your wedding day dream state that lives rent free in everyone's heads despite never having charted in the UK - guaranteed to have grans and grandkids dancing with equal fervour!

The lead single from the pop powerhouse's second album, this 1987 smash hit is pure joy in musical form. Grab your partner, your best mate or that other guest you've been flirting with all day and scream this through the roof together.

With his infectious, driving, piano-led bangers, this is Elton at his party playlist best. Sure to go down a storm with the end of the night-ers, you might want to throw in some big fancy dress glasses for good measure.

With seemingly more lives than a handful of cartoon cats, there is no stopping the ABBA resurgence once again. Give the people what they want with this worldwide disco smash hit that will get all ages on the dancefloor.

Slapping a trademark groove on The Zutons' original release, this has become a staple of all wedding parties - and I'll give you my house if it doesn't get everyone's feet tapping and slowly walking towards the dancefloor.

Dig out your air guitar and your finest 50s twist and take your party back to the future with this vintage rock 'n' roll favourite. Stick this on and your wedding party will B Goode...get it!?