by Ivory Tribe

Top wedding ceremony songs as chosen by our celebrants.

Photo – Kinship by Kristy

At some point in the wedding planning process, choosing the soundtrack for your ceremony will come into play.

For some, the decision may be easy; you might have a set of songs that give you all the feels. For others, you may be tearing your hair out trying to find the perfect melody to accompany you down the aisle or send you off to party.

Thankfully, we have some experts on board who can help us with the decision-making process. Who better placed to advise on the perfect needle drop than our favourite celebrants, who have seen and heard it all – and truly know what works.

Photo – Lei Lei Clavey

Married by Tori – Tori Aquillina.

Aisle songs: Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra.

This song is so beautiful and cinematic – intimate and romantic, yet it builds perfectly as the couple walks down the aisle. I love how it immediately sets that emotional, heartfelt tone.
(Or – I can’t help but give two for THE moment!)

Dreams (Acoustic) by The Cranberries.

I adore this one – I actually had it at my own ceremony! It’s nostalgic, tender, and has that dreamy quality that makes the aisle moment feel unforgettable.

Signing song: You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne.

Heartfelt, with a rhythm that just works for the pauses during the signing. It keeps the moment celebratory and intimate without ever feeling rushed.

Recessional songMove On Up by Curtis Mayfield. A timeless classic that instantly lifts the vibe –  the perfect way to mark the couple’s exit and carry that celebratory energy straight into the reception.

Marry Me Tee

Aisle song: Restoration Song (Hold On) by Son of Cloud.

This was one that almost made me break composure during a processional earlier this year and probably goes down as a favourite.

Recessional song: Adore You by Fred Again

Always a nice one for kicking off the post-ceremony exit up the aisle

My 2025/2026 prediction: 

Dancing2 by Kelli Holiday is destined to be the wedding dance floor anthem of 2025/26 — the song that drops once the party is in full swing, when everyone’s loosened up, the love is overflowing, and there are happy tears on the dance floor.

Photo – Tess Follett

The Celebrandt – Kathryn Brandt

Aisle song: Coming Home by Leon Bridges.

It’s got a great intro that builds into lyrics so if you’re wondering when to start walking down, those lyrics are it!

Signing song: Fly Me To The Moon by Bobby Womack.

Light and fun and complements both intro and exit song.

Recessional song: Either L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole or Yes Sir, That’s My Baby by Frank Sinatra.

Both songs have stood the test of time, which is what I always love with ceremonies – elements that are timeless.

You could use these songs all in the one ceremony, knowing they will flow together brilliantly – if I do say so myself.

Brooke Brodie

Aisle song:  Best Part by Daniel Ceaser & H.E.R

It’s super soft, sweet and the vocal elements are technical and just make for a delightful listen.

Signing song: Sweetest Devotion by Adele.

It’s a beautiful power ballad and I feel like people shy away from these in ceremonies. This isn’t a released single but it’s such a powerful and well-written song that builds up and at four mins in length allows coverage for the full time required to sign.

Recessional song: You’re My Best Friend by Queen

It’s an oldie, it’s a classic and speaks to the foundation of a great marriage (friendship!). It’s poppy and gets everyone grooving along!

Photo – Nikki McCrone

Love Jane – Jane Mackinlay

Aisle song: My favourite ever processional song is Love and Happiness by Al Green.

This song works up to the funkiest little crescendo, and I can guarantee it will set the tone for a fun, cool and edgy ceremony – you can’t help but feel it! For couples who don’t love the traditional wedding songs.

Signing songs: For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder.

This is a short song, so needs a friend to go with it, but it’s so fun and sweet – it always gets people bopping during the signing so they’re nice and excited to farewell the couple, toss petals and cheer their way into cocktail hour.

Recessional song: (Your Love Keeps Liftin’ Me) Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson.

There’s no better way to finish a ceremony than on an absolute high and with some energy, you’re married, the most nerve-wracking part (save for the first dance) is over, and this song perfectly fits the brief for upbeat and cool!

Precious Celebrations

Aisle song: Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

Signing song: Hey Ho by The Lumineers

Recessional song: Love Sweet Love, by Groove Armada

The party then starts as soon as you walk back down the aisle!

Photo – Meg Read

Eddy & Aleks – One More Song Celebrants / MCs / DJs

Aisle songs:

The Final Countdown by Europe.

We love when our couples just have fun with this moment. This song definitely brings the energy and makes people smile while you’re heading down the aisle.

Stand By Me by Florence And The Machine

This track is great for indie-lovers and is such a cool take on a wedding classic.

Signing songs: 

Birds Of A Feather by Billie Eilish

This song is super vibey and has the added bonus of having sweet lyrics.

Coming Home by Leon Bridges

This song gives you the warm and fuzzies and is great for those who love more soulful tunes.

Recessional songs:

You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates

The playful energy of this classic tune sets the tone for the rest of the day and the couple can boogie back down the aisle together.

Digital Love by Daft Punk

We love this one for sending our couples back down the aisle as it has big upbeat and happy vibes. And, come on, it’s Daft Punk!

Stan by Me Ceremonies – Jess Stanley.

Aisle songs: Into My Arms by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds or To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra.

Both have that slow, anticipatory vibe and bring the right level of romance and emotion to make for the perfect dramatic entrance.

Signing songs: Dreams by the Cranberries followed by Under Your Spell by Desire.

Just the right mix of gentle and stylish to score this part of the ceremony. Most of your guests will be chatting away and you’ll be wanting something soothing but a lil bit boppy as you near the end of the ceremony.

Recessional song: Young Hearts Run Free by Kym Mazelle

The exact kind of beat drop you want for this moment and will carry guests into cocktail hour in fabulous spirits.

If you want a more low-key, romantic recessional, I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis is an underrated classic.

Photo – Erin Neale

Teagan from Panache & Co.

Aisle songs: Millionaire by Chris Stapleton.

For the country music lover. The strum of guitar and rough vocals from Stapleton just invoke all the feels!

Adore U by Sidney.

A slow cover of the Fred Again banger. Hot tip: use the Fred Again version for your exit song for that full circle moment.

Blue Moon by Luc.

Another slow cover that appeals to the masses. The oldies love hearing something they know, and the youngsters appreciate a contemporary twist.

Signing songs:  signing music depends on when you’re having the big kiss moment. If you kiss then sign, make sure the music follows the high energy that the big kiss moment brings.

Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun is a great option.

If you plan on kissing after the signing, you’ll find the mood is still mellow so you can keep the song romantic but not as slow as an aisle song. Consider:

Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding, Beyond by Leon Bridges or Simple Things by Ziggy Alberts

Recessional songs: this really needs to be a banger. My hot tip is to choose a song with a bit of an intro. So the music begins playing as you’re announced ‘married’, it builds when asked to kiss, and once the kiss is over, the beat really drops – and you can head back down the aisle, bopping along.

Any of these sets the tone!

Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac

September by Earth Wind and Fire

Blame it on the Boogie by The Jacksons

Feel So Close by Calvin Harris

Photo – Fern & Stone

Michelle Kiernan

Aisle:  I Am Yours by Andy Grammar

Goosebump material!

Signing: We’re Going Home by Vance Joy and Black & White by Niall Horan

You’ll definitely need two tracks and these just make my heart smile and feet tap!

Recessional: Missing Piece by Vance Joy

A song of unadulterated joy and the perfect way to head back up the aisle!

Bellarine Celebrant – Sue Warner

Aisle song – Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis or Elvis.

It brings a tear to my eye every time.

Signing song –  I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith and The Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice.

It was too hard to pick just one, I love both these songs.

Recessional song –  Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men.

I love the upbeat vibe of this one.

Photo – Ashleigh Haase

Jo Betz

Aisle song: XO by John Mayer

I had never heard this song until a client of mine used it. She made the most beautiful entrance and this song was perfection and was quickly added to my own personal playlist!

Signing song: Bloom by The Paper Kites

Sweet, uplifting and easy listening, perfect for signing your marriage documents.

Recessional song: Baby, Now That I Found You by The Foundations

An oldie but a goodie to send you back down the aisle and ready to dance.

Photo – Tess Follett

With these beautiful beats sure to bring all the feels to your big day, have you got the rest of your ceremony situation under control? Click here for some top considerations for making your ceremony the best it can be.

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