Planning 101 16th March 2018

39 of the Best Wedding Exit Songs

Wedding Recessional

This is always the song the bride and groom think of last – you’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said the I do’s, and kissed the bride/groom, now you need to exit the room as a married couple for the first time with all your friends and family following. We think you should look for something that screams for a celebration, and unless you already have a wedding exit song in mind, it can be a pretty difficult decision. We’ve listed our favourite wedding exit songs, ranging from the classic Wedding March, to something a bit more contemporary like Hey Ya by Outkast, that will at the very least inspire you.

Before I get into the list, watch Duncan Howlett Guitarist, a great example of what hiring a live musician for your ceremony can add. If you like that, there are even more fantastic musicians that would happily play any number of these songs in both the ceremony and reception.

Contemporary Recessional Songs

The first selection of wedding exit songs are from the last 50 years or so that are perfect for your wedding recessional. These are songs that everyone will know and love (and it might even result in a little Mass-eoke if you pick one your guests can sing a long to). There’s no winning formula so these range from the funny recessional songs, to songs that get everyone in the mood for the wedding reception entertainment.

1. Beautiful Day – U2

A classic – you can’t go wrong with a song that has that title.

2. Hey Ya – Outkast

This really will get your guests on their feet and smiling as you walk down the aisle.

3. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas

This one is perfect if you want to get your guests in the mood for a party in the evening.

4. Happy – Pharrell Williams

This song never disappoints and will put a smile on everyone’s face.

5. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars

This one might be great if you fancy doing a little dance as you walk.

6. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé, Jay Z

Any song with Beyoncé is going to bring a little girl power to the recessional.

7. Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

A great song to reflect your dependence and love for one another.

8. Us – Regina Spektor

9. All you need is Love – The Beatles

I don’t think I need to explain why this one is included. It’s a classic written by some of the greats.

10. At Last – Etta James

If you were childhood sweethearts, this one may suit you.

Played and Sang by Eleanor and Gianni

11. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

What a great song to show your love for each other!

12. Just the Two of Us – Bill Withers

Great lyrics – “to make those rainbows in my mind / when I think of you sometime / and I wanna spend some time with you

13. Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader

Toploader HAD to be included. This will get everyone singing as they follow you, so it’s perfect.

14. You are the Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne

More great lyrics – “the way you move me, it’s crazy / it’s like you see right through me / and make it easier / believe me, you don’t even have to try

15. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

“oo baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I’m yours”

16. You make my Dreams come true – Hall & Oates

The title of this makes it perfect for your wedding recessional song.

17. Hakuna Matata – The Lion King

I had to include some musical hits. This modern musical recessional song is perfect.

18. We Go Together (from Grease) – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

Another musical – but duly deserves to be here.

19. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves

Another classic that you will likely hear later on in the reception, but it definitely a song that reflects how you’ll feel after you sign the papers.

20. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder

Only my second Stevie Wonder song. There are loads of his that would be perfect but I had to hold my self back.

Classical Recessional Songs

The classical wedding recessional songs that I’ve listed need no introduction really. While you might think that most of these are reserved for church weddings, I certainly would like to beg to differ. Just try to imagine one of our fantastic harpist or string quartets playing some of these stunning pieces for your wedding recessional song.

21. Ode to Joy – Ludvig Van Beethoven