Best Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To
Find your perfect entrance song. Explore our list of top processional songs for a truly memorable walk down the aisle.
Best Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To
The Power of Your Walk Down the Aisle
Your wedding day is a tapestry of moments, but few are as emotionally charged as the walk down the aisle. As a professional violinist in the Washington DC area, I’ve seen firsthand how the right processional music can transform this moment from simply walking to a profound emotional experience.
Modern Pop Favorites
Modern pop songs offer contemporary relevance with melodies that translate beautifully to the expressive range of string instruments.
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri - The emotional build-up and sweeping melody make it a modern-day classic that sounds incredibly lush on strings.
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran - The romantic, lyrical quality of the vocal line is perfectly captured by the violin’s singing tone.
- “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift - A favorite for that Bridgerton-inspired aesthetic, offering a grand yet intimate entrance.
- “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay - The driving rhythmic energy of this piece makes it a triumphant and joyful processional choice.
- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars - This song brings an upbeat, optimistic energy that’s perfect for a celebratory entrance.
- “Lover” by Taylor Swift - Its nostalgic, romantic waltz feel is exceptionally charming when played by a string quartet.
- “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay - Great for grand entrances, its expansive melody shines with the full resonance of four string players.
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran - The blue-eyed soul melody translates into a warm and comforting string arrangement.
- “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift - For a couple wanting something fun and unconventional, the fast-paced rhythm is playful and bright.
- “Yellow” by Coldplay - The simple, profound melody becomes even more hallowed and meaningful when stripped back to acoustic strings.
Create Your Dream Setlist
Want to hear how these songs sound on strings? Use our interactive tool below to explore hundreds of pop, Disney, and classical covers for your ceremony.
Disney Magic
Disney songs carry a universal sense of wonder and nostalgia that can add a truly fairytale-like quality to your ceremony.
- “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King - Elton John’s iconic melody is deeply resonant and romantic on cello and violin.
- “I See The Light” from Tangled - The floating, gentle quality of this song creates an ethereal atmosphere perfect for an aisle walk.
- “A Whole New World” from Aladdin - This soaring duet translates beautifully to a conversation between the first and second violin.
- “Beauty and the Beast” (Title Theme) - The slow, majestic triple meter creates a natural, elegant walking pace.
- “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan - Phil Collins’ heartfelt melody is transformed into a steady, supportive anthem on strings.
- “Married Life” from Up - This charming waltz is a delightful, slightly whimsical choice for a unique processional.
- “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas - The sweeping, nature-inspired melody is perfect for outdoor garden ceremonies.
- “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid - A lighthearted choice with a rhythmic pulse that feels joyful and expectant.
- “Reflection” from Mulan - The delicate, introspective melody provides a beautiful, contemplative moment for a quiet entrance.
Indie & Folk
Indie and folk selections offer a more intimate, alternative feel that’s perfect for bohemian or less traditional ceremonies.
- “Holocene” by Bon Iver - The intricate, repetitive patterns create a meditative and deeply emotional entrance.
- “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes - This simple, sweet melody is incredibly poignant when performed on solo violin or trio.
- “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine - Famously featured in Twilight, its haunting waltz time is undeniably romantic.
- “Bloom” by The Paper Kites - The acoustic, gentle nature of this song translates into a warm and intimate string cover.
- “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart - This soulful indie anthem’s build-up creates a powerful sense of arrival.
- “Heartbeats” by José González - The fast acoustic patterns create a delicate, shimmering backdrop for an aisle walk.
- “Dog Days Over” by Florence + The Machine - For a high-energy entrance, the rhythmic complexity is exciting on string quartet.
- “Real Love” by Beach House - The dream-pop influence translates into a lush, ethereal atmosphere on strings.
Rock Ballads
Classic rock songs reimagined for strings offer a sense of grand occasion and timelessness.
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses - Slowed down, the iconic riff and melody become a sophisticated and surprising processional.
- “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve - The legendary string sample is even more powerful when performed by actual string instruments.
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton - The simple, iconic guitar lines are perfectly suited to the violin’s lyrical range.
- “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones - This soulful, emotive ballad becomes a deeply moving declaration on strings.
- “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls - The dramatic shifts in intensity translate into a powerful and memorable ceremony entrance.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen - While a modern standard, its spiritual and melodic depth is unmatched on acoustic instruments.
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey - For a couple who wants a classic crowd-pleaser, this arrangement always brings a smile to guests.
R&B & Soul
Soul and R&B classics provide some of the most romantic melodies ever written, sounding incredibly warm and rich on strings.
- “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend - Legendary’s soulful melody is incredibly intimate and modern when played on solo violin.
- “At Last” by Etta James - The quintessential romantic anthem, its sweeping intervals are a showstopper on string quartet.
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King - The iconic bassline and soulful melody create a powerful statement of partnership.
- “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder - Wonder’s gorgeous melody lines soar when played on violin, creating an atmosphere of divine love.
- “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benét - This R&B hit’s romantic pledge becomes even more poignant when its melody is carried by cello and violin.
- “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R. - The conversational quality of this duet translates beautifully to a dialogue between violin and cello.
- “Always and Forever” by Heatwave - The flowing melody creates a sense of timeless commitment when played on violin.
- “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo - The R&B classic’s memorable melody creates an instant emotional connection.
Explore Our Full Repertoire
Ready to find your perfect song? Use our interactive builder to search by genre, instrument, or artist.
Conclusion
The perfect song to walk down the aisle is ultimately the one that resonates with you as a couple. Whether you choose the classical elegance of Canon in D, the contemporary emotion of “A Thousand Years,” or a Bridgerton-inspired string cover, your processional music should reflect your relationship.
As Merezhuk puts it, “The best processional music creates a moment where time seems to stand still—where everyone present feels the weight and beauty of the commitment being made.”