The Best Classical Music for Weddings

Newlywed Couple Dancing Together in a Garden

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Finding the right wedding song can be a difficult task. Though many brides walk down the aisle to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" from Wagner's Lohengrin and exit to Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream, there are those who choose to walk to different wedding songs - some classical and some far from it. For now, we'll stick to the former rather than the latter. Below are popular classical music works used as wedding songs. 

01
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Air on a G String - Johann Sebastian Bach

Air on a G String is an extremely famous and popular piece of music. A staple in many classical string quartet repertoires, its beautiful, calming, gentle, and peaceful qualities are a perfect complement to any wedding.

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Ave Maria - Johann Sebastian Bach / Charels Gounod

My sister chose this delightful piece of music as she walked down the aisle of her outdoor wedding. Its lofty, dreamlike melody provides a picturesque scene of tranquility.

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Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel

This is another extremely popular piece of music played at weddings. It's an elegant piece of music with delicate simplicity, making it an ideal wedding song for the bride as she walks down the aisle.

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Ave Verum Corpus - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Though it may not be great for the processional, Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus makes a fantastic wedding song for the in-between parts of the wedding. Or, you could treat your guests to a beautiful recording of this song at the beginning of your wedding. Its angelic melodies and classic harmonies would easily set the tone of the ceremony.

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"Winter" mvmt. 2 from the Four Seasons - Antonio Vivaldi

As the violin in Vivaldi's Four Seasons captures the ears of your guests, the bride will capture their eyes as she makes her way down the aisle. However, I think it would be better if the tempo of Winter's second movement was slightly slower than normal. There's no reason for the bride to rush to the altar.

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Procession of Nobles - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Here's a song you don't hear at weddings. Perhaps, because it isn't widely known. The Procession of Nobles from Rimsky-Korsakov's opera Mlada would be an unusual but fun way to end the wedding. Its regal fanfare presents the newly married couple to the world!

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March of the Priests from The Magic Flute - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

"March of Priests" would make a lovely wedding song as the groomsmen and bridesmaids process to the altar before the bride's entrance. Its calm and stately demeanor adds a touch of sophistication and regality to the ceremony.

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Marche troyenne, for orchestra from Les Troyens - Hector Berlioz

Here's another song you could use for your wedding as your flower girl as well as the groomsmen and bridesmaids made make their way to the sides of the altar. Again, like Mozart's "March of the Priests," this is another song you don't hear at weddings. If you're looking to have a unique wedding, you may want to give this song a try.

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Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude - Johann Sebastion Bach

Bach's lush and rolling notes of this famous cello suite will be the icing on the cake at any wedding. Play this song to start the ceremony or even as the bride makes her entrance. It's a wedding song that will capture the hearts of all your guests.

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Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Edvard Grieg

For those of you that are a little bit quirky, here's a wedding song you might like. It's a lighthearted and fun wedding song that will surely entertain your guests. It can be used as the bride makes her entrance or as the newly married couple are officially announced.