Perfect wedding recessional songs are often hard to find, and can be really tricky to choose. Everyone cares about what song is playing while you walk down the aisle but for some reason, they don’t care at all about what will be the first song of your married life. I mean, think about it. The wedding recessional song is the first song of your marriage. Forget your entrance to the reception. Forget your first dance. This is the ACTUAL first song of you being actually married. (And since nobody ever seems to care about it, it’s the perfect place to make a statement, without your mom having an opinion.)

With that in mind—let’s take a few moments to think about selecting the perfect wedding recessional song. Something that says you two ARE MARRIED NOW and it’s the best thing ever and ever.

Before I go any further, a pro-tip. It’s very important that your DJ or live musicians know exactly WHEN to start playing your music. Instructions are usually left at the vague, when we’re about to walk back down the aisle. This often leads to a deafening gap of silence while you both stand awkwardly waiting, and praying that the music starts. This is not what you want. Your exit music should start after you kiss (if you do) and then definitely when you turn to face your guests. That’s the cue for music.

In fact, before you pick a song, let’s imagine how this whole thing will go. Towards the end of your ceremony the officiant says the magical “you may now kiss your partner” words and everyone applauds! And smiles! And cheers! And the music begins. You both turn to see everyone you love. The music climbs to the perfect crescendo as you hold hands and triumphantly glide back down the aisle together, full of love, and everything is amazing till the end of time. Now you just need to imagine what that song sounds like. Is it triumphant? Romantic? Danceable? Or heck, is it classical? (Because we’ve got you covered on that front over here.)

We’ve compiled a list of modern wedding recessional songs that will help you set the mood for that glorious walk (or dance) into the married life sunset—or at least your reception.

You can add the playlist to your Spotify with this link. (And add your song suggestions in the comments!)

51 Perfect Wedding Recessional Songs

1. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
2. Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen
3. Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
4. This Kiss – Faith Hill
5. Thinkin Bout You – Frank Ocean
6. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
7. XO – Beyoncé
8. Everything – Michael Bublé
9. Summertime – The Sundays
10. Stuck On You – Meiko
11. The Origin of Love – Hedwig & The Angry Inch (Stephen Trask)
12. Time After Time – Iron & Wine
13. Always – Erasure
14. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
15. Safe And Sound – Capital Cities
16. Sweet Child O’Mine – Taken by Trees
17. Cowboy Take Me Away – Dixie Chicks
18. X The Legend of Zelda – Keeper of the 8 Bits
19. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Haley Reinhart
20. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
21. Ho Hey – The Lumineers
22. Let My Love Open the Door – Pete Townshend
23. Today – The Smashing Pumpkins
24. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
25. OH – Ciara
26. Life is Better With You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
27. I’m Into Something Good – The Bird & The Bee
28. Soul Meets Body – Death Cab for Cutie
29. Heartland (Pure Country Soundtrack) – George Strait
30. You Gotta Be – Des’ree
31. Believe in Love – Indigo Girls
32. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
33. She’s in Love with The Boy – Trisha Yearwood
34. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
35. Dancing Queen – ABBA
36. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
37. What I Wouldn’t Do – A Fine Frenzy
38. Heroes – David Bowie
39. Time of My Life – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
40. Sea of Love – Cat Power
41. You and I – Ingrid Michaelson
42. Home – Phillip Phillips
43. I Swear – John Michael Montgomery
44. Only Love – Ben Howard
45. Head Over Feet – Alanis Morissette
46. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
47. Thank You – Dido
48. Sirens – The Weepies
49. Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop – Landon Pigg
50. Ice Cream – Sarah McLachlan
51. 1234 – Feist

Do you need song ideas for your ceremony? What about first dance songs? We’re totally here for you.

Image CreditMaddie Eisenhart

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