What Song Should I Walk Down the Aisle to?

Updated: Mar 6

String trio at wedding ceremony in — Photo credit: Lee Asher

Walking down the aisle is a huge moment unlike any other. As you take those profound steps, the right musicians performing your unique soundtrack elevates the atmosphere and makes the moment even more tender and unforgettable.

Though I'd performed for many weddings, when it was my turn to walk down the aisle, I was so so nervous. Want to know the one thing that calmed me down? Hearing my violin and guitar duet performing a beautiful string rendition of La Vie En Rose and then Can't Help Falling in Love.

Choosing the perfect song to accompany your grand entrance is a decision that reflects your style and the emotions you want to convey. To help you curate a memorable playlist for this special moment, here's a list of the best songs to walk down the aisle to. I'm including videos of our live, unedited performances so you can get a true feel for what it's really like to hear our live strings perform (See? I know what you need!) Some of the songs are links because I can't embed a YouTube short, so don't miss those!

1. "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel:

This classical masterpiece has stood the test of time and remains a perfect choice for walking down the aisle. Its elegant and calming melody is romantic, has moments of drama and joy, so it's a great selection for couples seeking that traditional touch. It sounds gorgeous with ALL our string ensembles - check out a full comparison in my blog post here.

2. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri:

Featured in the "Twilight" movie series, this ballad is a modern classic and a poignant choice for romantic walk down the aisle. Hear us perform it as a quartet (below - wait for it!). Wix blog won't let me embed these two , but here's our quartet warming up A Thousand Years for a beautiful beach wedding ceremony. in Rhode Island and our violin duet performing for a wedding ceremony at Saint Sebastian's Church in Middletown.

3. "All of Me" by John Legend:

"All of Me" is such a powerful declaration of unconditional love. Below, our violin and guitar duet performing in one of the historic ballrooms at The Wadsworth Mansion. Want to hear our string trio play it? Here's our lively version for a cocktail hour at Aria in Prospect.

4. "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift:

Made popular by the Netflix series, Bridgerton, Wildest Dreams is my new favorite: It expresses the excitement and anticipation of tying the knot perfectly. Plus, who doesn't want to feel like they're Bridgerton royalty?

5. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran:

Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" has become a modern wedding anthem, celebrated for its tender lyrics and soothing melody. Our arrangements make it feel like a waltz and it's so romantic.

6. "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles:

For a lighthearted and optimistic feel, consider walking down the aisle to The Beatles' classic "Here Comes the Sun." It also works as a brilliant recessional piece.

7. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers:

Featured prominently in the film Ghost, "Unchained Melody" is a soulful and timeless ballad that evokes a sense of longing and devotion. Its emotional depth makes it a poignant choice for a meaningful aisle walk.

8. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley:

Elvis Presley's iconic love ballad is a timeless choice for couples seeking a blend of nostalgia and romance, but it's become a modern classic. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics perfectly capture the sentiment of falling in love.

This is what I included in my ceremony to and I'm so so glad I chose it.

9. "Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding:

Made popular from the 50 Shades of Grey Movie franchise, this song is actually so romantic and suits strings beautifully. Why is this only a 1 minute clip? The camera battery ran out! Should we add it to our "must record next" list? Comment on the video if you want to see more!

10. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong:

Louis Armstrong's classic "What a Wonderful World" is feels like walking through a rainbow, doesn't it? Walking down the aisle to this timeless tune creates a dreamy and optimistic atmosphere.

11. "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King:

The timeless hook of "Stand By Me" makes it a classic choice for couples who appreciate the a soulful throwback. Here's our trio warming up for a Bill Miller's Castle wedding ceremony.

12. "Halo" by Beyoncé:

Beyoncé's powerful vocals and the emotional depth of "Halo" can add a contemporary and dramatic flair to your aisle walk. This song is perfect for couples who want to make a grand entrance. Video to come!

13. "At Last" by Etta James:

Etta James' soulful and sultry voice in "At Last" is a soul-stirring choice, ideal for couples who want to express the joy and relief of finding their true love. Here's a video of us warming it up at The Riverview in Simsbury, CT.

14. "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf:

This was my choice for my walk down the aisle and it was perfection. My violin and guitar duet performed it for my wedding ceremony at the pergola at Eolia Mansion. In my humble opinion, the more string the better. Check out when our string quartet played it for a Wadsworth Mansion wedding ceremony in the Rose Garden.

15. "In My Life" by The Beatles:

Looking for something off the beaten path? In My Life is so wistful and timeless.

16. "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles:

I usually recommend this one for a recessional (your song to walk back UP the aisle), but it's so happy and fun. When played by strings, it fits the moment perfectly. Here's our string quartet warming up for a wedding ceremony at The Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, CT.

17. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen:

For a folk-infused atmosphere and soaring feeling, consider walking down the aisle to Hallelujah. It adds spirited touch to your ceremony.

18. "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra: "Fly Me to the Moon" adds a touch of whimsy and classic charm to your journey down the aisle.

19. "Spring Recomposed" Max Richter:

This Bridgerton favorite is so ethereal and romantic. I'm obsessed with it! Here's our quartet warming up for a wedding ceremony at South Farms in Morris, CT.

20. "Your Song" by Elton John:

Elton John's classic "Your Song" is a heartfelt and beautifully composed ballad that expresses the simplicity and sincerity of true love. Its timeless appeal makes it a wonderful choice your walk down the aisle.

21. Glasgow Love Theme from Love Actually

Love Actually is a modern classic and this song always tugs at my heart strings. For string quartet, it's especially beautiful. Here is our quartet performing it at a cocktail hour at Interlaken Inn.

22. Air on the G String by J.S. Bach:

A timeless masterpiece that feels like the sky has just opened up after a rainstorm. It's one of my all time favorites. Listen here or below.

23. Butterfly Waltz

This modern waltz is contemporary classical music and sounds so warm and sweet. If you're looking for something unexpected that feels good, Butterfly Waltz is one of my favorite choices.

String trio at Eolia Mansion pergola wedding ceremony — Photo credit: Colleen Leenahan & Styled By Sarah Brehant

Whether you prefer a classical masterpiece, a contemporary ballad, or a timeless classic, the perfect song will enhance the emotional impact of this special moment and create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.