After you have said your vows, signed the register and enjoyed the fabulous music that you have chosen for your ceremony, all that is left to do is triumphantly walk (or run) down the aisle. And of course, you will need the perfect piece of music to do so! Here are just a few examples of pieces regularly chosen for the recessional.

Mendelssohn: Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Also mentioned in the processional article, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March
was written as part of his incidental music to Shakespeare’s Midsummer
Night’s Dream. Originally intended as a processional (and not intended for use in a real ceremony at all), this piece is very commonly used as a recessional.

Sound Sample

Handel: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon)

You can’t get much more triumphant than this famous piece by Handel from his oratorio Solomon. It is also regularly used for recessionals but not as commonly as some other choices.

Sound Sample
(requires QuickTime)

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto #3 (1st movement)

Another recognizable piece appropriate for your stroll down the aisle is a selection from J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3.

Sound Sample

Your own choice

As with the processional, do not be afraid to choose something unusual
that you like! If you don’t know what to choose but know you like
a particular composer, start there. Or, if you remember a piece from
a movie, start with a movie database and check out the soundtrack listings.

Wedding Sheet Music