There are many beautiful classical pieces string wedding music.  These are what I believe are the ten most popular for wedding ceremonies.

String wedding music is elegant and understated. It stands alone and creates a sophisticated elegant mood. To add royal grandeur to the bridal entrance, add a fanfare before the bride on fanfare trumpets or add a trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet to the bridal processional song.   I am suggesting songs below that this works especially well with.

1  Canon in D by Pachelbel

This beautiful and elegant song has a calm sophisticated sound.  It is commonly called Pachelbel’s Canon and is often seen spelled in its original German spelling of kanon. Because of its mellow sound it is often used for bridesmaids or for brides that would like an understated elegant entrance rather that a grand royal entrance. This song is probably the most famous string wedding music.

2.  Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach

You may not be familiar with the name of this song but I think almost everyone will recognize it.  It is understated and elegant and often used for mother’s seating, bridal party or for an elegant bridal entrance.

3. Wedding March by Mendelssohn

This song is the traditional song for the recessional (bridal party exit music at the end of the wedding ceremony).  You will recognize this one right away.  Most Catholic and some other churches do not allow this song because it is not a sacred song.

4.  Bridal Chorus also known as Here Comes the Bride by Wagner

This is the most traditional song for the bridal processional and is familiar to everyone.  It is so recognizable that it is only used for the bride and would not be a good choice for the  bridal party.  If it is used people may stand, expecting the bride.   Most Catholic and some other churches do not allow this song because it is not a sacred song.

5. La Rejouissance by Handel

This grand piece is used for processionals and recessionals.  Adds a royal flair to your wedding.  Some brides and grooms add brass or organ to bump it up another notch.

6. Trumpet Voluntary, J. Clarke

This wedding song is also commonly know as The Prince of Denmark March.  You will also find the Trumpet Voluntary incorrectly listed as being composed by Purcell.  It is often confused with Trumpet Tune which is another wedding song.  The Trumpet Voluntary is most commonly performed on the trumpet but sounds elegant performed by violin, string quartet and other string wedding ensembles.  For a more grand entrance, add a trumpet to your string trio, string quartet or string orchestra.

7. Air on the G String by Bach

Often called Air from Suite in D, This subdued beautiful song will make your heart melt.  Most often used for prelude, unity candle, sand ceremony, mother’s seating, it can be breathtaking for a bridal entrance.

8. The Hornpipe from the Water Music by Handel 

This Upbeat Royal sounding music is used most often for the wedding recessional (the bridal party exit back down the aisle after the ceremony).  This song couldn’t be more celebratory sounding.  It is also occasionally used for the bridal party or bride processional.  To make a jaw dropping celebratory song, add trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet.

9. Ave Maria by Schubert

This song is beautiful and reflective with a subdued quality.  Used commonly for prelude, unity candle, sand ceremony and mother’s seating it is also used often for bridal party processional music and bridal entrance music.  This song is perfect for church weddings and is a standard for Catholic weddings. There are many composers that have written songs named Ave Maria so make sure to specify to your wedding musicians. The Schubert Ave Maria is most often confused with the lesser known but also beautiful Ave Maria by Bach.

10.  A Little Night Music by Mozart 

This piece is most commonly referred to with its German name Serenade from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.  This song will be very familiar to your guests.  It can be used for all parts of the ceremony.

Two more popular string wedding music songs to consider

Trumpet Tune by Purcell and Rondeau by Mouret These two songs are best known for being performed on brass instruments but are very commonly played by solo violin, string quartet and other wedding string music ensembles.  They are used for all parts of the ceremony except unity candle and sand ceremony.  For extra grandeur and trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet.

Now it’s time to decide which wedding string ensemble is the best for your wedding.  You may choose from everything from solo violin to string orchestra. Click here for tips for selecting the perfect string ensemble for you and lists of wedding string ensembles.  For more wedding music tips & ideas visit our blog.