Images: Carmel McCabe Photography
One of the questions I’m asked surprisingly often is, “What should we choose for our wedding ceremony exit song?”
It’s one of those moments that many couples don’t think much about until they start planning their ceremony music. The aisle entrance usually gets all the attention, but your walk back down the aisle as newlyweds is the first thing you do together as a married couple. Here’s one thing you need to know:
It doesn’t have to be a party anthem
After playing hundreds of wedding ceremonies, one thing I’ve noticed is that couples often think their exit song has to be a big, upbeat party anthem. It really doesn’t. Some of the most memorable ceremony exits I’ve played have been to songs that were gentle, emotional and deeply personal. The most important thing is that the music feels like you.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite wedding ceremony exit song ideas, explain what actually happens during the ceremony exit, and help you choose music that feels right for your day.
What actually happens at the ceremony exit?
Here’s how it usually plays out: after signing the register, your registrar will guide you to stand back at the top of the aisle, facing your guests. They might say a few closing words or invite your guests to stand. Then comes that magic line:
“Please join me in congratulating the newly married couple!”
Your guests start clapping, the music kicks in, and off you go – your first steps together as a married couple.
It’s worth noting that you’ll only hear the very beginning of the song as you walk out. You may pause briefly for a photo at the end of the aisle, but once you’re out of the room, the music continues playing while your guests follow behind you.
So when choosing your wedding ceremony exit song, think about what you want to hear in those first few moments. Is it the opening chords of a song you love? Or would you rather walk out to a big, celebratory chorus? If you’re working with live musicians, they can time things perfectly to start from the section you want most – something that’s not possible with a pre-recorded track.
And another lovely benefit of live music? Your musician will keep playing while your guests exit too – no awkward silence halfway through!
watch A Real Wedding Example: I Love You Always Forever
One of my favourite ceremony exits recently was to I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis.
The bride had walked down the aisle to River Flows in You, which is already a piano piece, so there wasn’t any arranging needed for her entrance music. Instead, we decided to focus our attention on creating something really special for their ceremony exit.
The couple loved the bridge of I Love You Always Forever and wanted that to be the moment they walked back down the aisle together as newlyweds. Rather than starting the piece from the beginning, I created a bespoke arrangement that included a short section of the verse and chorus before naturally building into their favourite part of the song.
Before the wedding, I sent them a recording so they could hear how everything flowed together and make sure they were completely happy with it. Then, on the day itself, they had exactly the joyful, uplifting moment they’d imagined as they walked back down the aisle together.
You can watch that ceremony exit below.
watch A Real Wedding Example: A Hymn for the Weekend
For a completely different feel, this couple chose A Hymn for the Weekend by Coldplay for their ceremony exit.
One of the reasons this song works so well is its instantly recognisable opening riff. As soon as those first few notes begin, guests know what’s coming, and you can often feel the atmosphere lift straight away. Smiles appear, people start clapping, and the whole moment feels full of excitement as the couple walk back down the aisle together.
If you’re hoping for a joyful, celebratory ceremony exit, songs with a memorable riff can work brilliantly. They’re familiar, uplifting, and help create that wonderful feeling that the celebration has really begun.
You can watch this ceremony exit below.
One thing I’ve noticed after playing hundreds of ceremony exits is that songs with a distinctive opening often work particularly well. Guests recognise them almost instantly, which naturally creates a little ripple of excitement around the room. Coldplay songs are especially good for this because so many of them have memorable piano or guitar hooks.
ideas for your wedding ceremony exit song
Before we get to some song ideas, I’d love to share one thing I’ve noticed after nearly twenty years of playing at weddings.
The moment you walk back down the aisle as newlyweds is rarely about the music itself. It’s about the feeling. The ceremony is over, the nerves have disappeared, and there’s often this wonderful look between the two of you that says, “We did it.”
It’s one of my favourite moments to watch. Guests are smiling, people start clapping, and you can almost feel the excitement spreading through the room as everyone realises it’s time to celebrate.
The right song doesn’t create that feeling, but it does become the soundtrack to it. So as you’re looking through these ideas, try not to think about choosing the “best” exit song. Instead, think about which piece of music feels like it belongs to that moment.
song ideas
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
- A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
- You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates
- Best Day of My Life – American Authors
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
- I’m A Believer – The Monkees
- Charlie Brown – Coldplay
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
- Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Ashitaka and San – Joe Hisaishi
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- All The Small Things – Blink 182
- Gimme, Gimme, Gimme – ABBA
- Everything – Michael Bublé
Are you planning your ceremony music?
Planning Your Ceremony Music?
Choosing your ceremony exit song is just one small part of creating a ceremony that feels personal and unique to you.
From the music your guests hear as they arrive, to your aisle entrance, signing music and the moment you walk back down the aisle together as newlyweds, each piece of music helps shape how your ceremony feels.
If you’d like a little guidance as you plan, I’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Ceremony Music, and you can download your copy by clicking here.
frequently asked questions
Your ceremony exit music usually begins once you’ve signed the register and the registrar has announced you as newlyweds. Your registrar will cue your musician, so you don’t need to worry about timing on the day.
Most ceremony exits only last one to three minutes, so your musician will usually choose the most appropriate section of the song rather than playing it from beginning to end. If there’s a particular section you’d love to walk out to, let your musician know in advance.
Not necessarily. While many couples choose something joyful and energetic, some of the most memorable ceremony exits I’ve played have been to gentle, romantic songs. The best choice is the one that feels right for the two of you.
Usually, yes. Once you’ve been announced as newlyweds, guests often clap and cheer as you walk back down the aisle. It’s one of the most joyful moments of the ceremony, which is why many couples choose music that reflects that sense of celebration.
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