To help you get an idea of the kind of wedding music to choose for your ceremony, below is a breakdown of the components of a traditional wedding ceremony/service, with some of our favorite music suggestions. Please note that a number of these selections can be used for different parts of the ceremony or other events and this is just one of many possible options for the repertoire listed.
The selections below are an example of our standard violin/cello duet repertoire. It is not a comprehensive list as we have a varied repertoire. If you don’t see the specific piece you are looking for on our website please feel free to inquire as we may have what you are looking for and always try to accommodate special requests.
Prelude
We generally play prelude music 15 to 20 minutes (depending on the wedding package you choose) prior to the ceremony while people are gathering and finding their seats. We will play music to match the excitement and anticipation of the family and friends gathered. We will select music for this portion based on the atmosphere and style you are looking for (traditional, romantic, contemporary, mix of classic and jazz standards, etc.). We can definitely customize this to suit the particular style of your wedding.
Harold Arlen – Somewhere Over the Rainbow
J.S. Bach – Sheep May Safely Graze
J.S. Bach – Wachet auf
Handel – Air from Water Music in F
Handel – Bourree from Water Music in F
Processional
This can be two or more processionals (i.e. one for the bridesmaids and a separate selection for the bride) or one for the entire wedding party. The selections listed are beautiful and are also easy to walk to.
J.S. Bach – Arioso – Youtube
J.S. Bach – Air on the G String – Youtube
J.S. Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Youtube
J.S. Bach – Solo Cello Prelude from Suite No. 1
Pachelbel – Canon in D – Youtube
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
Wagner – Bridal Chorus (Wedding March)
Signing of the Register/Special Music
We typically play while you are signing your important documents and posing for those many photos! We think something slower and a bit more reflective works well. It also adds a beautiful touch to have music playing in the background if you are including a special element to your ceremony such as a tree planting ceremony, unity candle lighting or a slow dance for the couple after saying their vows – the sky is the limit. Including meaningful and special music will make any special event unforgettable.
Bob Dylan – Make You Feel My Love – Youtube
Bach/Gounod – Ave Maria – Youtube
Gliere – Berceuse – Youtube
James Horner – The Ludlows – Youtube
Massenet – Meditation from Thaïs – Youtube
Schubert – Ave Maria
Vivaldi – Largo from The Four Seasons
Recessional
You made it! This is a very joyous and celebratory moment. We like playing something upbeat to kick off the party! Let us know if you are planning on including a post-ceremony champagne toast, as it is a great time to incorporate a second selection to transition your ceremony into the cocktail hour or next event.
Beethoven – Ode to Joy
Breval – Presto from Duet No. 3 in D Major – Youtube
Boccherini – La Musica notturna di Madrid Passacalle
Charpentier – Prelude from Te Deum
Clarke – Trumpet Voluntary
Giacchino – Married Life from the movie UP
Handel – La Rejouissance from Royal Fireworks
Handel – Entrance of the Queen of Sheba
Handel – Hornpipe from Water Music in F
Handel – Hornpipe from Water Music in D – Youtube
Mendelssohn – Wedding March
Mouret – Rondeau
Purcell – Trumpet Tune
U2 – All I want is you