Instrumental Wedding Songs: Serenade Your Ceremony with Love

Updated on July 10, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Make your wedding ceremony just a little classier with instrumental songs.

It doesn’t have to be boring songs that put guests to sleep.

You’d be surprised at some of the cover songs of popular wedding hits.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique instrumental wedding songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s instrumental music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.

Top New Instrumental Wedding Songs

1. “Wedding Entrance X Can’t Help Falling In Love” by James Wong (2023)
2. “golden hour” by Brooklyn Duo (2023)
3. “Until I Found You (Wedding Piano Version)” by Paul Hankinson Covers (2023)
4. “Here, There and Everywhere” by David Leinweber (2023)
5. “Every Day I Do” by Lance Allen (2023)
6. “I’m Yours (Guitar Version)” by Mount Hayes (2023)
7. “Faithfully (Instrumental Piano Version)” by Laura Sullivan (2023)
8. “A Sky Full of Stars (Piano Version)” by Linneo (2023)
9. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by Midnite String Quartet (2023)
10. “Aint No Mountain High Enough” by Instrumental Music From TraxLab (2023)
11. “Golden Hour” by The Piano Guys (2022)
12. “Top Gun: Maverick (Theme Music)” by The Theme System (2022)
13. “One Sweet Day” by Midnite String Quartet (2022)
14. “You Are The Reason” by The Piano Guys & Dallas String Quartet (2021)
15. “Canon in D Major (Violin & Guitar Duo)” by Stringspace (2020)
16. “Star Wars (Epic Main Theme)” by Samuel Kim (2019)
17. “I See the Light” by Disney Peaceful Strings (2019)
18. “Unchained Melody” by Mantovani & His Orchestra (1997)

Top Trending Instrumental Hits

1. “Handel: Water Music Suite – Air” by London Symphony Orchestra & George Szell (Classical)
2. “Clair de lune” by Claude Debussy Piano Music Players (Classical)
3. “Beauty and the Beast” by Disney Peaceful Guitar & Disney (2020)
4. “Ode To Joy” by The Piano Guys (2021)
5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Disney Peaceful Guitar & Disney (2020)
6. “Shallow” by 2Cellos (2021)
7. “Handel: Water Music Suite in D Major, HWV 349 – Hornpipe” by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (Classical)
8. “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys (2012)
9. “Love Theme from The Godfather” by Peter Nero (1974)
10. “Rewrite the Stars” by The Piano Guys (2018)
11. “What a Wonderful World” by Tingstad & Rumbel (2005)
12. “Unchained Melody” by The O’Neill Brothers Group (2013)
13. “You Are My Sunshine” by Instrumental Songs Music (2010)
14. “Isn’t She Lovely (Acoustic Version)” by Mount Hayes (2022)

Popular Instrumental Songs At Weddings

This curated list represents our favorite best instrumental songs for your wedding. Instrumental songs will make it just that much more special.

2020s Modern Tunes

You Are The Reason – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2022 on the album You Are The Reason

Yellow – Virgo Rising

Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2

All Too Well – Virgo Rising

Released in 2022 on the album Calm Covers, Vol. 2

Feels Like Home – Bridesmaids Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Popular Instrumental Songs for Your Wedding Day (2022)

Beautiful Thing – Old Foes

Released in 2022 on the album Beautiful Thing

Young and Beautiful – Ashot Dumanyan

Released in 2022 on the album Young and Beautiful

Watermelon Sugar – UNSECRET, Unsecret String Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Watermelon Sugar

Sign of the Times (Stripped) – Steve Horner

Released in 2022 on the album Bridgerton Season Two (Covers from the Netflix Series)

First Day of My Life – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2022 on the album First Day of My Life

Wildest Dreams (Cover) – Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2022 on the album Wildest Dreams

Hold My Hand (Lady Gaga) [Piano Arrangement] – Alexandre Pachabezian

Released in 2022 on the album Piano Covers, Vol. 11

A Whole New World – Disney Ukulele & Disney

Released in 2022 on the album Disney Ukulele: Love

My Gift Is My Song – HAUSER

Released in 2022 on the album My Gift Is My Song

Livin’ on a Prayer – 2Cellos

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical

Ashitaka and San (from Princess Mononoke) – CelloKat

Released in 2021 on the album Ashitaka and San

The Luckiest (arr. Nicholas Buc) – Benaud Trio

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical

You Are The Reason – The Piano Guys & Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2021, Genre: Classical

Say You Won’t Let Go (Instrumental) – Ariella Zeitlin

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop

Air on a G String – Hauser

Released in 2020, Genre: Classical

Thinking Out Loud – The Piano Guys

Released in 2020, Genre: Classical

Another genre that has many instrumentals is jazz. See our list of jazz music for a wedding ceremony and reception.

2010s Favorites

Disney Medley – 40 Fingers

Released in 2019, Genre: New Age

Meant To Be (Instrumental Version) – Steve Petrunak

Released in 2019, Genre: Country

Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical

Nothing Else Matters – Golden Salt

Released in 2019, Genre: Rock

River Flows in You – Hauser

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite – John Williams

Released in 2019, Genre: Classical

Perfect (Instrumental) – Riya Jane “Arjay” Yulde

Released in 2019, Genre: New Age

Wildest Dreams – Duomo

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Daniel Jang

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop

Let It Be Me – Roberto Dalla Vecchia

Released in 2018, Genre: Folk

Moon River – 2Cellos

Released in 2017, Genre: Classical

All I Want Is You – Bridesmaids Quartet

Released in 2016, Genre: Rock

All Of Me – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: New Age

Marry Me – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: New Age

Stay With Me – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Your Song (Instrumental Version) – United Guitar Players

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Wedding March: Recessional – London Philharmonic Orchestra

Released in 2013, Genre: Classical

God Bless the Broken Road – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop

I Won’t Give Up – O’Neill Brothers Group

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop

Begin Again – The Piano Guys

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop

Claire De Lune – Claude Debussy

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical

Just the Way You Are – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop

Without You – Josh Vietti

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop

André Campra: Rigaudon – Massimo Nosetti

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – What a Wonderful World – Relaxation Guitar Maestro

Released in 2012, Genre: New Age

A Thousand Years – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop

Over the Rainbow / Simple Gifts – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical

The Cello Song – The Piano Guys

Released in 2012, Genre: Classical

Secrets – Dallas String Quartet

Released in 2011, Genre: Pop

River Flows In You – Yiruma

Released in 2011, Genre: New Age

Here Comes the Sun – Instrumental Songs Music

Released in 2010, Genre: Soft Rock

Bitter Sweet Symphony (Instrumental) – The Verve

Released in 2010, Genre: Classical

1,2,3,4 – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2010, Genre: Pop

Another popular genre that commonly has no vocals is EDM. See a list of EDM songs at wedding.

2000s Hits

I’m Yours – Guitar Tribute Players

Released in 2008, Genre: Pop

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Vitamin String Quartet

Released in 2008, Genre: Pop

Such Great Heights – Section Quartet

Released in 2007, Genre: Rock

Nothing Else Matters – Scott D. Davis

Released in 2006, Genre: Folk Rock

The Prayer – O’Neill Brothers

Released in 2005, Genre: Pop

Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong

Released in 2004, Genre: Pop

Pachelbel’s Canon in D – Barrymore Chamber Orchestra

Released in 2003, Genre: Classical

It’s Your Day – Yiruma

Released in 2001, Genre: New Age

Kiss The Rain – Yiruma

Released in 2001, Genre: New Age

Only Time – Enya

Released in 2000, Genre: New Age

When selecting your instrumental wedding song, think about how you will incorporate it into your Big Day. Instrumental songs are commonly used in a wedding ceremony playlist including:

• Prelude songs as guests arrive at the ceremony
• Processional songs for the wedding party to walk down the aisle to
• Unity songs to signify two becoming one
• Instrumental wedding recessional songs

1990s Tunes

Mission Impossible Theme – Danny Elfman

Released in 1996, Genre: Orchestral

Forever In Love – Kenny G

Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz

The Wedding Song – Kenny G

Released in 1993, Genre: Jazz

Book Of Days – Enya

Released in 1991, Genre: New Age

Caribbean Blue – Enya

Released in 1991, Genre: New Age

Next: See a list of piano wedding music and violin wedding music.

1980s Music

Fairytale – Enya

Released in 1987, Genre: New Age

Once Upon a Time… Storybook Love – Mark Knopfler

Released in 1987, Genre: Orchestral

Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone

Released in 1986, Genre: Classical

Sirius – Alan Parsons Project

Released in 1982, Genre: Rock

Chicken Dance aka The Bird Dance – The Emeralds

Released in 1982, Genre: Polka

Joy – George Winston

Released in 1982, Genre: New Age

Highland Cathedral – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Released in 1982, Genre: International

You can also have instrumental songs accent moments of your reception. See our wedding reception playlist.

1970s Tracks

(Gonna Fly Now) Rocky Theme – Bill Conti/Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Released in 1977, Genre: Orchestral

Star Wars Theme – John Williams

Released in 1977, Genre: Orchestral

Jaws Theme – John Williams

Released in 1975, Genre: Orchestral

1960s & 1950s Chart Toppers

Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s

Released in 1962, Genre: R&B

Jeopardy Theme – Gamers

Released in 1964, Genre: Classical

Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini

Released in 1963, Genre: Jazz

Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy

Released in 1958, Genre: Rockabilly

Instrumental songs can highlight moments during your reception such as music for when guests arrive at the reception and hits to listen to during dinner.

1800s & 1700s Classic Instrumentals

Wedding March – Felix Mendelssohn

Released in 1842, Genre: Classical

Ode To Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven

Released in 1824, Genre: Classical

Coronation March – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Released in 1891, Genre: Classical

Romeo And Juliet Love Theme – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Released in 1880, Genre: Classical

Bridal Chorus – Richard Wagner / Otto Sieben

Released in 1850, Genre: Classical

Autumn – Antonio Vivaldi

Released in 1725, Genre: Classical

Spring – Antonio Vivaldi

Released in 1725, Genre: Classical

Air – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

Allegro Maestoso – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

Hallelujah Chorus – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

Hornpipe – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

Overture – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba – George F Handel

Released in 1741, Genre: Classical

Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical

The Prince of Denmark’s March “Trumpet Voluntary” – Jeremiah Clarke

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical

Air On A G String – Johann S Bach

Released in 1700s, Genre: Classical

Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Johann S Bach

Released in 1716, Genre: Classical

Did I neglect to mention your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

Why would I want an instrumental song at my wedding?

Instrumental songs are simply songs sung without lyrics or verbiage. Instrumental songs can be used during events in the wedding ceremony such as the processional, recessional, unity candle lighting, and more. Instrumental songs can also be played during a wedding reception including during the cocktail and dinner hours, cake cutting, grand entrance, or introductions.

Instrumental music is simple to the listener, allowing for conversation. We get distracted by lyrics. What’s more, instrumental music is completely appropriate for small venues.

When are instrumental songs appropriate for my wedding?

Not only can you play instrumental songs during cocktail hour and mealtime, but during the unity candle, processional, recessional, and while guests arrive at the venue. Depending on your type of event and the music you like, The Piano Guys’ version of “A Thousand Years” would make for a fantastic first dance song.

Along with The Piano Guys, another popular instrumental music artist is Vitamin String Quartet. With instrumental versions of hit songs “Stay With Me” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Vitamin String Quartet will remain on wedding playlists for years to come. Brooklyn Duo (piano and cello) “All of Me” by John Legend. (I’m not crying; you’re crying.)

When considering instrumental music for your wedding, live music during the wedding gives intimacy to your special day. For example, bagpipes can play as a grand entrance, a harpist can play during a wedding ceremony, and a three-piece band (lead singer, guitarist, drummer, etc.) can perform at a wedding reception to encourage dancing.

Instrumental covers of hit songs for weddings

Wedding couples who want to have current songs on the radio incorporated into their weddings definitely can. This is where hiring a musician can help out. However, not every radio hit is perfect for every event a wedding. This is when it is great to have pre-recorded versions. We wouldn’t recommend “Creep” by Radiohead for your wedding, maybe, but this version is amazing.

How would you define instrumental music?

You may be thinking of Bach and Beethoven. But according to the Dictionary, instrumental is music written for or performed on musical instruments and doesn’t include a song. Instrumental songs are typically written for solo instruments like the piano, violin, or guitar. But can also include trumpet, saxophone, and even string quartets (commonly two violin players, a viola player, and a cellist).

We tend to categorize this type of instrumentation as stuffy chamber music. It doesn’t have to be. If you haven’t heard a string quartet play The Beatles, you have missed out!

What genres are covered in the instrumental category?

Covers of mainstream songs are commonplace in the jazz genre. They choose a strong melody, play it, and each instrument has a turn riffing on it. When selecting instrumental music for your wedding, consider different types of instrumental songs such as recorded music artists of the piano, guitar, sax, and harpists.

Wedding planners can also consider popular classical music composers like Mozart and Bach. In addition, you can include many big band musicians of today and yesteryear.

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