35 Best Wedding Recessional Songs To Make Your Exit Magical

As you plan your wedding, choosing the perfect wedding songs to accompany each stage of the ceremony is an important task. The wedding recessional is a particularly special moment, marking the end of the ceremony as bride and groom and the start of your new life as a married couple. The right music can create a magical atmosphere, adding to the joy and excitement of the occasion. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best wedding recessional songs for 2023 to help you choose the perfect soundtrack for this unforgettable moment.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Recessional Songs

Before we dive into our list of the best wedding recessional songs, let’s discuss how to choose the perfect wedding, ceremony exit song and song for your ceremony. Here are a few things to consider:

Your Personal Style and Taste

Your wedding day should reflect your unique style and taste, and your choice of recessional music is no exception. Think about the type of music you and the love songs your partner enjoy, and choose a song that reflects your personalities and relationship.

The Mood You Want to Create

The wedding recessional is a celebratory moment, and the music you choose should reflect that. Decide whether you want something upbeat and lively, or something more romantic and emotional.

The Length of the Song

The recessional song should be long enough to accompany your exit from the ceremony, but not so long that your guests start to lose interest. A song that is around two to three minutes long is usually the perfect length for ceremony exit.

The Lyrics of the Song

Consider the lyrics of the song you choose, and make sure they are appropriate for a wedding ceremony. Avoid wedding songs with explicit or inappropriate language, and choose something that reflects the love and commitment you and your partner share.

Best Wedding Recessional Songs For 2023

Best Wedding Recessional Songs for 2023

Without further ado, here are the best popular wedding recessional songs and dance songs for 2023:

Upbeat and Lively Songs

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s upbeat and energetic hit from the 80s is a classic wedding recessional song, guaranteed to get your guests on their feet.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake

This catchy pop song by Justin Timberlake is perfect for a fun and lively wedding recessional. Its upbeat tempo and positive lyrics are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams’ infectious hit “Happy” is another great choice for an upbeat and joyful, upbeat wedding recessional songs. Its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics are sure to get your guests dancing.

“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne’s soulful and romantic ballad is a great choice for a lively and emotional wedding recessional. Its upbeat tempo and heartfelt lyrics are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

“Happy Together” by The Turtles

This classic hit from the 60s has a joyful and catchy melody that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Its upbeat and lively sound, combined with its cheerful and optimistic lyrics, creates a celebratory and fun atmosphere that is perfect for a fun wedding recessional songs.

“I’m a Believer” by The Monkees

This upbeat and fun song has a catchy chorus and is perfect for a lively and energetic recessional. Its joyful and upbeat melody, combined with its optimistic and romantic lyrics, creates a sense of excitement and happiness that is sure to get everyone in a celebratory mood.

“You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates

This fun and upbeat song has a memorable chorus and is sure to get everyone dancing. Its funky and groovy sound, combined with its playful and romantic lyrics, creates a celebratory and joyous atmosphere that is perfect for a first wedding reception or recessional.

“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

This optimistic and upbeat song celebrates the joy of love story and excitement of a new beginning, among funny wedding songs making it a great choice for a wedding recessional. Its energetic and catchy melody, combined with its uplifting and optimistic lyrics, creates a sense of hope and happiness that is perfect for a celebratory and joyous occasion.

“Good Times” by Chic

This funky and groovy song has an infectious beat and upbeat lyrics that are perfect for a lively and fun recessional. Its upbeat and energetic sound, combined with its joyful and celebratory lyrics, creates a sense of excitement and happiness that is sure to get everyone in a celebratory mood.

Best Wedding Recessional Songs For 2023

Romantic and Emotional Songs

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Christina Perri’s romantic and emotional ballad “A Thousand Years” has become a classic wedding song, and it’s easy to see why. Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody make it a perfect choice for a romantic and emotional wedding recessional.

“Marry Me” by Train

Train’s romantic and sentimental hit “Marry Me” is another great choice for a memorable wedding recessional song. Its emotional lyrics and gentle melody are sure to tug at the heartstrings of everyone in attendance.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole’s classic love song “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” is a timeless choice

“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s classic hit “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a great choice for a fun and romantic first wedding playlist or recessional. Its catchy beat and playful lyrics are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“Forever” by Chris Brown

Chris Brown’s romantic ballad “Forever” is a popular choice for a wedding recessional, thanks to its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. Its optimistic lyrics about love and commitment make it a perfect choice for a joyous occasion.

“L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

This classic love song has a romantic and nostalgic feel that is perfect for a sentimental and emotional recessional. The smooth and jazzy melody, combined with Cole’s velvety voice, creates a timeless and romantic atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

“At Last” by Etta James

This soulful and passionate ballad celebrates the joy and happiness of finding true love, making it a great choice for a romantic and emotional recessional. James’ powerful and soulful voice, combined with the song’s slow and romantic melody, creates a beautiful and emotional atmosphere that will touch the hearts of everyone in attendance.

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson

This sweet and heartfelt song celebrates the joy and beauty of being together with the one you love, making it a perfect choice for a romantic recessional. Johnson’s gentle and soothing voice, combined with the song’s simple and beautiful melody, creates a warm and loving atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a wedding ceremony.

“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles

This beautiful and uplifting song celebrates the power of love and commitment, making it a great choice for a romantic and emotional recessional. Bareilles’ powerful and soulful voice, combined with the song’s upbeat and joyous melody, creates a sense of hope and optimism for the future that is sure to inspire and uplift everyone in attendance.

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

This romantic and heartfelt ballad celebrates the beauty and imperfection of true love, making it a perfect choice for a sentimental and emotional recessional. Sheeran’s soulful and emotional voice, combined with the song’s gentle and romantic melody, creates a beautiful and intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a wedding ceremony.

Best Wedding Recessional Songs For 2023

Instrumental Songs

“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” is a classic instrumental piece that is often used in wedding ceremonies, including for the recessional. Its gentle melody and elegant composition create a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

“Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke

Jeremiah Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” is another popular choice for a wedding recessional. Its bright and festive sound, accompanied by the sound of a trumpet, creates a triumphant and celebratory atmosphere.

“Spring” from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi’s “Spring” from The Four Seasons is a beautiful instrumental piece that is perfect for a spring wedding. Its light and cheerful melody evokes the freshness and new beginnings of the season.

“Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach

This elegant and sophisticated instrumental piece is a popular choice for a wedding recessional, thanks to its beautiful and timeless melody. Its gentle and refined sound creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a traditional and elegant ceremony.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach

This beautiful and uplifting instrumental piece is a popular choice for a wedding recessional, thanks to its joyful and celebratory melody. Its bright and festive sound, combined with its beautiful harmonies and intricate melodies, creates a triumphant and joyful atmosphere that perfectly captures the excitement and happiness of a wedding ceremony.

“La Rejouissance” from Music for the Royal Fireworks by George Frideric Handel

This grand and majestic instrumental piece is a great choice for a dramatic and memorable wedding recessional. Its bold and powerful sound, accompanied by a full orchestra, creates a sense of grandeur and celebration that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

“Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn

This classic and timeless instrumental piece is a popular choice for a wedding recessional, thanks to its beautiful and elegant melody. Its gentle and refined sound, combined with its graceful and romantic melodies, creates a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for a traditional and elegant ceremony.

“Adagio in G Minor” by Tomaso Albinoni

This beautiful and emotional instrumental piece is a great choice for a sentimental and emotional wedding recessional. Its gentle and heartfelt melody, combined with its beautiful harmonies and emotional depth, creates a powerful and moving atmosphere that is sure to touch the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Alternative Songs

“Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap

The Temper Trap’s indie hit “Sweet Disposition” is a great alternative choice for a wedding recessional. Its soaring chorus and uplifting lyrics create a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

“Ho Hey” by The Lumineers

The Lumineers’ folk-pop hit “Ho Hey” is a fun and upbeat choice for a really good wedding recessional song. Its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“Love on Top” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s upbeat and empowering hit “Love on Top” is a great choice for a wedding recessional. Its catchy melody and positive lyrics celebrate love and commitment, making it a perfect choice for a joyful occasion.

“First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes

This sweet and tender song celebrates the joy and excitement of new beginnings, making it a perfect choice for a sentimental and emotional recessional. Its simple and heartfelt lyrics, combined with its gentle and melodic sound, create a warm and intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a wedding ceremony.

“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

This fun and upbeat song celebrates the joy and beauty of being together with the one you love, making it a great choice for a wedding party for a lively and energetic recessional. Its catchy and joyful melody, combined with its playful and upbeat lyrics, creates a celebratory and joyous atmosphere that is sure to get everyone dancing.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

This classic and upbeat song celebrates the joy and optimism of a new beginning, making it a great choice for a joyful and celebratory recessional. Its bright and catchy melody, combined with its optimistic and cheerful lyrics, creates a sense of hope and happiness that is sure to uplift and inspire everyone in attendance.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

This timeless and romantic ballad is a popular choice for a wedding recessional, thanks to its beautiful and emotional melody. Its gentle and tender sound, combined with its heartfelt and romantic lyrics, creates a warm and loving atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a wedding ceremony.

Best Wedding Recessional Songs For 2023

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect song for your wedding recessional is an important task, as it sets the tone for the start of your new life together as a married couple. Whether you opt for an upbeat and lively song, a romantic and emotional ballad, or a classic instrumental piece, the right wedding music can create a magical atmosphere and make your special day even more unforgettable.

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FAQs

How long should the recessional song be?

The recessional song should be around two to three minutes long.

Can I choose a non-traditional song for my wedding recessional?

Yes, you can choose any song that reflects your personal style and taste, as long as the lyrics are appropriate for a wedding ceremony.

Is it necessary to have music for the recessional?

While it’s not necessary, music can enhance the celebratory atmosphere of the recessional and make the moment even more special.

Can I use an instrumental piece for the recessional?

Yes, instrumental pieces are a popular choice for the recessional, and can create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

Can I ask the musicians to play a specific arrangement of the recessional song?

Yes, if you have a specific arrangement or version of the song in mind, you can ask top of the world musicians to play it during the recessional.

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