Decorations adorn the room. The aisle is clear. Everyone is seated and buzzing with anticipation. But when the doors finally swing open, what music do you hear?
The dilemma of what music to play during their wedding is one many couples must face. Yet oftentimes, the wedding planning process is so detailed and extensive that narrowing down the right pieces can feel like an overwhelming challenge.
That's where musicians come in! As a gigging cellist who's played countless weddings and events, curating pieces is one of my favorite parts of the process. There’s nothing wrong with falling back on classical music standards: pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, for example. But beyond the tried and true staples, classical music has an absolute goldmine of romantic music to choose from, and I often find myself wishing more folks were aware of the full extent of their options.
After years of performing, curating, and talking about the classical music genre, here are some of my top choices for timeless and romantic wedding music... outside the realm of your standard wedding marches.
1. Léo Delibes: "Flower Duet" from Lakmé
This gorgeous aria from Delibes's opera Lakmé is filled with luscious harmonies, conveying an air both passionate and delicate. That it is a duet also makes it a popular choice for chamber music groups of all instrumentations. It’s easy for your ensemble of choice to find an arrangement that is right for them.
2. Johann Sebastian Bach: Sleepers Awake (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme), BWV 140
True to its name, this stately yet optimistic piece makes people take notice from its opening notes. The piece’s tempo, a natural walking rhythm, is perfect for use in a processional or recessional during the ceremony. As if the beautiful music weren’t enough, the original words of the hymn call for folks to wake up and prepare to rejoice: exactly the type of good fortune you’d want during a wedding!
3. Alexander Borodin: Notturno from String Quartet No. 2
There’s nothing quite like a cello solo to coax tears of joy out of wedding attendees (though I must admit, as a cellist, I am definitely biased). The Notturno from Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 opens with an absolutely gorgeous, romantic melody line that is then passed seamlessly to other members of the ensemble. It’s a wonderful choice for a show-stopping grand entrance, or tender unity ceremony. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, have your ensemble start playing at the section labeled “B,” where the music lifts into something more fitting for the dance floor. To use modern parlance, this piece is definitely a strong contender for your "main character" moment.
4. Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo in A Major
Gentle, warm and full of comfort: this Brahms intermezzo pairs perfectly with a more intimate ceremony. It’s romantic without being too forceful or on the nose. The gentle melody line also makes this piece an excellent choice for prelude music or as a greeting to the cocktail hour.
5. Jennifer Higdon: Piano Trio, I. Pale Yellow
Sunlight peeking through the clouds is perhaps one of the best visualizations of the first movement of Jennifer Higdon’s Piano Trio. It evokes an atmosphere that is airy, romantic, and slightly playful all at once, with melody lines that move from cello to violin like a leaf dancing on the wind. If you’re looking to sample music from a contemporary composer on your special day, this piece is one of my absolute favorites to recommend.
6. Franz Liszt: Liebesträume No. 3
Liszt’s piece — which translates to A Dream of Love — is a romantic (and Romantic) staple for a reason. Not only does it reflect love’s doe-eyed optimism, it also becomes quite passionate in its declarations of affection. This is a piece fitting for any hopeless romantic who really wishes to leave their audience swooning. The only trouble may be finding a pianist who is willing to undertake the challenge!
7. Edward Elgar: Salut d'Amour
Edward Elgar’s Salut D’Amour translates in English to “greeting of love”: a title that fits the piece’s mood exceptionally well. This fairly simple yet celebratory piece is overflowing with happiness, making it the perfect choice for exit music from a church or a cocktail hour reception.
8. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Without fail, the opening chords of this piece turn heads every time I’ve performed it with my group. The first movement of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik is just pure fun and a call to celebration. In fact, special occasions like weddings are exactly the types of events Mozart had in mind while composing this G Major serenade.
While the famous opening lines of this piece shimmer with celebratory joy, I also suggest looking into the work’s other movements for use in other moments throughout your wedding. For example, the second movement (the Romance) has plenty of beautiful moments that can work for either wedding ceremonies or receptions!
9. Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky: Waltz from Sleeping Beauty
This piece is, what I guess what some might call today, a little bit extra. But isn’t that just what you need on your wedding day?
Tchaikovsky’s work brings to mind images of grand ballrooms, waltzing couples, and sparkling glasses of champagne. It’s certain to bring joy and celebration wherever you place it in your wedding day playlist!
10. Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite, Op. 40: I. Präludium
Gallop out of your wedding ceremony and into the reception in high spirits! This prelude from Edvard Grieg’s suite for strings is the perfect way to mark the “prelude” of your new life together with your spouse. Its fast-paced and energetic nature makes it a perfect tune to exit your ceremony and begin your reception - or wow your friends as they’re waiting for dinner to begin!
11. Alexander Glazunov: 5 Novelettes, Op. 15: No. 1, Alla spagnuola
If you’re looking for an in-between piece that toes the line between a fast-paced dance and a lyrical romance, then the first movement of Glazunov’s 5 Novelettes might be for you! Sample just the beginning for a victorious ceremony walk out, or skip to the middle section for a gorgeous accompaniment to any special moments throughout the day.
Note: there is a small section in the middle of the middle of the piece. Leaning into the drama of that moment could be fun to play with in the wedding planning; otherwise, it’s a pretty easy edit for your performing ensemble to skip that moodier music.
We hope that this list assists with planning your wedding music! No matter what you choose, be thoughtful with your selections and trust your heart. Unlike flowers that fade, or cards stored in boxes, the music you choose to play will keep your wedding memories fresh for years to come.
