5 Perfect Tracks to Walk Down the Aisle To - From a Marriage Celebrant
It's one of the many big choices you'll have to make for your wedding day - what's that piece of music you're going to hear right before you tie the knot? There's no right or wrong answer, but there's definitely something that's more right for you. This certainly isn't a list of the songs I've heard most frequently as a marriage celebrant. There's a reason those songs are so popular, but here's a few other songs for your wedding ceremony you may not have considered:
José González - Heartbeats (2003)
In this cover of The Knife's 2002 underground hit, José takes the deep, haunting synths of the original and translates it to acoustic classical guitar. It was such a hit that it's been played 300 million times more than the original on Spotify. But being a 'pre-viral' hit, it's not the kinda song that's gonna make anyone groan when they hear your marriage celebrant play it at your ceremony.
2. Etta James - At Last (1960)
Everything about this song makes it ideal for taking that sweet stroll down the aisle. The tempo sets the stage for the perfect walking pace, the dramatic strings at the beginning are pure emotion, and the lyrics couldn't be better for the moment before you declare your love. And yet - not that many couples use it! So as a marriage celebrant, I'm tellin’ ya - cue it up!
3. Donna Lewis - I Love You Always Forever (1996)
Yeah, I know there's been a few more recent covers of this, most notably Betty Who in 2016, which was a huge hit. But I don't think it holds a candle to the original. Again, the lyrics are perfect for a wedding ceremony and the tempo sets a great walking pace for the wedding party. But what sets this apart from a lot of popular choices is its more persistent beat - it adds something you don't hear too often. Don't be afraid to ask your marriage celebrant to play something like this!
4. Mac DeMarco - For the First Time (2017)
This one's a bit more outta left field, but hear me out! Mac is the best at what he does - his music is stripped-back and unpretentious, but with so much bubbling just below the surface. Isn't this the kinda vibe we all want to give off? The tempo here is great for walking pace, the melody has a perfect sunny melancholy, but it's the lyrics which make it perfect for me:
And though she won't be gone forever
There are many times I find it feels that way
And I'm not trying to forget her
Just understand how I'll be feeling on that day
It's just like seeing her for the first time again
If you book me as your marriage celebrant, please use this song!
5. Justin Bieber - 2 Much (2021)
A lot of the popular new music released in the last few years is not going to stand the test of time, but this isn't the case for Justin. He manages to write music that hundreds of millions of people love without ever being corny or annoying, and this track is a perfect example. I'm pretty sure all his songs are love songs so you're covered there. The restrained yet dramatic piano sets the stage perfectly for a wedding ceremony, and it's great for smoothly fading out as you reach the altar.
