Wedding recessional songs are the upbeat tracks that play as the newlyweds and wedding party walk back up the aisle after the ceremony. This is the celebration moment, so most couples pick something joyful and high-energy like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder or "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. You only need about 60 to 90 seconds, so cue the best part of the song.
The recessional is the exhale. The vows are done, you are married, and the room erupts. After a slow, solemn processional, this is the one moment in the ceremony built for a peppy song and a big smile. Pick something that makes you want to walk a little faster.
Building your full ceremony soundtrack? Our music planner keeps your processional, recessional, and reception picks organized in one place.
What is a wedding recessional?
The wedding recessional is the part of the ceremony when the just-married couple, followed by the wedding party, exits back down the aisle. It is the counterpart to the processional, which is the entrance. Because it marks the celebratory close of the ceremony, the recessional song is almost always more upbeat than the music that came before it.
Fun and upbeat wedding recessional songs
These are the crowd-pleasers, the songs that get guests clapping as you pass. Popular picks couples and DJs return to again and again include:
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
- "Love on Top" by Beyonce
- "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
- "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
- "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles
- "Love Never Felt So Good" by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake
Classic and timeless recessional songs
If you want something that feels traditional but still celebratory, these lean elegant without going slow:
- "Everlasting Love" by Carl Carlton
- "Beautiful Life" by Ace of Base
- "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, for a gentler exit
- "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
Instrumental recessional songs
For a more formal ceremony, or if you would rather skip lyrics, an instrumental recessional keeps the energy up while staying classic. Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is the traditional choice, and many couples use an upbeat instrumental or string-quartet cover of a pop song to bridge old and new.
How to pick and time your recessional song
- Match the energy you want. Most couples go upbeat here, but a calm, romantic track works too if that is more you.
- You only need about 60 to 90 seconds. The walk back up the aisle is short, so cue the song to its strongest, most recognizable section.
- Tell your musician or DJ the exact version. Live players and recorded tracks differ, so confirm the arrangement and the start point.
- Coordinate with the processional. A slow, sentimental entrance paired with a joyful exit creates a satisfying arc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular wedding recessional song?
Upbeat classics like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder and "Marry You" by Bruno Mars are among the most popular recessional songs, because they match the celebratory energy of the moment. There is no single "correct" choice, so pick what feels like you.
How long should a recessional song be?
You only need about 60 to 90 seconds, since the walk back up the aisle is quick. Cue the song to its strongest section rather than starting from the beginning, and let it fade as guests begin to exit.
What is the difference between the processional and recessional?
The processional is the entrance, the music that plays as the wedding party and couple walk down the aisle. The recessional is the exit, the upbeat song that plays as the newlyweds walk back up after the ceremony.
Should the recessional song be fast or slow?
Most couples choose an upbeat, celebratory song to mark the joyful end of the ceremony, but a slower romantic track is fine if it suits your style. The recessional sets the tone heading into the celebration.