Music sets the spiritual tone of a wedding more than almost any other element. The right worship song during the ceremony can turn a beautiful moment into a holy one, and a thoughtful processional can prepare your guests' hearts before a single word is spoken.
Here are 40 Christian wedding song ideas, organized by the moment they fit best, from the processional through the first dance. Mix timeless hymns with modern worship to match the spirit of your ceremony.
Processional
As the wedding party and bride enter, choose something reverent and building. Instrumental versions keep the focus on the moment.
- "Canon in D", Pachelbel (instrumental)
- "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" (instrumental or sung)
- "How Long Will I Love You", Ellie Goulding (instrumental arrangement)
- "All the Poor and Powerless", All Sons and Daughters
- "Holy Spirit", Francesca Battistelli
- "Be Thou My Vision" (hymn)
Worship During the Ceremony
Many Christian couples include a congregational worship song after the vows or before the prayer. This invites the whole room to worship together.
- "How Great Is Our God", Chris Tomlin
- "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)", Matt Redman
- "Build My Life", Pat Barrett
- "Goodness of God", Bethel Music
- "The Blessing", Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes
- "Great Are You Lord", All Sons and Daughters
- "In Christ Alone", Keith and Kristyn Getty
The Unity Moment
If your ceremony includes a unity ritual such as the cord of three strands or a unity candle, a quiet worship song underneath it is powerful. See our guide to Christian unity ceremony ideas for the rituals themselves.
- "I Get to Love You", Ruelle
- "Ever Be", Bethel Music
- "First Time", Hollyn
- "Cord of Three Strands", many arrangements
- "Holy Water", We the Kingdom
Recessional
After the pronouncement, send everyone out on a high. The recessional should feel like a celebration.
- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" (hymn)
- "This Is Amazing Grace", Phil Wickham
- "Happy Day", Tim Hughes
- "Marry Me", Train (instrumental)
- "Glorious Day", Passion
First Dance
The first dance can still honor your faith. These songs balance romance with a Christ-centered message.
- "I Get to Love You", Ruelle
- "Thousand Years", Christina Perri
- "Yours Forever", Joel Vaughn
- "Beloved", Jordan Feliz
- "From the Day", The Oh Hellos
Reception Worship
Some couples include one worship set at the reception, often before dinner or as a closing moment. Keep it short and singable.
- "Reckless Love", Cory Asbury
- "Living Hope", Phil Wickham
- "Gratitude", Brandon Lake
- "O Come to the Altar", Elevation Worship
How to Choose Your Songs
Two practical tips. First, confirm with your venue or church whether secular music is permitted during the ceremony itself; many churches have guidelines. Second, give your musicians or DJ your list at least a month out, and mark which songs are non-negotiable. Pair your music choices with your ceremony order of service so each song lands at the right moment.
Planning your ceremony? AltarWed gives every couple a free ceremony builder where you can lay out your order of service and note the music for each section.
