Wedding Ceremony Music and
Entertainment Ideas

Music when your guests arrive

You'll want to ensure the mood is right as soon as your guests arrive. This can often be 20 minutes before the bride so don't leave them waiting in silence. Whether this is at the church or at your venue, live music playing in the background adds to the atmosphere.

Popular choices include string wedding quartets, harpists, pianists and classical guitarists, all of whom are able to play background music to suit you.

The arrival of the bride

As the bride arrives it's time to make a bigger impression! A traditional option is to have a piper play the bride from her wedding carriage to the church/ceremony. Another high impact starter is to have a Gospel Choir sing the bride into the church. If space is limited, try a wedding ceremony singer which can add a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to your arrival. There won't be a dry eye in the house!

Personalise your music to suit you

Most couples will have many songs which are special to them, so instead of the traditional Bridal Chorus played on the church organ, why not have your live musicians play a special song as you walk down the isle? This is usually easy enough to arrange if you're booking a string quartet, harpist or pianist.

We've also know couples have the rock and pop band that they've booked for their evening party to arrive early and play an acoustic version of their special song as the bride walks down the isle.

What ever your musical preference, pretty much anything is possible. Just ask your Alive Network agent and we'll make it happen!
Live Music for your Wedding Ceremony

• The Rose String Quartet 
  String Quartets
  Based in Hertfordshire
  From £672 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Rose Quartet are a highly professional, all female contemporary quartet. Their huge repertoire includes pop music & jazz, light classical, show songs, traditional sing-a-long tunes & Christmas carols. Perfect for weddings, corporate events & parties.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Rose String Quartet's profile page >
• Status Cymbal 
  String Quartets
  Based in London
  From £570 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  With a unique blend of musical styles, from classical works through operetta & jazz to witty arrangements of the latest popular music, STATUS CYMBAL will be an excellent choice for concerts, weddings, parties and corporate events. Based in London.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Status Cymbal's profile page >
• The Vixen String Quartet 
  String Quartets
  Based in Middlesex
  From £720 + (Based on up to 2 hours) for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Sexy, sassy professional and elegant! The Vixen String Quartet can perform for any occasion. Their wealth of experience includes performing at the Royal Albert Hall and with Pavarotti, Take That & Sting!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Vixen String Quartet's profile page >
• Comedy String Quartet 
  String Quartets
  Based in London
  From £2100 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Comedy String Quartet will leave you with a smile on your face; 16 strings, 8 dancing feet & 4 voices. A talented quartet, they are a male & female group performing modern & classical music with a unique style & mischievous wit.
  
  View Comedy String Quartet's profile page >
• Crystal Strings 
  String Quartets
  Based in West Midlands
  From £576 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Excellent male & female string quartet based in the Midlands who are as comfortable playing Status Quo as they are Strauss, and who move from The Beatles to Bach with ease.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Crystal Strings's profile page >
• London Strings 
  String Quartets
  Based in London
  From £504 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  London Strings is a young professional quartet with extensive experience in performing at wedding services and receptions, corporate functions, fund raising events and other special occasions. Based in London.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View London Strings's profile page >
• Duo Cello 
  Classical
  Based in London
  From £360 + (2 hour) for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Two women, two cellos: small enough to be a perfect accompaniment for the most intimate functions but also suitable as a different, quirky alternative to the string quartet. Based in London & Surrey and very unique.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Duo Cello's profile page >
• Joe Johnson (Pianist) 
  Pianists
  Based in London
  From £210 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Joe is a extremely talented pianist, providing an elegant sound for weddings, cocktail parties & corporate events. He is incredibly diverse, with a set-list spanning from jazz standards and classic pop right up to the latest current day hits!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Joe Johnson (Pianist)'s profile page >
• OL Harp (Harpist) 
  Harpists
  Based in Cheshire
  From £210 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  OL Harp is a Cheshire based harpist with many years’ experience, having played in numerous reputable hotels and venues throughout North West England and North Wales, at weddings and other private functions.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View OL Harp (Harpist)'s profile page >
• Amour Harp 
  Harpists
  Based in West Sussex
  From £264 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Amour Harp is a fantastic young harpist with a varied repertoire from classical to traditional folk to popular music. An elegant backdrop to many events. Christmas repertoire also available!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Amour Harp's profile page >
• Lee Mathews 
  Pianists
  Based in Hertfordshire
  From £144+ for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Lee Mathews repertoire is extremely vast and consists of just about anything you can think of from Boogie Woogie to Rachmaninov! Resident Pianist at The Dorchester & Harrods. Lee is a versatile and lively musician who always gives a smile.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Lee Mathews's profile page >
• Prestige 
  Classical
  Based in London
  From £432+ for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Prestige are a vibrant and dynamic ensemble, providing both Classical, Latin and Popular Music, along with a touch of style to any event.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Prestige's profile page >
• Solar Strings 
  String Quartets
  Based in Newcastle upon Tyne
  From £492 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  The string quartet with experience, professionalism & an extensive repertoire of classical, jazz, tangos, film themes & slick pop tunes. Solar Strings are the perfect choice for any wedding, dinner, corporate function or private party in the North!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Solar Strings's profile page >
• C Shapland (Harpist) 
  Harpists
  Based in Cumbria
  From £258+ for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  C Shapland is a harpist who can add the perfect accompaniment to any event such as weddings, christenings and parties. Her repertoire ranges from folk to popular and musicals.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View C Shapland (Harpist)'s profile page >
• Hannah Daisy 
  Pianists
  Based in Oxfordshire
  From £240 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Hannah Daisy provides beautiful, inspirational vocal and piano music at your wedding or special event. Described as having 'the voice of an angel' she can provide music for your ceremony, reception drinks, wedding breakfast or evening entertainment.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Hannah Daisy's profile page >
• Staffordshire Strings 
  String Quartets
  Based in Staffordshire
  From £504 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  Staffordshire Strings is a professional ensemble based in North Staffordshire & South Cheshire in the UK, providing first class entertainment for any occasion - weddings, parties, corporate events, etc.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Staffordshire Strings's profile page >
• The Edinburgh String Ensemble 
  String Quartets
  Based in Edinburgh
  From £480 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  A highly professional group with 25 years experience of providing music for weddings, receptions, conferences and dinners. Based in Edinburgh but willing to travel throughout Scotland and the North of England.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Edinburgh String Ensemble's profile page >
• The Ellison Duo 
  Harpists
  Based in Surrey
  From £330 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  The Ellison Duo are an elegant and unique musical accompaniment, suitable for many events such as Weddings, private parties and Corporate events. Repertoire includes favourites & renditions of popular songs.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Ellison Duo's profile page >
• Bella Rose (Harpist) 
  Harpists
  Based in Lancashire
  From £210 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  A stunning harpist based in Manchester who has been playing since the age of 4. Perfect for weddings, corporate events and private parties.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Bella Rose (Harpist)'s profile page >
• Gold Strings 
  String Quartets
  Based in London
  From £636 + for your Wedding Ceremony
  
  This highly regarded string quartet is a top choice across the country for couples planning weddings and civil partnerships, as well as event coordinators and party planners! Christmas Songs Available!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Gold Strings's profile page >

Popular traditional song choices for the arrival of the bride and for use during the wedding ceremony

• 'Air (On A G String)' by Bach
• 'Ave Maria' by Gounod
• 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel
  
• 'Canon in D' by Pachelbel
• 'Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring' by Bach
• 'Water Music : In D Alla Hornpipe' by Handel
• 'Wedding March' by Mendlessohn
• 'Hallelujah Chorus' by Handel
• 'Nimrod from enigma variations' by Elgar
• 'Symphony No. 40 In G Minor' by Mozart
• 'Minuet For String Quartet' by Boccherini
• Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March) by Clarke
• 'Flower Duet (Lakmé)' by Delibes
• 'Peer Gynt' by Greig
• 'Sheep May Safely Graze' by Bach
• 'Voi Che Sapete from Marriage of Figaro' by Mozart
• 'Waltz Of The Cornflowers and Poppies' by Glazunov
• 'The Four Seasons - Spring' by Vivaldi
• 'Sleepers Awake' by Bach
• 'The Four Seasons - Summer' by Vivaldi
• 'Symphony No.6 - Pastorale' by Beethoven

Popular contemporary song choices

• Here the and everywhere (The Beatles)
• All you need is love (The Beatles)
• First time ever I saw your face (Ewan MacColl)
• Have I told you lately (Van Morrison)
• You are so beautiful (Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher)
• Come away with me (Nora Jones)
• Stand by me (Ben E, King)
• Everything I do (Bryan Adams)
• Can't help falling in love (Elvis)
• Foxy Lady (Jimi Hendrix)
• Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix)
• Lets stay together (Al Green)
• Isn't she lovely (Stevie Wonder)
• Song bird (Fleetwood Mac)
• Somewhere over the rainbow (Eva Cassidy)
• Every breath you take (The Police)
• Love is all around (The Troggs)
• Your song (Elton John)
• Can you feel the love tonight (Elton John)
• Greatest Day (Take That)
• One day like this (Elbow)

Accompaniment during the ceremony

It's now quite common to have some form of musical accompaniment during your wedding ceremony. Many couples also choose to mix traditional hymns with more popular songs and some form of accompaniment helps to ensure the songs stay structured and in tune!

It's quite easy to arrange accompaniment from a string quartet, pianist, organist or maybe even a solo guitarist/singer.

Also remember that often an ensemble can be made up from members of your evening band, you'll just need to pay them extra to arrive early.

Music during the photographs

Don't forget that after the ceremony there is often a big gap before the drinks reception where pictures are taken. As the happy couple, you'll be busy and won't have time to get bored. However, the same unfortunately can't be said for the majority of your guests. Ensure your live music continues whilst photos are taken with the musicians relocated out side the church or at your wedding venue.

If your photos are being taken whilst the drinks reception has already started, then please read our 'entertainment for a wedding drinks reception' guide.

Remember, we're here to make your wedding amazing. What ever you want, ask us and we'll do everything we can to make it happen!

Popular wedding ceremony music