Top 30 Traditional Processional Music Choices for Your Vow Renewal
Discover the perfect traditional processional music for your vow renewal ceremony. Explore our top 30 song selections to set the tone for your special day.
Renewing your vows is a beautiful celebration of enduring love, and choosing the right processional music sets the tone for this meaningful ceremony. The moment when you walk down the aisle is filled with anticipation and emotion, and the music you select can enhance the atmosphere, reflecting your journey together. To help you find the perfect melody, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of traditional processional music that will add elegance and sentiment to your vow renewal.
Why Traditional Processional Music?
Traditional processional music offers timeless beauty and familiarity that resonates with many couples. These pieces often carry emotional weight and have been cherished in ceremonies for generations. Whether you prefer classical compositions, sacred hymns, or romantic melodies, traditional music can evoke profound feelings and create an unforgettable entrance.
Tips for Choosing Your Processional Music
- Reflect on Your Journey: Choose a piece that symbolizes your relationship and the path you’ve walked together.
- Consider the Venue: Ensure the music suits the setting, whether it’s a church, beach, garden, or ballroom.
- Think About Instrumentation: Decide if you prefer live musicians (like a string quartet or pianist) or recorded music.
- Check for Restrictions: If your ceremony is in a religious venue, confirm any guidelines regarding music selections.
- Practice Timing: Coordinate the music length with the procession to ensure a smooth entrance.
Classical Favorites
1. Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
A timeless classic, “Canon in D” is beloved for its graceful and harmonious progression, making it a popular choice for processional music.
2. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
This uplifting piece offers a serene and joyful melody that adds a touch of elegance to your entrance.
3. Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner
Often known as “Here Comes the Bride,” this traditional wedding march is a recognizable choice that adds grandeur to the ceremony.
4. Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach
A soothing and melodious composition, perfect for creating a calm and romantic atmosphere.
5. Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
Also known as “Prince of Denmark’s March,” this regal piece brings a majestic feel to your processional.
6. Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven
An exuberant and joyful piece that celebrates love and happiness.
7. Ave Maria by Franz Schubert or Charles Gounod
A beautiful and sacred piece that adds a spiritual dimension to your ceremony.
8. Four Seasons, Op. 8, Spring: Allegro by Antonio Vivaldi
An energetic and vibrant composition that symbolizes new beginnings and joy.
9. Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: Prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach
A soulful cello piece that adds depth and intimacy to your entrance.
10. Hornpipe from Water Music Suite by George Frideric Handel
A lively and festive selection that brings a sense of celebration.
Contemporary and Romantic Choices
11. The Wedding Song (There is Love) by Noel Paul Stookey
A heartfelt song that speaks directly about love and commitment.
12. One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein
A romantic piece that symbolizes unity and togetherness.
13. All of Me by John Legend (Instrumental Version)
An emotional modern classic that captures deep affection.
14. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri (Instrumental Version)
A tender melody expressing enduring love.
15. Forever My Love by John McDermott
A touching song that emphasizes lifelong commitment.
16. My Love by Paul McCartney and Wings
A classic love song suitable for an instrumental rendition during the processional.
17. When Love Takes Over by David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland (Acoustic Version)
An uplifting tune that celebrates the power of love.
18. Home by Phillip Phillips
A warm and inviting song that feels like a comforting embrace.
19. Reminiscent Joy by Kevin Kern
A gentle piano piece that evokes nostalgia and happiness.
20. Forever I Do by The Braxtons
A soulful declaration of ongoing commitment.
Sacred and Hymnal Selections
21. Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Chisholm
A beloved hymn expressing gratitude and steadfast love.
22. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty by Reginald Heber
A reverent piece suitable for traditional religious ceremonies.
23. All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil F. Alexander
An uplifting hymn celebrating creation and blessings.
24. We Gather Together (Traditional Dutch Hymn)
A hymn of thanksgiving and unity, perfect for bringing loved ones together.
25. Prelude in C by Johann Sebastian Bach
A serene and contemplative piece that adds a spiritual ambiance.
26. Hymne by Vangelis
A modern classical piece with a sacred feel, adding depth to your ceremony.
Instrumental Gems
27. Canon in F by Robert Gass
A variation of the traditional “Canon in D,” offering a fresh yet familiar melody.
28. Air from Suite No. 3 in D Major by Johann Sebastian Bach
Also known as “Air on the G String,” this piece is known for its tranquility and beauty.
29. Cello Suite No. 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach
An intimate and expressive piece that adds elegance to your processional.
30. The Swan from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns
A graceful cello solo that brings a touch of sophistication.
Making Your Selection
When choosing your processional music, consider the following:
- Personal Significance: Does the piece hold special meaning for you and your partner?
- Emotional Impact: How does the music make you feel? Does it evoke the emotions you want to experience during your entrance?
- Flow of the Ceremony: Ensure the music aligns with other musical selections in the ceremony for a cohesive experience.
Final Thoughts
Your vow renewal is a celebration of enduring love and commitment. The processional music you choose will forever be associated with this significant moment. Whether you opt for a timeless classical piece, a cherished hymn, or a contemporary love song, select music that resonates with your hearts and reflects your unique journey together.
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My daughter got engaged and a month later discovered she was pregnant. She plans a small intimate wedding (family only) before the baby is born in early spring and then wants a large vow renewal ceremony next fall. Is it appropriate for her father to still walk her down the aisle?
Congratulations to your daughter on her engagement, upcoming wedding, and bundle of joy! She’s taking a popular path today with the small family only wedding followed later by a larger vow renewal. It is always appropriate for a father to walk his daughter down the aisle, be it for a wedding or vow renewal. Both are very special occasions and they should enjoy those moments together. The only difference of course, is that the officiant should not ask the common “who gives this woman” question at the vow renewal. Women of all ages often opt to have their father join them a second time on their walk down the aisle; you just never outgrow being daddy’s girl.
I also recommend checking out our Free Guide: Selecting Your Vows – Simple and Religious Vows for Your Vow Renewal for ideas on vows your daughter and her new husband can say to one another at their vow renewal – there are several written just for this type of occasion (https://www.idostill.com/free-guide-selecting-your-vows-simple-and-religious-vows-for-your-vow-renewal/). Be sure to sign up for our newsletter when you download it too as we have a new ceremony script in the works that is also perfect for this occasion!
I’ve been searching for this myself. My husband and I did not have a wedding just a courthouse ceremony with a few family members. Now we’re planning on doing a wedding for our 10 yr anniversary. I would love to have my father walk me down the aisle but I’m caught up on how he would “give me away” since I’m already married. I’m looking for suggestions as to how to do this…does he just walk me down and hand me over to my husband and then everybody is asked to be seated or are there any words spoke between him and the officiant and of so what should they be?
It would be sweet to have him walk you down the aisle. Simply have all of your parents and children stand once you reach your husband and have your officiant say something to the effect of “who supports this couple in their continued commitment to each other,” and all of them can say, “we do.”