What song should play after you are pronounced married?
Imagine…you were just pronounced married at the end of your ceremony and it’s time to celebrate. What song do you imagine playing in the background? Better yet…what feeling do you want to be surrounded by in that moment? Is it joyous and celebratory? Romantic and moving? Epic and iconic? Fun and a little tongue-in-cheek?
Image by: Rochelle Bergstrom
Just like choosing a processional song, the choice is really personal to the couple. Start with the feeling you hope to create in that moment and then brainstorm songs that make you and your co-eloper feel that way. I always suggest couples think about songs that are upbeat and make them happy. What is the song that you both can’t help but sing along with? Or dance to?
The most important thing to remember is that this is your elopement. Try to keep the whole wedding process as low stress and fun as possible. The truth is no song will be completely perfect until you pick it, then that song IS the perfect song. If you still need help thinking of a great song to get married to, below are my top 10 picks for recessional songs used by real elopers at Elope 253.
Top 10 Recessional Elope Songs:
Marry You by Bruno Mars
If I could pick a theme song for Elope 253, this would be it. If a couple asks me to pick for them, this is my go-to song for ending the ceremony. It’s fun, upbeat and says “Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go”.
Stand by Me by Ben E. King
From 1961 and still so good. I love the emotions and throb of the percussion. This will never go out of style.
Act My Age by One Direction
Okay, hear me out on this one. Or at least listen to the song to get a feel for it’s great celebratory vibe. The couple that choose this song had just a handful of guest but they all jumped up and started dancing in the pews. It is still one of my favorite moments!
A Good Night by John Legend & Blood Pop
I dare you to not dance to this one. It’s so good. The beat and the lyrics: “But everything's gonna be alright. I think I just met my wife.” (FYI: There is an F-bomb in the first line which doesn’t bother if it doesn’t bother you. There is a clean version also if children are present.)
This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads
This song has a vibe that was just perfect for the couple that picked it. It’s less about the words and more about the feeling you and your guests get from the song.
You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Okay, how fun is this!? The two couples that chose this song were very fun and joyful. I can’t imagine not feeling joyful with this song.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
I like to think this song just matches our little wedding venue so well. Upbeat and a little quirky.
Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
For a couple that likes to groove and have a more romantic tone. It also has some sensuality to it, am I right?
I’m A Believer by Smash Mouth
Again, we are looking for that feeling you get and this song is so happy and exuberant.
Despacito by Justin Beiber ft. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee
The first time I heard this song was when the couple requested it and I was like… Yep, this makes sense. The co-elopers that choose this song were a super hot couple so it just seemed to fit very well.
Honorable Mentions:
Favorite song for a Friday elopement: Friday I’m in Love by The Cure
Favorite song for April Fools Day elopement: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Favorite song for May 4th: The Throne Room by John Williams
Favorite song no one has picked yet: I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness