Make Your Grand Finale Unforgettable
Wedding ceremony exit songs set the tone for one of the most joyful and celebratory moments of your big day—the walk back down the aisle as newlyweds. The wedding ceremony exit songs mark the end of your vows and the beginning of the party, making it a moment couples want to feel truly personal, meaningful, and memorable.
To help you craft the ultimate guide to wedding ceremony exit songs, we gathered insights from wedding musician Aloha Erica, officiants, plus input from local Central Florida wedding planners and DJs.
Here’s what they have to say about how to create a wedding exit that’s uniquely you, full of music, meaning, and celebration.
The Role of Music in Your Wedding Ceremony Exit Songs
Music shapes the mood and energy of your ceremony exit more than anything else. Erica, with Aloha Erica Music, shares her expert perspective through a series of thoughtful answers to common questions couples ask about exit songs.
What are some timeless wedding ceremony exit songs that never go out of style?
Songs like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles, and “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole continue to bring joyful, celebratory energy that never gets old. These classics pair well with the celebration of the moment.
How can couples personalize their exit song choice to reflect their love story?
Think about lyrics or themes that resonate—whether it’s a song from a memorable trip or something that feels like it was written just for you. I always encourage my couples to tie the music into the emotional thread of their relationship.
How does live music change the energy of a wedding ceremony exit compared to a recorded track?
Live music creates a sense of presence and emotion that recordings simply can’t match. It elevates the energy in the room, helps the moment feel personal, and lets the pacing and transitions flow in real-time.
Have you noticed any trends in wedding ceremony exit songs over the years?
Absolutely—more couples are choosing upbeat, celebration-worthy songs that invite a dip and kiss halfway down the aisle! The focus has shifted from just marking the moment to creating an energetic memory that feels like a mini celebration in itself.
What are some of your favorite unique or unexpected choices for a recessional song?
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish and Ordinary by Alex Warren are two of my favorite unexpected picks. They’re fresh, meaningful, and guaranteed to make your moment stand out.
What’s the best way to ensure the music lines up perfectly with the timing of the exit?
Work with an experienced ceremony musician who knows how to coordinate with your officiant and wedding planner. I always confirm the final cue (like “I present to you…”) so I can time the music perfectly.
What is your all-time favorite wedding ceremony exit songs to perform?
Signed, Sealed, Delivered. It’s bold, joyful, and full of that celebration energy that makes everyone come alive and often sing along.
What factors should couples consider when choosing their wedding ceremony exit songs?
Your recessional song should feel like a natural extension of the joy you’re feeling in that exact moment—celebratory, light, and full of energy. I always recommend choosing a song that reflects the vibe you want guests to step into as the party begins.
How do you help couples who are struggling to choose the right song?
Start with my wedding song quiz for some curated ideas based on your love story! I also share playlists with my couples to help them discover something that just clicks.
Any final tips for couples who want their grand finale moment to be unforgettable?
Take your time walking back down the aisle—smile, embrace your love, and soak it all in. A mid-aisle dip and kiss is always a showstopper and makes for the most beautiful photo to capture your first walk together as newlyweds.
Mona with Sona Photography – The recessional is a great chance for a joyful ‘just married’ shot! Couples should stay present—share a smile or hold hands—and tune out external noise to keep it natural. Avoid rushing or posing too much, as it can feel forced.
Why Music Matters
Officiants often see firsthand how much of an impact the recessional has on the tone of the wedding ceremony exit songs.
Rabbi Sanford shared, “I think music, entrance, and exit are some of the most important ways that couples personalize their wedding ceremonies. Especially if they don’t do personal vows to each other, which about half my couples do and half don’t, this is a great way to express themselves.”
Bläk Marie Photography – During the recessional, walk slowly, stay close, and just soak it all in—this is your “we did it!” moment! Laugh, cheer, hold hands, kiss—whatever feels like you two. If you’re doing a dip kiss (which I love!), just make sure the bouquet is held down so it doesn’t cover your faces. And try not to look down as you’re walking or separate too fast so I can capture all that just-married joy as it’s happening!
Kelly from Orlando Ceremonies by Kelly added, “Music adds such a special element to a ceremony. Your exit marks the end of the ceremony, but also the beginning of your celebration. A song that is uplifting and up-tempo is a great addition. It is an instant energizer and creates a feeling in your guests that sets the tone for what is to come.”
Jennie from FreeBird Ceremonies shares, “Music is always a great way to underscore any moment, the recessional included. While the choice of song may be a personal favorite or an iconic piece like Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, I would have to say that the real vibe comes from the couple first, and then the guests.”
Anna So Photography – Once you’re pronounced married, don’t rush down the aisle! Take your time, hold hands, look at each other or at your guests, and celebrate with big smiles or a kiss. That moment of pure joy is golden—and slowing down helps us photographers capture it perfectly.
Tips for a Smooth, Joyful Wedding Ceremony Exit
Kelly from Orlando Ceremonies by Kelly says, “Take time to smell the flowers. Literally! Give yourselves a minute to turn around and look at your guests, taking in the moment before you start down the aisle.”
Elizabeth with Jason Good Media Group – As you make your way back up the aisle as newlyweds, take a moment to pause and savor the moment. You just got married! Whether it’s for a quick kiss or simply to look at each other with love.
Jennie with FreeBird Ceremonies agrees that it’s all about soaking it in: “Enjoy it! Take your time and enjoy this moment. Lock lips for 5 seconds to get the best pictures of you during the kiss, and enjoy every second of your wedding ceremony!”
And Rabbi Sanford loves to add a photo-friendly moment: “I always encourage them to stop halfway down the aisle for a second big kiss. That always gets a second big round of applause from the guests.”
Adding elements like bubbles or confetti can enhance the experience and make guests feel part of the celebration.
Taylor Kuperberg Photography – When you go in for that just-married kiss in the middle of the aisle, make sure to hold your bouquet low at your side. It keeps your faces clear for the camera and allows us to capture the moment without any florals covering you and the details of your dress!
What Planners Say About Making Your Wedding Ceremony Exit Truly Memorable
When it comes to that just-married moment, planners agree: your wedding ceremony exit songs should reflect your personality, your joy, and your style.
Rachel with Events by Rachel says that when the right song plays, “it immediately results in smiles from the couple and a relaxation that allows them to truly enjoy the moment. Their exit photos always reflect this joy!” She reminds couples not to overthink it.
“You don’t have to wait until a particular part of the song starts… just be happy and walk!” She also notes how “guests love tossing petals or blowing bubbles—it adds movement and magic to photos.”
Elizabeth with Jason Good Media Group – Try not to rush, this walk is one of the most meaningful of the day, and it’s worth slowing down to fully enjoy it.
Priscilla Locke with Priscilla Rose Events encourages couples to “pick a song that really gets you excited, one that feels like a celebration of who you are together.” She says it’s not about the perfect steps but about the feeling. “We always rehearse the exit, but I tell couples to relax and soak it in. Guests often cheer loudly, which makes the couple light up.”
She adds a thoughtful touch: “We always have appetizers and drinks waiting right after—they deserve to take a deep breath and start celebrating.”
Michael with Sonacity Photography –For that epic just-married shot during the recessional, hold hands, smile big, and take your time—no need to rush! Let the joy shine through. A fist pump or dip kiss? Absolutely, bring the energy! Just keep that bouquet low so your faces don’t get hidden. I’ll be right there, ready to catch every second of the celebration.
Tiffany with Casco Event Co. urges couples to “soak in the moment. Smile, laugh, cry—it’s a celebration!” Her favorite recessional songs are upbeat and quirky, like “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, which makes everyone smile.
Tiffany often incorporates interactive elements for guests, like “petal cones, ribbon streamers, or biodegradable confetti.” She makes sure to rehearse with the couple, not just for timing, but so they feel confident. “If they want to dance down the aisle or stop for a kiss, I say absolutely yes.”
Manuela with 360 Emotions shares that they focus on helping couples be truly present: “We rehearse where to pause, what to do with your hands, even your expressions—because that moment only happens once.”
They’ve seen some really personal touches too, like a subtle dance to “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar, or exits with bilingual songs to reflect family heritage. “We remind them: this is your first walk as a married couple—own it!”
Vanessa Oppedal Photography – My advice is to record and practice the kiss beforehand to make sure it looks just how you imagined, whether it is short and sweet or a dramatic dip. Think about your bouquet too, like which hand it should be in and plan a quick switch if needed.
Pause just long enough for your photographer to capture the shot. Most importantly, live in the moment and soak in the newlywed bliss. Your joy will shine through in the photos!
Autumn Turner of Serenity Events recommends letting the music build anticipation: “Have your officiant say, ‘Please rise to celebrate the new couple!’ right before the music starts—that energy shift makes it electric.”
She’s seen exits that involved “the groom carrying the bride down the aisle, a mid-aisle kiss, and even a groom dancing to the Indiana Jones theme—everyone laughed and clapped!” Autumn also advises “having the wedding party stay in place until the couple is halfway down for that perfect background photo.”
Christina from MyLuvh Wedding & Events says the key is aligning the moment with the energy you want: “Do you want fun, romantic, emotional? That should guide your song choice.” She’s coordinated exits where “the couple stopped halfway for a spontaneous dance or where a live musician added a surprise serenade.”
Christina also loves helping couples include meaningful moments, like guest blessings or nods to inside jokes in their music. “It’s the first big moment of celebration—why not make it unforgettable?”
Jake Polk with Polkbros Photo.Video.DJ – Planning a big dip at the end of the aisle is very popular, but it’s totally fine if you’re not comfortable striking that pose! Taking a minute to stop and have a simple kiss or just give a big yell of excitement is all that is truly needed especially if that’s more your style.
Melanie Paige Events + Design says her focus is always on helping couples “slow down and reflect. I tell them to turn to each other, take a breath, and look around.” She suggests choosing a song with a strong beat so walking in rhythm feels natural, and always rehearses to remove stress.
“Ribbon wands, bubble guns, even biodegradable snow—these little touches from the guests add magic to the exit.” She also encourages stopping mid-aisle for a kiss or high-five: “Those moments get the best reactions—and photos.”
Ehko Luckett of L3 Events wants couples to fully feel their ceremony ending: “Before you exit, take a moment to look out at your people. Soak in the love from the room.” She encourages couples to “stop halfway, dip, kiss, or dance—the crowd will erupt in support!”
Ehko’s big reminder? “You don’t need perfect pairings to walk down the aisle—walk with confidence and joy. That’s what makes it unforgettable.”
Hannah with H Hawkins Photography – I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of brides like to leave a few loose, curled pieces of hair around their face—it’s such a pretty, romantic look! But just a heads-up: those strands can sometimes cover your eyes in profile shots
DJs Share Their Favorite Wedding Ceremony Exit Songs by Genre
Andy Jimenez with Xclusive Deejays shares:
Upbeat
Fun
Modern
Acoustic Cover
DJ Rey with Press Play Entertainment shares:
Upbeat
Fun
Modern
Acoustic
DJ Chuck with Classic Disc Jockey shares:
Upbeat
Fun
Modern
- On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
- Electric Love – BØRNS
- Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
Acoustic Cover
- Better Together (Acoustic) – Jack Johnson
- A Thousand Years (Acoustic Cover) – Christina Perri / Vitamin String Quartet
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Richard Mascia with RJM Entertainment shares:
Upbeat
Fun
- Electric Love – BØRNS
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Accidentally in Love – The Counting Crows
Modern
Acoustic Cover
- Crazy In Love – Daniela Andrade
- Sugar – Ebony Day ft. Jake Coco
- All You Need Is Love – Paul Canning
Choosing perfect wedding ceremony exit songs involves blending meaningful music, joyful celebration, and a personal touch that reflects the couple’s unique story. Whether it’s through the officiant’s guidance, the planner’s vision, or the musician’s artistry, making this moment memorable is about embracing joy, taking your time, and celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.
0 Comments
Leave a comment