How to Choose Wedding Ceremony Music (Expert Guide from a Colorado Wedding Harpist)
Harpist Jenna Hunt performing “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles on harp at Keystone Ranch Golf Course.
These days, I speak with clients who know exactly what they want for their ceremony music, and some who are sure they want a harpist, but have no idea what songs to choose. Some clients want pop music covers, obscure indie music covers, movie score soundtracks, and some want the more traditional classical music experience. With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming, especially when working with a talented musician who advertises their versatility and adaptability (subtle hint). As a professional harpist who has performed for weddings across Colorado for many years, I help couples navigate the song decision-making process every week.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to choose wedding ceremony music, how to narrow down your options, and how live harp music can transform the atmosphere of your ceremony.
Why Your Ceremony Music Matters
Before you celebrate with your family and friends with dancing, cake, and cocktails, the wedding ceremony is the emotional moment of the day when you and your future partner get to celebrate and reflect on your unique journey together. The music you choose can shape this moment by creating anticipation, emotional depth, elegance, and celebration. Live music, especially adds something recordings can’t. Live musicians can adapt to the pacing of your ceremony, the music flows naturally with each moment rather than feeling timed or mechanical.
Usually, songs during a ceremony only last a few seconds long. As a professional harpist, I can create introductions and transitions into songs that feel seamless while hitting all your favorite parts of the songs. No need for an awkward fade in or fade out from a recording, and no need to have awkward lag while trying to coordinate a quartet of musicians to end together. This is one reason harp music has been used for wedding ceremonies for centuries — it creates a warm, elegant atmosphere without overpowering the moment.
The Four Key Musical Moments in a Wedding Ceremony
Understanding where music fits into your ceremony makes the selection process much easier. Most wedding ceremonies include four main musical sections.
1. Prelude Music (Guest Arrival)
Prelude music plays while guests arrive and find their seats, usually 30 minutes before the actual ceremony start time. It sets the tone for your wedding ceremony, whether you’re going for traditional, quaint, classy, elegant, reflective, or welcoming vibes.
Many couples choose a mix of:
classical music
film scores
covers of pop songs
On harp, this can include everything from Debussy to Coldplay. Often times I will ask my clients what music NOT to play, since my repertoire is so expansive. And most of the time, I can intuitively choose the right music for the prelude after hearing the couples’ choices for the ceremony. Which leads me to…
2. Processional Music (Walking Down the Aisle)
The processional is the moment everyone remembers. Most ceremonies include two musical entrances:
• the wedding party (officiant, groom, bridal party, ring bearer)
• the bride or partner walking down the aisle, and sometimes the flower girl(s)
I advise my couples to choose two different songs to separate these special moments. The songs are usually interchangeable in terms of mood and tempo.
For a traditional ceremony, couples may choose songs like:
Bach’s Premier Prelude
Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Beethoven’s Adagio Cantabile
For modern ceremonies with pop music, couples may choose songs like:
“Married Life” from Up
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift love song
For ceremonies with a movie theme:
“Concerning Hobbits” from Lord of the Rings
The theme from Jurassic Park
Disney songs (actually this isn’t that popular, but I wish it was…”A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” is GORGEOUS on harp)
For more examples of songs for your ceremony, check out my “Listen” page!
3. Ceremony Interludes
Some couples include special moments during the ceremony such as:
unity candle
sand ceremony
cultural traditions
moments of reflection
sharing of the vows
This is a wonderful opportunity to include a meaningful song that might not work as a processional or recessional, but provide a meditative and reflective moment for your guests. It’s always optional. Some of my favorite moments from ceremonies is creating a cinematic moment for couples by playing soft music underneath the sharing of their vows.
4. Recessional Music (Celebrating Your Marriage)
“And with the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs! You may kiss the bride”
guests cheer and clap
You are married! Now you can celebrate with a wonderfully upbeat recessional song. This music should feel joyful, energetic, and celebratory.
Traditional choices include:
Mendelssohn's Wedding March
Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba
Pop or modern choices include:
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Dancing in the Moonlight”
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars
Because the harp has both rhythmic and melodic capabilities, it can create a surprisingly energetic and joyful recessional moment.
Traditional vs Modern Wedding Ceremony Music
One of the biggest decisions couples face is choosing between traditional classical music and modern songs. The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer. Some couples love the timeless elegance of classical repertoire. Others want songs that reflect their personalities and relationship. The harp works beautifully for both styles. If you are waffling or perhaps indifferent, consider your guests and the venue’s aesthetic. What would suit them better?
How to Narrow Down Your Ceremony Music
If you’ve started browsing ceremony song lists online, you’ve probably realized something quickly: there are thousands of options.
Here are three simple ways to narrow down your choices.
Start with meaningful songs that represent your relationship. Your favorite artist, songs that connect you to a meaningful moment, a favorite movie or memory together.
Think about the mood of your ceremony. Do you want it to feel romantic, spiritual, dramatic, peaceful, or joyful?
Trust your musician’s experience, and ask for a consulation! Brainstorming the music for your special day is one way the musician connects to you as a couple and brings that human-to-human experience to one of the biggest moments of your lives together.
What If the Song You Love Wasn't Written for Harp?
Many couples worry about this, but the harp is surprisingly versatile. Because of my background in both jazz piano and classical harp performance, I regularly arrange modern music for harp.
This allows couples to choose songs they love even if they were not originally written for harp. Nothing is too crazy (except preparing the Cantina Band’s Song from Star Wars, but that was a fun challenge). Sometimes the most beautiful harp arrangements come from unexpected songs. Check out my cover of the Theme from the Halo video game with harp and cello.
Should Harpists Charge Extra for Song Requests?
Some musicians charge additional fees for learning new music. My philosophy is different. Your wedding ceremony should reflect your story, not just a preset music list. Because arranging and learning music is part of my training as a professional musician, and is where I get to exercise my creativity. I offer song requests at no additional charge. I believe that ceremony music should feel personal and meaningful, not restricted by a price list.
Why Live Harp Music Creates a More Memorable Ceremony
Live music creates an atmosphere that recorded music cannot replicate. With a live harpist:
• music can extend if the aisle walk takes longer
• transitions happen naturally
• the sound fills the space organically
• guests experience something unique and memorable
Many couples tell me afterward that the live ceremony music was one of their favorite parts of the wedding.
Planning Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado
Colorado weddings often take place in breathtaking outdoor locations. From mountain venues to historic estates, the setting plays a huge role in the ceremony atmosphere. The harp works beautifully in these environments because it creates an elegant sound without overwhelming the space. I also perform on a carbon fiber harp, which allows me to safely perform outdoors in Colorado’s unpredictable mountain weather — something traditional harps cannot always do.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding ceremony music should feel exciting, not stressful. Whether you choose classical pieces, modern songs, or a blend of both, the most important thing is that the music reflects your relationship and your story. If you’re planning a wedding in Colorado and would like guidance choosing your ceremony music, I’m always happy to help couples through the process and create something truly special.
Learn more about live harp music for weddings at my website:
