Everything was fantastic. From the ease of booking, the well informed approach, the musicians were exceptional and performed a great variety of pieces both classical and contemporary, setting a great tone for our 80th birthday event. They were very accommodating as well, we were very pleased as it added such a special touch to our home event and elevated our guest experience.
3 weeks agoBest String Quartet Songs for Your Wedding Ceremony in Australia
The best wedding ceremony string quartet songs are the ones that suit each part of the ceremony: welcoming guests, walking down the aisle, signing the register and leaving as newlyweds.
You do not need every song to be slow, classical or deeply emotional. A ceremony often feels more natural when the music builds with the day. Start gently, choose something meaningful for the aisle, keep the signing music flowing, then finish with a recessional that feels bright and celebratory.
Wedding Ceremony String Quartet Songs by Moment
1. Guest arrival music
Music before the ceremony settles the room and gives early guests something lovely to hear while they find their seats.
Good choices include:
- Air on the G String — J.S. Bach
- Clair de Lune — Claude Debussy
- Moon River — Henry Mancini
- What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong
- La Vie en Rose — Édith Piaf
2. Processional songs for the wedding party
A separate song for the wedding party can make the main entrance feel more distinct.
Popular processional songs include:
- Canon in D — Johann Pachelbel
- A Thousand Years — Christina Perri
- Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
- Here Comes the Sun — The Beatles
- Turning Page — Sleeping at Last
The tricky part is timing. An aisle song does not need to play from beginning to end. Professional musicians can repeat a section or finish neatly once everyone is in place.
3. Aisle songs for the main entrance
Your main aisle song should feel personal, but it also needs an opening that works in real life. A long introduction may feel awkward if the aisle is short.
Strong choices include:
- At Last — Etta James
- Perfect — Ed Sheeran
- All of Me — John Legend
- Wildest Dreams — Taylor Swift
- Ave Maria — Schubert
Think about the aisle length, walking pace and whether the entrance involves stairs, doors or a pause before the walk begins.
4. Signing songs
Signing the register often takes longer than couples expect once witnesses and photographs are included. One song may be enough, but having two prepared avoids an uncomfortable silence.
Lovely signing songs include:
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- L-O-V-E — Nat King Cole
- Marry Me — Train
- Dream a Little Dream of Me
- Meditation from Thaïs — Jules Massenet
5. Recessional songs for a joyful exit
Recessional songs begin when the ceremony is complete and the couple walks back up the aisle. This is usually the best moment for something upbeat.
Popular choices include:
- Viva La Vida — Coldplay
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered — Stevie Wonder
- You Make My Dreams — Hall & Oates
- Marry You — Bruno Mars
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) — Natalie Cole
Choose a piece with energy from the opening bars. Guests may cheer straight away, so a slow build can disappear under the noise.
Classical or Modern Wedding Music?
A quartet does not have to play only classical wedding music. Modern songs can sound elegant on strings, while classical pieces suit churches, gardens and formal rooms.
A mixed program often works beautifully: Bach for guest arrival, a favourite modern ballad for the aisle and lively pop for the recessional.
Will Acoustic Strings Be Loud Enough?
Yes, they will. For a wedding ceremony, acoustic strings are usually all you need, whether the guest list is small or runs into the hundreds.
Once the ceremony begins, people settle down, stop chatting and turn their attention to the front. That quieter atmosphere gives the music room to travel, even in a large space.
Microphones are rarely necessary. The musicians will simply choose a good position where the sound can carry during the arrivals, entrances, signing and final walk back up the aisle.
One Last Tip
Listen to string versions before deciding. The original recording may feel quite different once the vocals and production are removed.
String Musicians Australia has helped clients book professional classical musicians since 2011. An experienced ensemble can also guide you on timing, transitions and whether a favourite song will work for the entrance you have planned.
FAQ:
How many songs are needed for a wedding ceremony?
Most ceremonies need guest-arrival music, one or two processional songs, one or two signing songs and a recessional.
Can the wedding party and couple use the same aisle song?
Yes. The musicians can continue the piece, repeat a section or pause briefly before the main entrance.
Can a string quartet play a special request?
Often, yes, provided an arrangement is available or there is time to prepare one. Ask early for less common songs.
Is Canon in D still suitable for weddings?
Yes. It remains popular because it is elegant, recognisable and easy to shape around entrances of different lengths.
What happens if the ceremony starts late?
Experienced musicians can usually continue playing guest-arrival music for a reasonable delay. Confirm timing and overtime arrangements before the day
Still deciding between a few songs?
String Musicians Australia can help you shape a ceremony playlist that fits your venue, timing and personal style, without making the planning feel complicated.
Author
Jennen Ngiau-Keng is the founder of String Musicians Australia and an award-winning violinist based in Melbourne. Trained at the Australian National Academy of Music and holding a Master of Music Studies from the University of Tasmania, Jennen has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, collaborated with artists like Hans Zimmer and Russell Crowe, and earned over 100 awards across national and international music competitions. He founded String Musicians Australia in 2011, bringing together some of Australia's most distinguished musicians for over 2,000 events nationwide.