26 Compelling Recessional Wedding Songs

Compiling your absolute favourites for walking in and out of the aisle? Make an assorted playlist with some classics, fun and upbeat numbers to kick start your wedding with a bang and exit on a high note.

Whether you plan to have a live band playing instrumental music, a soloist sing or just play upbeat number/s as you wind up the final dance – Here are some happy recessional wedding songs that will be a big hit at the wedding!

1. Colbie Caillat – I Do

This happy, foot-tapping number by Colbie Caillat is fun and cheerful – A great number to have guests cheering, clapping and swaying as you make your exit.

2. Jason Derulo – Marry Me

Jason Derulo’s contemporary music manages to fill the heart with joy, but Marry Me is one of our absolute favorites, and a great tune to wrap up the vows with.

3. John Legend – All Of Me

If you ask us, this is a must-have on the wedding playlist, and it works even better if you have a live band or soloist playing their rendition of this classic.

4. Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen

Just like how Ellie manages to get almost all of her songs to top iTunes and the radio plays, it should manage to make its way into your wedding playlist.

5. Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj – Bang-Bang

Jessi J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj make for a compelling combo, and they hit it out of the park with this one. Catchy lyrics, beat and rap – it has everything you need to get the party started.

6. Tom Odell – Grow Old With Me

Grow Old With Me is one song that has been part of wedding playlists ever since it came out, and with good reason. Give it a listen if you haven’t already, and decide if it merits a place on your playlist!

7. Train – Marry Me

Play it as the bride is making her entry or just after the ceremony, before you step out of the altar as man and wife. A beautiful dedication to the bride, we must say.

8. Count On Me – Bruno Mars

Well you know what they say, there is nothing like marrying your best friend and friendship is the greatest foundation for marriage. If you believe in this, this is the song for you.

9. Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud

All of Ed Sheeran’s songs have been biggest hits and staples for wedding playlists. Thinking Out Loud is a perfect choice for your first dance.

10. Meghan Trainor – Dear Future Husband

Peppy and upbeat – this Meghan Trainor number is enjoyable, zesty and pure fun.

11. American Authors – Best Day Of Life

Best Day Of My Life is both celebratory and meaningful. Either as a first dance or a recessional number, your guests will love this as much as you will!

12. The Blue Brothers – Everybody Needs Somebody

A familiar and fun classic that will be loved by all the guests, be it the young or the elderly.

13. The Beatles – All You Need Is Love; Love Is What We Need

The Beatles have a repertoire of love songs that can fit the bill for your wedding, but we’re going to go with this classic, which also serves as our favorite definition of love.

15. Silver Lining – Rilo Kiley

Rilo Kiley’s sultry yet profound voice shines on Silver Lining, an understated number that is a relaxing and beautiful wedding recession song.

16. A Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay

A Sky Full of Stars with it’s whimsical tune and heartfelt lyrics is a perfect alternative that is casual, but conveys devotion and love.

17. Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling

Yes, it is going to be be a good night and yes it is part of everyone’s top played list, but it will do well on your wedding playlist, or even better, as a recessional peppy number.

18. Pharell Williams – Happy

With Happy, Pharell Williams has achieved a classic tune, and almost overnight fame and success. Clap your hands and tap your feet if you feel the vibe of this tune, and everyone present will too.

19. Justin Timberlake – Mirror

Justin Timberlake stated that this song is dedicated to his wife and his love for her inspired him to write this song. Such romantic overtures take centre stage on this tune, a good one to belt out at your wedding.

20. Auburn – Perfect Two

A winsome song for dedicating to your other half, or could be used as a cover for your wedding album.

21. One Republic – Counting Stars

A euphoric beat with a consistent foot-tapping tune? Sign us up. A good tune to use for the bouquet toss or on the dance floor.

22. Maroon 5 – Sugar

Every season has one song that is played at every wedding party, but there are some that stick around and are played for years to come. This is one such song.

23. Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop The Feeling

An incredibly fun song to dance to – no one can resist the urge to get on the dance floor and let their hair loose. After all, who can stop once it goes “dance, dance, dance?”

24. Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend

Here is a chart topper from Coldplay that took the internet by storm. Not just as a wedding party song, it’s even a great fit to play this in the background for the entrance of the wedding groups – bride or groom.

25. Major Lazer – Lean On

Your recessional number plays, your guests erupt with joy, clapping and chattering until you disappear into the horizon.

26. Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

Taylor Swift’s music is all about rhyme, rhythm and fun. Have your DJ play this and you will see the dance floor swell with all of those attending this new beginning!

You could probably have a few minutes of all the peppy numbers and the dance floor will never be empty. Or, plan an exit act involving the groomsmen and bridesmaids with The Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars for a joyous climax to the celebration.