Top Five (Classical) String Quartet Wedding Processional Songs
OUR MOST REQUESTED AND MOST LOVED CLASSICAL SONGS FOR WEDDING PROCESSIONALS
1. CANON IN D (Pachelbel)
The perennial favorite for good reason!
Pachelbel’s Canon in D was written sometime in the late 17th century and though it languished in relative obscurity for centuries, the piece has become a mainstay at weddings since about about the 1980’s.
The cello plays the same eight notes, and on top of that foundation, Pachelbel constructs an elegant but increasingly beautiful latticework of interweaving melodies.
TIP: If you choose this song for your wedding processional, consider how long your walk will take to the altar. Most string quartet versions begin with the cello playing the eight note solo before the rest of the quartet enters one by one. If your walk is on the shorter side, you may only end up hearing this intro, so consider having your quartet start at a later point in the piece (as in our version of Canon in D that you can hear above).
Oftentimes, brides will underestimate how long their walk actually takes, so part of our expertise lies in making a judgment call at your venue once we have seen the ceremony space and discussed cues and logistics with your coordinator.
2. JESU, JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING (Bach)
One of the most popular choices for wedding processionals, this piece was composed by Bach in 1723 originally in cantata form. The rolling triplets (notes grouped in threes) provide a wonderfully flowing melody and a bit more energy than other classical wedding pieces.
3. “AIR ON G” (Bach)
You are sure to recognize this second movement from Bach's third Orchestral Suite in D major. Stately yet serene, the interweaving melodic voices of the violins create a meditative beauty while the cello provides a moving rhythmic line.
4. BRIDAL CHORUS (Wagner)
The ultimate classic, classical wedding pieces. Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” from his opera Lohengrin, is better known as “Here Comes the Bride” and is frequently paired with Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” as the recessional song.
These pieces are sure to evoke that feeling of tradition and timelessness that some couples love.
5. LARGO FROM XERXES (Ombra mai fu, Handel)
Serene, elegant, and just simply one of the most beautiful and touching pieces of music you could pick for your wedding. Hearing this piece during a wedding processional will surely bring emotions to the surface.
