The Most Popular Music Choices For Wedding Ceremonies in 2025 - Your Guide To Using Music to Personalise Your North East Wedding Ceremony!
- harmonycelebrant
- Oct 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 4
When planning your Wedding you want to select the ceremony music that feels just right for you - that really adds to the magic of your very special day! Let's face it - your ceremony is at the heart of it all - let's make sure it's full of meaning and totally personal for you both!
Music really enhances your ceremony, making each part extra moving and it can really compliment your love story! The right choices will transform your ceremony and create the perfect, romantic and intimate atmosphere!
I have created a list of top tips to help you decide how to use music to really add those extra special, personal touches! I've also included the most popular and meaningful wedding ceremony music choices in 2025.
As a Wedding Celebrant in the North East, I’ve experienced all kinds of music during ceremonies — from sentimental to funny, lyrical to soft instrumental, live and recorded. The most memorable and moving moments always come from songs that hold personal meaning for each couple. While traditional songs remain popular, having clearly stood the test of time, modern classics work just as beautifully. It's always extra special when couples choose music, that isn't necessarily well known, but holds special meaning to them!
How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Ceremony Music: It can feel overwhelming at first, but it's lovely to explore music - notice how some tunes will really move you and help you reminisce on your most treasured memories! It’s all about choosing the pieces of music that feel right for you, they will reflect you as a couple and help to create your perfect setting!
Here’s some advice on how to use music in your Ceremony help you in your decision making:
1. Mood/Atmosphere For Each Moment During Your Ceremony
Your Guests Arrival - This can sometimes be over-looked (it's even been forgotten by venues before, so pop someone in charge of making sure they actually press play!). Music played as your guests settle is important if you want to establish the perfect atmosphere and prevent any awkward silences, especially if you are a little, "fashionably", late (and rightly so!!). If you have professional, live musicians they will happily take the lead on this, as will popular venues that have playlists they use on a regular basis, however, remember you can speak to them about your preferences, to make sure the choices are right for you.
Your Entrance/Processional: Think elegant and emotional (but remember you can have whatever you want!) — this sets the tone for your ceremony.
Signing of The Register: Intimate, soft, and reflective — think personal and romantic.
Recessional / Exit: Joyful and uplifting - it's time to celebrate!
A live band captivating guests at an intimate outdoor ceremony 2. Personal Connection is Key
Think about music that resonates with you as a couple; maybe there's a special song from your first date, a piece that played during your first kiss, or perhaps the lyrics from a particular tune reflect your feelings for one another or part of your love story.
Choosing songs that relate to you, as opposed to choosing it just because it’s popular, is far for meaningful! Remember your guests will love something a bit different!
Consider lyrics, melody, and the emotions they evoke — what suits your relationship?
A cello - perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere
3. Live, Recorded, or a Mix of Both?
Consider Your Budget - is live music an option?
Live Music: Adds warmth and intimacy. Whether it's a piano, violin, cello or acoustic guitar, a harpist, a string quartet or a vocalist, live musicians really help to create an emotional and romantic atmosphere.
Select What Suits You - your personalities, the style of your wedding, the mood you want and, ofcourse, your budget!
Space - If having live musicians - remember to arrange a spot for them at your venue.
Recorded Tracks: Easy, flexible, and works well if live musicians aren’t an option. If you have time and it's something you'd enjoy doing, why not create a playlist on Spotify of your favourite love songs, and have this played as your guests arrive!
Delegated Roles for Playlists - Will your venue play the recorded music, or, if it's in your garden for example, you will need to select a trusted friend or family member to run the music for you. If this is the case, ask them to make sure the sound system is set up and working before the ceremony too. Keep playlists super easy so the person in charge knows what is played when, so they can literally just press play. This option will work better for smaller areas / venues too.
Mix of Live & Recorded Music: You can always have a bit of both - live music for the entrance and signing, then a recorded upbeat song for the recessional.
4. Ask for Expert Advice
Your wedding singer or chosen musicians can suggest
arrangements, transitions, and instrumental versions that suit your ceremony perfectly.
I have friends and family who work as professional Wedding Singers and Musicians in the North East too, so I have plenty of talented performers to recommend!
Check out Marina Gears Vocals on Instagram, for example - she's based in Teesside and brings such heart and soul, really complimenting Celebrant Led Ceremonies!
5. Include Loved Ones
Do you want to include family and, or friends in your musical choices? This is one way to make your Teesside or North East wedding truly personal!
Live Performances: You could ask a friend or family member to perform a song during ceremony. A simple acoustic rendition can be so beautiful and touching! Whether it’s a talented cousin playing the piano, a best friend singing a meaningful song, or a group of loved ones performing together, these touches create lasting memories and add an extra emotional touch!
Sing-Along: Why not have your guests join in with a favourite song and create really memorable and fun moment.
The Element of Surprise: Some brides/grooms even choose to surprise their partner with this on their big day! One groom chose to arrange for his sister-in law to sing during the signing of the register. She performed a song close to their hearts, an acoustic version of, "Shining Light", by Ash, which worked perfectly!. There was even a friend of theirs accompanying her on guitar. This was such a beautiful and very moving touch for the bride and guests!
The Top Music Picks of 2025 for Each Key Part of Your North East Wedding Ceremony to Inspire You ...
The Entrance (Processional) – Elegant & Emotional
Your walk down the aisle deserves a super magical touch. In 2025, couples have been leaning towards emotional, cinematic songs that feel both timeless and personal.
Top 10 Entrance Songs for 2025:
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley / Kina Grannis cover – A classic that never fades; beautifully emotional, especially when performed acoustically.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran – A modern love anthem, gentle yet deeply heartfelt.
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri – Dreamy and romantic
Lover – Taylor Swift – Poetic and warm; stunning when arranged for violin.
You Are the Reason – Calum Scott – Full of sincerity, perfect for couples who want a deeply emotional entrance.
Halo – Beyoncé – Soulful and powerful, creating an entrance with drama and grace.
Stand by Me – Ben E. King – A classic that symbolises strength and commitment.
I Get to Love You – Ruelle – A beautiful, lyrical choice growing in popularity
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran – Romantic and sentimental, ideal for a live acoustic rendition.
The Night We Met – Lord Huron – Ethereal and emotional, perfect for couples who want something unique.
🎵 A violinist, acoustic guitarist, or live singer performing any of these songs sound stunning in local Teesside venues like Wynyard Hall, Rushpool Hall, or Acklam Hall. This combination adds elegance, romance, and an intimate atmosphere that perfectly compliments your ceremony.
The Signing of the Register / Certificate – Soft & Heartfelt - This is a quiet, intimate part – a time for reflection. I recommend selecting soft, background music to compliment this part. If you're going to have a live musician they will have plenty of ideas and they can take the lead if you prefer.
Top 10 Songs for Singing The Register in 2025:
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding – Gentle and sentimental about enduring love
Your Song – Elton John – A timeless ballad that fits perfectly during this reflective pause.
Beyond – Leon Bridges – Modern soul with warmth and tenderness.
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz – Hopeful and romantic; great for acoustic performances.
Turning Page – Sleeping at Last – Dreamy and emotional, ideal for quieter ceremonies.
Better Together – Jack Johnson – Laid-back and heartfelt for a relaxed North East vibe.
Kissing You – Des’ree – Elegant and cinematic, adding sophistication to the moment.
From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay – Perfect for couples building a life together.
All of Me – John Legend – Soft, sincere, and always well-loved.
Make You Feel My Love – Adele – Classic, moving, and full of emotion.
🎵 Tip: Soft live piano or guitar covers of these songs create a beautiful atmosphere in smaller North East venues like Grinkle Park or Hardwick Hall.
Your Grand Finale (Recessional) – Joyful & Uplifting
The moment you’re officially married deserves an energetic, happy song that bursts with celebration!
Top 10 Recessional Songs for 2025:
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole – Bright and timeless.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston – A joyful, crowd-pleasing favourite.
Dancing Queen – ABBA – Fun, familiar, and guaranteed to make your guests smile.
Marry You – Bruno Mars – Playful, upbeat and full of love.
High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco – Modern, energetic, and full of optimism.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder – Soulful, classic, and celebratory.
Best Day of My Life – American Authors – Upbeat and positive – exactly how your exit should feel!
Happy – Pharrell Williams – Pure joy in musical form.
Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake – Modern, feel-good energy.
You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates – A perfect retro choice to end on a high note.
🎵 Tip: These upbeat songs sound fantastic and help to create a seamless transition into your reception celebrations!
Still Unsure whether Live Music is The Right Choice For You?
For couples in Teesside and across the North East, acoustic music adds:
Romance: Gentle strings or soft guitar music brings a dreamy, heartfelt vibe.
Intimacy: Live instruments and singers create a stunning ambience, connecting everyone in a beautifully authentic atmosphere.
Elegance: Acoustic versions of modern hits or timeless classics elevate your ceremony with a sophisticated, bespoke touch. Flexibility: You can talk to them about your preferences and musicians are great at adapting the tempo and style on the spot, ensuring the music perfectly matches your emotional journey!
Personal: Live acoustic music continues to be a top trend for 2025 weddings in the North East, as it's a way to keep your ceremony extra personal and romantic. At a recent ceremony, the bride and groom had arranged for their two talented friends to play, My Hero - a Foo Fighters classic, on acoustic guitars, which worked perfectly.
🎵 Tip: Combining live music with loved ones’ performances works beautifully in venues like Acklam Hall or Wynyard Hall, where the acoustics enhance the warmth of the music and make your ceremony even more touching.
Remember - guests love hearing something unique too — so feel free to think outside the box - it’s a win-win!
Make Your Teesside Wedding Ceremony Completely Personal & Unforgettable!
Whether you love elegant classics, modern romance, or a mix of both, your ceremony soundtrack will make every moment magical. As a Teesside-based celebrant, I help couples craft ceremonies that reflect their personality — and the music can be a beautiful way to enhance this.
If you’re planning your Wedding in Teesside or the North East, I’d love to help you create a ceremony filled with love, romance and unforgettable moments.
💌 Ready to start planning your ceremony?
Contact me to chat about your dream ceremony in Teesside or across the North East.
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