Choir Wedding Songs

Why a Choir Is the Perfect Choice for Wedding Music

A live choir creates a powerful atmosphere that pre-recorded music simply can’t match. The emotion, warmth, and beauty of voices harmonizing together elevate every part of the ceremony. Whether you’re planning a religious wedding, a formal gathering, or a romantic garden event, a choir fits in perfectly. They adapt their pacing and volume on the spot, making transitions feel natural and every musical moment unforgettable.

How to Choose the Right Choir Songs for Your Wedding

Choosing your choir songs is about more than just sound—it’s about meaning. You’ll want to think about how the lyrics connect to your story, how the tempo fits your setting, and what kind of emotional tone you’re aiming for.

• Match the mood: Pick songs that reflect the feel of your ceremony—classic, romantic, modern, or spiritual.
• Focus on lyrics: Choose songs with lyrics that matter to you both as a couple.
• Think of flow: Make sure each song fits where it’s placed in the ceremony.
• Talk to your choir director: They’ll guide you on arrangements and what suits their voices best.
• Check the venue: Make sure your location supports live performances in terms of space and sound.

Key takeaway: A choir adds emotional impact, and picking the right songs ensures those feelings carry through from start to finish.

Best Choir Songs for the Wedding Processional

Walking down the aisle is one of the day’s most unforgettable moments. Choosing the right song, especially with a live choir, makes it even more moving.

• Canon in D (Pachelbel): A timeless piece, even more emotional when arranged with vocal harmonies.
• A Thousand Years (Christina Perri): Romantic and modern, with choral arrangements adding depth and warmth.
• Ave Maria (Schubert or Beyoncé’s version): Either version brings reverence and elegance to the ceremony.
• The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli): Turned into a choral duet, it becomes a moving spiritual piece.
• Glasgow Love Theme (Craig Armstrong): Usually instrumental, but choirs can hum or add soft vocals for a cinematic feel.

Inspirational Choir Songs During the Ceremony

There are natural pauses during the ceremony that offer great opportunities for choral music—during readings, candle lighting, or vows.

• How Great Thou Art: A classic hymn that sounds majestic when sung by a full choir.
• Be Thou My Vision: A gentle, faith-based song perfect for sacred moments.
• You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban): Known for its emotional weight, even stronger with a choir behind it.
• Make You Feel My Love (Adele): Modern and touching, this song gains softness and heart when arranged for vocal harmony.
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail): A worship song that speaks to trust, devotion, and spiritual grounding.

Uplifting Choir Songs for the Wedding Recessional

As you leave as a married couple, these choir songs will fill the moment with joy and energy.

• Oh Happy Day: A gospel classic that gets people clapping and smiling instantly.
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder): Full of soul and charm, perfect for the happy couple’s first steps together.
• All You Need Is Love (The Beatles): Universally loved and fun, especially in vocal harmony.
• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love): A lively, upbeat track that works beautifully with strong choir vocals.
• Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: Mixes classical roots with gospel energy, ending your ceremony on a high note.

Choir Songs That Work for the Reception Entrance

Some couples love the idea of the choir continuing into the reception for a special entrance or performance. These songs keep the vibe lively and upbeat.

• Marry You (Bruno Mars): Light and joyful, made even better with energetic choir harmonies.
• Happy (Pharrell Williams): This one’s a crowd-pleaser, with bright vocals and clapping beats.
• Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon): Unexpected, fun, and contagious when sung live.
• Can’t Stop the Feeling (Justin Timberlake): Perfect for getting people excited about the party ahead.
• Best Day of My Life (American Authors): A great kickoff to your celebration, full of optimism and rhythm.

Tips for Working with a Wedding Choir

To make everything go smoothly, it’s important to coordinate with your choir well in advance. Planning ahead ensures every song hits just right.

• Book early: Choirs get booked fast, especially during peak wedding seasons.
• Attend a rehearsal or audition: Hearing them live or watching a video gives you confidence in your choice.
• Customize the setlist: Work with the choir to select songs that match their range and your taste.
• Add rehearsal time: If the choir needs to learn a special song, make sure there’s time to practice it properly.
• Involve your planner and officiant: Everyone needs to be on the same page when it comes to cues and timing.
• Confirm technical details: Make sure your venue has enough space, power, and sound equipment for live vocals.

Where to Find a Professional Wedding Choir

There are lots of great sources when it comes to hiring the right choir. It all depends on the style you’re going for and your budget.

• Church or cathedral choirs: Ideal for traditional ceremonies, and often experienced in weddings.
• Gospel choirs: Bring an energetic, soulful vibe that’s unforgettable.
• University vocal ensembles: Talented and budget-friendly, often available for events.
• Independent vocal groups: Search entertainment directories or wedding vendor sites to find professionals in your area.
• Community choirs: Local and heartfelt, but always ask for samples or recordings to confirm quality.

Conclusion

Adding a choir to your wedding isn’t just about having live music—it’s about creating emotional moments that stay with you and your guests forever. Whether you love gospel, classics, or contemporary ballads, choir wedding songs turn every part of your big day into something special. The right vocals will carry your story, fill your space with love, and leave everyone in awe.

Key takeaway: The beauty of choir wedding songs lies in how they make every second of your ceremony feel more meaningful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

FAQs

Can we ask the choir to perform songs outside their usual setlist?

Yes, many choirs can learn new songs with advance notice. Just make sure you give them time to rehearse or arrange the music if needed.

How long should each choir song last during the ceremony?

Most songs are between two to four minutes long, which fits well within the different parts of the ceremony. You can ask your choir to shorten or extend songs if needed.

Can we have a choir at a non-religious or outdoor wedding?

Definitely. Choirs can perform in nearly any setting as long as you handle the logistics like sound and space.

Should we provide sheet music or arrangements for special requests?

If you’re asking for a less common or custom song, sharing sheet music or a recording helps. Some choirs offer to arrange the song for you as well.

Do choirs typically include instruments too?

Some choirs include a pianist, guitarist, or small ensemble. Others are purely vocal. Be sure to ask in advance and plan your setup accordingly.