[Western Music] Recommended Wedding Recessional Songs: A Collection of Timeless Classics [2026]

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

The scene where the bride and groom make their exit marks the conclusion of the wedding.

It’s the moment they take their first step forward, sent off by their beloved guests.

Have you decided on the perfect song to crown this climactic moment of the reception? Because it’s such an important scene, many people find it hard to choose and can’t quite make up their minds.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended exit songs, focusing on classic hits from Western music.

Every track is a timeless masterpiece—use this as a reference to help with your song selection.

[Western Music] Recommended Wedding Exit Songs: Timeless Classics Summary [2026] (11–20)

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” is perfect for the wedding recessional where you pledge eternal love.

The song’s lyrics vow, “I’ll keep loving you even when we’re old,” expressing everlasting devotion.

With no instrumental intro and a gentle start right from the vocals, it has an ending feel that’s ideal for closing out the reception.

His smooth voice and the warm melody are especially memorable, making it a great choice for couples who want to wrap up their reception with a refined, tender atmosphere.

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HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)

HappyPharrell Williams

One of Pharrell Williams’s signature songs, Happy, is also a wedding staple.

Released on November 21, 2013, it quickly conquered the charts.

With its lyrics proclaiming “I’m so happy right now!!,” it’s a perfect way to conclude a wedding—the happiest day of your life.

Its cheerful vibe makes it ideal for those planning a bright, lively finale.

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UnconditionallyKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

UnconditionallyKaty Perry

This moving power ballad, known for Katy Perry’s powerful vocals, is featured on her 2013 album Prism.

Centered on the theme of unconditional love, it expresses the feeling of accepting someone just as they are, and its grand sound makes it a song that truly resonates.

It is said to have been inspired by the pure love Katy felt during a UNICEF trip to Madagascar.

Perfect for a bride and groom’s exit at a wedding, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to convey their feelings to someone special.

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Before YouBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Before You (Official Live Performance)

Before YouBenson Boone

This song expresses the joy of finding true love through a sweet, wistful voice and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Released in October 2022, Benson Boone’s piece portrays the moment when meeting the one you love changes your life.

Born in 2002 and known from American Idol, Benson Boone has gained over 1.5 million followers on TikTok, and his tours sell out quickly—a testament to his popularity.

While many of his songs convey aching emotion, the featured track “Before You” is a perfect choice to celebrate a couple’s new beginning.

It’s recommended for couples who want to start their life journey together with the person they love.

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Everything’s Gonna Be AlrightSweetbox

SWEETBOX “EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT”, official music video (1997)

Everything's Gonna Be AlrightSweetbox

The Sweetbox song that samples the classic masterpiece Air on the G String blends catchy rap with a beautiful melody, making it one of the quintessential hits of the ’90s.

Released in 1997, the track became a worldwide smash, winning the Japan Gold Disc Award in the Western music category, among other accolades.

With its uplifting message that “everything will be alright,” the song offers strength to overcome difficult times.

It’s a perfect choice for a wedding recessional, an ideal track to celebrate the newlyweds as they embark on their new life together.

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SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5’s “Sugar” is a surefire track to make your happy moments even sweeter.

Released in January 2015, it’s beloved as a wedding staple, and the music video—featuring surprise appearances at real weddings—also became a hot topic.

The lyrics express a heartfelt “I can’t do without you,” making it perfect for couples who need each other.

With its stylish, urban sound, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to wrap up their reception on a bright, fun note.

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[Western Music] Recommended Wedding Exit Songs: A Definitive Collection of Classic Hits [2026] (21–30)

The RoseBette Midler

The Rose

The RoseBette Midler

A song that many couples continue to choose as fitting for the wedding recessional is The Rose, sung by Bette Midler.

This song, which portrays the nature of love, will resonate deeply not only with the newlyweds but also with the guests in attendance.

It’s a classic choice for weddings, so it’s recommended if you’re unsure what to pick.

If you prefer a male vocal, the cover version by Westlife is also recommended.

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