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

You Raise Me UpCeltic Woman

You Raise Me Up

As a perfect Western song for a wedding recessional, Celtic Woman’s “You Raise Me Up” begins with a violin intro and carries a sacred atmosphere.

In 2006, figure skater Shizuka Arakawa used it for her Olympic exhibition program, which rapidly boosted its recognition in Japan.

With lyrics that say, “You always give me strength,” it’s ideal for newlyweds who will support each other throughout their long lives together.

Featuring a clear, beautiful vocal quality, it’s recommended for those who want a gentle and moving finale.

Truly, it’s a wonderful choice to create a moment that will remain a lifelong memory.

YellowColdplay

Coldplay – Yellow (Official Video)

A beautiful love song that vows eternal love, shining like a starry sky.

Written while gazing up at a sky full of stars, the lyrics express unconditional feelings for a loved one, carried by a warm, embracing melody.

An iconic anthem by Coldplay, it was released in June 2000 as the lead single from their debut album, Parachutes.

The song reached No.

4 on the UK charts and earned international acclaim, including a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

It was also chosen as the theme for Australia’s cancer awareness campaign, Daffodil Day, giving the track a meaningful social dimension.

Perfect for adding color to life’s important moments—choose this hopeful song for your wedding recessional.

Can You Feel the Love TonightElton John

Elton John – Can You Feel the Love Tonight (From “The Lion King”/Official Video)

Woven together with graceful piano melodies, this hymn to love beautifully captures the moment when two hearts connect.

From the stillness after a raging wind has passed, a melody that speaks of the preciousness of love-filled time gently embraces the listener’s heart.

The exquisite love song crafted by Elton John and Tim Rice was released in May 1994 as the theme for Disney’s The Lion King, garnering countless honors including the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Portraying with care how life’s unpredictable changes and events guide two people forward, this piece is filled with a powerful yet warm message, making it perfect for a wedding recessional.

In that moment of celebrating a new beginning, you can share the joy of love together with all your guests.

Close to youCarpenters

[They Long To Be] Close To You

The wedding recessional marks the start of a new life.

The moment the couple exits, watched over by their guests, becomes an unforgettable scene.

The Carpenters’ “(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a classic choice for that memorable moment.

As the title suggests, it expresses the desire to “be close to you,” making it perfect for weddings.

With a stylish feel that starts quietly from the piano intro, it’s recommended for those who want to end their reception on a gentle yet uplifting note.

As Long As You Love MeBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – As Long As You Love Me (Official HD Video)

This sweet love song themed around unconditional love celebrates the beauty of simply loving one another, regardless of background or past.

Its luscious melody line and striking harmonies weave a soothing soundscape that has captivated many listeners.

Featured on the Backstreet Boys’ album “Backstreet’s Back,” released in September 1997, the track achieved major success across North America and Europe, reaching No.

2 in Australia and Austria and No.

3 in the United Kingdom.

Embraced by a younger generation eager to believe in pure love and dreams, it became a worldwide hit.

It’s also a perfect choice for a wedding recessional, blessing the couple as they step forward into their future together.

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (At The BBC)

A classic song that celebrates the beauty of nature—green trees and red roses, blue skies and white clouds.

With warm vocals by Louis Armstrong, it gently speaks of the wonders of the world while depicting scenes of people sharing friendship and a baby growing up.

Although it did not receive a strong response in the United States upon its release in 1967, it was reappraised after being used in the 1987 film “Good Morning, Vietnam,” and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

This piece is perfect for the recessional scene to celebrate the newlyweds’ fresh start.

It’s a song that can express, with deep affection, the couple’s hopes for the future and their gratitude to their guests.

Be My BabyThe Ronettes

The Ronettes – Be My Baby (Official Audio)

The vocals of a quintessential 1960s girl group create a mood perfectly suited to the milestone of a wedding.

A woman’s heartfelt longing is conveyed over a romantic yet powerful beat.

The phrase “Be My Baby,” ringing out in the chorus alongside that memorable drumbeat, embodies a wish for the couple’s happy future.

Since its 1963 release, this song has been covered by many artists and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

It’s the perfect track for anyone wanting to set a love-filled tone for their ceremony.