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Check our availabilityYour entrance song sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether it's walking down the aisle, entering the reception as a married couple, or the joyful recessional — the right song turns a moment into a memory.
After 500+ weddings across Ireland, we've seen every type of entrance. Here are the songs that actually work — and practical tips for getting the timing right. For your first dance song, see our separate guide.
Ceremony Processional Songs (Walking Down the Aisle)
This is the most emotional music moment of the day. The room goes quiet, everyone stands, and the song needs to carry the weight of the moment. Slower, more intimate songs work best.
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Canon in D | Pachelbel |
| A Thousand Years | Christina Perri |
| Songbird | Fleetwood Mac |
| Can't Help Falling in Love | Elvis Presley |
| Make You Feel My Love | Adele / Bob Dylan |
| She Moved Through the Fair | Traditional Irish |
| The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba | Handel |
| Turning Page | Sleeping at Last |
| Ave Maria | Schubert |
| Here Comes the Sun | The Beatles (acoustic) |
Musician's Tip
Check the length of the aisle at your venue. Short aisle at a boutique venue? You only need 60-90 seconds of music. Long church aisle? You need 2-3 minutes. Your musician should be ready to loop or fade naturally based on when you arrive at the top.
Ceremony Recessional Songs (Walking Back Up the Aisle)
You're married. This is the celebration. Upbeat, joyful, and full of energy — the song should make people clap, cheer, and feel the party starting.
| Signed, Sealed, Delivered | Stevie Wonder |
| Higher and Higher | Jackie Wilson |
| Happy | Pharrell Williams |
| You're My Best Friend | Queen |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas |
| Lovely Day | Bill Withers |
| Walking on Sunshine | Katrina and the Waves |
| Best Day of My Life | American Authors |
| Shut Up and Dance | Walk the Moon |
| Mr. Blue Sky | ELO |
Reception Grand Entrance Songs
The moment you walk into the reception room as a married couple for the first time. This is where couples go big — fun, dramatic, sometimes with choreography. The MC announces you, the doors open, and your song plays.
High-Energy Entrances
| Crazy in Love | Beyonce |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas |
| You Make My Dreams | Hall & Oates |
| Let's Go Crazy | Prince |
| September | Earth, Wind & Fire |
Fun & Playful Entrances
| Don't Stop Me Now | Queen |
| Shake It Off | Taylor Swift |
| I'm a Believer | Smash Mouth / The Monkees |
| Can't Stop the Feeling | Justin Timberlake |
| We Are the Champions | Queen |
Timing the Reception Entrance
Coordinate with your MC and the venue's event coordinator. The MC announces you, then waits 3-5 seconds before the song kicks in — this builds anticipation. Walk in during the chorus or the biggest part of the song. Practice the timing once before the day. Your band or DJ can cue it perfectly if they know the plan.
Tips for Choosing Your Entrance Songs
1. Match the Song to the Moment
The processional is intimate and emotional. The recessional is celebratory. The reception entrance is the party starting. Pick songs that match each energy — don't use the same vibe for all three.
2. Think About Your Guests
Songs that guests recognise get a bigger reaction. When "September" plays and the whole room starts clapping along, that's the energy you want. Deep cuts are fine for the ceremony, but go crowd-pleasers for the reception entrance.
3. Consider Live vs Recorded
A live musician for the ceremony processional adds emotional depth you can't get from a speaker. For the reception entrance, a recorded track often works better — it's punchier, louder, and easier to time perfectly. See our music timeline guide for how each moment fits together.
4. Church Ceremony Restrictions
Many Catholic churches in Ireland only allow sacred or religious music during the ceremony. This means no pop songs for the processional in a church. Civil ceremonies and humanist celebrations have no restrictions. Check with your celebrant before choosing.
5. Have a Backup Plan
If you're using a Bluetooth speaker or phone for your ceremony music, have a backup. Phones die, Bluetooth disconnects, and the last thing you want is silence as you walk down the aisle. A dedicated ceremony musician eliminates this risk entirely.
Want to Hear These Live?
Come to our showcase and hear how we perform entrance and first dance songs. We'll help you pick the perfect song for your day.
Reserve Showcase SpotRelated Guides
- 65 Best First Dance Songs for Irish Weddings
- Wedding Music Timeline: Hour-by-Hour Guide
- Drinks Reception Music Guide
- When to Book Your Wedding Band
- How to Choose a Wedding Band
- Our Full Song List
Book a Band Near You
We make every entrance unforgettable at weddings across Ireland: