50 Best Signing the Register Songs to Complete Your Wedding Soundtrack
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We think happy memories are best made to music - and what could be a happier memory than the moment you became officially married?
The music for key points of your wedding ceremony, such as the breath-taking moment your guests see the bride walk down the aisle, the ecstatic applause during the bridal exit, and the loving embrace of your first dance together as newlyweds, have probably been discussed in great detail ever since the proposal - but the signing of the register is itself an event which deserves to be celebrated with a suitably uplifting tune.
How many songs do I need?
There are no rules when it comes to picking the wedding ceremony songs for when you sign the register, but there are a few things to bear in mind. The whole thing usually takes around 10 minutes - that gives time for you, your partner and your witnesses to get everything signed. This means that it's a good idea to pick at least three songs - this way, you won't run out of music while you're still scribbling away. Therefore, the magic of the moment won't be lost, and your guests will be kept entertained!
So picture the scene: as you and your spouse-to-be approach the smiling registrar, pen at the ready, with every misty eye in the room fixed on you, what piece of music do you hear the heavens sing? Here are our favourite suggestions from a range of musical genres for some inspiration:
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Classical Wedding Ceremony Songs
Spring (the Four Seasons) - Antonio Vivaldi
Particularly when performed by a string quartet, this sprightly concerto from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' is guaranteed to put a spring in your step as your new life together blossoms into being.
Spring (the Four Seasons) - Antonio VivaldiPlay
Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn
Even if you've chosen a different song for the bridal entrance part of your wedding ceremony, Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March' is so recognisable as a piece of wedding music that it'll make whichever moment you choose to play it feel like the main event.
Wedding March - Felix MendelssohnPlay
Air (Water Music) - George Frideric Handel
Equally enchanting when performed on the piano, by a string quartet or simply from your wedding playlist, this suite of Handel's will make signing the register feel like a breeze.
Air (Water Music) - George Frideric HandelPlay
Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy
Many people claim that French is the 'language of love' - and many others claim that moonlight is the perfect romantic setting. Well, Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' is not only a beautiful piece of wedding ceremony music - it's also French for 'moonlight'!
Clair de Lune - Claude DebussyPlay
Flower Duet - Léo Delibes
A sound as light and airy as you'll feel as you walk up to the registrar, these gorgeous soprano and mezzo-soprano harmonies can only be improved upon by hiring an actual vocal duet.
Flower Duet - Léo DelibesPlay
Amazing Grace - John Newton
A very moving melody whether performed instrumentally or as a vocal piece, this is the perfect way to show that the new light in your life has helped the blind to see and the lost to be found.
Amazing Grace - John NewtonPlay
When You Wish Upon A Star - Philharmonic Disney Orchestra
The soaring soundtrack to every Disney fan's childhood! We love to listen to Jiminy Cricket sing us the words, but it's the orchestral version that'll make you want to wave that pen like a magical conductor's baton.
When You Wish Upon A Star - Philaharmonic Disney OrchestraPlay
The Lord is My Shepherd - Howard Goodall
Whether you want to make your vows before the lord in the more traditional sense or just really love the Vicar of Dibley, Howard Goodall's arrangement of this classic hymn will tick all the boxes at any wedding or civil ceremony.
The Lord Is My Shepherd - Howard GoodallPlay
Chariots of Fire - Vangelis
Make your wedding ceremony an Olympic event with this cinematic soundscape from the film of the same name - this is one race you'll both feel like you've won. If you're tempted to sign your name in slow motion, just remember that you're leaving your poor bride- or groom-to-be hanging!
Chariots of Fire - VangelisPlay
Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
A sometimes melancholy but always beautiful melody whether performed by a solo vocalist, a pianist or a string quartet, Schubert's 'Ave Maria' has been a staple of wedding ceremony music for hundreds of years, and has been covered by everyone from Beyoncé to Pavarotti.
Ave Maria - Franz SchubertPlay
Jazz and Soul
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
This is probably the most literal entry on our list, but signing the wedding register is something to be celebrated - and we say it's not a celebration until somebody puts some Stevie Wonder on!
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours - Stevie WonderPlay
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
You might not need Nat King Cole to spell out for you just how special you are to each other, but this classic love song has an irresistible swing to it which is bound to keep your guests entertained.
L-O-V-E - Nat King ColePlay
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
With its iconic stick-clicking intro alongside Marvin and Tammi's exuberant toing and froing in the verses, your guests will be at the edge of their seats until the chorus kicks in - at which point they may just jump out of them.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi TerrellPlay
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Just when you thought signing your declaration of love at your very own wedding ceremony couldn't get any sweeter, Satchmo himself starts to serenade you with his glass-half-full jazz classic.
What a Wonderful World - Louise ArmstrongPlay
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
Surely there's no classier way of sealing the deal than having Ol' Blue Eyes himself telling your beloved that they're out of this world?
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank SinatraPlay
My Girl - the Temptations
With a soft yet insistent heartbeat for a bassline and lyrics so sweet they will, in their own words, make the bees envious, this is one temptation you should definitely consider giving in to.
My Girl - The TemptationsPlay
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
This song perfectly encapsulates the feelings you'll experience as you watch each other sign that register - everything from 'too good to be true' to 'I love you baby'.
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli and the Four SeasonsPlay
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) - Frank Wilson
This upbeat Motown gem is so full of heartwarming couplets that it's hard to pick one over any of the others - but we think that 'as long as there is life in me, your happiness is guaranteed' is Frank Wilson's best response to a question we hope you both already knew the answer to!
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) - Frank WilsonPlay
That's Amore - Dean Martin
We hope you won't have had too much wine this early in the ceremony, but the stars will start to shine as soon as Dean Martin's legendary voice croons into earshot.
That’s Amore - Dean MartinPlay
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
With a steady pulse under a choir of 'oohs' which only add to the velvety smoothness of Al Green's vocals, this is the coolest way to tell someone you want to spend your life with them, whether times are good or bad, happy or sad.
Let’s Stay Together - Al GreenPlay
Pop
My Love is Your Love - Whitney Houston
A sweet and chilled-out ode to a loved one over a reggae-style beat, the phenomenal Whitney Houston proclaims that no disaster, from Judgement Day to World War 3, would be catastrophic enough to break the eternal bond.
My Love is Your Love - Whitney HoustonPlay
I Do - Paul Brandt
If you want to give your wedding ceremony playlist a country music twist, look no further than Paul Brandt's slow-burning ballad 'I Do'.
I Do - Paul BrandtPlay
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
We easily could've gone with Leonard Cohen's original or Alexandra Burke's cover version of this song, but the pure emotion Buckley pours into his rendition of 'Hallelujah' is bound to bring tears to the eyes of everyone within earshot - happy tears, that is!
Hallelujah - Jeff BuckleyPlay
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
The wistful way Dorothy sings this song in 'the Wizard of Oz' is undeniably timeless, but this gentle version has a tenderness and an intimacy to it that makes it sound like it's being sung just for you.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'olePlay
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
Let Roberta remind you both of the first step that led you to this moment - we're sure that the sun you'll see rising in each other's eyes will shine even more brightly on your wedding day!
The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face - Roberta FlackPlay
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
With a crooning choir backing up the King's laid back delivery, you can believe that the pledge and the promise made in the lyrics is for your ears only.
Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis PresleyPlay
She - Elvis Costello
Immortalised by the beloved British rom-com Notting Hill, you can hear that only one thing's for certain in Elvis Costello's musings of all of love's mysteries: it truly conquers all.
She - Elvis CostelloPlay
Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel
Now you're signing your lives away (to each other, at least), it'll come as a great comfort to listen to Billy Joel's gentle reminder: 'Don't go changing'.
Just The Way You Are - Billy JoelPlay
God Only Knows (Instrumental Stereo Mix) - Beach Boys
This sure is romantic for a song whose lyrics begin with 'I may not always love you' - which is partially why we've opted for the excellent instrumental version instead!
God Only Knows - Beach BoysPlay
The Only Way is Up - Yazz
If you and your partner enjoy dance songs, then we've got a dance song for you that will not only turn any register office into a dance floor, but also share your optimism about your new future as a couple. Just don't mistake your pen for a glowstick.
The Only Way Is Up - YazzPlay
Rock
You're My Best Friend - Queen
This adorable number was penned by Queen bassist John Deacon as a love letter to his wife, and a declaration of love as well as friendship is bound to put a smile on your guests' faces.
You’re My Best Friend - QueenPlay
The Final Countdown - Europe
If you're trying to ramp up the anticipation with your wedding ceremony music, you can't get much more edge-of-your-seat than a literal countdown to that moment when the wedding register is finally signed - and then you'll be 'leaving together', just as Europe promised!
The Final Countdown - EuropePlay
I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
These legends of rock aren't strangers to a ballad or two - and the 'blink and you just might miss it' sentiment of this one will undoubtedly be enough to ensure that nobody closes their eyes (or falls asleep) for even a second when you both put pen to paper.
I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing - AerosmithPlay
Teardrop - Newton Faulkner
Massive Attack's original cut is perfect for so many other reasons, but Newton's solo guitar intro which then swells into a full band is the perfect way to mark the moment when you sign the wedding register and welcome your nearest and dearest into your bubble.
Teardrop - Newton FaulknerPlay
Beautiful Day - U2
U2 kicked off the 2000s with this joyous anthem which simultaneously looks back to the past, forward to the future, and reminds you to live in the moment. What could be more fitting for this stand-out moment of your wedding ceremony?
Beautiful Day - U2Play
All You Need Is Love - the Beatles
The song that laid the Beatles' intentions bare, this is a song that everyone can get behind. From the hint of French national anthem during the intro to the dash of 'She Loves You' in the outro, this is a song packed with love and is guaranteed to set the desired tone.
All You Need Is Love - The BeatlesPlay
Bittersweet Symphony - the Verve
Don't let lyrics like 'try to make ends meet, try to meet somebody, then you die' fool you into thinking that this cinematic fanfare of a tune is all doom and gloom. You're in this life together, for better or for worse - so why not start your journey in style?
Bittersweet Symphony - The VervePlay
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - the Darkness
As joyous as it is over the top, this unstoppable hit from the early 2000s has cemented the Darkness' position in wedding playlists everywhere. You mind find yourselves playing some mad air guitar solos whilst singing 'I wanna kiss you every minute, every hour, every day'.
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The DarknessPlay
One Day Like This - Elbow
Throw those curtains wide and drink in the morning sun as you begin this exciting new chapter in your life together! In terms of being instantly recognisable, the iconic rhythm of Elbow's de facto anthem is only rivalled by Queen's 'We Will Rock You'.
One Day Like This - ElbowPlay
Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses
Axl and the Guns N' Roses boys will do all they can to remind you of childhood memories and warm safe places in true rock 'n' roll fashion. Once you've signed the wedding register together, at least you'll have a good answer when the song asks 'where do we go now?'
Sweet Child O’ Mine - Guns N’ RosesPlay
Modern Wedding Songs
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Simple, touching and romantic - Mraz tells it like it is. You've finally made it to the finish line, so there's no more time to hesitate before you tell each other 'I'm yours'.
I’m Yours - Jason MrazPlay
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Imagine signing your names side by side as you sway to Jack's gentle rhythms. He's right - everything is better when you're together!
Better Together - Jack JohnsonPlay
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Few modern wedding songs have half as much heart poured into them as this one. There are many reasons why we keep seeing Ed Sheeran at the top of the charts, and this track is one of them: it's pure, it's emotional, and it's perfect for this moment.
Thinking Out Loud - Ed SheeranPlay
Home - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
If the upbeat rhythm and the cute back-and-forth verses aren't enough to convince you that this is a great choice of wedding register song, lyrics like 'home is wherever I'm with you' surely will.
Home - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic ZerosPlay
Higher Love - James Vincent McMorrow
We've loved every version of this song from Winwood to Whitney, but the way McMorrow whispers falsetto in your ear as he barely touches the piano will keep your guests holding their breath until the dotted line is finally signed.
Higher Love - James Vincent McMorrowPlay
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Let Christina assure you both that you'll love each other for millennia as you gaze into each other's eyes across that sacred document - meanwhile, her song will help to create the perfect atmosphere to share this feeling with your wedding guests.
A Thousand Years - Christina PerriPlay
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Piano-led indie pop is a recipe for success at any stage of a modern wedding ceremony, but it's the lyrics of this lovely track from Keane which talk about a special place only you two share which makes it one of the best wedding songs to sign your register to.
Somewhere Only We Know - KeanePlay
Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
The best wedding songs are simple, memorable and, most importantly, deeply moving. The fact that Bruno Mars managed to tick all three boxes with the first single of his debut album is a testament to his songwriting talent.
Just The Way You Are - Bruno MarsPlay
Make You Feel My Love - Adele
To date, this Bob Dylan track has been covered by over 450 different artists - but Adele's dreamy vocals and the sparse piano work make it a real show-stopper. Cue tissues!
Make You Feel My Love - AdelePlay
A Moment Like This - Leona Lewis
Lyrically, this song couldn't be more on point - some people really do wait a lifetime, some people really do search forever for the moment you're experiencing right now with the love of your life - but it's Leona Lewis' performance that really sells it.
A Moment Like This - Leona LewisPlay
