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Ceremony, legal and venues · Vows and readings

What music do you play during a wedding ceremony?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

You choose your own music, but the legal part of a civil ceremony cannot include hymns, prayers or religious readings. Religious buildings and approved venues may allow more.

Music sets the tone from the moment your guests arrive. During the prelude, play whatever you both love as people find their seats. For the processional, choose something that matches your walk down the aisle. Many couples pick an instrumental version of a favourite song so the words do not distract.

The signing of the schedule is the legal bit. In England and Wales, civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings. Poems, songs and non-religious readings are fine if the registrar agrees. Religious buildings and approved venues may allow more, but rules vary. Check with your registrar or the place of worship before you book music.

For the recessional, choose something joyful to walk out to. You can also arrange music for any cultural or religious moments. If you are unsure about what is allowed in your venue, ask early. The registrar or celebrant will tell you what fits the legal part of the day.

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