From royal ceremonies to Hollywood fairytales, these iconic brides didn’t just wear history—they sounded like it. The music they chose reflected who they were, who they loved, and the emotion of the moment. Today, couples are following in their footsteps—choosing wedding songs that go far beyond tradition to make their day deeply personal.
If you’re searching for the perfect music for your wedding ceremony, processional, first dance, or cocktail hour, let these unforgettable brides—and their legendary music choices—inspire your playlist.
Princess Diana – “The Prince of Denmark’s March”
Royal, Regal, and Timeless
When Diana walked down the aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1981, it was to Jeremiah Clarke’s "Prince of Denmark’s March"—a bold, stately piece that perfectly matched her royal status. This iconic processional has since become one of the most requested classical wedding pieces of all time.
✅ Perfect for: Grand entrances, formal ceremonies, royal-inspired weddings
2. Grace Kelly – “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
Sacred Simplicity and Eternal Elegance
For her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, it’s widely reported that Grace Kelly selected Schubert’s “Ave Maria” to accompany the ceremony. Whether performed by choir or strings, this timeless piece evokes serenity, reverence, and classic grace — qualities that still inspire modern brides today.
✅ Perfect for: Church ceremonies, Catholic weddings, spiritual interludes
🎻 Can be performed with or without vocals
3. Jackie Kennedy – “Pavane” by Gabriel Fauré
Understated Sophistication
Although specific details of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding music aren’t publicly confirmed, Fauré’s “Pavane” beautifully captures the refined, elegant aesthetic she embodied. With its flowing melody and understated grace, it remains a favorite for couples seeking music that feels timeless and tasteful.
✅ Perfect for: Processionals, interludes, or prelude music
4. Kate Middleton & Prince William – “Your Song” by Elton John
Tradition Meets Personality
While their Westminster Abbey ceremony featured classic hymns, the couple’s first dance at their 2011 reception was reportedly to Elton John’s “Your Song,” performed live by Ellie Goulding. The choice blended royal tradition with modern warmth — a reminder that personal favorites can shine even in the most formal settings.
✅ Perfect for: First dances, receptions, or as a surprise string arrangement
5. Elizabeth Taylor – “I’ll Be Seeing You”
Romantic Glamour That Lasts a Lifetime
For her 1964 wedding to Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor’s music choices were never formally documented, but “I’ll Be Seeing You” has long been associated with her era’s romantic, old-Hollywood spirit. Nostalgic and deeply expressive, it remains a classic for couples who want a timeless, cinematic love song.
✅ Perfect for: First dances, parent dances, cocktail hour
6. Meghan Markle – “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
A Gospel-Powered Love Anthem
When Meghan walked down the aisle in 2018, the gospel choir’s rendition of “Stand By Me” made headlines around the world. This soulful anthem brought depth, diversity, and a modern voice to the royal tradition.
✅ Perfect for: Unity ceremony, prelude, or modern processional
7. Queen Victoria – “God Save the Queen”
Patriotic Grandeur
Her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 was accompanied by “God Save the Queen”—a nod to national pride and ceremonial tradition. Though highly formal, this piece set a precedent for national anthems in weddings.
✅ Perfect for: Military or traditional British-themed weddings
8. Catherine Zeta-Jones – “At Last” by Etta James
Soulful, Sultry, and Timeless
Their 2000 wedding was the epitome of Hollywood romance, and “At Last” was the perfect musical match. This iconic first dance song continues to top wedding charts decades later.
✅ Perfect for: First dances, romantic interludes, last dance
🎻 A signature piece in our pop repertoire
9. Beyoncé & Jay-Z – “Young Forever”
Modern, Meaningful, and Unforgettable
When two icons tie the knot, the music matters. Beyoncé and Jay-Z selected “Young Forever” for their reception—a deeply personal, modern anthem about enduring love.
✅ Perfect for: Reception entrances, final dance, highlight moments
10. Sarah Jessica Parker – “The Sound of Music”
Whimsical and Joyfully Unexpected
SJP’s 1997 wedding featured “The Sound of Music”—a nostalgic, musical-theater moment that captured the couple’s spirit and humor. A reminder that your wedding music can be playful, charming, and deeply personal.
✅ Perfect for: Recessional, prelude, or musical-theater themed weddings
Ready to Create a Wedding Playlist Worthy of the History Books?
Parkwest Strings, brings your favorite classical, cinematic, modern, or unexpecte songs to life with live strings. Our string quartet, trio, or duo options make it easy to customize your sound, no matter your wedding size, venue, or vibe.