This page outlines wedding music for classical and fingerstyle guitar. All sheet music selections exist with options such as notation only, TAB, video performances, lessons, and helpful tips on how to play weddings.
How does the music work at a wedding ceremony?
You can also see my full article on how to play weddings on This is Classical Guitar. In summary:
- Before the ceremony: Light background music
- Seating of family: Light background music
- Groomsmen and Bridesmaids: Bridesmaids commonly get their own music
- Flower and Ring Girl/Boy: Sometimes get their own music
- Bride: The bride gets her own specific music
- Signing: A solid contemplative piece, pick something comfortable
- Walk away: Something cheerful and celebratory
Wedding Music for Classical Guitar (PDF, Notation, Tab, Videos)
- Ceremony Music (Bridal Walk, Flower Girls, Etc)
- Bach: Air ‘On the G String’ for Guitar, Grade 5
- Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Grade 4
- Bist du bei mir (Be thou with me), BWV 508 by Bach/Stölzel, Grade 6
- Schubert: Ave Maria, Grade 4
- Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Grade 5, Free Notation or TAB
- The Skye Boat Song (Outlander Theme), Grade 2
- Great for the Signing
- Bach: Prelude - Cello Suite BWV 1007, Grade 7
- Bach / Petzold: Minuet in G, Anh. 114, Grade 4
- Bach: Air ‘On the G String’ for Guitar, Grade 5
- Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Grade 4
- Sinfonia (Arioso) from BWV 156 by Bach, Grade 5
- More Gig Stuff
- Easy Classical Guitar, Vol. 1, Grades 1-3
- Easy Celtic Guitar Vol. 1, Grades 1-4
- Non-Traditional Ceremony Music from the Guitar Repertoire
- Tarrega: Estudio / Study in C, Grade 3
- Molino: Romance, Grade 3
- Anonymous: Spanish Romance, Grade 5, Free Notation, Free Tab
- Llobet: El Noi de la Mare, Gr. 7, Spanish folk song, Free Notation or TAB
- Llobet: El Testament d'Ameila, Gr.7, Spanish folk song, Free Notation or TAB
- Tarrega: Lágrima (Tear) - Preludio, Grade 4, Free Notation or TAB
- Hardcopy Book: Need TAB and 50 pieces: See my hardcopy book Classical Guitar Tab: 50 Iconic Solos book on Amazon. Includes many of the below pieces.
Other ideas for pieces:
- Processional: “Trumpet Voluntary” (J. Clark); “Trumpet Tune” (H. Purcell) ; “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (J.S. Bach); “March” from Occasional Oratorio (G.F. Handel) are all good choices. If the bride is not using the “Canon in D” by Pachelbel then you can consider using it here.
- For Bride: “Canon in D” (J. Pachelbel); “The Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin (R. Wagner); “Allegro Maestoso” from Water Music (G.F. Handel); “Rondeau” (J.J. Mouret). Sometimes the bride will choose something. Anything that is walkable and played as ‘the most special piece of music ever’ will work. They will likely want to hear this piece beforehand.
- For the Signing: My favourite is “Ave Maria”. It’s perfect, major key but with lots of key areas and sections. it’s somewhat reflective and peaceful. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is also great. Anything will do but save the energetic stuff for the walk away or the after party.
- Walk Away: Something cheerful and exciting. However, people will often be clapping and cheering so it won’t matter too much. Any classical fanfare or bright major key piece works well. “The Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (F. Mendelssohn); “Ode to Joy” (L. Beethoven); “Hornpipe” (G.F. Handel).