15 Bagpipe Wedding Songs for Your Big Day
If you're on the lookout for bagpipe wedding songs, you've landed on the right page. Although you don't exclusively need to have all wedding bagpipe songs played at your wedding, they can be a nice enhancement when planning your ceremony music or any other music throughout your wedding festivities.
Once you've selected your bagpipe songs for your wedding (of which we provided several ideas below), you'll need to hire bagpipe players for your special day. Luckily, that is easy to do on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Enter your marrying location and filter by "instruments" and "bagpipes" to find pipers in your area.
To learn more about bagpipes for your wedding ceremony, we tapped professional bagpiper Jason Faulkner, pipe major Julie Brinklow of Thistle Piping, Marty McAndrew, band manager of Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, Craig McIntosh, Royal Deeside Bagpiper and Brian Caltabiano, New York City-based bagpiper. Read on for some bagpipe wedding songs to add to your playlist ASAP.
1. "Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis Presley
When it comes to wedding songs on a bagpipe, McAndrew notes that Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" is one of the most popular. Since it is a slower tune, it's a solid choice for the first dance—just make sure to rehearse your dance ahead of time, as you might not be used to the rhythm when heard on the bagpipes.
2. "Highland Cathedral," Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb
Brinklow and Caltabiano note that "Highland Cathedral" is one of the best bagpipe songs for a wedding, and for a good reason. Not only is it many bagpipers' favorite wedding tune to play, but it is also a popular choice due to its versatility. "It can work at any part of a wedding ceremony and even for a bridal party entrance at the reception," Caltabiano adds.
3. "She Moved Through the Fair," Various Artists (Sinéad O'Connor)
As far as Irish wedding songs go, Caltabiano notes that "She Moved Through the Fair" is a popular song to walk down the aisle to. Whether you're hosting your wedding in Ireland or simply looking to incorporate some Celtic flare into your big day, your guests will appreciate this historical and slower-paced ballad widely recognized from its modern-day recording by Sinéad O'Connor.
4. "La Boum," Bertrand Louet
Caltabiano notes that this medium-speed tune is perfect for an attention-grabbing ceremony entrance or exit. However, if you'd like it to serve as the tune played when walking down the aisle, request that your piper play it slower.
5. "What a Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong
When thinking about wedding songs on bagpipes, Louis Armstrong's version of "What a Wonderful World" is easily one of the most popular. "This tune could be used at any point of a wedding or even as a father-daughter or mother-son dance," Caltabiano adds.
6. "Whiskey in the Jar," The Dubliners
There's no doubt that you and your guests have heard "Whiskey in the Jar." That said, it is a great tune to get the party started at your wedding reception. Invite your guests to bring some whiskey to the dance floor for a truly authentic celebration.
7. "Scotland the Brave," Various Artists
If you're having a Scottish wedding or one with some Scottish flare, consider having "Scotland the Brave" played. Caltabiano recommends doing so while exiting your ceremony or reception.
8. "Dawning of the Day," Various Artists
Are you picking songs for your wedding march? This one is a great pick for your special moment, Caltabiano notes.
9. "Marie's Wedding," Various Artists
McIntosh notes that this nostalgic tune is the perfect one to play while the couple exits from their ceremony. Full of lively and fast-paced notes, don't be surprised if you hear some of your guests (if not all) singing along.
10. "Caledonia," Dougie MacLean
This modern bagpipe wedding song is an excellent choice to play on your big day. "This tune has strong patriotic ties and is often requested for the signing of the marriage schedule," Brinklow notes.
11. "Loch Lomond," Runrig
You can't go wrong playing "Loch Lomond" at your wedding, especially if you want to focus on Scottish wedding music during your celebration. "This is nice to play during the afternoon when guests are enjoying background pipe music," Brinklow explains.
12. "Crossing the Minch," Donald MacLeod
For a bagpipe wedding song that will get your guests on the dance floor, this up-tempo one is the way to go. Don't be afraid to start ceilidh dancing with your guests. After all, it is a great way to mingle.
13. "Let it Go," Idina Menzel
Disney fans will appreciate this hit song from Disney's Frozen. Although you can ask your bagpipers to play this song anytime during your festivities, this climactic song is a great pick for your reception.
14. "Perfect," Ed Sheeran
It's hard to go wrong with Ed Sheeran's love song "Perfect" if you want to stir up some chills during your ceremony. Although this song is ideal for a father-daughter dance, Faulkner notes that he has played this tune for walking up the aisle. Regardless of the timeframe you schedule this tune, we know it will be perfect.
15. "Closer," The Chainsmokers
Although you (and your guests) may not expect this song from The Chainsmokers to be played with bagpipes, it's surprisingly very popular and can be considered one of your wedding reception entrance songs.