There’s something about Disney music that creates pure MAGIC at weddings.
Maybe it’s the nostalgia. Maybe it’s because so many of the songs are genuinely brilliant love songs. Or maybe it’s because hearing a melody you grew up with while walking down the aisle brings a completely different meaning to it.
And Disney wedding music definitely doesn’t have to mean turning your wedding into a full Disney-themed day.
I’ve played Disney songs at plenty of weddings where that one musical choice is the only Disney reference. Sometimes it’s obvious; sometimes it takes guests a few seconds to work out why they recognise the melody.
From Tangled and The Lion King to Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan, there are some beautiful options for the ceremony, plus a few choices that can take you straight into the party afterwards.
So, if you’re searching for Disney wedding songs, here are some of my favourites.
I See the Light – Tangled
This has to be right near the top for me.
I See the Light is beautiful instrumentally and works particularly well for a wedding ceremony. On saxophone, the melody can do all the talking without needing the lyrics. It would be gorgeous for the bridal entrance, signing the register or as a quieter moment during the ceremony.
I’ve played this one for weddings before, and it has that perfect balance of being recognisably Disney without feeling overly themed.
Perfect for: Walking down the aisle, signing the register.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight – The Lion King
Possibly one of the most obvious Disney wedding songs, but for very good reason.
Elton John’s Can You Feel the Love Tonight has become a love song in its own right, so even guests who aren’t huge Disney fans will know it.
It works particularly well with sax because you’ve got that instantly recognisable melody, and it can be performed either as something soft and romantic or with a little more energy.
Perfect for: Ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast.
Beauty and the Beast – Beauty and the Beast
If you want something classic, this is a lovely option. The melody is elegant and romantic and would work particularly well somewhere like a country house, stately home or grand ballroom.
It’s one of those songs where guests might recognise the tune before they immediately remember where it’s from.
Perfect for: Guest arrivals, ceremony, wedding breakfast.
You’ll Be in My Heart – Tarzan
Phil Collins knew what he was doing.
While the lyrics aren’t specifically written as a romantic love song, the sentiment of being there for somebody no matter what makes it a beautiful wedding choice. It’s also a slightly less obvious Disney selection if you want something nostalgic without choosing one of the traditional princess songs.
Perfect for: Ceremony, signing the register, drinks reception.
A Whole New World – Aladdin
A Disney classic. A Whole New World can work beautifully as an instrumental, particularly for signing the register or walking back up the aisle together.
And considering you’re quite literally beginning a whole new chapter together…
Perfect for: Signing the register, ceremony exit, drinks reception.
Love Is an Open Door – Frozen
Now we’re moving away from the emotional aisle moment and towards something much more playful. Love Is an Open Door is upbeat, instantly recognisable and could be brilliant for walking back up the aisle after the ceremony.
Although, given how that particular relationship turns out in Frozen, perhaps don’t examine the lyrics too closely…
Perfect for: Ceremony exit, drinks reception.
Married Life – Up
You don’t need lyrics for a piece of music to mean something.
The Married Life theme from Up is instantly recognisable and full of nostalgia. It could be a lovely choice while guests arrive or during the signing of the register. Just be aware that anyone who has watched the opening of Up may already be emotionally vulnerable.
Perfect for: Guest arrivals, signing the register.
Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid
One of Disney’s most recognisable melodies. Instrumentally, Part of Your World can become a really beautiful piece of ceremony music without feeling childish.
If The Little Mermaid was one of your favourite films growing up, this could be a lovely way of incorporating that into the day.
Perfect for: Ceremony, signing the register.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story
Not every song at your wedding needs to be about romantic love. You’ve Got a Friend in Me is warm, familiar and fun and could be a lovely nod to the friendship underneath your relationship.
It’s also great background music for that relaxed period after the ceremony.
Perfect for: Drinks reception, wedding breakfast.
When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
Possibly the ultimate Disney melody. It’s gentle, nostalgic and instantly creates that Disney feeling without needing anything else around it.
For couples who have a real connection to Disney perhaps you’ve visited the parks together or Disney has been part of your relationship, this could have a lot of meaning.
Perfect for: Guest arrivals, ceremony, signing the register.
Ma Belle Evangeline – The Princess and the Frog
This one deserves more attention as a wedding song. It’s romantic, has a beautiful melody and brings in some of the New Orleans-inspired musical character that makes The Princess and the Frog soundtrack so good.
A great choice if you want something Disney but slightly less expected.
Perfect for: Ceremony, drinks reception.
A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella
This is pure classic Disney.
A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes has that instantly recognisable, nostalgic melody that works beautifully when played instrumentally. It’s soft enough for guests arriving but could also make a really lovely choice for signing the register.
And there’s something rather fitting about having a song about dreams coming true on your wedding day — without it feeling like an overly obvious love song.
If Disney was a big part of your childhood, this is one of those melodies that can bring back a lot of memories as soon as you hear the first few notes.
Perfect for: Guest arrivals, signing the register, drinks reception.
Dos Oruguitas – Encanto
A more contemporary Disney choice. It’s gentle and emotional, and although its story within Encanto carries a much broader meaning than romantic love, musically it’s absolutely beautiful.
For couples who prefer modern Disney to the traditional classics, it’s worth considering.
Perfect for: Ceremony, signing the register.
Everybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats
And finally… something completely different. If you’re having live music during your drinks reception and want some Disney that feels more like jazz than a film soundtrack, Everybody Wants to Be a Cat is a great shout.
It’s fun, recognisable and gives you a way of including Disney without everything being romantic ballads.
Perfect for: Drinks reception, wedding breakfast.
Where Can You Use Disney Music at a Wedding?
This is where I’d encourage couples to think beyond simply choosing a Disney song to walk down the aisle to.
Disney music could work across loads of different moments:
Guest arrivals can be filled with subtle instrumental versions that people gradually recognise.
The aisle is where you can choose the song that really means something to you, whether that’s I See the Light, So This Is Love or something completely unexpected.
Signing the register gives you space for two or three songs, so it’s a great opportunity to bring in more personal choices.
Your ceremony exit can be much more upbeat. You’ve just got married — this is where the energy can change.
Drinks receptions are perfect for mixing Disney favourites amongst soul, jazz, pop and everything else you love.
And your wedding breakfast is another opportunity to have some fun with it.
You don’t need a Disney wedding to have Disney wedding music.
Planning Your Wedding Music?
Whether your perfect aisle song is a Disney classic, Taylor Swift, an Ibiza track, a film soundtrack or something I’ve never played before, I’m always happy to talk through ideas.
I’ve played everything from beautiful background music and ceremony requests through to full-on wedding breakfast singalongs and sax on the dancefloor alongside the DJ.
Get in touch today with me today to discuss your music choices.