Top 50 Modern Songs for String Quartet: The Ultimate Wedding Playlist
When it comes to wedding music, nothing quite matches the elegance and emotional impact of a live string quartet. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, sharing your first kiss, or celebrating at the reception, music is the perfect way to set the mood!
At Southern Strings, we specialize in performing a mix of classic and modern love songs, arranged for string instruments, that add a personal and unforgettable touch to your wedding day.
To help you craft the perfect soundtrack for your celebration, we’ve compiled a list of 50 modern love songs that translate beautifully for string quartets. These selections are timeless, romantic, and versatile, making them ideal for every part of your wedding—from the bridal party’s entrance to the recessional.
Let’s get started!
Top 50 Modern Songs for String Quartet
1. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Perfect for: Bridal Entrance
With its slow build and emotional lyrics, this song is a wedding favorite that brings everyone to tears the moment it starts.
2. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Perfect for: First Dance or Bridal Entrance
Romantic, heartfelt, and absolutely gorgeous on strings, this song is a perfect match for your special day.
3. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Perfect for: First Dance or Bridal Entrance
A classic love song with a timeless appeal, this is a must-have for couples who want a sentimental moment.
4. Lover – Taylor Swift
Perfect for: Unity Symbol
Soft and melodic, this song is perfect for when you’re blending lives and love during your unity ceremony.
5. Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine
Perfect for: Bridal Party Entrance
Known for its emotional depth, this song provides a unique and moving vibe for your bridal party entrance.
6. Marry You – Bruno Mars
Perfect for: Recessional
Upbeat and joyful, this modern hit brings excitement and happiness to your big day!
7. At Last – Etta James
Perfect for: Bridal Entrance
This classic soul ballad pairs perfectly with strings, setting an elegant and timeless tone for your walk down the aisle.
8. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Perfect for: Recessional
Lighthearted and cheerful, this song adds a sweet and joyful note to the end of your wedding ceremony.
9. Crazy In Love – Beyoncé
Perfect for: Recessional
A modern hit that can bring fun energy to your big day, especially as a string arrangement.
10. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
Perfect for: Family Entrance
A beautiful, complex love song that works wonderfully as a string quartet arrangement.
11. Enchanted – Taylor Swift
Perfect for: Bridal Entrance or First Dance
Soft, magical, and emotional—this Taylor Swift song will give your wedding an ethereal, fairytale vibe.
12. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Perfect for: Recessional
Upbeat and celebratory, this is one of our favorites to mark the moment you’re officially married!
13. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Perfect for: Family Entrance or First Dance
A timeless love song that translates beautifully to strings, perfect for a romantic and soulful moment.
14. I Want to Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
Perfect for: Recessional
A sweet, playful tune that brings joy and nostalgia to your wedding day.
15. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
Perfect for: Unity Symbol
This gentle, romantic song captures the magic of love and makes for a dreamy wedding moment.
16. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Perfect for: Recessional
Fun, upbeat, and energetic, this classic rock song works surprisingly well as a string quartet piece at the end of your ceremony.
17. We Found Love – Rihanna
Perfect for: Recessional
Modern, vibrant, and energetic, this song was one of our favorite recessionals of the 2024 wedding season!
18. All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
Perfect for: Family Entrance
A simple, yet powerful anthem that’s perfect for celebrating love and joy on your big day.
19. Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Frankie Valli
Perfect for: Recessional
Timeless and fun, this love song sounds beautiful when arranged for strings. Fun fact: our co-founder, Kristi, had Southern Strings perform Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You for her Recessional!
20. Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Ella Fitzgerald
Perfect for: Bridal Party Entrance
This classic, jazzy tune creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere perfect for your wedding day.
More Modern String Quartet Favorites
21. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
22. Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups
23. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
24. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
25. La Vie en Rose – Edith Piaf
26. Home – Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
27. The Only Exception – Paramore
28. I Get To Love You – Ruelle
29. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
30. Holy – Justin Bieber
31. Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
32. You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
33. You’re My Best Friend – Queen
34. Grow As We Go – Ben Platt
35. Faithfully – Journey
36. God Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
37. I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
38. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
39. Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
40. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
41. Book of Love – Peter Gabriel
42. Marry Me – Train
43. My Girl – Smokey Robinson
44. Love Story – Taylor Swift
45. Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows
46. Moon River – Henry Mancini
47. All of My Love – Led Zeppelin
48. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
49. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
50. Book of Love – Peter Gabriel
Ready to Bring These Beautiful Songs to Life?
Imagine walking down the aisle to the sound of your favorite song, played live by a professional string quartet. Whether you’re planning a grand entrance, a romantic unity ceremony, or a lively recessional, these modern songs will add a touch of elegance and emotion to your special day.
At Southern Strings, we specialize in creating unforgettable wedding experiences through live music. If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to your big day, we’d love to bring these modern love songs to life for you.
Ready to book us for your wedding? Head over to southernstringsmusic.com/contact and let’s start planning your dream wedding playlist!