CHOOSING LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVE MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY
Music isn’t just background noise at a wedding—it’s the heartbeat of the celebration, the soundtrack to one of the most meaningful days of your life. It sets the mood, sparks emotion, and underscores every special moment, from the first step down the aisle to the joyous dance back up it as newlyweds. For LGBTQIA+ couples, choosing the right music is about finding songs that celebrate your love, reflect your identity, and honour your unique journey together.
At Married By A Teddy, we believe in creating ceremonies that are as distinctive as your love story, and music plays a crucial role in that experience. This guide will help you choose LGBTQIA+ inclusive music for your wedding ceremony, from artists who resonate with the community to lyrics that transcend traditional boundaries. Let’s curate a soundtrack that speaks directly to your love, one note at a time.
WHY LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVE MUSIC MATTERS
Music has the power to tell stories and convey emotions that words alone often can’t capture. For LGBTQIA+ couples, choosing inclusive and affirming music helps create a ceremony that truly reflects who you are. It’s about more than just avoiding heteronormative lyrics—it’s about embracing songs that resonate with your experiences, honour your identity, and celebrate love in all its forms.
Here’s why choosing inclusive music matters:
Celebrates Love Without Boundaries: Traditional wedding songs often focus on heteronormative narratives. Choosing inclusive music with gender-neutral language or universal love themes ensures your ceremony feels authentic and relatable.
Creating a Safe and Affirming Atmosphere: Music by LGBTQIA+ artists or allies sets the tone for an accepting and celebratory environment, making you and your guests feel welcome and seen.
Reflects Your Unique Story: Every relationship is unique, and the music you choose should reflect the nuances of your journey together. The right songs can highlight your shared experiences, milestones, and the love that defines your relationship.
HOW TO CHOOSE LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVE MUSIC FOR YOUR CEREMONY
When selecting music for your ceremony, consider these key steps to ensure each song resonates with your values and enhances the atmosphere you want to create:
CHOOSE SONGS BY LGBTQIA+ ARTISTS AND ALLIES
Opt for music by LGBTQIA+ artists or vocal community allies. These artists often create songs that reflect themes of love, self-acceptance, and resilience—making their music ideal for an inclusive celebration.
RECOMMENDED ARTISTS
Hayley Kiyoko: Often referred to as “Lesbian Jesus,” Hayley’s music features honest portrayals of queer relationships, making her songs a perfect fit for couples who want to see themselves represented.
Brandi Carlile: With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Brandi’s music is known for its powerful storytelling and inclusive themes.
Troye Sivan: Troye’s music beautifully captures themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and love, making it an excellent choice for LGBTQIA+ weddings.
SELECT SONGS WITH GENDER-NEUTRAL OR INCLUSIVE LYRICS
Consider songs that use gender-neutral language or focus on universal themes of love and connection. This ensures that the lyrics relate to all guests and reflect your relationship.
EXAMPLES OF GENDER-NEUTRAL LOVE SONGS
“You Matter to Me” by Sara Bareilles (from Waitress the Musical) is a sweet and sincere song that speaks to the power of being loved and valued for who you are.
“How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding is a simple yet profound expression of enduring love, without mentioning specific gender roles.
INCORPORATE SONGS THAT CELEBRATE LGBTQIA+ LOVE STORIES
Include songs written to celebrate LGBTQIA+ relationships or have become anthems within the community.
EXAMPLES OF LGBTQIA+ LOVE SONGS
“She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert – Known for its connection to Macklemore’s “Same Love,” this song celebrates a beautiful love story between two women.
“Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko – An empowering anthem for queer women, this song challenges traditional expectations and celebrates same-sex love.
CREATE A PLAYLIST THAT REFLECTS YOUR JOURNEY
Think about the songs that hold special meaning for you as a couple. It could be a song from your first date, a tune that reminds you of a special memory, or lyrics that speak to your shared values and experiences.
BLEND TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL MUSIC
There’s no need to choose between classic wedding music and contemporary hits. Consider blending traditional songs with modern, inclusive tracks to create a playlist that’s as diverse and unique as your relationship.
EXAMPLES OF BLENDED PLAYLISTS
Start your ceremony with a classical piece like Dittersdorf’s “Symphony No. 4 in F Major” for the processional, then introduce a modern song like “Bloom” by Troye Sivan for the wedding party’s entrance.
To signal the start of the festivities, start the recessional with “Stand By Me” by The Kingdom Choir or Hubert Parry’s triumphant “Blessed Pair of Sirens” with a joyful, celebratory song like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.
SONG SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVE WEDDING CEREMONY
PRELUDE MUSIC: SETTING THE MOOD
Prelude music helps set the atmosphere as guests arrive and wait for the ceremony to begin. Choose soft, romantic songs that reflect your relationship and create a welcoming environment.
"Honey" by Kehlani – A sweet and soulful song that celebrates same-sex love with gentle, romantic lyrics, perfect for setting a warm and inclusive tone as guests arrive.
“Lover” by Taylor Swift: With inclusive lyrics and a focus on love’s many forms, this song can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
"Strangers" by Halsey (feat. Lauren Jauregui) – A powerful duet about love and connection between two women, offering an emotional depth that resonates with themes of self-discovery and authentic connection.
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC: WALKING DOWN THE AISLE
The processional is a moment of anticipation and emotion. Choose a song that builds excitement and reflects the gravity of this moment.
“Rise Up” by Andra Day: An inspiring and powerful ballad that speaks to overcoming obstacles and the strength of love.
“Heaven” by Troye Sivan: A heartfelt song about finding love and acceptance, perfect for an emotional aisle entrance.
“Luminous” by Max Richter: A serene, meditative composition that evokes the gentle beauty of light, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
VOW EXCHANGE: A MOMENT OF PURE EMOTION
The vow exchange is one of the most intimate moments of your ceremony. Choose songs that enhance this sense of connection and commitment.
“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles: is a tender and genuine song celebrating choosing love daily.
“First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes: A poetic and soft song that captures the beauty of finding your soulmate.
RECESSIONAL MUSIC: CELEBRATING YOUR UNION
The recessional is all about joy and celebration! Choose upbeat, celebratory songs that signal the start of your new life together.
“We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris: An energetic, feel-good song perfect for celebrating love.
"Closer" by Tegan and Sara: A fun, upbeat song by a queer duo that captures the excitement and energy of being in love.
“Kia Hora Te Marino” by Christopher Tin: A stirring and resplendent setting of a traditional Māori blessing that conveys wishes for peace and guidance.
“Sirens of the Sea” by Oceanlab: A trance invititation to not ‘resist your call”.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CRAFTING A SOUNDTRACK THAT CELEBRATES YOUR LOVE
Your wedding ceremony is a reflection of your love, your values, and your unique journey as a couple. Choosing LGBTQIA+ inclusive music ensures that your ceremony feels authentic, celebratory, and true to who you are. Whether you opt for heartfelt ballads, empowering anthems, or joyful pop songs, each piece should resonate with your experiences and the love that brought you together.