Using bagpipes at a wedding adds a dramatic, traditional, and deeply resonant touch.
Of course, bagpipes have been a staple of royal weddings in Scotland and England for centuries. For example, at the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, a military band played bagpipes as the couple made their way to Westminster Abbey.
A solo piper typically costs between $300 and $500 depending on play time and travel, and can be used for guest arrivals, the processional, the recessional, or the reception entrance.
Key Moments for Bagpipes
- Guest Arrival: Play outside the venue entrance to set a grand tone as people walk in.
- The Processional: Lead or accompany the bridal party or bride down the aisle.
- The Recessional: Play an upbeat, celebratory tune as the newlyweds exit.
- Reception Entrance: Announce and lead the newly married couple into the dining or reception hall.
Popular Wedding Tunes
- Highland Cathedral: A majestic, highly requested choice for the processional. It has a hymn-like feel which makes it ideal for your wedding bagpiper to play this as you make your way Up the Aisle. Fun fact: The tune was composed in 1982 as a hymn for the bagpipes by two German musicians, Uli Roever and Michael Korb (also a piper)! https://youtube.com/shorts/aZFwsasnKNM?is=rXo9B3LK1ZGl9F_4
- Amazing Grace: A soulful, emotional standard for walking or reflecting. https://youtube.com/shorts/m2oqGpHjyro?is=WVtkTHB5EuN4qN32
- Scotland the Brave: A rousing, pipe march, recognized all around the world, is often used for recessions or grand entries. It can set the celebratory tone as you both make your way down the aisle as a married couple. https://youtu.be/LmgR_v8IIdw?is=1VEL_2jgXbWbeSyc
- The Skye Boat Song: A well known song which commemorates Bonnie Prince Charlie’s crossing in a small boat from Benbecula in the Western Isles, to the Isle of Skye, while evading government troops following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. It’s also the melody for the theme song of the Outlander television series. https://youtu.be/7YGl162hcXM?is=upvL9y2T8tDeuxIt
- The Dark Island: This is a song written about the Scottish island of Benbecula in the Western Isles. The song became popular in the 1960s, and today I’m asked to play it for many types of occasion. It’s an evocative slow air which many of your guests will recognise. https://youtube.com/shorts/frjEqBGKQr8?si=v7pgvRBGSh48oue9
- Killiecrankie: A strong, upbeat march based on a well known Scottish song, The Braes o’ Killiecrankie, written after the famous 1689 Highland victory in Perthshire. Its confident, driving rhythm makes it perfect for announcing your arrival at the top table and starting your wedding feast. https://youtu.be/zB7nKH8hWwo?is=1NA3-H3voRLayCxQ
- The Gardens of Skye: A popular contemporary Scottish march melody written by Addie Harper Sr., a well-known fiddler and bandleader from Wick in northeast Scotland. It was named after the Sleat peninsula on the Isle of Skye, which is famously called the “Garden of Skye” due to its rich, green, and fertile landscape. https://youtube.com/shorts/0lfmhcU8zDQ?si=-b-0gK9wAcPTYLpU
- Morag of Dunvegan: A light and lively Scottish tune about a beautiful woman, Morag. https://youtu.be/VhhsXWc6hKw?is=qaKPf1ZCv1vEypWr
Important Planning Tips
- Mind the Volume: Bagpipes can be disruptively loud indoors. If your venue is small or you have sensitive guests, consider limiting Highland bagpipes to outdoor portions of the day. Ask me. I can help guide you on this.
- Check Venue Rules: Some indoor spaces or registry offices may not appreciate loud Highland bagpipes if multiple events are happening close together.
- Book Early: Professional pipers book up quickly during peak wedding seasons.