I Can Hear the Bells… A Musical Theatre Wedding, Can It Be Done?

If you’re a musical theatre lover, then fasten your seatbelts - because let’s be real, weddings are the pinnacle of true love and romance. And what is musical theatre if not a celebration of love, drama, and unforgettable music? The big question is: can musical theatre really work as part of your wedding day?

Singing as the Villain in the Pantomime Sleeping Beauty

As a South West wedding singer who has spent a lifetime performing musical theatre, my answer will always be yes! Musical theatre absolutely has a place at weddings - and it doesn’t have to be tacky or “over the top.” In fact, when done well, it adds a magical, personal, and deeply meaningful touch to your big day.

Why Musical Theatre Works So Well at Weddings

From the hopeful ballads of Waitress, to the fun of Grease, the sweeping romance of Phantom of the Opera, and the passion of Les Misérables, musicals cover every emotion you could want to capture. They tell stories of love, resilience, and joy - the very same things being celebrated at a wedding.

That’s why musical theatre wedding songs can feel so powerful when included in your ceremony or reception. They’re heartfelt, instantly recognisable, and completely unique to you.

The Power of a Live Wedding Singer

The secret to making these songs wedding-appropriate is how they’re performed. Original cast recordings are brilliant, but they’re often too dramatic for a wedding setting. A live wedding singer can reimagine them, using acoustic-style arrangements or custom backing tracks that bring out the emotion without overwhelming the moment.

For example, a gentle acoustic version of “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera works beautifully for a wedding ceremony, while a vibrant performance of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray is perfect to get guests on the dance floor.

Take a listen to my vocal reel to hear how musical theatre songs can be adapted for a wedding setting.

Choosing the Right Musical Theatre Wedding Songs

Your wedding guests are part of the atmosphere, so think carefully about which musicals to include. While you may have niche favourites, it’s often best to balance them with mainstream hits that everyone will recognise. Musicals adapted into films - like The Greatest Showman, Wicked, Hairspray, or Mamma Mia! - are usually crowd-pleasers.

It’s also important to know which songs to avoid. As hilarious as “Not Getting Married Today” from Company is, it’s not exactly the right vibe for your vows! Similarly, songs that are overly cynical about love are best saved for another time.

With the right choices, musical theatre wedding music can cover every moment - romantic ballads during your ceremony, uplifting anthems for your drinks reception, and showstopping numbers to fill the dance floor later.

Singing For Good From Wicked at the age of 18

A Musical Theatre Theme Beyond the Music

Why stop at just the soundtrack? If you want to go all in, you can weave musical theatre into your wedding theme too. Pinterest is full of fun ideas, from DIY table centrepieces made from sheet music, to theatre-style ticket invitations, or even personalised playbills as save-the-dates.

These details not only nod to your love of musicals but also set the tone for a day that feels truly memorable and totally you.

I Can Hear the Bells…

So, can you weave musical theatre into your wedding? Absolutely. With the right wedding singer, the right song choices, and a touch of creative flair, your day can feel just as magical as a night at the theatre - with you and your partner as the stars of the show.

A wedding is already a production filled with love, joy, and a little bit of drama. So why not lean into that with music that captures exactly how you feel?

If you’re ready to bring a touch of Broadway or the West End to your big day, I’d love to help. I’m a wedding singer in the South West specialising in musical theatre, and I’d be delighted to create a bespoke soundtrack for your celebration.

Take a listen to my vocal reel, and let’s start planning the perfect musical theatre wedding music for your big day.