Jazz Wedding Songs: Discover Trending, New, and Classics

Updated November 2, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell

When you think of jazz, do your toes start tapping? Are you thinking of cocktail tables, black ties, and martinis? If your wedding includes a cocktail hour, you simply must have a jazz playlist.

Jazz spans many different styles of music such as Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, Scat, and much more.

best jazz songs

When picking out jazz songs for your wedding, you must consider the following 3 factors:

  1. What is the tempo of the song to determine the style of dance?
  2. What is the desired theme – classy, upbeat (not a sneezefest)?
  3. What moment of the wedding ceremony or reception will the song play?

Let’s start with the new and trending jazz songs right now.

New Jazz Wedding Songs

  1. “Switching Lanes” by Justin-Lee Schultz (2023)
  2. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (2023)
  3. “From The Start” by Laufey (2023)
  4. “Cupid’s Arrows” by Raheem DeVaughn, Vandell Andrew (2023)
  5. “Love’s Train” by Nathan Allen (2023)
  6. “Butterflies” by Johnny Britt, Will Downing (2023)
  7. “Only With You” by Paul Dozier (2023)
  8. “The Man I Love” by Emmaline (2023)
  9. “My Heart to Yours” by Ellis Hamilton (2023)
  10. “Your Love Is Good” by Greg Manning (2023)

Trending Jazz Wedding Songs

  1. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra (1969)
  2. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin (1988)
  3. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone (1965)
  4. “What You Won’t Do for Love” by Bobby Caldwell (1978)
  5. “Theme From New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra (1980)
  6. “Lullaby Of Broadway” by Ella Fitzgerald (1958)
  7. “Some Other Time” by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett (1975)
  8. “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” by Us3 & Rahsaan & Gerard Presencer (1993)
  9. “To Love Somebody” by Nina Simone (1968)
  10. “Whipped Cream” by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (1965)
 

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As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of jazz wedding songs. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples. Besides new and trending, additional lists are grouped by decades.

2020s Jazz Tracks

  1. Coastin’ – Boney James, Lalah Hathaway
  2. Valentine – Laufey
  3. Heaven – Gregory Porter
  4. My Valentine – Michael Bublé
  5. Sweet Love – Gretchen Parlato
  6. It Had To Be You – Jac Ross (cocktail hour song)
  7. Lov-Lov-Love – Mario Biondi with Incognito
  8. I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga (cocktail hour song)
  9. Everything to Me – Imagesong feat. Alexis Cole, Mike Eckroth & Marc Phaneuf
  10. The Way You Look Tonight – Karen Souza (cocktail hour song)
  11. Better Than I Imagined – Robert Glasper ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello (dinner song)

Tip

Many jazz songs are used as wedding ceremony songs and as background tunes while the meal is served and while guests are awaiting the arrival of the wedding couple at the reception.

 

2010s Jazz Tunes

  1. Super Mario Bros 3 – Alfredo Rodríguez & Pedrito Martinez (processional song)
  2. Mind If I Make Love To You – Harry Connick Jr.
  3. We Are One – Althea Rene
  4. Our Love Is Here to Stay – Caleb Collins & Alicia Olatuja
  5. Happy Feelings – Groove Frequencies feat. Clay Benjamin & Sherree Patrice
  6. That’s Enough – Janelle Monáe
  7. Hot Fun In The Summer – Johnny Britt
  8. So Emotional – Miles Davis feat. Lalah Hathaway
  9. Alone at Last – Rachael & Vilray
  10. Best Part – RJC (Rhythm & Jazz Coalition) (processional song)
  11. Feel It Still – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox feat. Joey Cook, Adanna Duru & Nina Ann (dinner song)
  12. Neo Sol – Steve Cole
  13. Soul Walkin’ – U-Nam
  14. When I’m With You – Brian Culbertson
  15. Love Is Here To Stay – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
  16. Timeline – Cal Harris Jr.
  17. At Last – Connie Wilson and Johnny G (prelude song)
  18. If Not for You – Dave Koz
  19. My Baby Just Cares For Me – Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra & Haley Reinhart
  20. So in Love – Art Sherrod Jr
  21. Colors of Love – Brian Culbertson
  22. Champagne of My Life – Peet Project
  23. What a Wonderful World – Shannon & Keast (prelude song)
  24. Holding On – Gregory Porter feat. Kem
  25. You’re My Music – Brian Culbertson feat. Noel Gourdin
  26. A Song for You – Doc Powell

Tip

There are many great instrumental jazz songs. If this interests you, see our official list of instrumental songs to play at weddings.

 

2000s Jazz Must-Plays

  1. Hold On – Michael Bublé
  2. Never Quit Loving You – Jill Barber
  3. Dream a Little Dream of Me – Bar Scott
  4. Everything – Michael Bublé (first dance song)
  5. The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Bublé (last dance song)
  6. Hey Big Spender – Susan Kohler (garter song)
  7. You And I – Michael Bublé
  8. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (recessional song)
  9. Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones
  10. The Nearness of You – Norah Jones (cocktail hour song)
  11. The Look Of Love – Diana Krall (cocktail hour song)
  12. Recipe For Love – Harry Connick Jr. (cake-cutting song)

Tip

Many jazz songs make for great swing music. See our list of swing songs to get guests dancing at your wedding reception.

1990s Jazz Favorites

  1. Let’s Fall In Love – Diana Krall
  2. Chank – John Scofield
  3. A Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr. (cocktail hour song)
  4. What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell
  5. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole (father-daughter dance song)

Classic Jazz 1980s-1930s

  1. It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr.
  2. Giving You The Best That I Got – Anita Baker
  3. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin (cocktail hour song)
  4. Your Love is King – Sade
  5. We’re in This Love Together – Al Jarreau
  6. Our Love Is Here To Stay – Natalie Cole
  7. Theme From New York, New York – Frank Sinatra (party dance song)
  8. On Broadway – George Benson (cocktail hour song)
  9. Breezin’ – George Benson
  10. Little Trip To Heaven (On The Wings Of Your Love) – Tom Waits
  11. Moondance – Van Morrison
  12. My Way – Frank Sinatra (slow dance song)
  13. We Have All the Time in the World – Louis Armstrong
  14. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (parents’ dance song)
  15. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
  16. Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra feat. Count Basie And His Orchestra (cocktail hour song)
  17. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
  18. My One and Only Love – John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman
  19. At Last – Etta James (processional song)
  20. My Dearest Darling – Etta James
  21. Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles
  22. A Sunday Kind Of Love – Etta James (slow dance song)
  23. You Stepped Out Of A Dream – Sarah Vaughan
  24. Flamenco Sketches – Miles Davis
  25. Come Rain Or Come Shine – Ray Charles (parents’ dance song)
  26. Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
  27. My Baby Just Cares For Me – Nina Simone
  28. Fever – Peggy Lee (garter song)
  29. There Is No Greater Love – Chet Baker
  30. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) – Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
  31. Cheek To Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
  32. They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
  33. My Funny Valentine – Frank Sinatra
  34. That’s Amore – Dean Martin (party singalong song)
  35. I’m In The Mood For Love – King Pleasure
  36. Because Of You – Tony Bennett
  37. Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On – Louis Armstrong (cocktail hour song)
  38. Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
  39. I’ve Got A Crush On You – Ella Fitzgerald
  40. You Do Something To Me – Ella Fitzgerald
  41. Can’t Help Lovin That Man of Mine – Lena Horne
  42. Take the “A” Train – Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra
  43. The Man I Love – Billie Holiday
  44. My Funny Valentine – Mel Torme
  45. Who Loves You? – Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson And His Orchestra

 

FAQs

Of course, it is. Most people don’t realize that jazz is the origin of Rock and Roll (swing anyone?). Instrumental takes on your favorite tunes are perfect for the father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and even the first dance. May we suggest, “The Very Thought of You,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” or “Let’s Fall in Love?” Those are perfect songs for the first dance.

What are the origins of jazz music?

Jazz music was influenced by West African folk music. Although it is thought that Jazz started in New Orleans in the early 20th century, it’s simply not the birthplace. Though it is part of the route up the Mississippi River where jazz is most famous — St. Louis, Chicago, and Kansas City.

Jazz music is an American creation. In many ways, it’s the only truly American music. Jazz music is more than just enjoyed by other musicians. It is considered a heartfelt expression of the soul.

“Jazz” isn’t just one style of music either. Jazz spans many different styles of music such as Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, Scat, and much more. Early Jazz musicians were Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton. In the 1930s Jazz Swing was most popular with artists like Count Basie, the Dorsey Brothers, and Artie Shaw.

Swing is part of jazz but not all jazz is swing. Songs can cross between both categories; especially if it’s rearranged. We have decided to put artists like Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and the likes on the Best of Swing list. Some Jazz songs do not have lyrics or verbiage. Feel free to check those out as well.

Why trust Matthew Campbell?

DJ, Author, Music Lover

matt

Matthew (Matt) Campbell is the founder/editor of My Wedding Songs from his experience as a wedding DJ. He is the author of two wedding planners: ‘Wedding Songs Planner’ and ‘The Wedding Music Toolkit’. Matt is the host of the ‘Wedding Songs Podcast’. He shares music inspiration in his weekly newsletter the ‘Wedding MusicLetter’. His articles have been published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. Matt resides in the wedding capital of the world – Las Vegas.

2 Comments

  1. Your number one pick is Strange Fruit, that is a song about racism that depicts the hanging and burning of African Americans after rigor has set in.. right? You think that’s a great wedding song? Nah, I’m sure you meant to depict soda cans tied to the back of a Cadillac right? That’s mighty white of you. -smh-

    Reply

    1. Thank you for pointing this out. The top 10 songs are the songs most downloaded on the Amazon platform. We are not saying the songs are wedding songs. We want to give readers a chance to know what the top Jazz songs are downloaded. The reason it is at #1 was that when we captured the top downloaded Jazz song, it was when the movie about Billie Holiday was released – The United States Vs. Billie Holiday. When we update the list again, the song will work its way down again.

      Reply

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