Marvin Gaye’s voice is synonymous with romance. From the upbeat, feel-good Motown classics of the 1960s to the sultry, sophisticated grooves of the 70s and 80s, his music captures the many layers of love. Whether you want a high-energy recessional or a deeply intimate first dance, Marvin Gaye provides a timeless elegance that ensures your wedding music will never go out of style.

Timeless Duets: His work with Tammi Terrell defines the “perfect partnership” in music history.
Vocal Warmth: A smooth, inviting sound that sets a sophisticated tone for dinner or cocktails.
Crossover Appeal: Beloved by every generation, from grandparents to Gen Z.

Soulful Ceremonies & Iconic Processionals

The “Partnership” Anthem: “It Takes Two” (with Kim Weston). A charming, mid-tempo track that perfectly symbolizes the strength of starting a life together. Ideal for a wedding party processional.
Lush Devotion: “You’re All I Need To Get By” (with Tammi Terrell). This is often cited as one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. Its building harmony makes it a breathtaking choice for a bridal processional.
Sweet Sincerity: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” A joyful, melodic masterpiece. While great for a reception, its mid-tempo pace makes it a unique and heartwarming ceremony recessional.
The Promise: “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” (with Tammi Terrell). A soft, soulful reminder that nothing compares to the person standing at the end of the aisle.

Romantic First Dances & Slow Jams

The Classic Vow: “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green cover or the original vibe). While Al Green is the standard, Marvin’s soulful influence is felt in every slow dance set. For a true Marvin moment, use “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You.”
Intimate Connection: “I Want You.” For a couple that wants a “Grown and Sexy” vibe, this track offers a sophisticated, string-soaked disco-soul groove that is incredibly romantic.
Pure Passion: “Let’s Get It On.” The ultimate late-night slow dance. It’s iconic, bold, and always gets a cheers from the crowd as the lights go down.
Smooth Healing: “Sexual Healing.” While the title is provocative, the groove is undeniable. It’s a favorite for the later hours of the reception when the “party crowd” is ready to slow things down.

High-Energy Reception & Motown Party Starters

The Triumphant Recessional: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (with Tammi Terrell). This is the gold standard for a wedding exit. It’s an explosion of joy that perfectly captures the “we made it” feeling of the ceremony.
The Grand Entrance: “Got To Give It Up (Part 1).” That famous “party” background noise and infectious bassline make this the perfect track to lead your wedding party into the ballroom.
The Floor Filler: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” An absolute essential. That legendary intro is a magnet for the dance floor, working across all age groups.
Feel-Good Groove: “Pride and Joy.” An upbeat, early Motown hit that is perfect for cake cutting or keeping the energy high during the cocktail hour.

DJ Expert Tips: Mixing the Prince of Soul

The “Mountain” Timing: If using “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for your exit, have the DJ start the track at the first beat the moment you are announced. The energy of that intro is what makes the moment legendary.
Volume Control: Marvin Gaye’s 70s tracks (like “What’s Going On”) have incredible depth. Ensure your DJ isn’t over-compressing the sound; these songs need to “breathe” to fill a room with that warm, soulful atmosphere.
The Duet Flow: Marvin’s duets with Tammi Terrell mix flawlessly with Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Temptations. Keep the Motown “hit machine” energy rolling to keep the dance floor consistent.

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Marvin Gaye Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

#1 I’ll Be Doggone, 1965
#1 Ain’t That Peculiar, 1965
#1 Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (with Tammi Terrell), 1968
#1 You’re All I Need to Get By (with Tammi Terrell), 1968
#1 I Heard It Through the Grapevine, 1968
#1 Too Busy Thinking About My Baby, 1969
#1 What’s Going On, 1971
#1 Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), 1971
#1 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), 1971
#1 Let’s Get It On, 1973
#1 I Want You, 1976
#1 Got to Give It Up (Part 1), 1977
#1 Sexual Healing, 1982
#2 Pride and Joy 1963
#2 What’s the Matter with You Baby (with Mary Wells), 1964
#2 Your Precious Love (with Tammi Terrell), 1967
#2 If I Could Build My Whole World Around You (with Tammi Terrell), 1967
#2 That’s The Way Love Is, 1969
#2 Sanctified Lady, 1985
#2 Music (with Erick Sermon) 2001
#3 Can I Get a Witness, 1963
#3 You’re a Wonderful One, 1964
#3 Once Upon a Time (with Mary Wells), 1964
#3 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), 1964
#3 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (with Tammi Terrell), 1967
#3 Come Get to This, 1973
#4 One More Heartache, 1966
#4 It Takes Two (with Kim Weston), 1966
#4 Trouble Man, 1972
#4 You’re a Special Part of Me (with Diana Ross), 1973

Wedding Hits

#1 Let’s Get It On
Released in 1973 on the album Marvin Gaye

Let’s Get It On was Marvin Gaye’s most successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard charts for two weeks in 1973.

Understand me, sugar
Since we’ve got to be here
Let’s live
I love you

#2 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
(with Tammi Terrell)
Released in 1967 on the album United

Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you babe

#3 Got To Give It Up, Part I
Released in 1977 on the album Live at the London Palladium

But my body yearned to be free
I got up on the floor and found
Someone to choose me

#4 I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Released in 1968 on the album In the Groove

This was Marvin’s first number-one hit on the Billboard charts.

I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine

#5 Sexual Healing
Released in 1982 on the album Midnight Love

And baby, I can’t hold it much longer
It’s getting stronger and stronger
And when I get that feeling
I want sexual healing

#6 Mercy Mercy Me
Released in 1971 on the album What’s Going On

Oh mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain’t what they used to be

#7 You’re All I Need to Get By
(with Tammi Terrell)
Released in 1968 on the album You’re All I Need

There’s no, no looking back for us
We got love sure ‘nough, that’s enough
You’re all, You’re all I need to get by

#8 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Released in 1964 on the album How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You

With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotions
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby

#9 Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing
(with Tammi Terrell)
Released in 1968 on the album You’re All I Need

No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much
To make me feel better
So let’s stay together

#10 I Want You
Released in 1976 on the album I Want You

You’re the best I ever had
You’re so bad baby
But I must like you like that

The Let’s Get It On album was also the most commercially successful album in Gaye’s career. The album featured three hit singles: Let’s Get It On, Come Get to This, and You Sure Love to Ball. Also check out the album Number 1’s: Marvin Gaye – Marvin Gaye.