Nirvana defined the ’90s with their “loud-quiet-loud” dynamic. In a wedding context, they provide an unexpected emotional depth, moving from hauntingly beautiful acoustic tracks to high-energy anthems that will have your guests moshing by the end of the night.

Haunting Instrumentals: Perfect for a moody, alternative ceremony.
MTV Unplugged Classics: Ideal for a sophisticated cocktail hour or dinner.
Grunge Anthems: The go-to tracks for a high-energy reception peak.

Spotlight Moments: Dances & Ceremony

The “Alt” Processional: “Come As You Are” – 1992. This is the most requested Nirvana song for wedding ceremonies. Its message of acceptance, “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be”, is a powerful sentiment for a wedding. For a softer touch, use a String Quartet version for your walk down the aisle.
The “Power Ballad” First Dance: “All Apologies” (MTV Unplugged) – 1994. This is the most “danceable” and sentimentally appropriate Nirvana track. The line “Married… Buried” is a bit of Cobain’s dark humor, but the melodic, slow tempo makes it a favorite for couples who want a First Dance with a rock edge.
The Moody Love Song: “Heart-Shaped Box” – 1993. Inspired by Courtney Love’s gift to Kurt, this song is intense and romantic in a “dark” way. A Piano Cover of this track is a stunning, sophisticated choice for a ceremony prelude or a special spotlight dance.
The Sweetest Surprise: “About A Girl” (Unplugged) – 1994. Written for Kurt’s then-girlfriend, this is one of his rare “straight” love songs. The repeating “I do” at the end makes it a fun, subtle nod to your vows.

Reception & Party Starters

The Ultimate Unification Moment: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – 1991. No rock wedding is complete without this. It’s best played in the final 30 minutes of the night. It’s not just a song; it’s a “jump-up-and-down” moment that unites every guest who grew up in the ’90s.
The High-Energy Entrance: “Breed” – 1991. With its driving drum beat and frantic energy, this is an incredible choice for a Wedding Party Grand Entrance. It tells the room immediately: “This is not going to be a boring wedding.”
The “Cool” Cocktail Hour: “The Man Who Sold The World” (Unplugged) – 1994. Originally by David Bowie, Nirvana’s version is iconic. It’s perfect background music for Cocktail Hour or Dinner, providing a sophisticated, slightly mysterious vibe.
The Sing-Along: “Lithium” – 1992. A great mid-reception track that gets people singing along to the “Yeah, yeah, yeah” chorus. It bridges the gap between high-energy dancing and the slower moments of the night.

DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Nirvana Vibe

Leverage the Covers: If you love the song but the original is too “heavy,” look for Vitamin String Quartet or 2Cellos. Their versions of “Heart-Shaped Box” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” are wedding staples that keep the grunge soul but add a “black-tie” polish.
The “Seattle Sound” Set: Nirvana pairs perfectly with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. A 15-minute “Grunge Era” set is a massive hit for Gen X and Millennial guests.
Transitioning to Pop: Believe it or not, the “Unplugged” version of “About A Girl” transitions perfectly into 60s pop-rock like The Beatles, making it a great bridge for your DJ to use.

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Nirvana’s Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits

U.S. Alternative

#1 Smells Like Teen Spirit, 1991
#1 Heart-Shaped Box, 1993
#1 All Apologies, 1993
#1 About a Girl, 1994
#1 You Know You’re Right, 2002
#3 Come as You Are, 1992
#19 Silver, 1990
#25 Lithium, 1992

Wedding Hits

#1 Smells Like Teen Spirit
Released in 1991 on the album Nevermind

Curt said the song was about teenagers because they don’t follow the guidelines of what’s expected as adults.

I’m worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

#2 Come As You Are
Released in 1992 on the album Nevermind

The song is about people and what they’re expected to act like.

Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy

#3 Heart-Shaped Box
Released in 1993 on the album Utero

With multiple theories as to the meaning of the song, one is that the song is about the saddest thing he knows – cancer in children.

Hey
Wait
I got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice

#4 The Man Who Sold the World (Live – MTV Unplugged)
Released in 1994 on the album MTV Unplugged in New York

The song was originally released by David Bowie.

For years and years I roamed
I gazed a gazeless stare
We walked a million hills
I must have died alone
A long, long time ago

#5 Lithium
Released in 1992 on the album Nevermind

The song is about a man who, after the death of his girlfriend, turns to religion as a last resort to keep himself alive.

Broke our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday for all I care
And I’m not scared, light my candles
In a daze ’cause I’ve found God

#6 In Bloom
Released in 1992 on the album Nevermind

The song is addressed to the people outside of the underground music scene that began showing up at Nirvana shows after the release of the group’s debut album Bleach.

And I say he’s the one
Who likes all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he knows not what it means

#7 Rape Me
Released in 1993 on the album In Utero

Rape Me is a life-affirming, anti-rape song.

I’m not the only one
I’m not the only one
I’m not the only one

#8 Lake of Fire (Live – MTV Unplugged)
Released in 1994 on the album MTV Unplugged in New York

The song was first released by the Meat Puppets in 1984.

People cry and people moan
Look for a dry place to call their home
Try to find someplace to rest their bones
While the angels and the devils try to make them their own

#9 You Know You’re Right
Released in 2002 on the album Nirvana

The song was written in 1993, making it one of the last known Kurt Cobain compositions.