1964 was an amazing year for wedding songs. A combination of love ballads and dance music from Mary Wells, Roy Orbison, James Brown, and other musical legends make this a year to remember.
Best 1964 Wedding Songs
Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups
Released in April 1964 on the album Chapel of Love
When it comes to 1964 wedding songs this hit by The Dixie Cups is the most iconic, and you probably still hear it played on the radio and used in popular films. Those who want to make their wedding memorable will start the wedding processional with this song before moving to the traditional bridal march.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Because we’re Goin’ to the chapel and we’re Gonna get married
And I Love Her – The Beatles
Released in July 1964 on the album A Hard Day’s Night
There were so many love songs from The Beatles that it is hard to pick just one for a wedding choice, but this one has a poignant and simple message. It is softer than many tunes by the Fab Four, so it can be used in the more solemn parts of a wedding ceremony.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
A love like ours Could never die As long as I Have you near me
My Guy – Mary Wells
Released in March 1964 on the album Mary Wells Sings My Guy
Mary Wells scored big with this fun, upbeat rock classic that will make a great wedding day dance tune. We recommend that brides use this song as a special dedication to the groom at the reception, one that is sure to make him blush.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Like the birds of a feather We stick together I’m telling you from the start I can’t be torn apart from my guy
Share Your Love with Me – Bobby Bland
Released in May 1964 on the album Call on Me
Most couples like to add some soulful tunes to the reception playlist, and this song by soul legend Bobby Bland is often chosen. The song is best used for dancing, but it can also be played as the happy couple leaves the wedding chapel after saying their vows.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Oh, there’s no one blinder than he who won’t see, yes And it’s a shame if you don’t share your love with me
I Love You More and More Every Day – Al Martino
Released in January 1964 on the album I Love You More and More Every Day/Tears and Roses
It is a shame that the smooth voice of Al Martino is not remembered more often, especially when it contributed to 1964 wedding songs like this one. The song makes a nice accompaniment to the lighting of a unity candle, but it will work for any part of the ceremony where the spotlight is focused solely on the bride and groom.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
My joy was more than words could ever say And darling still it grows and grows inside me I love you more and more every day
Theme for Young Lovers – The Shadows
Released in 1964 on the album Young Lovers Soundtrack
Don’t let the title of this tune from The Shadows fool you; the song can be used by couples of any age. No wedding is complete without songs like this one that can be played by a DJ as the wedding guests arrive and take their seats.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Be brave and faithful and true Cling very close to each other tonight I’ve been in love like you
You’re My World – Cilla Black
Released in May 1964 on the album The Best of Cilla Black
If you are looking for a special song that will tell your new spouse the way you feel on your wedding day, play this one by Cilla Black. It can be counted among the most popular 1964 wedding songs, often being played as a part of the processional.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
You’re my world, you are my night and day You’re my world, you’re every prayer I pray If our love ceases to be Then it’s the end of my world for me
Baby Love – The Supremes
Released in September 1964 on the album Where Did Our Love Go
The Supremes were still a major factor in the music world in 1964, and this hit has been used to introduce many newlyweds to their wedding reception guests. It can also be used as a dance tune, and the song has even been played during the send-off.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Don’t throw our love away In my arms why don’t you stay? Need ya, need ya, baby love, baby love
My Heart Skips A Beat – Buck Owens
Released in February 1964 on the album Together Again
Those who want to add a little traditional country flair to their wedding day will want to choose this ballad by superstar Buck Owens. It has that Bakersfield sound that Owens was known for, which means you will probably want to add it to your wedding DJ’s dance mix.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Something in your smile Brightens up my day I just can’t help myself You make me feel this way
Welcome To My World – Jim Reeves
Released in January 1964 on the album A Touch of Velvet
The musical career of the legendary Jim Reeves was too brief, but it was filled with meaningful songs like this one. This song was also a hit for Eddy Arnold and Elvis Presley, but the Reeves version is the one that you are most likely to hear at modern weddings.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Seek and you will find Ask and you’ll be given The key to this world of mine
These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding
Released in March 1964 on the album Pain in My Heart
The voice of Otis Redding cannot be compared to any other, and spinning a song like this from the R&B legend at your wedding will create a lot of good feels. In most cases, this is a song that is used for the first dance between the happy couple, but it can also be used for the recessional.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
These arms of mine, they are burning Burning from wanting you
I Got You – James Brown
Released in September 1964 on the album Out of Sight
Those who want to spice up the wedding reception can add this classic from James Brown, a song that is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor. It has also been used by couples to accompany cutting the wedding cake because it has that feel-good, whimsical vibe.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
I know that I can’t do no wrong And when I hold you in my arms My love won’t do you no harm
Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
Released in August 1964 on the album Oh, Pretty Woman
Imagine playing this song by rock legend Roy Orbison as the stunning bride makes her way to the center of the wedding reception floor. You might be surprised to know that more adventurous couples have also used the song as a modern-day processional that plays while the wedding party is taking their places at the altar.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Pretty woman, stop a while Pretty woman, talk a while Pretty woman, give your smile to me
Constantly – Cliff Richard
Released in April 1964 on the album Constantly
Loving her constantly is a message that all grooms should want to send on their wedding day, and this Cliff Richard song will send it loud and clear. There are so many ways to use the ballad in a wedding ceremony, but the first dance between the happy couple would probably be the best choice.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Bring your song to me Just as same as each star keeps burning In the sky your flame will stay a flame in me
Give Him a Great Big Kiss – The Shangri-Las
Released in December 1964 on the album Leader of the Pack
The Shangri-Las inspire every bride to plant that first kiss on the groom with this peppy love song and don’t be surprised to find out it is often played right after the minister has permitted the kiss. It also works very well as a happy dance tune.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Give him a great big kiss, mwah! Tell him that I love him, tell him that I care Tell him that I’ll always be there
Just One Look – The Hollies
Released in February 1964 on the album Here I Go Again
When the bride makes her entrance to the chapel it is sometimes to the sounds of the Hollies and this 1964 wedding classic. You can use it in a more subtle fashion for your own wedding, of course, and it can even be added to the list of songs played as guests are arriving.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Say you will Will be mine Forever and always
The Wedding – Julie Rogers
Released in 1964 on the album The Wedding
This song by Julie Rogers may be a little bit offbeat when it comes to wedding songs, but the title affirms that a happy wedding day is the song’s central theme. The best way to use it is probably to have it played while the guests are leaving the chapel for the reception.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Oh my love, my love Can this really be? That some day you’ll walk Down the Aisle with me
Celebrating weddings of 1964. Where were you and what was happening?
If you were one of the weddings in 1964
Congratulations on your wedding of 1964. You share your anniversary with the following events.
Music Highlights of 1964
Grammy’s Song of 1964: Hello, Dolly! – Jerry Herman
The Supremes – Baby Love
The Beatles – Can’t Buy Me, Love
The Dixie Cups – Chapel Of Love
The Animals – The House Of The Rising Sun
The Beach Boys – I Get Around
The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand
Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
The Four Seasons – Rag Doll
Bobby Vinton – There, I’ve Said It Again
The Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night
Louis Armstrong – Hello, Dolly!
The Beatles – She Loves You
Mary Wells – My Guy
Peter & Gordon – A World Without Love
The Beatles – Love Me Do
Dean Martin – Everbody Loves Somebody
Manfred Mann – Do Wah Diddy Diddy
The Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack
The Supremes – Come See About Me
Bobby Vinton – Mr. Lonely
Lorne Greene – Ringo
Petula Clark – Downtown
Celebrity Weddings of 1964
Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton
Ralph Lauren wed Ricky Low-Beer
Bruce Lee wed Linda Lee Caldwell
Charlie Watts married Shirley Watts
Troy Donahue wed Suzanne Pleshette
News Highlights of 1964
Beatlemania invades America
Jack Ruby, the killer of President Kennedy’s assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, is sentenced to death.
The Ford Mustang is introduced to Americans at the price of $2,368.
At age 35, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize, recipient.
1964 Sports Champions
St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series over the New York Yankees.
AFL Championship – Buffalo Bills win 11-7 over the San Diego Chargers.
NFL Championship – Cleveland Browns win 27-0 over the Baltimore Colts.
Boston Celtics win the NBA Title over the San Francisco Warriors.
Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup over the Detroit Red Wings.
Entertainment Highlights of 1964
Best Picture: Tom Jones: Tony Richardson
Best Actor: Sidney Poitier – Lilies of the Field
Best Actress: Patricia Neal – Hud
Top Television Shows
The Andy Griffith Show, Bewitched, Bonanza, Combat, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Fugitive, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., The Lucy Show, Peyton Place II, The Red Skelton Show
I have always had a love for music and the way it makes you feel. My passion grew for wedding celebrations with years as a wedding DJ. Now, as a wedding music planner, I research popular and unique wedding songs to create personalized playlists for couples and help wedding pros curate crowd-cheering music. Let's get the party started! - Read More About Me
