Avril Lavigne burst onto the scene in 2002 as the antithesis of the polished pop star, bringing a raw, skate-punk energy to the airwaves. But beyond the ties and eyeliner, Avril has always been a master of the emotional hook. For weddings, her music offers a unique blend of high-energy “sing-along” anthems and tender, acoustic-driven ballads. Whether she’s capturing the vulnerability of a new crush or the steadfastness of a long-term commitment, Avril’s songs resonate with a generation that values authenticity over perfection.

As a wedding DJ, I see Avril Lavigne as the queen of the “Nostalgic Sing-Along.” In 2026, couples are leaning heavily into “Y2K Throwbacks,” and Avril is a cornerstone of that vibe. These tracks are curated to bridge the gap between high-octane dance floor moments and the quiet, “I’m With You” sincerity of a ceremony.

Top Avril Lavigne Songs for Your Wedding

Based on her iconic catalog and my experience on the decks, here are the best Avril tracks for your big day:

The “Vulnerable” Ceremony Essential: “I’m With You” (2002). This is arguably Avril’s most enduring wedding song. Its themes of searching for connection and finding comfort in another person make it a powerful choice for a processional or a late-night slow dance.
The “Pure Devotion” Ballad: “Smile” (2011). A song dedicated to the person who makes you “smile” even when things are tough. Its upbeat yet sentimental lyrics are perfect for a cake-cutting or a lighthearted first dance.
The “High-Energy” Grand Entrance: “Sk8er Boi” (2002). If you want to start your reception with a burst of Y2K energy, this is the track. It’s an instant “mood-lifter” that gets every guest born in the 80s or 90s on their feet.
The “Fairy Tale” Moment: “Alice” (2010). Written for the Alice in Wonderland soundtrack, this track offers a more cinematic, dramatic flair. It’s a great choice for couples who want a “grand” feeling for their ceremony exit or entrance.
The “Soulful” Commitment: “Keep Holding On” (2006). Featured in the film Eragon, this song is a powerful anthem about staying together through thick and thin. It works beautifully as a dedicated “anniversary dance” song for the longest-married couples.
The “Nostalgic” Last Dance: “Complicated” (2002). Ending the night with a massive group sing-along to Avril’s debut hit is a 2026 wedding trend that never fails. It’s a moment of pure, shared nostalgia.

Expert DJ Tips for Avril Lavigne Tracks

The “Sing-Along” Factor: Songs like “Girlfriend” are great, but as a DJ, I recommend them for the later part of the night when the energy is high and the drinks are flowing. It’s a “hands-in-the-air” anthem that thrives on crowd participation.
Acoustic vs. Studio: For ceremony moments (like the Processional), consider searching for acoustic or piano covers of Avril’s hits. A piano version of “Keep Holding On” can transform a pop-rock anthem into a delicate, tear-jerking walk down the aisle.
The “Y2K” Vibe: In 2026, pairing Avril Lavigne with other early 2000s icons like Michelle Branch (e.g., “Everywhere”) or Vanessa Carlton (e.g., “A Thousand Miles”) creates a cohesive “throwback” set that keeps the energy consistent.

DJ Pro-Tip: While some of Avril’s songs focus on heartbreak (like “My Happy Ending”), her ballads often carry a deep sense of “us against the world.” Focus on the lyrics of the verses to ensure the song’s story aligns with your journey.

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Avril Lavigne Highest-Charting Billboard Hits – U.S.

#1 Girlfriend, 2007
#2 Complicated, 2002
#4 I’m with You, 2002
#9 My Happy Ending, 2004
#10 Sk8er Boi, 2002
#11 What the Hell, 2011
#17 Keep Holding On, 2006
#20 Here’s to Never Growing Up, 2013
#22 Don’t Tell Me, 2004
#24 When You’re Gone, 2007

Avril Lavigne Love Songs List

Many couples will find that songs from Avril Lavigne’s more mature recordings make wonderful sentimental wedding songs. Avril has a touch for writing lyrics that precisely capture what couples are feeling on their wedding day.

Love Me Insane

Released in 2019 on the album Head Above Water

Avril Lavigne fans tend to fall within the Millennial generation, and those who want something to liven up the wedding reception can choose this song. It is a song that has the sound and style that made Avril a punk rock icon at the very beginning of her career.

You asked me what’s my name
I know it’s a dangerous game
But love me insane

Head Above Water

Released in 2019 on the album Head Above Water

This song gave Avril Lavigne a comeback in 2019 and rose high on the charts, and many newlyweds have used it as the centerpiece of a modern wedding processional. Lavigne has stated that the song references overcoming her own struggles, and many can relate to its empowering theme.

God, keep my head above water
Don’t let me drown, it gets harder
I’ll meet you there at the altar
As I fall down to my knees

I Fell In Love With the Devil

Released in 2019 on the album Head Above Water

Don’t let the title of this modern Avril classic fool you. It is a passionate love song that has sentimental lyrics, and brides will love dancing to it with their spouse for the first time at the reception.

But I can’t stop the rush
And I can’t give you up
No I know you’re no good for me

Here’s To Never Growing Up

Released in 2013 on the album Avril Lavigne

The music of Avril Lavigne is popular with young people who don’t want to surrender their youthful vigor, and this song speaks directly to the young at heart. It has been used by some brides as the song for a father-daughter dance.

Say, won’t you stay forever, stay
If you stay forever, hey
We can stay forever young

Falling Fast

Released in 2013 on the album Avril Lavigne

Some will claim that the very best relationships are those that developed in a very short period of time, and “Falling Fast” can be used to honor that type of love affair when it is played as a wedding reception dance tune. The song can also be used as the send-off song at the end of the night.

I’m falling fast
I hope this lasts
I’m falling hard for you
I say “let’s take a chance”

Sippin’ On Sunshine

Released in 2013 on the album Avril Lavigne

Embrace the positive nature of the day with this wedding song about being high on all that life has to offer, a message that all of your guests will appreciate. This song can be used to introduce the newlyweds for the first time, or it can be played while the couple rushes down the aisle after their vows.

Hey, what a beautiful day
All I need is a taste
Nothing but a good time
Sippin’ on sunshine

I Love You

Released in 2011 on the album Goodbye Lullaby

This Avril Lavigne hit proves that wedding songs don’t have to be complicated, and many times the simple songs are the best ones to use for formal portions of a marriage ceremony. You should play this one as part of your processional or as an interlude while the guests are seated.

You’re so beautiful
But that’s not why I love you
I’m not sure you know
That the reason I love you, is you

Wish You Were Here

Released in 2011 on the album Goodbye Lullaby

Sometimes there are people we wish were still in our lives to help us celebrate special events such as a wedding. You might be surprised to discover that this song has been used at weddings to celebrate the memory of a departed parent, sibling, or friend who could not join in the celebration.

Damn, damn, damn
What I’d do to have you here, here, here
I wish you were here

The Best Damn Thing

Released in 2007 on the album The Best Damn Thing

Avril Lavigne certainly has a reputation for singing straightforward songs that have a lyrical edge, and this song is a great example of that. You may want to play it at the end of the evening when the mood of your wedding day has turned soulful.

You don’t know trouble, I’m a hell of a scandal
Me, I’m a scene, I’m a drama queen
I’m the best damn thing that your eyes have ever seen

Keep Holding On

Released in 2006 on the album Eragon

The years will come and go as newlyweds become spouses who are eternally devoted, and they might do well to remember the advice that is offered in this ballad by Avril Lavigne. Play it at your wedding reception as a reminder that you have taken a vow to love one another through the good times and bad, or save it for a special spotlight dance at the end of the night.

‘Cause you know I’m here for you, I’m here for you
There’s nothing you can say, nothing you can do
There’s no other way when it comes to the truth

My Happy Ending

Released in 2004 on the album Under My Skin

All girls grow up dreaming of a happy ending with a wonderful partner, and some of them will choose to add this song about happy endings to their wedding day playlist. It can be used to great effect when it is played as the last song of the night at the reception.

You were everything, everything that I wanted
We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it
And all of the memories, so close to me, just fade away

Take Me Away

Released in 2004 on the album Under My Skin

Let yourself be swept away by the emotions of your wedding day when you play this song for your wedding guests to dance to. Everyone will be reminded of the special love in their own lives as they celebrate your new union.

Back to what was never said
Back and forth inside my head
I can’t handle this confusion
I’m unable, come and take me away

Together

Released in 2004 on the album Under My Skin

Sum up all the beauty of your wedding day when you use this song from Avril to bring the day to a close. Raise a toast with all of your friends and celebrate the magic of beginning a life together.

Together
It doesn’t feel right at all
Together
Together we’ve built a wall

I’m with You

Released in 2002 on the album Let Go

There is great security in being with the one that we love, and Avril Lavigne sings about that in this early hit. It can be used by a man or woman to let their new spouse know how important they are and can be played during many parts of a wedding ceremony.