Beach Boys Wedding Songs: Sun-Drenched Harmonies and Timeless Love
The Beach Boys created the ultimate soundtrack for summer, bringing “Good Vibrations” to every wedding celebration. Whether you’re planning a casual toes-in-the-sand ceremony or a nostalgic, retro-themed reception, their signature vocal harmonies and upbeat rhythms add a layer of joyful, multi-generational appeal.
- Vibe: Effortlessly cool, sunny, and sentimental.
- Legacy: Iconic 1960s production that resonates with everyone from grandparents to Gen Z.
- Versatility: From the profound depth of Pet Sounds for your ceremony to high-energy surf rock for the party.
Soulful Ceremonies & Coastal Processionals
- The Masterpiece: “God Only Knows.” Widely considered one of the greatest love songs ever written. Its sophisticated arrangement makes it a breathtaking choice for a bridal processional.
- Hopeful Beginnings: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Perfect for a joyful, upbeat recessional. The lyrics about “waking up together” perfectly mirror the excitement of a new marriage.
- Tropical Prelude: “Kokomo.” The ultimate “vacation mode” song. Use this for a beach wedding prelude to set a relaxed, tropical vibe as guests take their seats.
- Sweet Sincerity: “Surfer Moon.” A deep cut that offers a gentle, waltz-like rhythm—ideal for a bridal party entrance or a quiet ceremony moment.
Romantic First Dances & Slow Grooves
- The Pure Declaration: “Don’t Worry Baby.” A beautiful mid-tempo ballad that feels protective and romantic. It’s an easy-to-dance-to choice for a sentimental first dance.
- Eternal Devotion: “Forever.” Written by Dennis Wilson, this is the “hidden gem” of Beach Boys wedding songs. It is pure, raw emotion and tailor-made for a couple’s spotlight dance.
- Lush Romance: “Please Let Me Wonder.” For couples who love the Pet Sounds era, this track offers a dreamy, intimate atmosphere for a private slow dance.
- Vocal Magic: “Then I Kissed Her.” A classic “boy meets girl” story with a steady rhythm that makes it a safe and sweet choice for a first dance.
High-Energy Reception & Party Starters
- The Floor Opener: “Good Vibrations.” An absolute essential. The complex production and high energy are guaranteed to get guests out of their seats and onto the floor.
- The Classic Party-Starter: “Surfin’ U.S.A.” This track brings instant energy to the reception. It’s a staple for any “Summer” or “Beach” themed wedding set.
- Fun & Interactive: “Barbara Ann.” A high-energy singalong that encourages guest participation. It’s perfect for the middle of a set when the energy needs a boost.
- The Iconic Anthem: “California Girls.” Whether you’re on the West Coast or not, the familiar intro and infectious beat make this a top-tier choice for a bridal party entrance to the reception.
DJ Expert Tips: Mixing the “Surf Sound”
- Watch the Intros: Many Beach Boys songs (like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”) have distinctive, delicate intros. Don’t talk over them. Let the music set the scene for at least 4 bars before making an announcement.
- Tempo Transitions: Use “Good Vibrations” as a “power transition” song. Its unique structure allows you to move from 60s rock into modern pop or electronic sets without feeling jarring.
- The “Ritardando” Alert: As an AI-expert DJ, I’ll remind you that “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” features a gradual tempo change (ritardando) at the end. Warn the couple if they are choreographing a dance!

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The Beach Boys Highest-Charting Billboard Hits
- #1 I Get Around, 1964
- #1 Help Me, Rhonda, 1965
- #1 Good Vibrations, 1966
- #1 Kokomo, 1988
- #2 Barbara Ann, 1965
- #3 Surfin’ U.S.A., 1963
- #3 California Girls, 1965
- #3 Sloop John B, 1966
- #5 Fun, Fun, Fun, 1964
- #5 Rock and Roll Music, 1976
- #6 Be True to Your School, 1963
- #7 Surfer Girl, 1963
- #8 Dance, Dance, Dance, 1964
- #8 Wouldn’t It Be Nice, 1966
- #9 When I Grow Up (To Be a Man), 1964
- #11 Wishing You Were Here (with Chicago), 1974
- #12 Do You Wanna Dance?, 1965
- #12 Heroes and Villains, 1967
- #12 The Beach Boys Medley, 1981
- #12 Wipeout! (with The Fat Boys), 1987
- #14 Surfin’ Safari, 1962
- #15 Little Deuce Coupe, 1963
Beach Boys Wedding Hits
#1 Good Vibrations
Released in 1966 on the album Smiley Smile
The song is generated from getting good vibrations aka good feelings about someone.
Close my eyes, she’s somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world
#2 Kokomo
Released in 1988 on the album Cocktail Soundtrack and Still Cruisin’
The song tells the story of two lovers taking a trip to a relaxing island in the Florida Keys called Kokomo.
oh I want to take you down to
Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo
#3 Surfin’ U.S.A.
Released in 1963 on the album The Beach Boys
The song was the Beach Boys’ first big American hit and peaked at number three.
You’d see them wearing their baggies
Huarache sandals too
A bushy bushy blond hairdo
Surfin’ U.S.A
#4 Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Released in 1966 on the album Pet Sounds
The song describes what every child thinks while growing up.
You know it’s gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together
#5 California Girls
Released in 1965 on the album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)
Did you know the song was written after Brian Wilson’s first experience with LSD?
I wish they all could be California girls
The West coast has the sunshine
And the girls all get so tanned
#6 I Get Around
Released in 1964 on the album All Summer Long
I Get Around was The Beach Boys’ first number-one hit song in the United States.
We always take my car ’cause it’s never been beat
And we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet
None of the guys go steady ’cause it wouldn’t be right
To leave their best girl home now on Saturday night
#7 Fun, Fun, Fun
Released in 1964 on the album Shut Down Volume 2
The story of the song is about a teenage girl taking her father’s car out for a ride.
And she’ll have fun fun fun
‘Til her daddy takes the T-bird away
#8 God Only Knows
Released in 1966 on the album Pet Sounds
The great debate about this song was whether or not to have the word “God” in the song title. No one had really done it before since God Bless America.
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me
God only knows what I’d be without you
#9 Little Saint Nick
Released in 1963 on the album The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album
The song is considered one of the most popular Christmas-themed songs of all time.
Just a little bobsled we call the old Saint Nick
But she’ll walk a toboggan with a four-speed stick
She’s candy apple red with a ski for a wheel
And when Santa hits the gas man just watch her peel
#10 Barbara Ann
Released in 1965 on the album Beach Boys’ Party!
The song was also made popular by Jan & Dean. The Beach Boys version peaked at number two.
Take my hand
You got me rockin’ and a rollin’
Rockin’ and a reelin’
Barbara Ann
Beach Boys Spotify Playlist
If you don’t agree with my list of the Beach Boys’ top songs, be sure to leave a comment below. What is your favorite Beach Boys song?
