Few voices in modern music can stop a room quite like Chris Stapleton’s. His blend of country, soul, and rock-and-roll creates an atmosphere that is both rugged and deeply romantic. For couples who want their wedding music to feel “real” rather than “produced,” Stapleton is the ultimate choice.

As a wedding DJ, I’ve seen Chris Stapleton transition from a “country fan favorite” to a “wedding essential” across all genres. In 2026, the trend is “The New Americana Romance” – a move toward songs that prioritize lyrical honesty and vocal soul over flashy pop beats. Whether it’s a whiskey-soaked ballad for a First Dance or a soulful groove for the cocktail hour, these songs are selected to bring a sense of weight and authenticity to your celebration.

Planning Your Stapleton Moments

Stapleton’s music is rich with emotion, but it requires a bit of DJ strategy to place his songs perfectly. Consider these 2026 expert tips:

The “Slow-Burn” First Dance: Stapleton is the master of the “Slow-Burn”, songs that start intimate and build to a powerful vocal peak. If you’re choosing a track like “Joy Of My Life” or “Tennessee Whiskey,” be prepared for a Low-BPM (60–75) dance. This requires a “slow-and-steady” sway. As a DJ, I recommend practicing your “dip” for the moment his vocals hit those iconic high notes to create a truly cinematic memory.
The “Grown and Sexy” Cocktail Hour: Stapleton’s bluesy influence makes him perfect for a sophisticated Cocktail Hour. In 2026, I suggest mixing his more soulful tracks like “You Should Probably Leave” or “Millionaire” with classic Motown or modern R&B. It creates a “Grown and Sexy” vibe that keeps the energy cool and the drinks flowing.
Lyrics of “Endurance”: What makes Stapleton a 2026 wedding favorite is his focus on “long-haul” love. Instead of “new love” clichés, look for songs like “Starting Over” or “More Of You.” These tracks resonate because they talk about building a life together, making them perfect for couples who have been together for years before saying “I do.”
The “Vocal Power” Processional: For an unforgettable walk down the aisle, consider an acoustic or instrumental version of his hits. However, if you use his original recordings, ensure your sound system is tuned for mid-range clarity. His voice is powerful, and you want your guests to feel the “soul” of the song without the volume being overbearing in a quiet ceremony space.

Explore my curated list of Chris Stapleton wedding songs below, categorized by their role in your day from “Ceremony Soul” to “Late Night Blues.”

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Chris Stapleton Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits – US Country

#1 “Starting Over”, 2020
#1 “You Should Probably Leave”, 2021
#4 “Millionaire”, 2018
#5 “Broken Halos”, 2017
#5 “White Horse”, 2023

Chris Stapleton Wedding Songs

Tennessee Whiskey

Released in 2015 on the album Traveller

You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time

This is the song that launched Chris Stapleton into the mainstream music spotlight, and it remains the top wedding song for fans of the long-haired country singer. The song was a huge hit for George Jones, but Stapleton put his own unique spin on it to create something modern and original that your wedding guests will not forget.

Joy of My Life

Released in 2020 on the album Starting Over

She takes me by the hand
I am the luckiest man alive
Did I tell you, baby
You are the joy of my life

This song was originally recorded by John Fogerty in 1997 before Chris Stapleton sent it back to the charts with inclusion on his award-winning album, Starting Over. There is a simplicity and tenderness to the lyrics which make the song a good choice for many parts of your wedding ceremony, but many couples make it part of the processional.

Millionaire

Released in 2017 on the album From A Room: Volume 2

I got a woman with eyes that shine
Down deep as a diamond mine
She’s my treasure so very rare
She’s made me a millionaire

Many modern brides have walked down the aisle to the sounds of this Stapleton classic, a breakout hit from the album From A Room: Volume 2 released in 2017. Chris sings of how true love is more valuable than money, and the pacing of the song is just right for an alternative bridal march that will create memories.

Broken Halos

Released in 2017 on the album From A Room: Volume 1

Angels come down from the heavens
Just to help us on our way
Come to teach us, then they leave us
And they find some other soul to save

The road to true love can be hard for some, and that is the essence of this country ballad from 2017. The song has been used as the soundtrack for a first dance between the happy couple, but it can also be played at the reception as something most romantic partners can relate to.

Without Your Love

Released in 2017 on the album From A Room: Volume 1

Without your love
The sky is grey
Without your love
I’m waiting on the sun to shine

One of the things that people seem to appreciate about the music of Chris Stapleton is its simplicity, and this song is one of those that gets right to the heart of the matter. It should be used as a dedication from one partner to another on your wedding day, or you can play it as the unity candle is being lit.

I Want Love

Released in 2018 on the album Restoration: The Songs Of Elton John And Bernie Taupin

But I want love, just a different kind
I want love, won’t break me down
Won’t brick me up, won’t fence me in

Most of us long for true love, and finding it on one’s own terms is the theme behind this Stapleton ballad. Like most songs from the 2021 CMA Entertainer of the Year, “I Want Love” has the soft approach that most couples want to have in their wedding playlist selections.

Starting Over

Released in 2020 on the album Starting Over

It don’t matter to me
Wherever we are is where I wanna be
And, honey, for once in our life
Let’s take our chances and roll the dice

There are many possible applications for this lively love song from Stapleton’s 2020 studio album of the same name. It has been used by couples who are renewing their vows, and it is also a good song to play if your wedding is an intimate affair that is celebrated before a few family members and friends.

More Of You

Released in 2015 on the album Traveller

From the moment you wake me up
‘Till you kiss me goodnight
Everything that you do
It makes me want more of you

So many country songs are driven by the theme of longing, and this hit is no exception to that classic model. A lot of couples like to enter the reception to this song, but it can also find a place in the music that you choose to play as your wedding guests are being seated.

Maggie’s Song

Released in 2020 on the album Starting Over

And she loved to chase squirrels
And playing out in the snow
She’d take off like a bullet
Man, you should have seen her go

While this song may not specifically address the topic of love between a couple, it does have an emotional impact that plays well on your wedding day. Couples that share a special pet often like to play the song as a reminder of their animal friend, and it makes for a suitable inclusion to any wedding reception playlist.

When I’m with You

Released in 2020 on the album Starting Over

But when I’m with you
I feel like a dreamer
That’s had all his dreams come true
Like my skies are all blue
When I’m with you

If you are building a large portion of your wedding music around the theme of commitment and togetherness, try adding this for a spotlight dance between the happy newlyweds. It also works well as a song that can be played while the wedding party is taking up their positions at the altar.

You Are My Sunshine

with Morgane Stapleton
Released in 2016 on the album Southern Family

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey

Adding classics to your wedding day selection of music can be a great way to honor the tastes of all your guests, and Chris Stapleton nails his take on this traditional country tune. It will be a song that has broad appeal, so try using it at the reception when everyone is in a happy mood and ready to dance.

Fire Away

Released in 2015 on the album Traveller

But you know and I know
That I’ll always come back for more
Your love might be my damnation
But I’ll cry to my grave

There is a place in wedding ceremonies for songs that are upbeat and lively, and this song can fill that spot. Try adding it to the festivities after the wedding speeches are made and the wedding cake is cut, or you can slip it into the music played before the ceremony begins.

Parachute

Released in 2015 on the album Traveller

Sun comes up and goes back down
And falling feels like flying ’til you hit the ground
Say the word and I’ll be there for you
Baby, I will be your parachute

This hit from Chris Stapleton is a standout from his 2015 breakthrough album, Traveller. It has a different lyrical perspective than many popular wedding songs chosen today, but the song has the potential to create a swell of emotion that can soften the hearts of all your guests.

If It Hadn’t Been For Love

(The Steeldrivers)
Released in 2019 on the album The SteelDrivers

Nobody knows it better than me
I wouldn’t be wishing I was free
If it hadn’t been
If it hadn’t been for love

Without love, many of us would find our lives incomplete, and we often want to convey that message to the person we have chosen to spend our life with on the day wedding vows are spoken. Have this song played as a pause once you and your partner have joined hands at the altar.

What Are You Listening To?

Released in 2013 on the album What Are You Listening To?

Cause you’re hanging on
Or is it a love song about someone new
What are you listening to?

This Stapleton song can be a perfect way to conclude the wedding day activities, perhaps as a final dance before the couple departs for their honeymoon. It will remind you of that special period of falling in love, a memory that has culminated in the promise for better or worse.

One song not to overlook as a party song and collaboration is…