David Bowie is more than a musical icon; he is a permanent fixture of the avant-garde. Throughout his legendary career, Bowie reimagined what a “love song” could be – moving from the starry-eyed wonder of the 60s to the high-gloss dance floors of the 80s. For couples who value individuality, style, and a touch of the theatrical, Bowie’s catalog offers a sophisticated alternative to the standard wedding ballad. Whether you’re looking for a “Heroes” anthem or a “Modern Love” dance hit, Bowie provides the perfect soundtrack for the creatively inclined couple.

As a wedding DJ, I consider David Bowie the master of the “Stellar Atmosphere.” In 2026, the trend is “Alternative Sophistication” – couples are moving away from the predictable and choosing music that reflects their unique aesthetic. These tracks are curated for their lyrical depth, iconic production, and their ability to make a wedding feel like a curated art event.

Planning Your Bowie Moments

Bowie’s versatility allows his music to span from the ceremony to the final dance. Consider these 2026 expert DJ tips:

The “Avant-Garde” Ceremony: “The Wedding Song” (from Black Tie White Noise) was actually written by Bowie for his own wedding to Iman. It’s a literal “Sacred” track that works beautifully as an interlude before the vows or a unique processional.
The “Cinematic” First Dance: For many, “As The World Falls Down” (from the Labyrinth soundtrack) is the definitive Bowie romantic moment. Its dreamy, swirling production makes it a cult classic for a first dance that feels like a fairy tale. For a more traditional but “Cool” vibe, “Absolute Beginners” offers a soaring message of new beginnings.
The “Stadium” Parent Dance: “Heroes” is an incredible choice for a combined parent dance. It’s an anthem of resilience and triumph – perfect for honoring the people who helped you become who you are today.
The “High-Energy” Floor Filler: You cannot go wrong with “Modern Love” or “Let’s Dance” to ignite the reception. In 2026, I recommend using “China Girl” for a mid-party boost; its recognizable riff and driving beat are guaranteed to get guests of all ages moving.
The “Artistic” Grand Entrance: “Be My Wife” is a straightforward, rhythmic track that makes for a bold and stylish Grand Entrance. It’s direct, cool, and immediately sets an “Alternative” tone for the night.
The “Intimate” Cake Cutting: “Wild Is The Wind” is one of Bowie’s most soulful vocal performances. Its haunting, romantic energy is perfect for the quiet focus of the cake-cutting ceremony or as background music during a luxe dinner service.

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David Bowie Highest Charting Billboard Hits – UK

#1 “Space Oddity”, 1969
#1 “Ashes to Ashes”, 1980
#1 “Under Pressure” (with Queen), 1981
#1 “Let’s Dance”, 1983
#1 “Dancing in the Street” (with Mick Jagger), 1985
#1 “Perfect Day” (with various artists for Children in Need), 1997
#2 “The Jean Genie”, 1972
#2 “China Girl”, 1983
#2 “Modern Love”, 1983
#2 “Absolute Beginners”, 1986
#3 “Drive-In Saturday”, 1973
#3 “Life on Mars?”, 1973
#3 “Sorrow”, 1973
#3 “Sound and Vision”, 1977
#3 “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” (with Bing Crosby), 1982

Wedding Hits

The Wedding Song

Released in 1993 on the album Black Tie White Noise

David Bowie might not be the first musical artist to come to mind when considering wedding music, but this song from the 1993 album Black Tie White Noise has a meaningful message for newlyweds. Most couples will want to have this song woven into the formal wedding ceremony, generally as in an interlude that precedes the vows.

Heaven is smiling down, heaven’s girl in a wedding gown
I never gonna be so good
Just like a good brochure
I’m gonna change my way
Angel for love

Absolute Beginners

Released in 1986 on the album Absolute Beginners

There is a certain aspect of getting married that is a new beginning, one where couples leave their old lives behind to begin a new one with each other. That is the message of this David Bowie song, a ballad that you can use in many ways on your wedding day.

If our love song
Could fly over mountains
Could laugh at the ocean
Just like the films
There’s no reason
To feel all the hard times
To lay down the hard lines
It’s absolutely true

Within You

Released in 1986 on the album Labyrinth Soundtrack

David Bowie contributed this song to the soundtrack for the 1986 film, Labyrinth, and it has become something of a cult classic. Couples that have a fondness for pop culture can include the song in their wedding to honor their love of the film, and it will bring a smile to many revelers at the reception.

Yes I do
Live without the sunlight
Love without your heartbeat
I, I can’t live within you

As The World Falls Down

Released in 1986 on the album Labyrinth Soundtrack

Wasn’t too much fun at all
But I’ll be there for you-ou-ou
As the world falls down
Falling
As the world falls down
Falling
Falling in love

China Girl

Released in 1983 on the album Let’s Dance

Everyone was singing this David Bowie song in 1983, and the song proved to be one of Bowie’s most commercial successes while winning multiple awards. The pure fun of this dance number will get everyone on their feet at the wedding reception, so save it for the middle of the party to raise the energy.

Wake up mornings where’s my, little China girl
I hear her heart’s beating, loud as thunder

Without You

Released in 1983 on the album Let’s Dance

Every wedding should have song choices that are meant to convey the love of two people for one another, and also the commitment that they will soon embrace. This is a song that will let your new spouse know how important they are to your life, and it is a good choice for the first dance.

And when I’m willing to call it a day
Just when I won’t take another chance
I hold your hand

Be My Wife

Released in 1977 on the album Low

Those couples who want something straightforward from David Bowie might want to include this song in their wedding festivities. It can be played just before the bride makes her entrance into the wedding chapel, but it can also be used as an alternative processional.

Please be mine
Share my life
Stay with me
Be my wife

Heroes

Released in 1977 on the album “Heroes”

A great combined parent dance song for the wedding couple and their parent.

I will be king
And you
You will be queen
Though nothing
Will drive them away

Wild Is The Wind

Released in 1976 on the album Station to Station

This song was among the few cover songs Bowie did in his long career, and it remains a favorite of Bowie’s adoring fans. You can have this song played as your wedding guests take up their seats in the chapel, and it also makes for a nice interlude as the wedding cake is being cut and served.

You
Kiss me
With your kiss
My life begins
You’re spring to me
All things
To me

Can You Hear Me?

Released in 1975 on the album Young Americans

This haunting ballad was originally released by Bowie in 1974, but the song was so popular that it also was included in Bowie albums in 1975 and 2016. The song retains a modern appeal, and it has a heartfelt expression of love and longing that is perfect on your wedding day.

I want love so badly, I want you most of all
You know it’s harder to take it from anyone
It’s harder to fall
Can you hear me call

The Prettiest Star

Released in 1973 on the album Aladdin Sane

How you moved is all it takes
To sing a song of when I loved
The prettiest star

Lady Grinning Soul

Released in 1973 on the album Aladdin Sane

Weddings should really be mostly about the bride, and this David Bowie song from 1973 is a quirky way to celebrate everything about her that is unique and special. Many brides have it played at the wedding reception so that they can share a special dance with their bridal party.

She’ll come, she’ll go
She’ll lay belief on you
But she won’t stake her life on you
How can life become her point of view

Lady Stardust

Released in 1972 on the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

Couples who appreciate the music of David Bowie are probably individuals who celebrate their unique personalities, and this song allows the newlyweds to let their individuality shine. It can be used to great effect to introduce the couple as husband and wife.

And he sang all night long
Femme fatales emerged from shadows
To watch this creature fair

Soul Love

Released in 1972 on the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

This is one of the songs that defines David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust stage of the 1970s, and it resonates with a theme of eternal love and devotion. Songs like this one from the catalog David Bowie are generally reserved for use on the wedding reception playlist.

Love is careless in its choosing
Sweeping over cross and baby
Love descends on those defenseless

Fill Your Heart

Released in 1971 on the album Hunky Dory

David Bowie sings of the importance of recognizing and seizing true love in this song from his early career, and that is a theme all newlyweds can relate to. This song is a reminder to appreciate true love and cling to it with all the depth of one’s soul.

‘Cause they are free of thoughts unpure
And of thoughts unkind
Gentleness clears the soul
Love cleans the mind and makes it free

Changes

Released in 1971 on the album Hunky Dory

“Changes” was released in 1971 and comes from the album Hunky Dory, a critically-acclaimed example of Bowie’s lyrical brilliance. The song celebrates growth and evolution, and it has been used by some brides for a father-daughter dance at the wedding reception.

Time may change me
But I can’t trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can’t trace time

In the Heat of the Morning

Released in 1970 on the album The World of David Bowie

This song differs from other love songs released by David Bowie, and it has a pop sound that makes it a good dance selection. The sultry nature of the lyrics makes the song one that could set a good tone for the send-off at the end of the wedding celebration.

No man loved like I love you
Wouldn’t you like to love me too

An Occasional Dream

Released in 1969 on the album David Bowie

This was one of the early hits by David Bowie, but the 1969 release still has relevance today for modern couples. The lyrics are deep and reflective, typical of Bowie’s early work, and suitable for the sentimental portions of a wedding celebration.