Folk Wedding Songs: Acoustic Soul and Heartfelt Stories

Folk music has always been about the “simple life” and the deep, uncomplicated love that comes with it. From the legendary protest singers of the 1960s to the modern indie-folk “stomp and holler” movement, this genre is defined by its storytelling. Whether you are walking down a grassy aisle or sharing your first dance under string lights, folk music provides an organic, acoustic atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Essential Folk Wedding Moments

• The Modern Folk First Dance: “I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You” (Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis). This track is a masterclass in modern folk romanticism. With its gentle finger-picking and ethereal harmonies, it has quickly become a top choice for couples seeking an intimate, low-key first dance.
• The Nostalgic 60s Processional: “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” (Paul Stookey). As I detailed in my 1960s book, this song defines the folk-era ceremony. Written by the “Paul” of Peter, Paul and Mary, its spiritual reflections and gentle acoustic guitar create a sacred atmosphere for the walk down the aisle.
• The “Yacht-Folk” Cocktail Hour: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” (James Taylor). As mentioned in my 1970s book, James Taylor’s folk-rock crossover hits are the ultimate cocktail hour vibes. This 1975 classic is upbeat, recognizable, and sets a mellow, happy tone for your guests.
• The Indie-Folk Sing-Along: “Better Together” (Jack Johnson). Though it has a surf-folk flair, Jack Johnson’s acoustic style is a staple for a relaxed dinner or early reception. Its simple message and catchy rhythm never fail to get a room smiling.

Expert DJ Tips for a Folk Set

• The “Acoustic Cover” Strategy: If you love a pop song but want a folk vibe, look for acoustic covers. Artists like Sleeping At Last or Iron & Wine (specifically his cover of “Such Great Heights”) can transform a synth-pop hit into a folk-style masterpiece.
• Energy Management: Folk music can range from very slow (Nick Drake) to high-energy “stomp” (Mumford & Sons). I recommend using the slower, more poetic tracks for the ceremony and dinner, then transitioning to upbeat “nu-folk” for the reception.
• The Harmonies Matter: Folk is all about the blend. Tracks from The Secret Sisters or The Head and the Heart use vocal harmonies to create a rich, full sound that can fill a room even without a full band.

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New Folk Songs to Know

• Anyways, I Love You – Wild Rivers
• EASY LOVE – The Talbott Brothers
• Love You Baby – Thomas Mac

Song Ideas by Wedding Moments & Vibe

Ceremony Songs

Songs to ply as guests arrive at the reception or accent any moment like the unity ceremony and vows.

• All My Love – Cathartic Fall
• Anything – JJ Heller
• Everything to Me – Ivan & Alyosha
• Forever – Ben Harper
• I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You – B. Dylan
• Love Is – Zach Winters
• Make These Colors Real – Hush Kids
• Nothing Can Keep Me from You – The Sweeplings
• One For Me – Mary Hopkin
• Simply The Best – Billianne
• Stumble Together – Matt Bednarsky
• Take The World – JOHNNYSWIM
• That’s The Way Love Goes – H. Carll, A. Moorer
• Till Death Do Us Part – Lily Hormel
• Valentine’s Day (Acoustic) – David Tribble
• Wedding Blessing – Adelyn & Ava
• Wedding Song (There Is Love) – Noel Paul Stookey
• What a Wonderful World – Sawyer Fredericks
• When You Love Someone (Live) – Gretchen Peters
• You and I – SYML and Charlotte Lawrence
• You’re the One (Acoustic) – Luca Fogale

Processional Songs

Songs to play for walking down the aisle as the ceremony begins.

• Belong with You – The Light the Heat
• Bride – Aria & Oaken
• Chances – Fox and Bones
• Forever & Back – Anders Sohn
• Forever and for Always – Jarrod Morris
• I Will Spend My Whole Life – Imaginary Future, Grannis
• I’d Be Your Man – Parker Twomey
• I’ll Be with You – Matt + Abi
• Marry Me – The Wicks
• Rest of Our Lives – The Light the Heat
• Someone Like Me (Wedding Version) – July Moon

Upbeat Cocktail Songs

Songs to play as guests arrive at the reception and to keep the mod up as they enjoy your signature drinks.

• Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
• Bubbly – Colbie Caillat
• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
• Half of forever – Henrik
• Hey Ho – The Lumineers
• If I Say That I Love You – Foster
• L O V E L O V E – Jeremy Lister
• Meant For Me – Alisan Porter
• Not Just Any Old Love Song – Luke Cerny
• Only Love – Ben Howard
• Simple Thing – Jonathan Wilson
• Sunshine – Leucadia
• Sweet Talk – Iron & Wine
• Turning Onto You – First Aid Kit
• Understand My Love – Brandon Mills
• Until You – AHI
• Where You Are – The National Parks
• Wild World – Yusef/Cat Stevens
• You’re the One – Rhiannon Giddens

Background Music

A list of love songs to play as smooth background songs during dinner or as the meal is served.

• All The Gold – Alivan Blu
• Before You – Fortunate Ones
• Bloom – The Paper Kites
• Colors – Langhorne Slim
• Forever From Now – Sheffield
• Give All – Jon Danforth
• Higher Love – James Vincent McMorrow
• Hold You – Amos Lee
• I And Love And You – The Avett Brothers
• I Just Love You – Roo Panes
• If I Didn’t Love You – Ben Abraham
• Let It Be Me – Ray LaMontagne
• Lover’s Lullaby – Sweet Tea Project
• Lucky Star – Last Birds
• One and Only – Garrett Kato
• Perfect to Me – Josh Tatofi
• Sea Of Love – Langhorne Slim, Jill Andrews
• Soul Mate – flora cash
• Steal My Heart Away – The Paper Kites, Ainslie Wills
• This Beautiful Life – Ocie Elliott
• Timber! – The National Parks

First Dance Songs

A list of songs to play for the newlyweds for their spotlight dance.

• Better Part of Me – SYML, Sara Watkins
• Dance With Me – Phillip Phillips
• Easy Together – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
• Heart’s On Fire – Passenger
• Helplessly I Fell – Jim Lord
• Home – Josh Beeman
• I Chose You – Caleb Edens
• In Spite Of Ourselves – John Prine and Iris DeMent
• The First Time – The Brave Collide
• The Mountain Song (First Dance Version) – Tophouse
• Touching Heaven – JOHNNYSWIM
• You Have Stolen My Heart – Brian Fallon

Reception Dance Songs

A list of songs in the folk genre to get guests dancing.

• All I Want Is You – Barry Louis Polisar
• All the Ways – The Secret Sisters, Ray LaMontagne
• Closer To Fine – Indigo Girls
• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
• I Got You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
• I Hope You Dance – The Hound + the Fox
• I Want To Spend It With You – The Satellite Station
• No Matter Where You Are – Us The Duo
• Peach Fuzz – Caamp
• Sweet Pea – Amos Lee
• Touch of Grey – Grateful Dead

Last Dance Songs

How do you want to end your big day and exit as the reception ends? Here are a few hints.

• Good Riddance – Ron Pope, The National Parks
• If I Can’t Take You With Me – Heather Stewart
• Love You ‘Till the End – The Pogues
• Welcome Home – Fox and Bones
• When You Say Nothing At All – Alison Krauss

DJs! Plan Folk Wedding Songs by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify Folk Playlist

Do you have a favorite folk song for weddings? Please share it below in the comments!