John Mayer Love Songs: Soulful Guitar Ballads for Your Wedding
John Mayer has been a staple of the wedding music scene since he first burst onto the charts in 2001. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and his ability to pour his personal relationships into his lyrics, Mayer offers a unique catalog that spans blues, rock, and pop. Whether you’re looking for a tender acoustic moment or a mid-tempo groove, he has a song for every part of your day.
As a wedding DJ, I find that John Mayer tracks often act as the “heartbeat” of a dinner or cocktail hour. His music has a way of feeling both deeply personal and universally relatable – exactly what you want for a wedding celebration.
The John Mayer Wedding “Must-Haves”
- The “Finding Peace” Ballad: “A Face To Call Home” (2012). This is a beautiful song about life’s challenges coming to an end and finding stability in a partner. The lyric about “inking in” a name on a paper heart is a perfect sentiment for a first dance.
- The High-Energy Recessional: “Carry Me Away” (2019). This laid-back, acoustic-driven track is one of my favorite modern recessional songs. It’s “just the kinda crazy” you want as you walk back down the aisle as a married couple.
- The Honest Reflection: “Waitin’ On The Day” (2013). A song about the future and finding the person who will take your side in “every little firefight.” It’s a soulful choice for a more introspective slow dance or ceremony moment.
- The Iconic Solo: “Your Body Is a Wonderland” (2002). While the lyrics are a bit more direct than some traditional wedding songs, this track remains a fan favorite. It features one of Mayer’s most iconic guitar solos and hit #18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Expert DJ Tips for a John Mayer Playlist
- The Father-Daughter Standard: “Daughters” (2004) was Mayer’s first #1 hit and won the Grammy for Song of the Year. It is a quintessential father-daughter dance song that emphasizes the impact a father has on his daughter’s life.
- The Relationship Duet: If you want a duet that celebrates choice in love, “Who You Love” (featuring Katy Perry) is a great option. It’s about opening your heart and fully allowing yourself to love who you love.
- The Action-Oriented Love: “Love Is A Verb” (2012) is a great “message” song for a wedding. It reminds everyone that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s something you show through your actions every day.
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John Mayer Highest Charting Billboard Hits
Adult Alternative
- #1 “No Such Thing”, 2002
- #1 “Your Body Is a Wonderland”, 2002
- #1 “Bigger Than My Body”, 2003
- #1 “Clarity”, 2004
- #1 “Waiting on the World to Change”, 2006
- #1 “Who Says”, 2009
- #1 “Last Train Home”, 2021
- #1 “Wild Blue”, 2021
- #2 “Why Georgia”, 2003
- #2 “Half of My Heart” (featuring Taylor Swift), 2010
- #2 “Shadow Days”, 2012
- #2 “Queen of California”, 2012
- #3 “Heartbreak Warfare”, 2009
- #3 “Love on the Weekend”, 2016
- #6 “Daughters”, 2004
- #9 “Belief”, 2007
- #9 “New Light”, 2018
- #10 “Stitched Up” (Herbie Hancock featuring John Mayer), 2005
- #10 “Paper Doll”, 2013
Top John Mayer Wedding Songs
Waitin’ On The Day
Released in 2013 on the album Paradise Valley
The song is about waiting for a day when his thoughts are his own and when he has a home of his own. The lyrics of the song are about waiting for someone who will be there for him and love him all the way.
When you’ll take my side in every little firefight When you’ll hang your things and stay, I’m waiting on the day
Who You Love
featuring Katy Perry
Released in 2013 on the album Paradise Valley
The song is about opening your heart up and allowing yourself to fully love the person in your life. The lyrics of the song are about loving who you love.
You can’t make yourself stop dreaming, Who you’re dreaming of, If it’s who you love, Then it’s who you love
Half Of My Heart
featuring Taylor Swift
Released in 2009 on the album Battle Studies
The lyrics are about the duo, with half of their hearts saying they should continue to love each other, although the other half says they are not each other’s true love, and cannot keep loving each other.
lonely was the song I sang, ’til the day you came, Showing me another way and all that my love can bring
The Heart of Life
Released in 2006 on the album Continuum
This is an acoustic song in which Mayer defends life against all of the terrible things it brings on.
Pain throws your heart to the ground, Love turns the whole thing around, No it won’t all go the way it should, But I know the heart of life is good
Love Is A Verb
Released in 2012 on the album Born and Raised
“Love Is a Verb” is about someone having to act when they have feelings. It’s not enough to just have feelings and send good thoughts or little hints. Sometimes you need to just show it and be more direct about it.
When you show me love, I don’t need your words, Yeah love ain’t a thing, Love is a verb
A Face To Call Home
Released in 2012 on the album Born and Raised
The song marks the end of life’s challenges and finding peace at home.
You know my paper heart, The one I filled with pencil marks, I think I might’ve gone and inked you in
Your Body is a Wonderland
Released in 2002 on the album Room for Squares
The song is not a perfect wedding song as the song may offend some with the lyrics.
The song has been interpreted as a being in a real loving relationship and loving their body.
I know you’re mine, all mine, all mine, But you look so good it hurts sometimes, Your body is a wonderland
Say
Released in 2007 on the album Continuum
The song implies the importance of saying what you need to say because you may lose the chance to do so. Life is unpredictable!
Even if your hands are shaking, And your faith is broken, Even as the eyes are closing, Do it with a heart wide open
Split Screen Sadness
Released in 2004 on the album As/Is.
This is a great long-distance love song. It can also be about two lovers who had an argument and split. You decide.
I called because I just, Need to feel you on the line
Come Back To Bed
Released in 2003 on the album Heavier Things
The song is about an argument and he wants her to come back to bed. This is a cute song for the men who sleep on the couch after a fight.
The song is about a man who is asking his lover to come back to bed after an argument. The song could describe your relationship.
I’ll take back what I said, Just don’t leave me alone here, It’s cold baby
Come back to bed
New Light
Released in 2018 as a single
The song is about a man who is trying to convince his partner to give him another chance after he messed up their relationship.
To meet you underneath the moonlight
Oh, I want a take two, I want to breakthrough
I wanna know the real thing about you
So I can see you in a new light
Carry Me Away
Released in 2019 as a single
A great wedding recessional song for your ceremony! The song is a laid-back, acoustic song.
You know I need you, and that’s for sure
You’re just the kinda crazy I’ve been lookin’ for
Carry me away
John Mayer Spotify Playlist
*I intentionally left off the song Daughters. Daughters is a great love song from a father for his daughter. So, if you want a father-daughter song, I recommend the song Daughters.
If you have a favorite John Mayer song for weddings, please share it below in the comments.
