Macklemore Wedding Songs For Same Love or Dance Off

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis redefined modern hip-hop by blending infectious beats with heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re looking for a triumphant grand entrance, a soulful tribute to equality, or a floor-filling party starter, Macklemore’s discography provides a “big-room” sound that feels both current and deeply personal.

The “Hype” King: Tracks like “Can’t Hold Us” are the industry standard for grand entrances.
Social Heart: Anthem-like lyrics that celebrate love in all its forms.
Alternative Style: Perfect for couples who want a cool, independent “indie-rap” feel.

Triumphant Grand Entrances & “Hype” Moments

The Industry Essential: “Can’t Hold Us” (feat. Ray Dalton). This is arguably the #1 grand entrance song of the last decade. The building beat and “Tonight is the Night” lyric create an instant explosion of energy as you enter the room.
The “Cool” Arrival: “Downtown.” With its funky, old-school hip-hop vibe and theatrical chorus, this is perfect for a wedding party introduction that feels like a choreographed music video.
Golden Energy: “Gold” (feat. Eighty4 Fly). A high-energy, fresh track about “feeling like gold”—ideal for a celebratory cake cutting or a grand entrance for a stylish couple.
The “Action” Start: “Dance Off.” If you want to kick off the reception with a literal dance battle, this is the mandatory soundtrack. It’s playful, aggressive, and highly interactive.

Soulful Ceremonies & Meaningful Traditions

The Anthem for Equality: “Same Love” (feat. Mary Lambert). A historic wedding song that celebrates love without boundaries. It’s a powerful choice for a ceremony processional or a meaningful moment of reflection.
Sentimental Devotion: “She Keeps Me Warm” (Mary Lambert). This is the solo version of the “Same Love” hook. It is a stunning, piano-led ballad that is perfect for a bridal processional or a romantic first dance.
The Father-Daughter Bond: “Growing Up” (feat. Ed Sheeran). A poignant, mid-tempo song about parenthood and life lessons. It’s an elite choice for a modern Father-Daughter dance or a “Growing Up” slideshow.
Deep Connection: “Love Song.” A nostalgic, soulful track from his early career. It captures the raw, honest feeling of being in love, making it a great choice for a meaningful slow dance.

Peak-Hour Party Starters & High-Energy Hits

The Floor Filler: “Thrift Shop” (feat. Wanz). An instant crowd-pleaser. Even the guests who don’t listen to hip-hop know the “popping tags” hook. It’s a guaranteed way to spike the energy during the first dance set.
Modern Groove: “These Days” (Rudimental feat. Macklemore, Jess Glynne & Dan Caplen). A feel-good, mid-tempo hit that works perfectly for a joyful reception transition or as the “bridge” between dinner and dancing.
The “Wild” Choice: “White Walls” (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Hollis). For the couple that loves a high-energy, stylish “cruising” vibe, this is a great peak-hour track to get everyone moving.
Soaring Celebration: “Wings.” While more dramatic, its building energy can be used as a soundtrack for a high-impact cake cutting or a cinematic grand exit.

DJ Expert Tips: Mixing Macklemore

The “Can’t Hold Us” Drop: Have your DJ time your entrance to the first “Go!” at the 0:20 mark. It creates a much larger impact than starting at the very beginning of the beat.
Inclusive Vibes: Use “Same Love” to signal a welcoming, modern atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with tracks from Lady Gaga, Janelle Monáe, or Hozier.
Transition Trick: “Thrift Shop” has a distinct 95 BPM “swagger.” It transitions flawlessly into 90s Hip-Hop classics (like Notorious B.I.G.) or modern funk-pop like Bruno Mars.

Our Music Planning Guides.

Don’t miss any moments of your wedding to incorporate your personality.

Shop Bookstore

Macklemore Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

#1 Thrift Shop, 2013 (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz)
#1 Can’t Hold Us, 2013 (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Dalton)
#11 Same Love, 2013 (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Mary Lambert)
#12 Downtown, 2015 (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz)
#15 White Walls, 2013 (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring ScHoolboy Q & Hollis)

Wedding Songs List

Using rap artists such as Macklemore to create a wedding song playlist is becoming more popular today. I put together a list of the top Macklemore wedding songs for your special day.

As you might expect, most of these songs should be used at the wedding reception. A few may be saved for more intimate moments of the ceremony. All will showcase your love for the music of Macklemore.

Dance Off

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Idris Elba & Anderson .Paak

Released in 2016 on the album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

Every newlywed couple needs some lively music to groove on with the wedding guests while the drinks are flowing and the memories are being made. You’ll create some moments to remember when you invite all of your guests to an impromptu dance-off to this Macklemore hit.

I challenge you to a dance off
Hands off, no trash talk, no back walk
On the black top, just me, you, that’s all

Growing Up

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ed Sheeran

Released in 2016 on the album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

This Macklemore song featuring Ed Sheeran hits some sentimental notes with its poignant lyrics, and that may be why some brides have played it during the father-daughter wedding reception dance. It can also be used to create a non-traditional processional when mixed with other alternative hip hop hits.

I’m still tryna figure out who I am
I don’t wanna mess this up or do this wrong
I’m gonna be there for your first breath

Need to Know

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Chance The Rapper

Released in 2016 on the album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

Macklemore merged his talents with those of Chance the Rapper to deliver this hit on the second studio album from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It belongs in the category of wedding reception dance music, and you’ll want to save it for when the party really gets going.

I’mma tell you what you need to know
I’mma tell you what you need to hear
Cause the truth would be too much

Downtown

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee & Eric Nally

Released in 2016 on the album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

You can also place this song from Macklemore in the wedding reception dance music category, and it will have all of your guests moving to the beat. Every wedding reception needs at least a few songs that are party anthems, and you can play this one first to set the tone for the entire party.

What you see is what you get girl
Don’t ever forget girl
Ain’t seen nothing yet until you’re
Downtown