Motown Love Songs: The Soulful Heart of Your Wedding

Since Motown Records launched in 1959, it has produced some of the most iconic love songs in music history. The “Motown Sound” is defined by its infectious grooves and incredible vocal performances, making these tracks a staple for every part of a wedding, from the ceremony to the final dance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic ballad or an upbeat floor-filler, Motown always delivers.

Essential Motown Moments

• The High-Energy Recessional: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” – Stevie Wonder. This is the quintessential “just married” song. Its upbeat, celebratory message and driving rhythm make it the most popular choice for couples walking back up the aisle as a married pair.
• The Perfect Slow Dance: “My Girl” – The Temptations. Released in late 1964, this track is a wedding must-play. Its recognizable bassline and sweet lyrics make it a favorite for the Father-Daughter dance or a general slow dance for guests.
• The Romantic Powerhouse: “Endless Love” – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross. This 1981 duet is one of the biggest-selling singles of all time. It’s the ultimate choice for a first dance, showcasing two of Motown’s greatest voices in a perfectly synchronized performance.
• The Multi-Generational Singalong: “I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5. For a moment of pure joy on the dance floor, you can’t beat the Jackson 5. This 1969 hit (197 BPM) is a high-energy track that appeals to every guest, regardless of age.

Expert DJ Tips for a Motown Set

• The “Key” to a Smooth Transition: For DJs, mixing Motown can be tricky due to the organic drumming of the era. However, songs like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (Four Tops) and “I’m Coming Out” (Diana Ross) share similar keys and tempos (around 110-120 BPM), making them perfect for a “Diva” transition set.
• Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: No Motown set is complete without this duo. “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” are perfect for couples who want a “shorter” first dance that still packs a massive emotional punch.

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Song Ideas by Wedding Moment & Vibe

Ceremony

These songs set a romantic and timeless tone for the wedding ceremony, particularly for the entrance, vows, first kiss, or recessional.

• Back At One – Brian McKnight
• Endless Love – Lionel Richie, Diana Ross
• For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder
• I Believe (When I Fall in Love) – Stevie Wonder
• I Believe In You And Me – The Four Tops
• Ready for Love – India.Arie
• Share My Life – Kem
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
• Thank God I Found You – Mariah Carey, Joe, 98 Degrees
• You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell

Cocktail Hour/Reception Background Music

These songs offer a relaxed vibe for mingling and light dancing before the full party starts.

• All Night Long – Mary Jane Girls
• Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
• Because of You – 98 Degrees
• Cruisin’ – Smokey Robinson
• For The Love Of You – The Isley Brothers
• Hey Mr. D.J. – Zhané
• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – Marvin Gaye
• I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
• I Love Your Smile – Shanice
• I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
• I Was Made To Love Her – Stevie Wonder
• I’ll Always Love You – The Spinners
• I’ll Be There – The Jackson 5
• Let’s Get Serious – Jermaine Jackson
• Lie To Me – Kem
• My Guy – Mary Wells
• Nightshift – Commodores
• Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge

First Dance

These romantic tracks are ideal for the newlyweds’ first dance.

• Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me – Gladys Knight
• I Choose You – Willie Hutch
• Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
• Love of My Life – Brian McKnight
• One In A Million You – Larry Graham
• Stuck on You – Lionel Richie
• You Are My Lady – Freddie Jackson
• You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Upbeat Dance Songs

These songs are perfect for getting people on the dance floor and keeping the energy high.

• ABC – The Jackson 5
• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Ain’t That Peculiar – Marvin Gaye
• Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations
• All Night Long (All Night) Lionel Richie
• Baby Love – The Supremes
• Brick House – The Commodores
• Dancing in the Street – Martha and the Vandellas
• Do You Love Me – The Contours
• Get Ready – The Temptations
• Heard It Through the Grapevine – Gladys Knight & the Pips
• Heatwave – Martha & The Vandellas
• I Can’t Help Myself – The Four Tops
• I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
• I Wish – Stevie Wonder
• I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
• It Takes Two – Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston
• It’s the Same Old Song – The Four Tops
• Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
• Reach Out I’ll Be There – The Four Tops
• Stop! In the Name of Love – The Supremes
• Super Freak – Rick James
• Superstition – Stevie Wonder
• The Love You Save – The Jackson 5
• This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) – The Isley Brothers
• Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
• You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes
• You Keep Me Hangin’ On – The Supremes

Slow Dances

These songs are ideal for slow dancing, either for the couple or for guests.

• All This Love – DeBarge
• Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) – The Temptations
• Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
• Live Out Your Love – Kem, Toni Braxton
• My Girl – The Temptations
• On Bended Knee – Boyz II Men
• Ooo Baby Baby – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
• Still – The Commodores
• Three Times A Lady – The Commodores
• You Really Got A Hold On Me – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Party-Ending Songs

To end the night with a bang, these classics will leave a lasting impression.

• Cloud Nine – The Temptations
• End of the Road – Boyz II Men
• Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
• Never Can Say Goodbye – The Jackson 5
• Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations
• Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
• Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes

DJs! Plan a Motown Wedding Playlist by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM column headers for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Motown Spotify Playlist

Have a favorite Motown wedding song? Please share your song below in the comments!