As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of Motown love songs. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples.

When many think of Motown, they may forget that Motown is an actual record label rather than a style of music. However, Motown has released some of the best music in the styles of soul, R&B, and pop.

Motown Records started in 1959 and has grooved its way into music history and also the hearts of many fans. Motown love songs have been on our record players, 8-track tape decks, cassettes, CDs, and music files for decades. Here’s the best.

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

Motown Spotify Playlist

Title	Artist	BPM	Key
Lie To Me	Kem	87	7B
All Night Long	Mary Jane Girls	95	9B
I Second That Emotion	Smokey Robinson & The Miracles	97	10B
Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing	Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell	93	4B
I Love Your Smile	Shanice	94	4A
Hey Mr. D.J.	Zhané	101	10B
Let’s Stay Together	Al Green	102	6A
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)	Marvin Gaye	110	8B
You Can’t Hurry Love	The Supremes	97	6B
Superstition	Stevie Wonder	101	3B
All Night Long (All Night)	Lionel Richie	109	3B
Let’s Get Serious	Jermaine Jackson	110	3B
I’m Coming Out	Diana Ross	110	7B
Signed Sealed Delivered	Stevie Wonder	109	7B
I Heard It Through The Grapevine	Gladys Knight & The Pips	112	7B
The Love You Save	The Jackson 5	114	8B
Stop! In The Name Of Love	The Supremes	115	8B
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg	The Temptations	118	8B
Rhythm Of The Night	DeBarge	115	10A
Reach Out I’ll Be There	Four Tops	120	2A
I’ll Always Love You	The Spinners	122	1B
You Keep Me Hangin’ On	The Supremes	128	1A
My Guy	Mary Wells	127	6B
This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)	The Isley Brothers	130	7B
Baby Love	The Supremes	136	7B
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)	Four Tops	128	8B
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough	Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell	130	9B
Best of My Love	The Emotions	115	8B
Got To Give It Up	Marvin Gaye	123	10B
Money (That’s What I Want)	Barrett Strong	132	7B