Nat “King” Cole’s music is synonymous with romance. From his early days as a jazz pianist to his transition into a legendary pop vocalist, his smooth-as-silk baritone has the power to stop time. For weddings, his catalog is a treasure trove of “Standards” that feel as fresh today as they did in the 1940s and ’50s. Whether it’s an intimate first dance or a sophisticated cocktail hour, Nat King Cole’s voice adds a layer of class and sincerity that few other artists can match.

Essential Nat King Cole Wedding Moments

The Timeless First Dance: “Unforgettable.” Released in 1952, this is arguably his most iconic love song. Its lyrics about a love that “clings to me” make it a premier choice for a first dance that guests will remember for years.
The Whimsical Processional: “L-O-V-E.” This 1964 classic is one of the most recognizable songs in the American songbook. Its upbeat, jazzy rhythm makes it a fantastic, joyful choice for a wedding processional or a high-energy grand entrance.
The Soulful Slow Dance: “When I Fall In Love.” Released in 1956, this track is a masterclass in devotion. Its message about giving your heart “completely” is a beautiful sentiment for a mid-reception slow dance.
The Sophisticated Cocktail Hour: “Let There Be Love.” This 1961 track is a bright, breezy jazz standard. It’s perfect for a refined cocktail hour, setting a mellow yet celebratory tone as guests mingle.

Expert DJ Tips for a Nat King Cole Set

The “Standards” Selection: As I noted in my 1960s book, the early 60s were a time when “Easy Listening” and Jazz legends like Cole were bridging the gap to modern pop. Tracks like “Stay As Sweet As You Are” or “You’re My Everything” are great “hidden gem” dinner tracks that add a touch of mid-century sophistication.
A Nod to the Trio: While most know him as a solo singer, his early work with the King Cole Trio (featuring piano, guitar, and bass) offers a more “stripped-back” jazz feel. Tracks like “Embraceable You” are excellent for intimate, small-venue weddings.
The “Christmas” Exception: While “The Christmas Song” is his biggest seasonal hit, consider his other romantic tracks for a holiday-themed wedding. “Stardust” (1957) has a magical, twinkling quality that fits perfectly with a winter celebration.

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Nat King Cole Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

US R&B

#1 That Ain’t Right, 1942
#1 All for You, 1943
#1 Straighten Up and Fly Right, 1944
#1 Gee, Baby, Ain’t I Good to You?, 1944
#1 Mona Lisa, 1950
#1 Send for Me, 1957
#2 I Can’t See for Lookin’, 1944
#2 I’m a Shy Guy, 1945
#2 Nature Boy, 1948
#2 Pretend, 1953
#2 A Blossom Fell, 1955
#2 Looking Back, 1958
#2 Ramblin’ Rose, 1962
#3 If You Can’t Smile and Say Yes, 1945
#3 “Come to Baby, Do!, 1946
#3 (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66, 1946
#3 (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons, 1946
#3 The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You), 1946
#3 Meet Me at No Special Place (and I’ll Be There at No Particular Time), 1947
#3 Too Young, 1951
#4 I’m Lost, 1944
#5 It’s Only a Paper Moon, 1944
#5 Orange Colored Sky, 1950
#5 Walkin’, 1952
#5 Looking Back, 1958

Love Songs List

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing
Released in 1966

“Then your fingers touched my silent heart, And taught it how to sing, Yes, true love’s a many splendored thing”

How I’d Love To Love You
Released in 1965

“Though my lonely heart will always sing this song, Darling, how I’d love to love you from now on”

Let’s Fall In Love
Released in 1965

“Let’s close our eyes, And make our own paradise, Little we know of it, Still we can try, To make a go of it”

Smile
Released in 1964

“You’ll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile”

You’re My Everything
Released in 1964

“You’re my everything, Everything I need, You’re the song I sing, And the book I read”

L-O-V-E
Released in 1964

“L is for the way you look at me, O is for the only one I see, V is very, very extraordinary, E is even more than anyone that you adore can”

Let There Be Love
Released in 1961

“Let there be cuckoos, A lark and a dove, But first of all, please, Let there be love.”

The More I See You
Released in 1958

“I know the only one for me can only be you, My arms won’t free you, my heart won’t try”

Stay As Sweet As You Are
Released in 1958

“Stay as grand as you are, And as you are, Tell me that you’re mine, dear.”

You Made Me Love You (I Didn’t Want To Do It)
Released in 1958

“And all the time you knew it, I guess you always knew it, You made me happy”

Love Letters
Released in 1957

“Love letters straight from your heart, Keep us so near while we`re apart”

Stardust
Released in 1957

“And I am once again with you When our love was new, And each kiss an inspiration”

When I Fall In Love
Released in 1956

“When I give my heart it will be completely, Or I’ll never give my heart, And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too, Is when I fall in love with you.”

Unforgettable
Released in 1952