Norah Jones Wedding Songs: Soulful Piano Ballads and Timeless Grace

Norah Jones has been the soundtrack to modern romance since her debut in the early 2000s. Named the “Top Jazz Artist of the 2000s” by Billboard, she has a gift for vocal expression that touches the deepest part of the soul. For weddings, her catalog is exceptionally versatile. Whether you are looking for a tender processional, a sophisticated cocktail hour set, or a soulful first dance, Norah Jones’ music brings a down-to-earth elegance that elevates any moment.

Essential Norah Jones Wedding Moments

  • The Modern Wedding Anthem: “Come Away With Me.” Released in 2002, this track has become one of the most popular wedding songs of the millennium. Its sweet invitation, to kiss on a mountaintop and love forever, makes it an ideal choice for a modern recessional or a mellow first dance.
  • The Jazzy First Dance: “The Nearness of You.” Norah’s take on this Hoagy Carmichael classic is breathtaking. As I noted in my 1960s book, jazz standards are the backbone of timeless wedding music. Her version brings a raw, emotional vulnerability that is perfect for a couple’s entrance into their reception hall.
  • The Hopeful Processional: “Sunrise.” This 2004 ballad is a celebration of promise. Its gentle tempo and optimistic lyrics about “making it through another day” together make it a beautiful, non-traditional choice for a bridal procession.
  • The Sultry Slow Dance: “Turn Me On.” For couples who want to lean into the jazz-blues side of her catalog, this track is a reception favorite. It’s also a sophisticated choice for guest arrival music as people take their seats.

Expert DJ Tips for a Norah Jones Set

  • The “Stripped-Back” Vibe: Norah’s music shines in intimate settings. If you are having a micro-wedding or a backyard ceremony, her piano ballads provide a rich, full sound without the need for a massive band.
  • The “Man of the Hour”: For a special dedication to the groom, don’t overlook “Man of the Hour” (2009). It’s a playful, lighthearted track that can be used during the reception to give the groom his own spotlight moment.
  • Building the Drama: Use her tracks like “Sunrise” or “Those Sweet Words” early in the ceremony to build a sense of calm and beauty before the high-energy parts of the day begin.
norah jones wedding songs

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Norah Jones Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

Adult Alternative

  • #1 Sunrise, 2004
  • #1 What Am I to You?, 2004
  • #1 Thinking About You, 2006
  • #1 Chasing Pirates, 2009
  • #4 Happy Pills, 2012
  • #5 Don’t Know Why, 2002
  • #7 “Running”, 2024
  • #8 Carry On, 2016
  • #11 It’s Gonna Be, 2010
  • #12 Come Away with Me, 2003
  • #24 I’m Alive, 2020
  • #26 Be My Somebody, 2007
  • #27 Flipside, 2016

Wedding Songs List

And Then There Was You
Released in 2016 on the album Day Breaks

Many people take numerous twists and turns before they make it to the wedding altar, but here’s a love song that lets you know the journey was worth every step. Like many Norah Jones songs, this one can be used as a modern wedding march if you want to step away from tradition.

And then there was you, my dear
I thought love was a game one would win or would lose
Until I found you

It’s a Wonderful Time for Love
Released in 2016 on the album Day Breaks

Weddings are all about the celebration of true love between two deserving people, and Norah Jones affirms that with this wedding song. Play it as a reminder that today is one of the happiest days that you will ever know, and pause to appreciate each moment.

When the sun goes down
We sleep safe and sound
A wonderful time for love

Man of the Hour
Released in 2009 on the album The Fall

On your wedding day, the groom is certainly the man of the hour, and it doesn’t hurt to remind him with a special song dedication or two during the reception. Have the DJ play this one just for him and allow the groom to shine.

You never argue
You don’t even talk
And I like the way you let me lead you
When we go outside and walk

Young Blood
Released in 2009 on the album The Fall

Never forget the glory of young love and being youthful, something that becomes harder to appreciate as the years go by. This is a great dance tune for your wedding, and you could also have the DJ play it while the wedding cake is being cut to liven up the moment.

You feel real pretty when he’s holding you tight
City will make you mean but darlin’, that’s just make-up on your face
Love will wash you clean in the night

It’s Gonna Be
Released in 2009 on the album The Fall

Let this song remind you that your love is strong and meant to be, something that will last through the years as you grow old with one another. Play this song as the wedding party exits the wedding chapel to leave your guests with a wonderful memory of the day.

Now if a princess becomes human
Don’t stone her on a talk show, you’ll ruin
‘Cause there’s a fine line between a skewer
And a decent sense of humor

Until the End
Released in 2007 on the album Not Too Late

Lifelong devotion is a theme that is important to all newlyweds, and that is what the lyrics of this love song imply. It is a song that is best saved for the end of the wedding celebration, perhaps as the soundtrack to the send-off with wishes for a wonderful honeymoon.

And through all the games
We’ll both stay the same
As we’ve always been
Through the fat and thin
Until the end

Be My Somebody
Released in 2007 on the album Not Too Late

Everyone needs that special somebody, and this song will let your partner know that they have filled the open spot at the center of your world. Imagine looking deep into the eyes of your forever love as you dance to this special wedding song by Norah Jones.

So be my somebody tonight
Be the one who’ll hold me tight
Honey, please, please

Thinking About You
Released in 2006 on the album Thinking About You

In those wonderful days leading up to the wedding ceremony, you will have many moments to pause and think about the person you have chosen to be your partner, and when you hear this song at your wedding you will recall all of the wonderful qualities of your new spouse.

Dance with them to this slow ballad from Norah Jones, and don’t forget to whisper a prayer of thanks that you found one another.

So when you sail across the ocean waters
And you reach the other side safely
Well, could you smile a little smile for me?
‘Cause I’ll be thinkin’ about you

Sunrise
Released in 2004 on the album Feels Like Home

This Norah Jones ballad is a celebration of promise and hope, two ideas that are always appreciated at a wedding gathering. Allow the bridal party to walk down the aisle to this song if you want to slowly build the drama of the wedding celebration.

Surprise, surprise
Never something I could hide
When I see we made it through another day

Those Sweet Words
Released in 2004 on the album Feels Like Home

The importance of language on your wedding day cannot be overstated, and this song from Norah Jones is a reminder that those sweet words shared between couples have great meaning.

A sentimental wedding song like this one deserves a place of honor in your wedding festivities, and it is often chosen to mark the bride’s procession to the altar.

But before the night is done
I just have to hear those sweet words
Spoken like a melody

Be Here to Love Me
Released in 2004 on the album Feels Like Home

Having someone to love throughout the years is what many of us dream about, and here’s a love ballad that expresses that dream with sweet lyrics. It is a song that can be played during the actual wedding ceremony, but many couples like to save it for a special dedication to all those wedding guests who have found true love.

Just hold me and tell me
You’ll be here to love me today

Come Away With Me
Released in 2002 on the album Come Away with Me

This piano ballad became one of the first big hits for recording artist Norah Jones, and it has also become one of the most popular wedding songs of the millennium.

The lyrics of the song offer a sweet invitation from one partner to another, and the song is soft enough to create a beautiful modern wedding recessional.

Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you

Turn Me On
Released in 2002 on the album Come Away with Me

The sultry side of Norah Jones comes out on this jazz hit, a song that newlyweds like to dance to at the wedding reception. There are other ways to use the song, one of which is playing it while the wedding guests are arriving.

Like a schoolkid waiting for the spring
I’m just sitting here waiting for you
To come on home and turn me on

The Nearness of You
Released in 2002 on the album Come Away with Me

Norah Jones is at her best on this Hoagy Carmichael classic, a poignant love song that is filled with the emotion jazz songs are known for. If you want to create a truly magical first dance with your new spouse, have the DJ play this one as you enter the reception hall.

When you’re in my arms
And I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams
Came true

Norah Jones Spotify Playlist

If you have a favorite Norah Jones song not on our list, please share it below so that we can add it.

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