25 Rumba Dance Songs For A Wedding Ballroom Flair

Characterized by its fluid grace and measured steps, rumba is a classic Afro-Cuban dance that’s sure to make an impression during your wedding reception. You don’t have to stick with traditional rumba music, however.

Any of these rumba wedding songs will do!

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

Songs to Rhumba Dance To

Adele – Lovesong

Released in 2011 on the album 21

Lyrics to Dance To:

Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again

Adele’s version of Love Song is a sexy, sinuous take on the 1989 classic by The Cure. With thrumming guitar chords and a mellow beat that never gets too fast, it’s the perfect rumba song for both beginner and intermediate dancers. Dance to this tune with no fear of losing your rhythm.

Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed

Released in 2010 on the album Light

Lyrics to Dance to:

Next thing we’re touching
You look at me, it’s like you hit me with lightning

Though it may seem a bit too fast-paced for a rumba, Starry Eyed actually registers at 128 BPM making it perfect for all of your twists, steps, and dips. The boppy techno effects make it seem quicker than it is. However, the song will provide you with a steady beat throughout the song.

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are

Released in 2010 on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Lyrics to Dance To:

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl, you’re amazing
Just the way you are

The king of sweet, positive love songs, Bruno Mars outdoes himself with Just The Way You Are. Between its upbeat lyrics and happy, mid-range piano, there’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular picks for modern weddings! As a bonus, it will also serve as a nice foundation for your rumba dancing.

Ne-Yo – Never Knew I Needed

Released in 2009 on the album The Princess and the Frog Soundtrack

Lyrics to Dance to:

I must admit you were not a part of my book
But now if you open it up and take a look
You’re the beginning and the end of every chapter

At 142 BPM, this is a relatively fast-paced rumba song. Never Knew I Needed is perfect for contemporary dancers who want to inject some spontaneity and fun into their wedding reception. If you’re tired of taking it slow, use Never Knew I Needed to cut a rug and have a great time.

Taylor Swift – Love Story

Released in 2008 on the album Fearless

Lyrics to Dance to:

You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess
It’s a love story, baby, just say “yes

Taylor Swift might not be the first artist to come to mind when you think of rumba songs. Although, Love Story is both sweet and steady. It will serve you well as a romantic dance number. The beat won’t let you down. As a bonus, if you and your spouse have been together for a while, T-Swift’s dreamy nostalgia will take you right back to young love and simpler times.

Michelle Williams – Let’s Stay Together

Released in 2005 on the album GAP – Favorite Songs

Lyrics to Dance to:

You make me feel so brand new
I wanna spend my life with only you

You might remember Michelle Williams as one of the founding members of Destiny’s Child, but she also had a solo career that included a cover of Al Green’s 1972 classic Let’s Stay Together. Sweet, sultry, and with a modern hip-hop edge, this song is perfect to open a wedding.

Howie Day – Collide

Released in 2004 on the album Stop All the World Now

Lyrics to Dance to:

Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

With chords that melt like butter and lyrics that go straight to the heart, Collide will be a great opener for your wedding reception. You and your partner can share a slow, tender dance with a song that makes it easy to stay on time.

Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved

Released in 2004 on the album Songs About Jane

Lyrics to Dance to:

Tap on my window, knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful

You may recognize this song as one of the biggest hits on the radio during Maroon 5’s heyday. Unless you’ve been in a ballroom recently, you might not have known that it’s also a popular rumba song. Its steady beat will be like clockwork for all of your steps. Its passion will make you smile as you dance in the arms of your lover.

Enrique Iglesias – Hero

Released in 2001 on the album Escape

Lyrics to Dance to:

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back?

Get back to the true origins of rumba with this soulful melody from sexy Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. You’ll have no problem putting together a rumba arrangement for this song. Your family will be duly impressed by your rhythm.

Celine Dion – Falling Into You

Released in 1996 on the album Falling into You

Lyrics to Dance to:

I’m falling into you
This dream could come true
And it feels so good falling into you

Originally written by Argentine singer Marie-Claire D’Ubaldo, Falling Into You retains its exotic roots with a melody straight off the dusty streets of South America. It’s perfect for rumba, and its romantic chorus is well-suited for your wedding day.

Chris Isaak – Wicked Game

Released in 1990 on the album Heart Shaped World

Lyrics to Dance to:

What a wicked game you play to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you

Wicked Game is a favorite of rumba dancers everywhere because of its slow, sizzling lyrics and twangy “playing the guitar in the living room” charm. If you’re looking to show off your moves during your wedding reception, it doesn’t get much better than a classic dance and a memorable song.

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time

Released in 1984 on the album, She’s So Unusual

Lyrics to Dance to:

If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time

You’re in luck. Literally. Here is a Rumba first dance wedding video…

Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – Lucky

Video Courtesy of A Perfect Wedding Dance in Las Vegas.

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud

Released in 2014 on the album X

Lyrics to Dance to:

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I’m thinking out loud
Maybe we found love right where we are

Lee Brice – I Don’t Dance

Released in 2014 on the album I Don’t Dance

Lyrics to Dance to:

Love’s never come my way,
I’ve never been this far
‘Cause you took these two left feet
And waltzed away with my heart

Tim Stark – Romantic Rumba

Released in 2011 on the album Ballroom Expressions

Enrique Iglesias – Wish I Was Your Lover

Released in 2007 on the album Insomniac

Lyrics to Dance to:

Oh I need is a miracle
Oh baby all I need is you
All I need is a love you give
Oh baby all I need is you

Alicia Keys – No One

Released in 2007 on the album As I Am

Lyrics to Dance to:

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don’t worry ’cause
Everything’s gonna be alright

Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars

Released in 2006 on the album Eyes Open

Lyrics to Dance to:

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Brad Paisley – She’s Everything

Released in 2005 on the album Time Well Wasted

Lyrics to Dance to:

She’s the answer to my prayer
And she’s the song that I’m playing
And she’s everything I ever wanted
And everything I need

Paul Brandt – I Do

Released in 1996 on the album Calm Before the Storm

Lyrics to Dance to:

I know the time will disappear
But this love we’re building on will always be here
No way that this is sinking sand
On this solid rock we’ll stand forever

The Eagles – Love Will Keep Us Alive

Released in 1994 on the album Hell Freezes Over

Lyrics to Dance to:

I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do

Sting – Fields of Gold

Released in 1993 on the album Ten Summoner’s Tales

Lyrics to Dance to:

I never made promises lightly and there have been some that I’ve broken
But I swear in the days still left we’ll walk in fields of gold

Lionel Richie – My Destiny

Released in 1992 on the album Back to Front

Lyrics to Dance to:

From the first time that I saw you
I know it was forever
This mighty love between us
Will keep us together

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are

Released in 1977 on the album The Stranger

Lyrics to Dance to:

I said I love you and that’s forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are

Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely

Released in 1976 on the album Songs in the Key of Life

Lyrics to Dance to:

Isn’t she pretty?
Truly the angel’s best
Boy, I’m so happy
We have been Heaven blessed

See my list of Latin wedding music too!