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!
Rumba Wedding Songs
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Adele – Lovesong
2011, 21
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
2010, Lights
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
2010, Doo-Wops & Hooligans
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
2009, The Princess and the Frog Soundtrack
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 your 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
2008, Fearless
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
2005, GAP – Favorite Songs
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
2004, Stop All the World Now
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 in time.
Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
2004, Songs About Jane
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
2001, Escape
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
1996, Falling into You
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
1990, Heart Shaped World
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
1984, She’s So Unusual
If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
According to the National Dance Council of America, the best range for rumba songs is between 128 – 144 beats per minute (BPM). This song fits nicely in the middle with 130 BPM. So not only will it bring a little ’80s splash to your wedding, but it will also be perfect for your rumba moves.
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.
Other Memorable Rumba Wedding Songs
James Arthur – Naked
2017, Naked
I’m not going to try ’til you decide
You’re ready to swallow all your pride
I’m standing here naked
Ed Sheeran – Thinking out Loud
2014, X
Lee Brice – I Don’t Dance
2014, I Don’t Dance
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
2011, Ballroom Expressions
Enrique Iglesias – Wish I Was Your Lover
2007, Insomniac
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
2007, As I Am
You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don’t worry ’cause
Everything’s gonna be alright
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
2006, Eyes Open
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Brad Paisley – She’s Everything
2005, Time Well Wasted
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
1996, Calm Before the Storm
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
1994, Hell Freezes Over
I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do
Sting – Fields of Gold
1993, Ten Summoner’s Tales
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
1992, Back to Front
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
1977, The Stranger
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
1976, Songs in the Key of Life
Isn’t she pretty?
Truly the angel’s best
Boy, I’m so happy
We have been Heaven blessed
Be sure to check out all of our ballroom dance song lists.
Quick links to a few other ballroom dance song lists:
Wedding Song Ideas Delivered Monthly!
One of the most beautiful Rumba songs out there is the instrumental, ROMANTIC RUMBA, from Tim Stark’s BALLROOM EXPRESSIONS album. Perfect for a wedding! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CumbXLGc3-E
Hi Paula. Thanks for sharing! We will add it to the list.