100 Greatest Wedding Songs & When To Play Them

wedding couple first dance on clouds
Photo Credit: M Place Productions @mplacepro

As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of the greatest wedding songs! The songs below are a mix of modern and classic hits but are commonly selected for today’s wedding playlists.

Quick Tips

When picking your wedding songs from timeless classics to present-day hits, you must consider the following 3 factors:

1. What songs will make everyone happy – you and your guests?
2. What style of music is preferred – hip hop, pop, rock, country, etc.?
3. People like the songs that came out when they were in middle school and high school. Look at music when you and your guests were at that age.

Songs Past & Present By Wedding Moment

Processional

  1. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri The song played when Bella Swan walked down the aisle in Twilight. So many brides to choose the same song today.
  2. At Last – Etta James A classic soul song released in 1960 that is still relevant today. It is about being happy that your true love has finally come along.
  3. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley I dare to say the greatest wedding song of all time. Kina Grannis’ cover brought the song back to life in Crazy Rich Asians. Let’s not forget Haley Reinhart’s cover too. Plus, Daniel Jang’s violin cover is widely popular.
  4. From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay The country duo have a love hit on this track that has been played not only for walking down the aisle but also for other moments like first dances.
  5. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles A song that symbolizes the beginning of something new and good things to come.
  6. I Get To Love You – Ruelle One of the most popular modern indie songs to play for couples and their wedding party walking down the aisle.
  7. Marry Me – Train This song can be placed in so many categories for wedding playlists. It lands on the processional because of the statement asking their lover to marry them.

Recessional

  1. From This Moment On – Shania Twain Once the couple is announced married, they begin their new life together, from this moment. That is why it makes a great exit song.
  2. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder The greatest recessional song of all time, and many couples continue to play this for the moment in the ceremony.
  3. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole A fantastic song celebrating how their love will last forever for each other.
  4. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates Even though released in the 80s, this song celebrates the joy felt after being united as one through marriage.

Entrance & Introductions

  1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas I could put this as one of the first songs to get the party started but it makes for a great intro song to get everyone hyped too.
  2. Let’s Get Married – Jagged Edge This is an upbeat perfectly themed wedding song for announcing the newlyweds into the reception venue – or a great dance track too.

Cocktail Hour

  1. Be My Baby – The Ronettes One of those forgotten hits with a love theme to play to keep the mood up as guests arrive and drinks are being enjoyed.
  2. Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest Whether you prefer the Toploader version or a tropical house cover, it is a song most guests will enjoy.
  3. What’s Up? – 4 Non Blondes A 90s sing-along song to be played for guest interaction. You can also play the DJ Miko dance remix for dancing too.

Dinner

  1. Can We Talk – Tevin Campbell Another 90s sing-along song while guests are enjoying their meal. You can also play as a slow dance for all the couples.
  2. Fast Car – Luke Combs The original by Tracy Chapman would be okay too. It depends on the crowd if they would prefer the new country version as it’s still trending.
  3. Lovely Day – Bill Withers A classic R&B song that is still popular today with all ages that will set good feels in the air.
  4. You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne This is a mid-tempo song that many couples have chosen for their first dance too. Up to you as this song will be played for years to come.

Cake Cutting

  1. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor/Marvin Gaye I had to include this song as it is played at so many weddings, even today. Cake cuttings are fading away but not the song.

First Dance

  1. All Of Me – John Legend One of the greatest modern R&B love songs that has been played during the ceremony and also as first dances.
  2. Beyond – Leon Bridges A popular selection for first dances about a man who wants to spend the rest of his life with his lover.
  3. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith One of the greatest classic rock love songs that has been played for many different moments.
  4. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston Made popular from the movie Bodyguard, a popular first dance that can be played at any moment.
  5. Lover – Taylor Swift Taylor Swift’s music is hot right now and this is her most popular slow dance song. Be sure to listen to the First Dance version.
  6. Perfect – Ed Sheeran One of the most selected songs to play for a first dance along with his “Thinking Out Loud”.
  7. Thank God – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown Husband and wife duo created a beautiful love song that has been played for ceremonies but it has also been selected for first dances too.

Parents Dances

  1. I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack A song signifying that a parent hopes for the best for their child and reaches for their dreams.
  2. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder A song Wonder dedicated to his newborn and one is a midtempo song to add some fun to the dance.
  3. My Girl – The Temptations One of the most popular parent dance songs that you can transform into an entertaining dance.
  4. My Wish – Rascal Flatts I song selected for wishing the newlywed a lifetime of love and happiness.
  5. Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Iz was from Hawaii so this song has an island vibe celebrating happiness on your wedding day. It has also been played during ceremonies.
  6. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong A classic Jazz song from one of the greatest musicians of all time celebrating a world full of love. The song has also been a popular prelude song too.

Bouquet Toss

  1. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce Even though bouquet tosses have been steadily decreasing, this song has been a mainstay at weddings. If no toss, you can throw it on during the beginning of dancing because everyone will recognize it.

Early Dancing

  1. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell A classic upbeat R&B wedding song you can play for older generations at the beginning of dancing or as a fun recessional song too.
  2. Boogie Shoes – KC and the Sunshine Band Don’t sleep on this big dance song to get the party started.
  3. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison A very popular dance song particularly if the bride has brown eyes. Keep in mind that this is a love song and should be skipped as a parent’s dance song.
  4. Can’t Get Enough – Tamia This song is a must-play for an Afro-American crowd that a line dance is commonly done to this – and singing the lyrics.
  5. Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake Even though it is making its way on some do-not playlists for being overplayed, it is still a fun track that gets most guests dancing.
  6. Candy – Cameo A funky R&B party song that most generations will enjoy to start the dancing.
  7. Celebration – Kool & The Gang It is just one of those songs you don’t hear in your everyday life but just makes you want to dance.
  8. Dancing Queen – ABBA A song that will have all the ladies in attendance dancing and singing the lyrics.
  9. Danza Kuduro – Don Omar feat. Lucenzo One of the modern classic Latin songs that many cultures will dance to.
  10. Fireball – Pitbull feat. John Ryan Pitbull has so many hits to choose from this one has never been a dud during the dancing time at receptions.
  11. Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks 90s country is hot right now and this is one of the greatest country sing-alongs of all time.
  12. Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean Shakira’s appearance during a recent Super Bowl (2020) which helped propel her fandom even further.
  13. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston Every crowd from R&B fans, to pop fans, to LGBTQ+ fans will dance and sing to this song.
  14. I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen A new song that melds country and hip hop to set a mood for fun.
  15. Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez – JLo’s biggest hit that is a dance floor pleaser every time.
  16. Lil Boo Thang – Paul Russell A new dance song that samples The Emotions’ hit “Best of My Love” joining classic R&B and new R&B.
  17. Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi If the newlyweds have previous generations that grew up in the 80s, this hair band classic has proven to be a timeless party hit.
  18. Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus Following Hannah Montana, this hit skyrocketed into the hearts of many girls who are getting married today.
  19. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry – Bringing R&B and funk to the dance floor will have dancers freaking out in joy.
  20. September – Earth, Wind & Fire This is a proven party starter to get groups of all ages to the dance floor.
  21. Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift There are so many Swift songs I can choose. But, this is one of her biggest and long-lasting party songs.
  22. Shivers – Ed Sheeran Sheeran is one of the biggest superstars on the planet and this newer track has a great beat and a theme perfect for weddings.
  23. Shout – The Isley Brothers/Otis Day One of the biggest group participation songs of all time.
  24. Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon I guess you could tell by the song title what exactly guests should do. It is a modern song most guests will dance to and are ready to have a good time.
  25. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond It’s hard to believe the song was released in the ’60s. However, it is played at many sporting events to keep its appeal going.
  26. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan A party song for both R&B and pop genres and has remained a party staple.
  27. TiK ToK – Kesha Kesha is a huge artist right now with the ages of couples getting married – they awere in middle to high school at its release.
  28. Timber – Pitbull feat. Kesha This combines Keasha (see song before) and Mr. Worldwide who have a mega party hit that is so never to clear the dance floor.
  29. Time of Our Lives – Pitbull & Ne-Yo As you can tell, Pitbull’s dominance is a no-doubter. And “Hotel Room Service” is left off! Just don’t do a Pitbull set to overstay your welcome.
  30. Titanium – David Guetta feat. Sia This dance track hits the mark as any true electronic pop dance hit.
  31. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield A song that has made all of the ladies sing the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
  32. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars No matter that it has been played to begin many wedding dance times, it has proven to get guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor.
  33. Wannabe – Spice Girls Another ’90s pop hit for a ladies group dance for all ages.
  34. We Are Family – Sister Sledge Because 2 families are joining in marriage, this disco mega-hit that fits the theme of a wedding makes for an epic party starter.
  35. We Found Love – Rihanna, Calvin Harris OK, this can be played as an intro song too. However, the beat with the voice of Rihanna makes it an epic party dance song.
  36. Yeah! – Usher, Ludacris, Lil’ Jon Again, Usher played halftime in 2024 which increased his cool stock and this unforgettable party hit.

Late Dancing

  1. A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey A new party song that has everyone singing along and dancing.
  2. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis A hype song because the ceiling can’t hold the party down.
  3. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love – Usher Yeah! is on the overplayed side. Instead, play this love dance theme for your wedding.
  4. Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys This is the biggest party hit by the boy band that will get 90s fans excited.
  5. Good Feeling – Flo Rida Flo Rida’s music just makes you feel good and this is one of his most popular party hits.
  6. Hey Ya! – Outkast I Like The Way You Move is another track for dancing but this is more recognizable for a variety of guests.
  7. I’m Good (Blue) – David Guetta & Bebe Rexha The song skyrocketed with the release of the Barbie movie and combines pop, electronic, and pop culture.
  8. In Da Club – 50 Cent It may not be your birthday but this song is a proven dance floor filler.
  9. Jerusalema – Master KG feat. Nomcebo Zikode Afrobeats have been exploding since the late 2010s. This is a shining dance hit for any party crowd.
  10. Jump Around – House Of Pain A classic hip hop party song that will have guests jumping around the dance floor.
  11. Low – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain If you plan to have a limbo competition during your reception, this track is a winner. Otherwise, it is still a party dance hit.
  12. Mr. Brightside – The Kilers Pop punk music is hot right now and this is one of the biggest hits from the genre to get dancers singing the lyrics.
  13. No Hands – Waka Flocka The late 2000s produced many hip hip party songs and this one is one of the best.
  14. Pepas – Farruko Even though the theme of the song is not very weddingy, it has proven to get all the dancers hyped.
  15. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes A song that gets played at many sporting events to keep its relevance. However, it is still a fun party song.
  16. The Middle – Jimmy Eat World Another hit from the pop-punk era that has proven itself as one of the best in the genre.
  17. Turn Down for What – DJ Snake, Lil Jon If you need a song to get the party started again after a slow dance, this should be a go-to track to turn it up.
  18. Wake Me Up – Avicii Electronic music is popular right now with the growth of EDM festivals. This is one of the classic hits from the genre to play that most will know.

Slow Dance

  1. Amazed – Lonestar This song has been popular with the young and young at heart from 90s country to celebrate love at weddings.
  2. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green Green has the ultimate anniversary dance song for the longest-married couple at your wedding.
  3. Stand By Me – Ben E. King Even though it is a popular parent dance and was a first dance for a royal wedding, it is also timeless.
  4. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton A modern country song with a vintage voice that will have all generations enjoying it.
  5. Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez This is a newer song with a classic tone to it that will have couples swarming to dance with their lovers.

Line Dancing

  1. Cha Cha Slide – Mr C (aka DJ Casper) The song became a massive international hit and has guests dancing to the slide every time played.
  2. Cupid Shuffle – Cupid A wedding favorite! Plus, “The Cupid Shuffle” broke the Guinness World Record in 2008 for the largest line dance ever.
  3. Man! I Feel Like A Woman! – Shania Twain Twain managed a pop and country crossover career and was an inspiration for many girls in the 90s with her big hits like this one.
  4. Wobble – V.I.C. “The Wobble” created its own dance craze and remains a guest favorite for getting on the dance floor to wobble their behinds.

Last Dance

  1. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey It is up to you because it has been played so much as a last dance sing-along. You could also play it as a party opener too.
  2. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver Another popular song to play as guests sing the lyrics encircling the couple. Check out the dance covers too for a twist.

Tip

If you are just getting started planning the music for your wedding, see our wedding ceremony and reception songs.

FAQs

A great wedding song captures the joy of love, excitement of the wedding day, and faith in the relationship.

The greatest wedding song may be a love song or a song that fills the dance floor with guests partying and dancing the night away.

Quite a debate can be had while deciding the best wedding songs. Many songs are played over and over and over. That doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the greatest wedding song.

Today’s wedding couples want a different experience than every other couple. What gives?

If you want to be different, do not select a song below as these are the most popular songs ever to be played at weddings.

If, however, you’d like to work for the crowd, choose from our list of the greatest wedding songs of all time. These songs will be known by every guest and will give you and them goosebumps.

This list is compiled from being veteran DJs, talking to wedding couples through social groups, and analyzing hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide wedding music.

Constant reviewing of wedding songs through the years that are both in current circulation and have stood the test of time.

The best wedding song ever is “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. The song still gets played by many couples as their first dance song today!

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” has also been covered countless times including by Kacey Musgraves (from the ELVIS film), Haley Reinhart, Kina Grannix (from the Crazy Rich Asians film), Brooklyn Duo, Boyce Avenue, Music Travel Love, and countless others.

Another song in the running at a close second is “At Last”. It is a timeless classic wedding song about finding your forever love.

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