I’ve pretty much made Wednesdays on the blog all about weddings. From detailed planning checklists, a roundup of my favorite Spring/Summer wedding gowns and a list of wedding anniversary meanings – and now I’m sharing with you some unique weddings songs. I first shared my obsession with the singing married couple Johnnyswim here, and I haven’t stopped listening to their pandora station since. Listening to their utterly beautiful and romantic songs, I became inspired to compile a list of nontraditional wedding songs that would work for couples, of all styles and personalities, from a sweet processional to lively tunes that will bring happiness and love all night long.
From cool indie tracks, romantic tear-jerkers, to iconic melodies that add a real sense of love while all eyes are on you. I’ve put together a wedding song list with something for everyone that’s perfect for the magical day ahead.
Processional. The processional or bridal entrance music can be one of the hardest to choose, especially if you’re not a traditional organ playing kind of couple. All brides want the big ahh moment, when they walk down the aisle in their stunning wedding dress. For some couples, the traditional wedding march is outdated and not quite reflective of their style. With weddings being held in unique venues, many couples have chosen unique songs for which they walk down the aisle to, that represent their style and wedding look…
“Make You Mine” by Us the Duo…There’s reason this lovely couple is on my list more than once. There songs are filled with true words of love, and are slightly upbeat, just how a wedding should be. Seriously, “tonight I will make you mine”, how are those lyrics not perfect?! You can ask your band/musician to slow the pace for the processional, or use it for your recessional as the bridal party walks.
“Love Someone” by Jason Mraz…I’ve been a fan since day one, and this song still makes me cry every time I hear it. It describes everything you feel when you love someone, and what you’ll be feeling walking down the aisle.
“Into the Wild” by Lewis Watson
“How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
“Skinny Love” by Birdy…I do love Bon Iver’s original version of this song, by Birdy’s voice and softness makes the song even lovelier to walk down the aisle to.
“La Vie en Rose” by Louis Armstrong…How can you go wrong with this classic jazz tune? It can easily work perfectly as a first dance for a classic affair, if not please, please include it at some point during the night, it’s too romantic not to play it on your wedding day.
“Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
“Higher Love” by James Vincent McMorrow
“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg
“Wonderwall” by Oasis
“Rose of My Heart” by Johnny Cash
“Bloom” by The Paper Kites
Recessional. You’ve finally said ‘I do’, the moment you’ve been waiting for when you become married. Your friends and family fill the air with sounds of applause and cheers, which is why I feel the recessional should be a happy or upbeat song. You can always ask your ceremony musician to edit a specific portions of your favorite song, the important thing is to time it so the moment the ceremony ends the song makes the announcement feel big and joyous. My choices are upbeat, happy and celebratory of love!
“No Matter Where You Are” Us the Duo…I especially find this song to epitomize the feeling of walking back up the aisle finally married! I almost didn’t want to share it and keep it for myself, but it’s beyond sweet and full of love!
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero…This has been one of my favorite since I first heard it years ago, and knew it would always hold a special place in heart. I didn’t want to share this one either, but it has made its way up the aisle to numerous happily married couples already, that it’s quickly becoming a modern classic.
“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles…This is a great one for your bridal party to walk up/down the aisle. My best friend had us walk down the aisle to this song, and it was very sweet.
“Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap
“Hey Ho” by The Lumineers…Another fun one to walk up the aisle as a newly married couple. The chorus is perfect in this one, so have your musician start right at the peak of the song.
“All I Want is You” by Barry Louis Polisar
“You and I” by Johnnyswim
“Magic” by Coldplay…Another one of my favorites, something about the words and the beat, unconventional yet feels romantic to me.
First Dance. Oh, the first dance, the moment you’re finally married, and showing off to family and closest friends. It’s where you dance, and in that moment forget everyone around you and focus on just the two of you, and maybe the song playing in the background. Whether it’s a special song from when you first began dating, to something new that represents what you want your future life to be, the first dance is one to showcase who are together, and why you love each other. I think any of the songs I chose as Processional choices would work beautifully as a first dance too.
“Paris in June” by Johnnyswim…Because love should feel like Paris, the most romantic city, in June. This song just makes me want to grab my love and sway to the tune underneath the stars.
“Always You” by Ingrid Michaelson…The epitome of what marriage is, and a long-lasting friendship turned to love.
“Best Friend” by Jason Mraz…This album is filled with beautiful love songs and this one is perfect for your first dance newly married to your best friend.
“A Lifetime” by Ziggy Marley…This song is great for a fun couple, or one tying the knot in a tropical location. But I’ll put this one in the mix for the rest of the night too, it will definitely get everyone, old and young, on the dance floor celebrating love.
“When I’m With You” by Ben Rector
“Take the World” by Johnnyswim…Have everyone feeling loved, and even teary eyed with this powerful romantic first dance.
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson…Another one of my favorite songs, sweet and carefree.
“Arms” by Christina Perri…Christina has a string of songs that would for all your wedding needs, let’s not forget the song that made the Twilight wedding even more romantic.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran…I’m sure once this song made its way into people’s heart, it also would become many first dances, for good reason. Even J finds himself singing this tune to me, I know, how sweet and romantic.
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
The Night. We all want our weddings to be lively, fun, and full of great moments, right? The right music and song selections will definitely guarantee a good time. These tunes will have everyone from your flower girl to your Grandmother out on the dance floor.
“Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay…Sparkler send-off? I’m all about a sparkler entrance to this.
Mother/Son Dance “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Michael Buble…I went to a wedding where the mother and groom danced to this, it was fun and not sad, like most dances with parents can be.
Father/Daughter or Mother/Son Dance: “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne…Because a child will always be the best thing in a parent’s eye.
Father/Daughter Dance: “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn…This is my all-time favorite song, isn’t it perfect to dance with your father. It will definitely have everyone teary eyed.
“Sugar” by Maroon 5
Bring it old school with these choices, it seriously won’t be a party without them…“You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
“I Lived” by OneRepublic…This would be my choice for a sparkler send-off. {spoiler: if you haven’t watched this video it will definitely touch a sentimental nerve}
I enjoyed listening to these songs as I put this post together. You may not recognize some songs, but hopefully after listening you’ll see the beauty in the lyrics or melody, and how they would make your wedding day special. Regardless how and where you use them, there are some truly beautiful songs on this list!
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