From the moment you walk down the aisle to your first dance as a married couple, music frames your wedding day. The right soundtrack can create emotion, build atmosphere and make memories last forever. Whether you’re choosing heartfelt songs for the ceremony or searching for timeless first dance songs, your music choices will stay with you for years to come.

To help you plan, we've curated the ultimate list of the best 200 wedding songs. Also look out for ideas on processional music, recessional tracks and the all-important first dance songs! 

Already know what music you want to soundtrack your day? Hire a live band or a wedding DJ near you today!

How to choose your wedding songs

Before we get into the lists, here are three guiding questions:

• What mood do you want to set? Romantic, joyful, traditional or modern? Your song choices set the tone.
• Will you use live band entertainment or a DJ or a playlist? Some songs sound incredible when played live by a string quartet or acoustic duo. Others are better suited to a DJ with the original recording.
• What’s meaningful to you? A good wedding playlist isn’t about trends alone. Choose songs that reflect your love story, your personalities or moments you’ve shared.

Choosing songs for before the ceremony

When guests arrive and wait for a ceremony to begin, music plays a subtle but powerful role.

This song is important because:

• Sets the mood: It hints at the style of the wedding (romantic, modern, classical, relaxed) and provides an emotional “frame” for what’s to come.
• Fills awkward silence: Guests arriving early, finding seats, chatting! Having music prevents dead air and helps keep the energy gentle but intentional.
• Signals that something special is starting. The music helps shift guests from “outside life” into the world of your wedding moment.

Because this music plays in the background, it’s generally best to choose softer, melodic, familiar-but-not-distracting songs (instrumental, acoustic versions, gentle vocals) rather than something too energetic or jarring.

Typically you’d choose 5 to 10 songs to cover 15–30 minutes of arrival time

Here are some top choices: 

1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley / cover versions
2. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
3. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
4. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole
5. “Your Song” – Elton John
6. “All of Me” – John Legend
7. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele (or Bob Dylan original)
8. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra / renditions
9. “La Vie en Rose” – Édith Piaf / cover versions
10. “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding
11. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
12. “You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott / cover
13. “Here, There and Everywhere” – The Beatles
14. “Over the Rainbow” – Judy Garland / instrumental version
15. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
16. “At Last” – Etta James / soft version
17. “Turning Page” – Sleeping at Last
18. “Lover” – Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix or Acoustic Version)
19. “XO” – Beyoncé (Acoustic or Piano Cover)
20. “Somewhere Only We Know” – Keane (Lily Allen or piano cover version)

Checkout the playlist on spotify here.

Songs to walk down the aisle

The song you choose to walk down the aisle to marks one of the most emotional and memorable moments of your entire day. It’s the cue that something truly special is happening, the start of your ceremony and the story that follows.

Make sure this song:

• Reflects your personality and relationship. Whether classic, romantic, or modern, it should feel authentically you.
• Follow your entrance style. A slower tempo or instrumental version often works best, giving you time to savour the walk and the reaction.

You’ll usually have one key song for the main entrance, though some couples choose a separate one for the wedding party before the bride or partner enters.

Here are some top choices: 

1. “Canon in D” – Pachelbel (the ultimate classical favourite)
2. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles (acoustic)
3. “Turning Page” – Sleeping at Last
4. “Marry Me” – Train
5. “I Get to Love You” – Ruelle
6. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Elton John / instrumental cover
7. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
8. “I Choose You” – Ryann Darling
9. “River Flows in You” – Yiruma (piano instrumental)
10. “Nothing Can Change This Love” – Sam Cooke
11. “Ordinary (Wedding Version)” – Alex Warren
12. “My girl” - Otis Reading 
13. “Fall in love” - Bailey Zimmerman
14. “Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez
15. “Evermore (Piano Version)” – Taylor Swift
16. “Rewrite the Stars” – James Arthur & Anne-Marie
17. “Beautiful in White” – Shane Filan 
18. “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
19. “Kissing You” – Des’ree
20. “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers

See the playlist on spotify here.

Songs to sign the register

The signing of the register is a quiet, joyful interlude, a few moments for you to officially seal your marriage while guests watch on and take it in. The music here bridges the emotion of the ceremony and the celebration to come.

These songs should:

• Keep the romance flowing. They accompany a tender, meaningful moment — gentle, warm, and heartfelt songs work beautifully.
• Maintain atmosphere. As guests watch, music fills the pause naturally, keeping everyone connected to the mood rather than slipping into chatter.
• Reflecting joy. This is when smiles appear, the nerves fade, and the day’s love story really begins!

Usually you’ll need 2–3 songs to cover around 5–10 minutes, depending on how long the paperwork and photos take.

Here are some top choices: 

1. “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
2. “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
3. “L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
4. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” – Marvin Gaye / James Taylor
5. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” – Stevie Wonder
6. “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
7. “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles (acoustic or instrumental)
8. “You’ve Got the Love” – Florence + The Machine (acoustic or string version)
9. “Something” – The Beatles
10. “Better Half of Me” – Tom Walker
11. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli / Lauryn Hill cover
12. “Lucky” – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
13. “Everything” – Michael Bublé
14. “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors (for an upbeat finish)
15. “I Choose You” – Sara Bareilles
16. “It’s All About You” – McFly
17. “Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy
18. “I Get To Love You” – Ruelle
19. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
20. “No One” – Alicia Keys

Find the spotify playlist here to have a listen! 

Songs to leave the ceremony!

The recessional (when you walk back up the aisle as a married couple) is one of the most joyous, liberating moments of the day. The ceremony is complete, the nerves melt away, and it’s time to celebrate. The song you choose here should capture that energy: it’s the first soundtrack to your new chapter together.

These songs should:

• Feel celebratory and uplifting. They signal that the serious part is done and the fun is about to begin.
• Match your personalities. Whether classic, funky, indie, or modern pop, this is a chance to let your taste shine.
• Encourage smiles and clapping. Guests often cheer, take photos, or even dance a little — your song sets that tone.

Here are some top choices: 

1. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” – Hall & Oates
2. “Love on Top” – Beyoncé
3. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
4. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
5. “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves
6. “I’m a Believer” – The Monkees / Smash Mouth
7. “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
8. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine
9. “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
10. “I’m Still Standing” – Elton John
11. “Best of My Love” – The Emotions
12. “On Top of the World” – Imagine Dragons
13. “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
14. “You’re My Best Friend” – Queen
15. “Accidentally in love” - Counting Crows 
16. “Ho Hey” - The Lumineers 
17. “A sky full of stars” - Coldplay
18. “Loving you easy” - Zac Brown Band 
19. “The Power of Love” - Huey Lewis & The News 
20. “Dancing in the moonlight” Top Loader 

Find the spotify playlist here to have a listen! 

Songs for your drinks reception

After the excitement of “I do” and before guests sit down for dinner, there’s a lovely window of time where everyone can relax, chat, and celebrate. The music during this part of the day keeps the atmosphere lively yet laid-back, it bridges the emotional high of the ceremony with the fun of the evening to come.

These songs should:

• Create a warm, happy backdrop. Think feel-good tunes that people recognise, but that don’t overpower conversation.
• Blend romance and rhythm. A mix of soulful classics, acoustic favourites, and light upbeat tracks works perfectly.

You’ll typically need 45–60 minutes of music here — around 15–20 songs if you’re curating a set list.

Here are some top choices:

1. “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
2. “Better Together” – Luke Combs (acoustic version)
3. “Sunday Morning” – Maroon 5
4. “Valerie” – Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson
5. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
6. “You Send Me” – Sam Cooke
7. “Sweet Pea” – Amos Lee
8. “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies
9. “Dreams” – The Cranberries (acoustic version)
10. “Send Me on My Way” – Rusted Root
11. “123456” – Fitz and The Tantrums
12. “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
13. “Budapest” – George Ezra
14. “Brighter Than the Sun” – Colbie Caillat
15. “Island in the Sun” – Weezer
16. “Electric Love” – BØRNS
17. “Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson
18. “Sweet Disposition” – The Temper Trap
19. “Higher Love” – Kygo & Whitney Houston
20. “Suddenly I See” - KT Tunstall 

Find the spotify playlist here to have a listen!

Songs for during the wedding meal

Once everyone is seated and the clinking of glasses begins, music becomes the heartbeat of the room, setting a relaxed, happy tone while guests eat, laugh, and chat. This part of the day is about connection and conversation, so the music should complement that, not compete with it.

These songs should:

• Be mellow but uplifting. You want gentle energy that keeps the room lively without overpowering conversation.
• Reflect warmth and love. Romantic, jazzy, or acoustic songs fit beautifully here.
• Bridge the day to the evening. This music should subtly lift the mood, leading naturally toward speeches and dancing later on.

Ideally, you’ll want around 60–90 minutes of music (roughly 20–30 songs) for this part of the day.

Here are some top choices: 

1. “Just the Two of Us” – Bill Withers & Grover Washington Jr.
2. “Come Fly with Me” – Frank Sinatra
3. “How Deep Is Your Love” – Bee Gees
4. “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
5. “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5 (acoustic version)
6. “Put It All on Me” – Ed Sheeran ft. Ella Mai
7. “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
8. “Fields of Gold” – Sting / Eva Cassidy version
9. “Your Body Is a Wonderland” – John Mayer
10. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra / Michael Bublé version
11. “Latch (Acoustic)” – Sam Smith
12. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Andy Williams
13. “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
14. “Love on the Weekend” – John Mayer
15. “Lovely” – Billie Eilish & Khalid (acoustic cover)
16. “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
17. “At My Most Beautiful” – R.E.M.
18. “Everything Has Changed” – Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran
19. “You’ve Got a Friend” – Carole King / James Taylor
20. “Better Man” – Paolo Nutini

To have a listen, go to our spotify playlist here

Songs for your first dance

Your first dance is one of the most intimate and emotional moments of your wedding day, a pause in the celebration just for the two of you. The song you choose sets the tone: it can be deeply romantic, nostalgic, or even playful, but it should always feel authentically you.

This song should:

• Reflect your story. Whether it’s about your journey together or how you make each other feel, the lyrics matter here.
• Match your dance style. A slow ballad suits traditional couples, while an upbeat or acoustic track works well for a fun, modern vibe.
• Create a moment. It’s not just for the two of you, it’s the emotional heart of the evening that guests will remember.

You can always opt for an acoustic version, live band cover, or instrumental to make it uniquely yours.

Here are some top choices: 

1. “Joy Of My Life” – Chris Stapleton
2. “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
3. “Magical” – Ed Sheeran
4. “Love in the Dark” – Adele
5. Harry Styles – “Falling”
6. Luke Combs – “Love You Anyway
7. George Ezra – “Hold My Girl”
8. “Love is a wild thing” - Kacey Musgraves 
9. Post Malone – “Fallin' In Love”
10. “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur 
11. “Beyond” – Leon Bridges 
12. “Coming Home” – Leon Bridges 
13. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” – Otis Redding 
14. “Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett 
15. “Real Love Baby” – Father John Misty 
16. “All to Myself” – Andye
17. “Before You” – Benson Boone 
18. “Sweet Love (Acoustic)” – Myles Smith 
19. “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star
20. “Tennessee Whiskey” - Chris Stapleton 

To have a listen, go to our spotify playlist here

Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the 200 Best Wedding First Dance Songs.

Songs for the party

Once the formalities are over and the first dance has finished, it’s time for the part of the night everyone’s been waiting for, the party! The music here should be energetic, joyful, and irresistible, getting everyone from your best friends to your grandparents onto the dance floor.

This is your chance to create the soundtrack to the night, full of sing-alongs, throwbacks, and feel-good anthems that build energy from start to finish. The best party playlists mix nostalgia with crowd favourites, romance with rhythm, and a little chaos with class.

These songs should:

• Get people moving immediately. Start with familiar tunes everyone knows.
• Mix decades and genres. Keep the energy flowing by blending pop, disco, rock, soul, and modern hits.
• End on a high. Plan a few “last dance” tracks that feel emotional, euphoric, or hilariously fun.

Here’s the ultimate list: 

1. “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
2. “Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
3. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
4. “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
5. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
6. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
7. “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
8. “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
9. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
10. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
11. “Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
12. “About Damn Time” – Lizzo
13. “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
14. “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
15. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
16. “I Gotta Feeling” – The Black Eyed Peas
17. “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
18. “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
19. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” – Wham!
20. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
21. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
22. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
23. “We Found Love” – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
24. “Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand
25. “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding
26. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
27. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” – Kylie Minogue
28. “Relight My Fire” – Take That & Lulu
29. “Love Shack” – The B-52’s
30. “Hey Ya!” – OutKast
31. “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” – The Jacksons
32. “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO
33. “Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
34. “Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles
35. “All Night Long” – Lionel Richie
36. “Fireball” – Pitbull ft. John Ryan
37. “Let’s Dance” – David Bowie
38. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
39. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
40. “Club Tropicana” – Wham!
41. “Dance the Night” – Dua Lipa (from Barbie)
42. “Somebody to Love” – Queen
43. “Don’t You Worry Child” – Swedish House Mafia
44. “Cruel Summer” - Taylor Swift
45. “Love Story” - Taylor Swift
46. “Girls just want to have fun” - Cindy Lauper 
47. “Wannabe” - Spice Girls 
48. “Cake by the ocean” - DNCE 
49. “Zombie” - The Cranberries 
50. “Party in the USA” - Miley Cyrus
51. “I’m gonna be (500 miles)” - The Proclaimers 
52. “You’re the one that i want” - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
53. “Feel it still” - Portugal. The Man
54. “Unwritten” - Natasha Beddingfield 
55. “Murder on the dancefloor” - Sophie Ellis Bextor 
56. “Single Ladies” - Beyonce 
57. “The Best” - Tina Turner 
58. “Celebration” - Kool and the gang
59. “What makes you beautiful” - One Direction 
60. “No Scrubs” - TLC 

To have a listen, go to our spotify playlist here

Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the 175 best wedding songs to fill The dance floor.

Band vs. DJ: Making your songs unforgettable

Both DJs and bands can bring magic to your wedding soundtrack, but in different ways.

• Band entertainment: Live music adds atmosphere. Imagine your first dance with a saxophone solo or acoustic guitar. Bands can adapt tempo, add dramatic pauses, and even mash up two songs to make them unique to you.
• DJ: A DJ ensures perfect sound quality, custom playlists, and the ability to transition seamlessly between genres. DJs can also remix songs, making them more upbeat for your entrance or first dance.

Example: One Brisbane couple chose “A Thousand Years” for their ceremony, then had their DJ remix it into an upbeat dance track for the first five minutes of the reception. Guests loved the surprise.

Tips for making your song choices memorable

Score Your Entire Day: Think like a movie director. Choose distinct songs for the prelude (as guests arrive), the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional (your exit). 

Make it Personal: Ditch generic playlists. Choose songs that tell your story: a song from your first date, an inside joke, or an instrumental cover of your favorite movie theme. A personal, unexpected choice is always more memorable.

Crowdsource the Party: Add a line on your RSVP card asking, "What song will get you on the dance floor?" This gets guests invested and guarantees you'll play music people want to hear.

Plan a Grand Finale: Don't let the party just fade away. End the night with a bang by gathering everyone for one last epic singalong. Or, ask guests to line up for your send-off while you two share a private "last dance" alone in the empty venue.

The soundtrack to your love story

Choosing your first dance songs and ceremony tracks isn’t just about filling space with music, it’s about creating the soundtrack to your love story. From traditional to modern, from heartfelt to funny, the best choices reflect you as a couple.

With the help of professional band entertainment or DJs, you can turn even the simplest track into an unforgettable memory.