300 Best Wedding Songs for Each Moment of your Wedding Day
Explore a curated collection of songs for every moment, from the ceremony to the reception, make sure each part of your special day is filled with music and emotion.
An epic event like your wedding day calls for an equally epic playlist—from the moment you walk down the aisle to when you and your guests fill the reception dance floor, your music sets the tone for the day’s events. But with countless classic hits, chart toppers, and love anthems to choose from, picking the best wedding songs can feel overwhelming.
If you’ve been to your fair share of weddings, you’re probably familiar with the number one wedding song—the romantic ballad All of Me by John Legend—along with some of these popular wedding songs:
Thinking Out Loud — Ed Sheeran
A Thousand Years — Christina Perri
At Last — Etta James
Marry Me — Train
Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
But if you’re looking for a deeper dive into some musical inspiration, we’ve compiled the best wedding songs for every moment of the big day—from the ceremony and cocktail hour to your first dance and reception. We’ve also included the best wedding songs by genre to align with music tastes of all kinds!
Your wedding day will include a variety of different moments and activities, each calling for its own type of music (ie. you wouldn't use the same tunes from your getting ready playlist for your wedding processional music!). Browse the list below for the best wedding songs for every moment of your big day, from walking down the aisle to the best reception songs to dance to.
Songs for the Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
This might be a pre-wedding activity, but an epic bash like your bachelor or bachelorette party calls for an equally epic playlist. Head straight to Zola’s Ultimate Bach Party playlist on Spotify to listen to our carefully curated picks, or dive into the following song ideas for some extra inspiration.
The morning of your wedding is filled with excitement and anticipation, which calls for the perfect playlist to help shake off any jitters and set the tone for the day ahead. This mix of upbeat hits and nostalgic love anthems spans all decades and genres, and is sure to keep spirits high all morning long!
Marry You — Bruno Mars
The Cure — Lady Gaga
A Moment Like This — Leona Lewis
Chapel of Love — The Dixie Cups
Love On Top — Beyoncé
Levitating — Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
It Wasn’t Me — Shaggy ft. Rik Rok
Shut Up and Dance — Walk the Moon
Love Story — Taylor Swift
Run the World (Girls) — Beyoncé
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! — ABBA
These Words — Natasha Bedingfield
All You Need Is Love — The Beatles
We Found Love — Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
Oh, Pretty Woman — Roy Orbison
You’ve Got the Love — Florence + The Machine
Rather Be — Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
I Do — Colbie Caillat
Respect — Aretha Franklin
Baila Conmigo — Selena Gomez
Love Yourself — Justin Bieber
Ain’t No Other Man — Christina Aguilera
Anywhere — Rita Ora
I Say A Little Prayer — Aretha Franklin
White Wedding — Billy Idol
Wedding Processional Songs
The wedding processional marks the beginning of the ceremony, when your family members, wedding parties, and/or flower girls and ring bearers make their way down the aisle. If you’ll have background music playing as guests are arriving, you’ll want to clearly differentiate your processional music as a signal that the wedding is beginning.
Whether you choose a traditional hymn or your favorite pop tune, your processional music is entirely up to you—browse Zola’s curated Spotify playlist or choose from our selection of soft instrumentals and upbeat, whimsical tunes below.
Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) — The Piano Guys
A Day Without Rain — Enya
Marry Me — United Guitar Players
Feels Like Home — Edwina Hayes
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley) — Vitamin String Quartet
A Million Dreams (The Greatest Showman) — Taylor Davis
XO (Beyoncé) — Midnite String Quartet
Beyond — Leon Bridges
Here Comes the Sun — The Beatles
Butterflies — Kacey Musgraves
Sea of Love — Cat Power
Largo (From “Xerxes”) — Handel
Higher Love — James Vincent McMorrow
Begin Again — Piano Tribute Players
Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran) — Vesislava
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You — Trio Comodo
All I Want Is You (U2) — Bridesmaids Quartet
Light My Fire — Threeds
First Day of My Life — Bright Eyes
Collide — Tiana Major9
We Could Happen — AJ Rafael
Hoppípolla — Sigur Rós
This Feeling — Alabama Shakes
Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To
The song you walk down the aisle to sets the tone for your special day, and is an opportunity to choose something personal and meaningful to both you and your partner. While you might choose to keep your processional music the same for walking down the aisle, many couples prefer to select a different tune for the aisle moment. Check out our collection of romantic and uplifting songs that are sure to tug on heartstrings and make this moment a special one.
Bridal Chorus — Richard Wagner
All of Me (John Legend) — Daniel Jang
Hallelujah — Vitamin String Quartet
Can’t Help Falling in Love — Haley Reinhart
Wedding March — Mendelssohn
Despacito (Luis Fonsi) — Brooklyn Duo
A Sky Full of Stars — The Piano Guys
Amazing Grace — Bridesmaids Quartet
Come Away With Me — Vitamin String Quartet
Forever — Josh Vietti
Wedding Ceremony Songs
There are countless opportunities to set the mood with music on your wedding day, and the wedding ceremony itself is one of them! While some couples prefer to cut the music once they’re joined together at the altar, some opt to play soft instrumental music during the ceremony to add more depth to the moment. Find some of our favorite instrumental tunes for your ceremony below.
The Secret Wedding (From “Braveheart”) — David Arkenstone ft. Kathleen Fisher
Hampshire — Adrian Johnston
Wedding — Frederic Chopin
Sicilienne — Maria Theresia von Paradis
The Meeting — John Powell
Attraversiamo — Dario Marianelli
Your Song — United Guitar Players
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You — United Guitar Players
Rhythm of Love — Bridesmaids Quartet
And I Love Her — George Martin
Wedding Recessional Songs
Your wedding recessional—otherwise known as your wedding exit—is the moment when you and your partner walk back down the aisle as newlyweds, followed by the wedding party and guests. Your recessional song selection should reflect the joy and excitement of what just took place and set the tone for the reception to follow. Browse our list of celebratory tunes to make your grand exit with!
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough — Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Accidentally In Love — Counting Crows
For Once in My Life — Stevie Wonder
Crazy Little Thing Called Love — Queen
Wedding Day — Bee Gees
My Sweet Lord — George Harrison
Adore You — Harry Styles
Happy — Pharell Williams
Treasure — Bruno Mars
Outro — M83
We Go Together — John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (Greece)
Walking On a Dream — Empire of the Sun
Beautiful Day — U2
Never Going Back Again — Fleetwood Mac
Cocktail Hour Songs
If you’re hosting a cocktail hour—the roughly hour-long break between the ceremony and the reception—a feel-good playlist that primes your guests for the party to come is a must. Keep your song choices light and uplifting for guests to enjoy while they mingle, and save the high-energy dance tunes until you hit the dance floor.
Your guests will be looking forward to the reception once the ceremony and cocktail hour conclude, and what better way to kick things off than with a few epic entrance songs? Your wedding party entrance song calls for high-energy, celebratory tunes—here are some of our favorites.
Can’t Stop the Feeling — Justin Timberlake
Take Me Out — Franz Ferdinand
I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor — Arctic Monkeys
Hey Ya! — OutKast
I Gotta Feeling — The Black Eyed Peas
Firework — Katy Perry
Raise Your Glass — P!nk
Sugar — Maroon 5
Just Dance — Lady Gaga
Dynamite — Tai Cruz
Newlywed Entrance Songs
A moment like your first official appearance as newlyweds calls for the perfect entrance song. Whether you go for something loud and goofy or romantic and special, the following songs are guaranteed to make your reception kickoff memorable.
Love Me Like You Do — Ellie Goulding
Rollercoaster — Bleachers
SexyBack — Justin Timberlake
Everything Is Awesome — Tegan and Sara
Starving — Hailee Steinfeld
Let’s Get It Started — The Black Eyed Peas
24K Magic — Bruno Mars
On Top of the World — Imagine Dragons
Bring Em Out — T.I. ft Swizz Beatz
Seeing Stars — Børns
First Dance Songs
You might be dancing in front of a crowd, but your first dance song should be one that’s personal to you and your partner. Keep reading for more of our favorite picks.
Parent dances are an incredibly touching moment of the wedding day, but choosing the right song can be tough. It helps to reflect on your relationship with the parent you’ll be dancing with—what matters most is choosing a song that represents the bond you share. Browse our picks for sweet and sentimental songs below.
Your wedding reception playlist requires a balance of what you and your partner love and what your guests will enjoy, too. Regardless of what you choose, one thing’s for sure—they should make you want to dance! Our Songs for the Dance Floor playlist features songs that Zola couples have told us makes them want to get down, and the list below offers some extra inspiration.
This Is What You Came For — Rhianna ft. Calvin Harris
Havana — Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
Billie Jean — Michael Jackson
Boogie Shoes — KC & The Sunshine Band
Forever — Chris Brown
Footloose — Kenny Loggins
Uptown Funk — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Shake It Off — Taylor Swift
Yeah! — Usher
Best Wedding Songs by Genre
The best songs for your wedding day are those that represent your relationship with your partner and are close to both of your hearts. Instead of confining yourself to tradition or what you think you “should” include, curate your playlist based on your unique tastes. No matter what type of music you fancy, use our list of the best wedding songs by genre to tailor your playlist to what you and your partner love most.
Modern Wedding Songs
Butterflies — Kacey Musgraves
Sunflower — Post Malone
Lover — Taylor Swift
Treasure — Bruno Mars
Sweet Creature — Harry Styles
Let’s Shut Up & Dance — Jason Derulo
Boom Clap — Charli XCX
Born To Be Yours — Imagine Dragons ft. Kygo
Can’t Feel My Face — The Weeknd
One Kiss — Calvin Harris ft. Dua Lipa
A Sky Full of Stars — Coldplay
Heatstroke — Calvin Harris ft. Young Thug, Pharrell Williams, and Ariana Grande
Coloring Outside the Lines — MisterWives
10,000 Hours — Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber
Lucky — Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
Country Wedding Songs
Million Miles — Kody West
Pretty Heart — Parker McCollum
That’s the Way Love Goes — Merle Haggard
Looking for Love — Johnny Lee
Friends in Low Places — Garth Brooks
Wagon Wheel — Darius Rucker
Honey Bee — Blake Shelton
Tennessee Whiskey — Chris Stapleton
Country Girl (Shake It For Me) — Luke Bryan
Better Together — Luke Combs
Rhinestone Cowboy — Glen Campbell
The Chair — George Strait
Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got — Tracy Byrd
You Look So Good in Love — Merle Haggard
She Won’t Be Lonely Long — Clay Walker
Christian Wedding Songs
God Gave Me You — Dave Barnes
Always Only You — Josh Wilson
Commitment — Sanctus Real
You Say — Lauren Daigle
When I Say I Do — Matthew West
Hold Me — Jamie Grace ft. TobyMac
Till I Found You — Phil Wickham
You Love Me Anyway — Sidewalk Prophets
Butterfly Kisses — Bob Carlisle
Hundred More Years — Francesca Battistelli
Good Day for Marrying You — Dave Barnes
The Heart — NEEDTOBREATHE
The King is Coming — Newsboys
Made to Love — TobyMac
I Promise (Wedding Song) — CeCe Winans
R&B/Soul Wedding Songs
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You — Lauryn Hill
Let’s Get married — Jagged Edge
Sweet Love — Anita Baker
I Can’t Do Without You — George Jackson
If I Ain’t Got You — Alicia Keys
Make You Feel My Love — Adele
Ain’t Nobody — Chaka Khan, Rufus
Let’s Stay Together — Al Green
That’s How Strong My Love Is — Otis Redding
I Believe in You and Me — Whitney Houston
Lovely Day — Bill Withers
Rich Girl — Lake Street Dive
You Sexy Thing — Hot Chocolate
Lovey Dovey Kinda Lovin’ — Brenton Wood
Just the Two of Us — Grover Washington, Jr. ft. Bill Withers
Classic Wedding Songs
You’re My Best Friend — Queen
Stayin’ Alive — Bee Gees
Don’t Stop Believin’ — Journey
Boogie Nights — Heatwave
Love Train — The O’Jays
Love Shack — The B-52’s
September — Earth, Wind & Fire
Sweet Caroline — Neil Diamond
I Want You Back — Jackson 5
We Are Family — Sister Sledge
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) — Natalie Cole
Better Together — Jack Johnson
Happy — Pharrell Williams
Superstition — Stevie Wonder
Stand By Me — Ben E. King
Fun Wedding Songs
Party Rock Anthem — LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett
Chained to the Rhythm — Katy Perry
Groove Is in the Heart — Deee-Lite
Moves Like Jagger — Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
Good Feeling — Flo Rida
Crazy — Gnarles Barkley
We Are Young — Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe
Get Lucky — Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
Last Friday Night — Katy Perry
Doo Wop (That Thing) — Lauryn Hill
Raspberry Beret — Prince
I Feel For You — Chaka Khan
You Should Be Dancing (Saturday Night Fever soundtrack) — Bee Gees
Got to Get You Into My Life — Earth, Wind & Fire
Theme From Shaft (Remastered) — Isaac Hayes
Indie Wedding Songs
Fade Into You — Mazzy Star
Sweetest Thing on This Side of Heaven — Papa Bear & His Cubs
In My Baby’s Arms — The California Honeydrops
Coming Home — Leon Bridges
Still Together — Mac DeMarco
Baby — Ariel Pink
My Kind of Woman — Mac DeMarco
Feels Like Heaven — Ariel Pink
Best to You — Blood Orange
Dreams — The Cranberries
Skinny Love — Bon Iver
Strawberry Swing — Frank Ocean
Still Into You — Paramore
1901 — Phoenix
Electric Feel — MGMT
Rock Wedding Songs
Fell in Love With a Girl — The White Stripes
(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) — Beastie Boys
Howlin’ For You — The Black Keys
With or Without You — U2
Our Love — Gary Clark Jr.
Sweet Child O’ Mine — Guns N’ Roses
Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town — Talking Heads
Nothing Else Matters — Metallica
Start Me Up — Rolling Stones
You Shook Me All Night Long — AC/DC
Should I Stay Or Should I Go — The Clash
Can’t Stop — Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jump — Van Halen
Bitch, I Love You — Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Dancing in the Dark — Bruce Springsteen
Curating the perfect wedding playlist might feel daunting, but try to have fun with it! Focus on filling your playlist with songs that represent your unique love story and relationship. Now that you’ve got 300 songs to work with, we’re confident you’ll find something you love.