What Are The Most Played Songs At Weddings?

A lot goes into wedding music planning, and one of the most common questions couples ask during this time is, “What are the most played songs at weddings?” Of course, you want to play not only your favorite songs but ones that all your wedding guests can enjoy, songs that create that intimate atmosphere quintessential of a wedding ceremony. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Bruno Mars’ “Marry You,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” are the top most played songs at weddings.

These timeless songs; you rarely would attend an intimate wedding without any playings in the background. That’s because they are romantic, with some sounding more like ballads.

However, today’s wedding songs have moved past ballads and can be enjoyed in virtually any genre, including pop and R&B. The lyrics make a song worthy of wedding music.

But here’s the thing. Any song that tells your love story is a great place to start when looking for the best wedding songs. These songs should bring back those romantic memories you’ve shared with your partner, and the lyrics should reflect what you feel for each other. Like you singing for your partner.

The tempo doesn’t matter; again, the lyrics and the effect they create make a song worthy of being called a wedding song.

Also, it would be best to create separate playlists for different parts of the wedding, as song songs are more suited for some moods than others. Hence, popular wedding songs for the ceremony would differ from what you’ll hear during the wedding dance.

 | WEDISTRY

Most Played Songs At Weddings According To Spotify

Many DJs and DIY-ers have used Spotify to curate their wedding music playlists. So, Spotify, let us know what songs are great for your big day to remove the pain of creating your wedding playlist from scratch.

Whether for the reception or first dance, here’s a list of the most-played wedding songs to create that romantic ambiance on your big day:

  1. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
  2. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
  3. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
  4. Everywhere – 2017 Remaster – Fleetwood Mac
  5. Marry You – Bruno Mars
  6. How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
  7. Mess Is Mine – Vance Joy
  8. All Of Me – John Legend
  9. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
  10. Speechless – Dan + Shay
  11. When A Man Loves A Woman – Percy Sledge
  12. You Say – Lauren Daigle
  13. My Girl (Mono) – Otis Redding
  14. Before You – Benson Boone
  15. One Call Away (Acoustic) – Charlie Puth
  16. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
  17. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
  18. Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
  19. Crazy For You – Madonna
  20. Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
  21. Your Song – Elton John
  22. It Had To Be You – Ray Charles
  23. True Companion – Marc Cohn
  24. Fall In Love – Bailey Zimmerman
  25. Glad You Exist – Dan + Shay
  26. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
  27. (You Make Me Feel Like) – Aretha Franklin
  28. I Love You Always Forever – Donna Lewis
  29. Butterflies – Max, Ali Gatie
  30. I’ll Never Not Love You – Michael Bublé
  31. Just the two of us – Grover Washington, Jr., Bill Withers
  32. Through The Echoes – Paola Nutini
  33. Crazy Love – Michael Bublé
  34. Dive – Ed Sheeran
  35. Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line
  36. Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen
  37. Sugar – Maroon 5
  38. I say a little prayer. Aretha franklin
  39. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
  40. Never In My Wildest Dreams – Dan Auerbach
  41. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell
  42. When I Fall In Love – Michael Bublé
  43. Dawns – Zach Bryan, Maggie Rogers
  44. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
  45. Fields Of Gold – Eva Cassidy
  46. Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
  47. So Beautiful (Single Edit) – James Morrison
  48. You – Dan + Ray
  49. Man! I feel like a woman
  50. First Times – Ed Sheeran
 | WEDISTRY

Most Played Wedding Songs For Each Moment Of Your Big Day

As I said, different grooves for different moods. So, let’s see what songs to play for each segment of your wedding day.

Most played Wedding processional songs

This is when the groom, parents, and wedding party enter the ceremony. The bride will come in last. Hymns are great for the wedding procession, but slow, popular pop tunes work excellently well. Generally, the song should be relaxed and emotion-evoking.

  1. “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
  2. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
  3. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
  4. “Marry Me” by Train
  5. “At Last” by Etta James
  6. “The Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Peter, Paul and Mary
  7. “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner
  8. “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke
  9. “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
  10. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
  11. “All of Me” by John Legend
  12. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  13. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
  14. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  15. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
  16. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
  17. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
  18. “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
  19. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
  20. “Moon River” by Andy Williams
 | WEDISTRY

Most Played Wedding Songs To Walk Down The Aisle

Rather than the wedding procession, some couples may choose to walk down the aisle instead. Mellow tunes similar to processional music will also work here.

Popular wedding songs to walk down the aisle include:

  1. “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
  2. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
  3. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
  4. “Marry Me” by Train
  5. “At Last” by Etta James
  6. “The Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Peter, Paul and Mary
  7. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
  8. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
  9. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
  10. “All of Me” by John Legend
  11. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  12. “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
  13. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
  14. “Moon River” by Andy Williams
  15. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
  16. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  17. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  18. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
  19. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
  20. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Most Played Songs For The Wedding Ceremony:

A quiet, laidback love song is perfect for the wedding ceremony. Let it play in the background as you say your vows. The most played songs for the wedding ceremony include:

  1. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
  2. “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
  3. “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
  4. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  5. “The Rose” by Bette Midler
  6. “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
  7. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
  8. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John
  9. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
  10. “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” by Bryan Adams
  11. “You Are the Love of My Life” by Sam Cooke
  12. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
  13. “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal
  14. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  1. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
  2. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  3. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
  4. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge
  5. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  6. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

Most Played Wedding Recessional Songs

As you exit the altar, followed by the wedding party, an upbeat song is what you want to play. This will set the mood for the reception that follows. Below are the most-played wedding recessional songs:

  1. “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
  2. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
  3. “Love on Top” by Beyonce
  4. “You Make My Dreams” by Hall and Oates
  5. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
  6. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
  7. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
  8. “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees
  9. “Beautiful Day” by U2
  10. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves
  11. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
  12. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
  13. “Forever” by Chris Brown
  14. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  15. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
  16. “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
  17. “You Are the Love of My Life” by Sam Cooke
  18. “Love and Marriage” by Frank Sinatra
  19. “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
  20. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown

Most Played Wedding Party Entrance Songs

Most played wedding party entrance songs to set up the tone for the rest of the evening include:

  1. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
  2. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
  3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
  4. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
  5. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
  6. “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett and GoonRock
  7. “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
  8. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
  9. “I Want to Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
  10. “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce ft. Jay-Z
  11. “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees
  12. “Love Shack” by The B-52’s
  13. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
  14. “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk
  15. “Let’s Get It Started” by The Black Eyed Peas
  16. “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz
  17. “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake
  18. “Yeah!” by Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris
  19. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
  20. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Pro tip: As the bride and groom, you may enter the reception to a song different from the wedding party’s. It could be romantic, slow, or otherwise goofy and upbeat, depending on your taste. Whatever the case, your wedding entrance song can set the tone for the rest of the evening. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons and “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé & Jay-Z are popular choices for wedding entrance songs.

Most Played Wedding Songs For Cake Cutting

Something upbeat and fun is what you want to play for the cake-cutting, and here are popular options:

  1. “Sugar” by Maroon 5
  2. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor
  3. “Love on Top” by Beyonce
  4. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
  5. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  6. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
  7. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard
  8. “Happy Together” by The Turtles
  1. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
  2. “Love Never Felt So Good” by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake
  3. “Everything” by Michael Buble
  4. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
  5. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  6. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
  7. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
  8. “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles
  9. “You and Me” by Lifehouse
  10. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
  11. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  12. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart

Most Played Songs For Wedding Reception

The following top wedding songs will entertain your guests as they chat happily away over dinner:

  1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
  2. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
  3. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
  4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
  5. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra
  6. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
  7. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
  8. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
  9. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
  10. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
  11. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  12. “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
  13. “We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
  14. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
  15. “The Twist” by Chubby Checker
  16. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
  17. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
  18. “At Last” by James
  19. “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees
  20. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams

Most Played Songs For The First Dance

The first dance is a special and highly intimate moment. As such, the first dance song should be slow with powerful lyrics, a song of immense sentimental value. Add some old’ Skool into the mix.

Popular songs for the first dance include the following in no particular order:

  1. “At Last” by Etta James
  2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
  3. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
  4. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
  5. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
  6. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  7. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
  8. “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz
  9. “You Are the Love of My Life” by Sam Cooke
  10. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
  11. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  12. “All of Me” by John Legend
  13. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
  14. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
  15. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
  16. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli
  17. “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole
  18. “My Girl” by The Temptations
  19. “Marry Me” by Train
  20. “Everything” by Michael Buble

Wedding Songs For Mother-Son Dance:

  1. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
  2. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
  3. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  4. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  5. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
  6. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
  7. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison
  8. “The Perfect Fan” by Backstreet Boys
  9. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
  10. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor
  11. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  12. “In My Life” by The Beatles
  13. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
  14. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
  15. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  16. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
  17. “Blessed” by Elton John
  18. “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers
  19. “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
  20. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole

Wedding Songs For Mother-Daughter Dance:

  1. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
  2. “My Girl” by The Temptations
  3. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
  4. “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin
  5. “The Best Day
  1. “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss
  2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  3. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  4. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
  5. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
  6. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack
  7. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
  8. “I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera
  9. “The Rose” by Bette Midler
  10. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
  11. “The Sweetest Thing” by Juice Newton
  12. “She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel
  13. “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood
  14. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
  15. “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

Wedding Songs For Father-Daughter Dance:

  1. “My Girl” by The Temptations
  2. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  3. “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
  4. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
  5. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
  6. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  7. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  8. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
  9. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
  10. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
  11. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
  12. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
  13. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
  14. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
  15. “The Times of Your Life” by Paul Anka
  16. “My Darling” by Wilco
  17. “In My Life” by The Beatles
  18. “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
  19. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
  20. “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan

Wedding Exit Songs:

  1. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
  2. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
  3. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
  4. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
  5. “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
  6. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
  7. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
  8. “Love on Top” by Beyonce
  9. “Beautiful Day” by U2
  10. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
  11. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
  12. “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
  13. “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
  14. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
  15. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
  16. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
  17. “Everything” by Michael Buble
  18. “Love on the Weekend” by John Mayer
  19. “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
  20. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
author avatar
Aaron Smith
Hi, my name is Aaron! I’m glad to be the founder of Wedistry, a collection of tools and tips to prepare couples for their wedding day. I am currently the manager of the Wedistry Blog and Wedistry for Wedding Parties on the App Store. Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you find this content helpful during your wedding planning process.

About Our Content Creators

Aaron is a wedding officiant with 12 years of experience. After being a guest in weddings and a member of wedding parties numerous times, he was inspired to create ways to better support couples through wedding planning tools.

Aaron is an ordained minister and holds an M. Div. from the University of Chicago.

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