Outdoor Wedding Music Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration
As you imagine the perfect wedding of your dreams, one key element has to be a prime collection of songs that makes all of your guests hope that the party never has to end. What better way to do that than by honoring the atmosphere of your outdoor celebration?
Read the guide and song list below to get started with the ultimate playlist for your special day.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Wedding Music
Whether under sunshine or stars, in the mountains, or on a beach, think about what would capture your love story best in the beautiful setting you’ve chosen.
- What feeling do you want to evoke? Perhaps you aim to get the party started the second you hit the dance floor with something energetic that everybody wants to sing along to. Or maybe you want something slow and romantic to warm the hearts of guests during a chilly winter wedding.
- How do you want to incorporate the season and setting? If your outdoor celebration is centered around the beach, something with lyrics that suit the sun, sand, and water would be ideal. Conversely, you may prefer to go with a song that does not have specific references yet still encapsulates the appeal of your chosen environment.
- Why did you choose your venue? Are there any particular elements you’d like to feature or take advantage of through your music? Stunning views of the mountains, lush gardens, fairy-tale water features, etc can play a part in your song selection.
- Are there any musical styles that could honor your travels or heritage? Your music selection inspiration doesn’t have to be limited to the setting directly around you. For example, if travel has played an important role in the relationship between you and your future spouse, find music that can appropriately highlight that.
Or, you might want to choose something that speaks to your family and background. What genre was always played in your home growing up? Are there any instruments that are unique to your heritage? If you’re having a multicultural wedding you can get helpful inspiration.
Outdoor Wedding Playlist
Dancing in the Moonlight
Released in 1970, Genre: Pop Rock
This King Harvest classic is a prime example of 70s pop that could perfectly set the scene for your dance celebration under the stars.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Dancin’ in the moonlight
Everybody’s feelin’ warm and right
It’s such a fine and natural sight
Walking on Sunshine
Released in 1985, Genre: Pop Rock
You and your guests can bask in the sunshine inside and out while dancing to this popular song – if you want to energize the dance floor, this Katrina and The Waves hit is the perfect way to do it.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real
I’m on sunshine
Riptide
Released in 2013, Genre: Indie Rock
You don’t have to have your wedding at the beach to enjoy the summer vibe of this Vance Joy sensation.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
Make You Feel My Love
Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
With “evening shadows” and stars, this romantic Adele track may even induce a few tears when you and your fiancé step on the dance floor.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
Released in 1958, Genre: Jazz
For those weddings when there’s a chill in the air and you want something to warm you up, use this Ella Fitzgerald classic to let romance sweep away any winter frost.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
The snow is snowing and the wind it is blowing
But I can weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm
Here Comes the Sun
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock
You can never go wrong with The Beatles, especially when playing this more acoustic, uplifting track during your wedding reception.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear
Here comes the sun
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Released in 1961, Genre: Rock
The quintessential romantic Elvis wedding song that will make you and your beloved feel like the only two people in the room.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things, you know, are meant to be
Happy Together
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop Rock
For an upbeat love song that will get everyone smiling as they make their way to the dance floor, The Turtles provide an excellent choice.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue
For all my life
September
Released in 1978, Genre: Disco
This famous Earth, Wind & Fire song is all about remembering the golden days of an enduring love story, making it a fitting choice for the start of your journey as a married couple.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing
As we danced in the night
Remember
How the stars stole the night away
Moon River
Released in 1961, Genre: Pop
A charmingly vintage first dance or slow dance song, Moon River evokes a feeling of nostalgia with timeless elegance thanks to legendary Breakfast At Tiffany’s star Audrey Hepburn.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end
Songs for an Outdoor Wedding that Represents You
No matter your setting, the best songs are the ones that feel like the right fit for you. While a stunning venue is great, your special day is all about you, your partner, and the love that you share together – that’s what the dance party is for! Make sure that any music played on your big day is something that resonates with you wherever you are in the world.
And remember, if you’d like more ideas on potential songs that will suit your taste as well as your outdoor environment, you can always consult your DJ. As a local music expert, they’ll be able to give you tailored advice once they get to know more about you and the kind of music you want to jam to.
