Top 10 Wedding Ceremony and First Dance songs

Wedding Guitarist Blog: my top 10 most requested songs for the wedding ceremony/first dance - and some alternative choices

Choosing the music you want at your wedding is a tricky thing! Making your own song selections is the norm now, particularly at civil ceremonies but also at more traditional church weddings. While the bride may opt to enter the ceremony to the traditional Bridal Chorus performed by an organist, there is still usually space for some music before the ceremony, during the signing of the register, and as the married couple exit.

As a live guitarist and singer, I'm often booked to perform at the wedding ceremony. When I meet with couples to discuss the music, I'd say 90% of couples aren't sure what music they want - so if you're planning your wedding and scratching your head, wondering what on earth you should choose - don't despair! You're in the majority.

Jo & Mark's first dance at The Great Tythe Barn, Tetbury

  

A question that crops up time and time again when I speak to couples is "what songs have other people chosen?" This can good be a good starting point if you have no idea which songs to pick. It may be also a good guide as to which songs you don't want! Eliminating the most popular songs may be a good idea if you want something more unusual. You may stumble across a gem of a song that fits perfectly. Look out for my next blog: Top 10 most unusual wedding ceremony/first dance songs I've played. The perfect song for the ceremony or first dance will ideally be one that:

• you both like (although the bride will usually have the final word when it comes to her entrance music!)
• sets the atmosphere you're looking for (romantic? upbeat?)
• has lyrics that are meaningful to you
• reminds you of a significant moment in your relationship

If you manage to find a song that fills all the above criteria - well done! Realistically it's pretty difficult to find one that ticks all boxes, so if you find one that fulfils two out of four, you're onto a winner.

Steph & Tom's first dance at Hunstile Organic Farm

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Without further ado, here's my top 10 list of the most requested songs. I've also included an alternative option for each song in a similar style, for those looking for something a little less popular:

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#10 - Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Only released two years ago, this song became an instant wedding favourite with it's beautiful lyrics and classic melodies. Ed's soulful voice and skilful songwriting come to the fore on this track, and I'm certain it'll be a popular choice for years to come.

Download "Thinking Out Loud" on my acoustic wedding album

See also: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran

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#9 - Let's Stay Together by Al Green

Heartfelt, soulful, timeless - this song is a popular pick, with lyrics that perfectly express what the wedding day is all about. From the first line "I, I'm so in love with you" to the chorus "Loving you whether times are good or bad, happy or sad" - it's almost like all your wedding vows wrapped up in a neat musical package!

See also - At Last by Etta James

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#8 - A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

Another modern song to make the top 10 list, this has been one of my most requested at wedding ceremonies over the last couple of years. The soaring chorus melody and beautiful lyrics make this a firm favourite with the hopeless romantics!

Download "A Thousand Years" on my acoustic wedding album

See also: Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

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#7 - Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles

Uplifting and positive, this is a lovely song to have at any point during the wedding ceremony. Works perfectly for the bridal entrance, during the signing of the register or the exit of the married couple. However if you're superstitious and hoping for a sunny day, you may not want to choose this and jinx the weather!

See also: All You Need is Love by The Beatles

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#6 - Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder

This is the perfect song for the wedding ceremony exit - upbeat, joyful and the perfect confirmation song that you're officially a married couple! Also works really well as a first dance song if you want something to get the party started rather than a slow dance - although be warned, you may have to bust out some dance moves in front of your wedding guests!

See also - For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder

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#5 - Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley (aka Falling In Love With You)

A little while back I made a recording of this song in a modern acoustic style, and it seemed to instantly connect with people - quickly becoming far and away my most popular video on YouTube with well over 100,000 views to date. Heartfelt and timeless, there's just something about the melodies in this song that touch the soul. If you like my version and would like to use it at your wedding, please show your support by downloading using the link below (grabbing the mp3 via YouTube is illegal and it only costs 99p to do it the legal way!)

Download "Can't Help Falling In Love" on my acoustic album

See also: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton

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#4 - I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

It seems amazing to me that this song was released in 2008 - it's nearly 10 years old! It still feels fresh as ever and remains a very popular pick at weddings. "I'm Yours" - the perfect sentiment, what more do you need to say?!

See also: I'd Rather Be With You by Joshua Radin

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#3 - Stand By Me by Ben E. King

So, we move into the top 3 with this classic soul track. Recorded in the early 60's, this song remains as popular today as ever - it's one of those tunes where everyone knows the chorus lyrics, no matter their age! A genius moment in songwriting history, and Ben E. King's incredible soulful vocals are the icing on the cake. Another great song for the recessional (exit song) at the wedding ceremony.

See also: Wonderful World by Sam Cooke

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#2 - Better Together by Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson's chilled out voice, laid-back guitar style and knack for writing interesting/unusual but universally appealing lyrics all contribute to this modern classic. "It's always better when we're together" - of course it is, that's why you're getting married! It's one of my favourite songs to play at weddings - a genius piece of songwriting, and one that will continue to be popular for years to come I'm sure.

See also - Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole

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#1 - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson

And the no.1 goes to the brilliant Jackie Wilson! This song has all the elements to make it the perfect wedding song - it works brilliantly at the ceremony, or as a funky upbeat first dance song. Jackie Wilson's soaring voice and the infectious energy in the song is perfect to get everyone feeling upbeat and happy. I think it's popularity at weddings is also down to the fact that it's not necessarily as well known as some of the other songs on the list, so while it's a familiar song to hear, it doesn't feel tired or overplayed. It's one of my favourite songs to play at weddings!

Download Higher and Higher on my acoustic album

See also - My Girl by The Temptations

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 Pat McIntyre is a singer and acoustic guitarist from Bristol, UK. An experienced live performer and music aficionado, Pat is available to book for weddings and other events. For more information about booking Pat for your wedding, click here - or get in touch here.

Laura & Chris: The Manor House, Castle Combe. Wedding Guitarist & Singer - Ceremony + Drinks Reception

 

Sunday 24th May, and a relatively short journey from my home in East Bristol over to the picture-perfect village of Castle Combe. This little gem in the Cotswolds has been described as "The prettiest village in England" - and as you arrive it's hard not to pull over and take a few photos! Which, of course, I did!


An incredible place to get married, and as you enter the Manor House Castle Combe the grounds of the venue are just as stunning...

 
So a beautiful setting for Chris and Laura's big day. The happy couple booked me for the wedding ceremony + reception package. The morning brought some light rain, so I set up inside ready to play at the ceremony. After playing some background music as guests assembled, Laura made her entrance to an instrumental version of "Let Her Go" by Passenger.

Playing during the wedding ceremony

During the signing of the register I played "Won't Let You Go" by James Morrison, and an instrumental version of "The Woman I Love" by Jason Mraz. The happy couple exited the ceremony to the ever-popular "Higher & Higher" by Jackie Wilson. The weather cheered up in the afternoon - so a quick change of plan, and I did some rushing around to move my equipment out to the front of the building where the drinks reception took place.

 

Thumbs up from the bride! 

All in all, a beautiful day and I had a great time. Congratulations to Chris and Laura, who travelled down from Newcastle for the big day - hope everything was absolutely perfect for you both, and that everyone had a great evening as well! Their acoustic playlist from the day:

Sixpence None the Richer - Kiss Me
Paolo Nutini - Last request
Michael Buble - Crazy Love 
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Ben Howard - Only Love
Ed Sheeran - Thinking out Loud

Passenger - Let Her Go (instrumental)
James Morrison - Won't Let You Go
Jason Mraz - The Woman I Love (instrumental)
Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher

Eagle eye cherry - Save Tonight 
George Ezra - Budapest 
Jack Johnson - Better together
David Gray - Babylon 
Ben Howard - Only Love
Frank Sinatra - Fly me to the moon 
Jason Mraz - I’m Yours

Passenger - Let her go 
Lumineers - Ho Hey 
Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me 
Avicii - Wake me up
Mumford and Sons - Lover of the Light

Ed Sheeran - Bloodstream 
Mumford and Sons - The cave 
George Ezra - Blame it on Me 
Paolo Nutini - Last Request 
Michael Buble – Crazy Love 
Jack Johnson - Good People 
Lighthouse Family - Lifted 
Train - Drops of Jupiter 
Lionel Richie - Dancing on the Ceiling 
Jackson 5 - I want you back
Van Morrison - Brown eyed Girl 
Tracy Chapman - Fast car 
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud

Wedding Guitarist Blog: Vicky & Scott's Ceremony & Drinks reception at Coombe Lodge

 

Saturday, 23rd May 2015 - a trip down to the incredible Coombe Lodge for Vicky and Scott's big day. Summer so far in Britain has been a bit of a let-down, but thankfully we were blessed with incredible weather - hot and sunny!

Views over Blagdon Lake from Coombe Lodge

Thank to the lovely weather, the wedding ceremony took place outside, and I set up my gear near the front entrance to the venue - ready to play some acoustic music at the ceremony and following drinks reception.

 
After some background songs as guests arrived and were seated, it was time for the happy couple's big moment! Vicky chose "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis as her entrance song to the ceremony. During the signing of the register I played "Better Together" by Jack Johnson and a special request by the bride & groom: "I Swear" by All 4 One. They exited the ceremony on a high with the brilliant "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder.

    

There was ice cream, cold beer, warm sunshine and chilled acoustic music. A perfect afternoon! The tunes went down a treat.... here was Vicky & Scott's playlist:

Adele - Make you Feel my Love 
Joshua Radin - I’d Rather Be With You
Lifehouse - You and Me
Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes
Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon

Elvis - Can't Help Falling In Love (bridal entrance)
All 4 One - I Swear
Jack Johnson - Better Together (signing of the register)
Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (exit song)

Bruno Mars – Marry You 
George Ezra – Budapest 
Ed Sheeran – Lego House 
Ben Howard – Only Love 
Jason Mraz – I’m Yours 
Otis R – Dock of the Bay 
Bob Marley – Stir It Up 
Al Green – Let’s Stay Together 
Deep Blue Something – Breakfast at Tiffanys 
Daft Punk – Get Lucky

Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk 
Train – Drive By 
George Ezra – Blame It On Me 
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years 
Lumineers – Ho Hey 
Ed Sheeran – Sing 
Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror 
The Jam – Town Called Malice 
Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl 
Ben E King – Stand By Me 
Beatles – Hey Jude 
Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud

Tracey Chapman - Fast Car 
Green Day - Time of your life
Killers - Mr. Brightside

 

 Huge congratulations to the happy couple! It was a pleasure and a privilege to play at your beautiful big day :-)

Charlton House: live acoustic music at James & Sally’s wedding reception + first dance

 

 I met with Sally and James a few months back at the fantastic Charlton House - a stunning venue and one of Duncan Bannatyne's hotels, of Dragon's Den fame. Back then it was a dark Winter's evening, but thankfully it was a completely different day for the happy couple's big day!

   

There was rain around in the morning but thankfully the clouds cleared and the sun even made a brief appearance in the afternoon. I set up outside and played some acoustic music as guests arrived and mingled for the drinks reception. Sally & James chose an eclectic playlist, and the live music went down a treat!

Here was the afternoon playlist:

Bruno Mars - Marry You (as bride & groom arrived)
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Ben Howard - Only Love
Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Ed Sheeran - The A-Team
Joshua Radin - I'd Rather Be With You
Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah
Christina Perri - A Thousand Years
Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love
Jack Johnson - Better Together
Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Kodaline - The One
Lumineers - Ho Hey
Deep Blue Something - Breakfast At Tiffanys

Later on, I played a second set inside as the main room was turned around for the evening reception. Here was the second playlist:

Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight
George Ezra - Budapest
OneRepublic - Counting Stars
James Blunt - Bonfire Heart
Coldplay - Yellow
Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Amy Winehouse - Valerie
The Kooks - Naive
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
Tracey Chapman - Fast Car
Jackson Five - I Want You Back
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Bryan Adams - Summer of '69
Ben E King - Stand By Me

And just before I left for the evening, I played the happy couple's first dance acoustically - the incredible "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran. What an amazing song!

Nicola & Ryan: The Grange Hotel, Winterbourne, Bristol North – Drinks reception live acoustic music

After yesterday's road trip to Cornwall, today's wedding was a much more local affair! A short 20 minute journey North to The Mercure Grange Hotel in Winterbourne, Bristol for Nicola and Ryan's big day. The happy couple booked me to play during the break between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.

Set up and ready to play at the drinks reception

   

Despite a chilly wind (good old British Summer!), we managed to hold the drinks reception outdoors in the beautiful grounds of the hotel. The rain held off thankfully, and the photographer made the most of the beautiful surroundings, getting some great group shots and pictures of the happy couple. Meanwhile, I serenaded the wedding party with some acoustic covers picked by the newlyweds.

Playing at the drinks reception

Nicola & Ryan picked a bang up-to-date playlist, including songs from Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, One Direction and John Legend. This was mixed in with some classics such as Fast Car by Tracey Chapman and Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson. I captured some of the set on film so will get this onto the YouTube page soon!

Guitar selfie!

A great afternoon and the music seemed to go down well! I spotted the bride dancing away to "What Makes You Beautiful" while having photographs taken :-) And I managed to squeeze in a request for the lads. Massive congratulations to the happy couple - thanks for inviting me to be a part of your big day. Hope you had a fantastic day and that married life is everything you hoped for!

Nicola & Ryan's acoustic playlist

Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight
Jack Johnson - Better Together
George Ezra – Budapest
Alex Clare - Too Close
Ed Sheeran - The A Team
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Bryan Adams – Heaven
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go
Bruno Mars - Marry You

Pharrell – Happy
John Legend - All Of Me
Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger
The Killers - Mr Brightside
The Kooks - Naive
Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
Daft Punk - Get Lucky
Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
?Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher
Jackson Five - I Want You Back?
Tracey Chapman - Fast Car
?Green Day - Time Of Your Life
Bob Marley - No Woman, No Cry
Oasis - Wonderwall (request)

Acoustic guitarist & singer for weddings: Ceremony and reception at Watergate Bay nr Newquay, Cornwall

An early start this morning for Claire & Mike's wedding at the amazing Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall. Just North of Newquay, Watergate Bay is a new destination for me, and I'm so glad I got to play at this incredible venue! The views as you walk into the hotel restaurant are just breathtaking - the restaurant looks out over the beautiful sandy beach, and fortunately we had a lovely sunny day.

Stunning beach views from the restaurant

I set off just after 7am this morning and made it to the venue before 10am - plenty of time to get set up and ready for Claire & Mike's 1pm ceremony. The events space is small, intimate and beautiful - and the styling looked fantastic for the ceremony. There was around 60 guests at the ceremony, which apparently is one of the larger weddings hosted at this venue.

My guitar getting cosy!

Guests started to filter in at about 12.30pm, at which point I began playing some acoustic songs. Claire & Mike selected today's playlist (see set list below) with some lovely choices, from The Beatles right through to Kodaline. The bride entered the ceremony to the traditional wedding march "Here Comes The Bride", played on acoustic guitar. For the signing of the register they chose "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis and "Only Love" by Ben Howard - and they exited the ceremony to rapturous applause as I played "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles.

Love is... a Gibson acoustic guitar!

Canapés were served and guests had an afternoon drink while I played some acoustic tunes at the drinks reception. I had an absolutely fantastic day - I'd like to extend my congratulations to Claire & Mike and thank them for inviting me to play on their big day! Hope the evening was just as fantastic as the daytime... I wonder if anyone got carried away and decided to go for a swim!!

Stunning beach views at Watergate Bay

Today's wedding set lists:

Better Together – Jack Johnson
Rude – Magic!
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Marry You - Bruno Mars
The One – Kodaline
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
Blame It On Me – George Ezra
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

The Bridal March "Here Comes The Bride"
Ben Howard - Only Love
Elvis - Can't Help Falling In Love
Beatles - All You Need Is Love

Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Mash up – Get Lucky / Counting Stars
Budapest - George Ezra
Hey Ho – The Lumineers
Let Her Go - Passenger
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
Love Machine (acoustic version) – Girls Aloud
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
Sing – Ed Sheeran
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding

Wedding Guitarist & Singer - Nailsea Tithe Barn nr. Bristol - evening party

The weddings season is in full flow now, so I thought it would be nice to document as many events as I can on my blog!

Well, May kicked off with a bang as I had a great night playing a private birthday party at The Station Kitchen, Bristol. Didn't manage to get any photos of the event unfortunately, but it was a great evening with an eclectic mix of songs, from the Jackson Five right through to George Ezra! The second weekend of the month involved a typically loud Friday night gig at my resident venue Illusions Magic Bar, followed by Matt & Laura's spectacular wedding at the beautiful Nailsea Tithe Barn.

The stage is set!

I play at a lot of wedding ceremonies & drinks receptions, so it was nice to play an evening set! Matt and Laura picked all the tunes on the night, with quite an indie/rock feel to the set list. I kicked off the night with their first dance - a song I'd actually never heard before "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede. Stripped back, it worked brilliantly on acoustic guitar, and it was a lovely moment. I captured quite a bit of the evening on film - so when I get a chance to sync the audio/video, splice together the footage and make it look a bit prettier, I'll upload some videos.

  
Later on, Laura & I surprised the wedding guests with a rendition of "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse! The bride joined me on stage to sing, and was absolutely brilliant! Maybe slightly too brilliant ;-) but if anyone's allowed to outshine me, surely it's the bride!!

The bride showing me how it's done!

It was an absolutely brilliant evening, I loved every minute. We had a full dance floor all evening, despite the hog roast, cheese board and LOADS of cake!! So thank you to everyone who danced, sang along, and made it an evening to remember. And massive congratulations to Matt & Laura... I'm sure we'll see each other soon as we live 5 minutes down the road from one another! Here's last night's set list:

Blue Swede - Hooked on a Feeling (first dance)
Jack Johnson - Better Together
Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger
Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight
Amy Winehouse - Valerie (sung by the bride!)
Lumineers - Ho Hey
Train - Drive By
Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum
Jake Bugg - Lightning Bolt
Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Marvin Gaye - Heard It Through The Grapevine
Avicii - Wake Me Up
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go

Pharrell - Happy
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
Killers - Mr Brightside
Arctic Monkeys - I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Fratellis - Whistle For The Choir
Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
Lady GaGa/Eurythmics medley - Bad Romance/Sweet Dreams
Rihanna - Umbrella
Maroon 5 - Payphone
White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Razorlight - Before I Fall To Pieces
Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Dani California
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger