Destination weddings are a magical affair. The fact that you are celebrating your relationship in a foreign place makes it even more memorable. If you want to elevate your ceremony or reception to the next level, the right playlist will do the job.
If you are having a beach wedding, some gorgeous additions to your beach wedding playlist would be Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts. Below are over 30 songs you should consider for your beachside celebration.
The Best Beach Wedding Songs to Add to Your Playlist
1. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1990)
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true, ooh-ooh
Nothing epitomizes beach wedding music more than the soothing sounds of a ukulele. Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow has motivational and touching lyrics that will add more emotional depth to your tranquil beach wedding.
2. Invisible string – Taylor Swift (2020)
And isn’t it just so pretty to think
All along there was some
Invisible string
Tying you to me?
Taylor Swift’s invisible string references the ‘red thread’ prominent in East Asian folklore that is believed to connect two soulmates. This romantic and dreamy track is perfect for the bride’s walk down the aisle or your first dance together as newlyweds.
3. Better Together – Jack Johnson (2005)
It’s not always easy and
Sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together
Jack Johnson’s relaxing vocals in this folk, pop, and acoustic rock track will be an excellent backdrop to your romantic walk on the beach. The song’s lyrics talk about the fact that dealing with life’s ups and downs will be much easier if you are with your partner.
4. Sea of Love – Cat Power (1999)
Come with me, my love
To the sea, the sea of love
A beach wedding playlist will not be complete without songs that reference the ocean. Cat Power’s Sea of Love has an enchanting melody that expresses the depth and profoundness of love.
5. Marry Me – Train (2009)
Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I’ve had long enough with you
Pair the serenity of a beach wedding with Marry Me’s heartfelt simplicity. Its lyrics will melt your heart. Besides the ceremony, you can also use this as music for your first dance at the reception or your wedding video.
6. Yellow – Coldplay (2000)
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
This passionate, intimate, and sentimental song from Coldplay is a wonderful dedication to your partner. You can dance to this beach wedding song as your first dance or even play it while your partner walks down the aisle.
7. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (2008)
So I won’t hesitate, no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours
Jason Mraz’s modern classic I’m Yours is a universally loved song about surrendering to love. This reggae, alternative/indie, and pop track can add a quirky, joyous touch to your beach wedding music.
8. Kiss the Girl – from The Little Mermaid (1989)
Don’t try to hide it how
You want to kiss the girl
If you and your partner are Disney fans, consider adding Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid to your beach wedding playlist. It can be a fantastic and on-theme song to play as the guests enter the venue or during the reception.
9. Island in the Sun – Weezer (2001)
On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
This beach wedding song from the band Weezer talks about wanting to run away with someone special and having a holiday. Though being with your partner is the most important aspect, being somewhere memorable like a beach is a bonus.
10. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer (1998)
Kiss me, beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Popularized as the theme song of the iconic rom-com “She’s All That,” Kiss Me is a gorgeous and refreshing song about intimacy with your partner. The lyrics describe different places that heighten the romance of a kiss.
11. Dancing Queen – ABBA (1976)
You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
Emulate the timeless scene from Mamma Mia! (2008) with your own joyous waterside celebration. Add ABBA’s Dancing Queen to your beach wedding playlist and get your guests singing and dancing along.
12. Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish (2015)
I’ve been watchin’ you for some time
Can’t stop starin’ at those ocean eyes
Billie Eilish’s dreamy pop ballad Ocean Eyes talks about the intoxicating profoundness of love, with the ocean’s seemingly infinite depth serving as a beautifully crafted metaphor.
13. Beach House – The Chainsmokers (2018)
Oh, darling of mine, where have you been?
I feel so alive with you in my bed
This electronic, pop, and hip-hop track from The Chainsmokers features an addictive melody and sentimental lyrics. Enrich your playlist for a beach wedding with this song, especially fitting for your reception or after-party.
14. Island Song – Zac Brown Band (2012)
If you really want to know where you can find me
I will be unwinding
Down in the islands, down in the islands
Zac Brown Band’s country song with hints of reggae Island Song is a great beach wedding song to play as guests socialize during the reception. The harmonious vocals, instruments, and melodies will set the tone for a relaxed and casual celebration.
15. Beachin’ – Jake Owens (2013)
And it’s sunshine, blue eyes, tan lines, it’s low tide
Rolling white sand, cold can koozie in my hand, just a summertime strollin’
Chillin’, breezin’, sippin’, singin’ whoa-oh-oh
Beachin’
Another country song, Jake Owens’s Beachin’ is a feel-good song that depicts the delight and excitement of beach life. As such, it can be an amazing choice for music for a beach wedding.
16. California Gurls – Katy Perry, featuring Snoop Dogg (2010)
You could travel the world
But nothing comes close
To the golden coast
This electronic dance-pop anthem from Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg is a classic for any party. The lyrics describe partying on the beach, making it an excellent choice for your waterside destination wedding.
17. Starships – Nicki Minaj (2012)
Let’s go to the beach-each, let’s go get a wave
They say, what they gonna say
Have a drink, clink, found the Bud Light
Another iconic hip-hop and dance-pop anthem, Nicki Minaj’s Starships’s upbeat tempo and energetic lyrics will get the party started. However, if you have children in attendance, you may want to play the clean, kid-friendly version of the song.
18. Under the Boardwalk – The Drifters (1964)
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be
The Drifters’ Under the Boardwalk is a timeless classic of a song that paints the picture of a lazy, sunny afternoon on the beach. With the sun shining down on you, this is a perfect example of laidback beach wedding music.
19. The Ocean – Mike Perry, featuring SHY Martin (2016)
You can be my guiding light
Keep me company in the night
That’s all I need, all I want
If you are looking for a track with modern EDM beats with a hint of a tropical vibe, The Ocean will be a wonderful addition to your beach wedding playlist. You can give your reception an energetic and vibrant vibe.
20. Knee Deep – Zac Brown Band, featuring Jimmy Buffett (2010)
‘Cause now I’m knee-deep in the water somewhere
Got the blue sky breeze blowing wind through my hair
A song that hits like a beach vacation, Knee Deep is a reminder to your guests to appreciate the sunshine, take in the views, and enjoy the moment.
21. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
Now listen to what I said, in your life expect some trouble
But when you worry, you make it double
But don’t worry, be happy, be happy now
This relaxed, motivational song by Bobby McFerrin contains an important message not only for newlyweds but also for every guest: life has ups and downs, but you will get through everything with a smile.
22. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes (1979)
Yes, I like piña coladas
And gettin’ caught in the rain
I’m not much into health food
I am into champagne
There is nothing better than having a piña colada by the beach. If you are looking for songs for a beach wedding, consider adding this classic by Rupert Holmes for a touch of nostalgia and humor.
23. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay – Otis Redding (1968)
Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes
Watching the ships roll in
A soulful yet laidback classic, Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay has serene lyrics and melodies that make the song a beautiful reflection of the atmosphere of a beach wedding.
24. The Tide Is High (Get the Feeling) – Atomic Kitten (2002)
The tide is high, but I’m holding on
I’m gonna be your number one
If you want to include a song with a classic 2000s sound to your beach wedding music playlist, Atomic Kitten’s cover of The Tide Is High (Get the Feeling) fits the bill. The song talks about never giving up despite the stress and pressure in life.
25. Surfer Girl – The Beach Boys (1963)
We could ride the surf together
While our love would grow
This romantic and classic tune from The Beach Boys is the quintessential beach wedding song, especially if you and your partner love surfing. With its vintage charm, this song can be the perfect backdrop for your first dance.
26. Coconuts – Kim Petras (2021)
Coco’, I tan and lotion, sunsets over the ocean
Look up, hot air balloons, all good things come in twos
A tropical, quirky, and tongue-in-cheek dance-pop track, Kim Petras’s Coconuts is an excellent way to get the party started at your beach wedding reception. However, it might not be considered family-friendly by some people, so proceed with caution.
27. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (2002)
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I’m safe there in your arms
Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me is a soft and romantic song, complete with Jones’ soothing vocals and beautiful melodies. This can add an intimate touch to your playlist for a beach wedding.
28. Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts (1972)
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind
Seals & Crofts’ Summer Breeze is a harmony-rock and pop release famous for its instrumentals and vocals. Everything combines to make a relaxing track, easy to listen to wherever you are. This is a great addition to your beach wedding reception music.
29. Cake by the Ocean – DNCE (2015)
I-I-I-I-I, I keep on hopin’ we’ll eat cake by the ocean, uh
Walk for me, baby
I’ll be Diddy, you’ll be Naomi, whoa-oh
This pop, R&B, disco-funk, and dance fusion makes for a thrilling addition to your beach wedding reception playlist. Once this plays on the dance floor, your guests will be singing and dancing along.
30. Island Girl – Elton John (1975)
Island girl
What you wanting with the white man’s world?
Elton John’s groovy, energetic track Island Girl can be a unique and fun addition to your beach wedding playlist. The beats and melodies will have your guests nodding along and tapping their feet to the song.
31. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley (1961)
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can’t help falling in love with you
Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love has become a universal and timeless love song because of its romantic lyrics, soothing melodies, and breathtaking instrumentals. If you want a lighter version, look for a ukelele rendition of the song—just as gorgeous as the original.
32. Put Your Head on My Shoulder – Paul Anka (1959)
Put your head on my shoulder
Hold me in your arms, baby
Squeeze me oh-so-tight
Show me that you love me too
This classic love song by Paul Anka has sweet lyrics, even sweeter instrumentals, and melodies that will make you fall in love all over again. This is an ideal choice for your first dance as newlyweds.
33. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles (1969)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s alright
Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darlin’, it feels like years since it’s been here
With the sun shining warmly and brightly at your wedding ceremony, The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun can be a light and joyous addition to the celebration.
