These Acoustic Love Songs Are Perfect For Your Wedding Playlist

When it comes to rounding out your wedding playlist, you can't go wrong with a few acoustic love songs. Ultimately, the best acoustic songs for your wedding are slow, sweet and romantic. You can play these acoustic love songs for your first dance, of course, but they also make great picks for other slow dance moments as well as during cocktail hour and dinner. These tunes are sure to leave you—and your guests—swooning to the romantic lyrics and soft acoustic guitar instrumentals.

To help you narrow down your options, we've rounded up 20 of the best acoustic love songs to add to your wedding playlist. These include everything from popular songs from acclaimed artists like Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, John Legend and Jason Mraz, to more underrated tracks from decades past, to acoustic covers of classic hits such as Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Plus, here's a pro tip from us to you: Once you've found your favorite wedding songs, reach out to your band or DJ so they can incorporate your requests into their song lineup.

"Love Is a Verb," John Mayer

Lyrics you'll love: "Love is a verb/It ain't a thing/It's not something you own/It's not something you scream/When you show me love/I don't need your words"

John Mayer has released dozens of acoustic love songs over the years. The singer-songwriter never shies away from incorporating his guitar into his music—and "Love is a Verb" is a perfect example of this. The lyrics themselves are worth highlighting, too. Anyone who's ever been in love (or, conversely, anyone that's experienced heartbreak) knows that actions speak louder than words when it comes to expressing one's unconditional support and devotion for another. What's more, throughout this first-dance-worthy song, Mayer strums on his guitar and croons about the true meaning of love.

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"Better Together (Acoustic Version)," Jack Johnson

Lyrics you'll love: "Mmm, it's always better when we're together/Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together/Well, it's always better when we're together"

Jack Johnson is famous for his soothing voice. Back in 2005, the singer, songwriter and instrumentalist released "Better Together." In the feel-good tune, Johnson describes that, while life is hard at times, it's always better when he's with the one he loves the most. Consider making this your first dance song.

"I Love, You Love," John Legend

Lyrics you'll love: "Give me your emotion, your heart's devotion/Give anything you like/And I'll give understanding, life's so demanding/I'm all you need to get by"

John Legend is another artist who is renowned for his sweet love songs, which, for obvious reasons, make great wedding songs. (Not to mention the fact that his voice is incredibly soothing—but we digress.) In his song, "I Love, You Love," Legend displays his unwavering care and devotion to his lover. He sings about sticking by his partner's side, drying their eyes and supporting them through tough times. End your wedding reception on a high note by playing this sentimental tune as a last dance song.

"Lucky," Jason Mraz

Lyrics you'll love: "Though the breezes through the trees/Move so pretty you're all I see/As the world keeps spinning round/You hold me right here right now"

"Lucky," which is from Jason Mraz's 2008 album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., also features Colbie Caillat. The beautiful duet tells the tale of two best friends who fell—you guessed it—lucky in love with each other. It works perfectly as either a processional song or first dance song. Expect gorgeous harmonizing, a catchy chorus and soft acoustics.

"Can't Help Falling in Love," Haley Reinhart

Lyrics you'll love: "Take my hand/Take my whole life too/For I can"t help falling in love with you"

Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" has been lauded as one of the most romantic wedding songs of all time. It's since been performed countless times, and Haley Reinhart's version is sure to make you smile. The piano—coupled with Reinhart's raw vocals and exquisite range—makes it a true show-stopper that's sure to take your breath away. It's especially great as an utterly-romantic processional song.

"Say You Won't Let Go (Acoustic Version)," James Arthur

Lyrics you'll love: "I'll wake you up with some breakfast in bed/I'll bring you coffee with a kiss on your head/And I'll take the kids to school/Wave them goodbye/And I'll thank my lucky stars for that night"

James Arthur first played "Say You Won't Let Go" at a concert in Romania. In a 2017 interview, the singer confessed that he wrote the song while hungover. Despite this, he claims that "a lot of the lyrics just wrote themselves." You'll love playing this sweet song for your first dance or during cocktail hour or dinner.

"Thinking Out Loud (x Acoustic Session)," Ed Sheeran

Lyrics you'll love: "Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/Place your head on my beating heart/I'm thinking out loud/Maybe we found love right where we are"

"Thinking Out Loud" is one of the most romantic songs of the decade. In the 2014 hit, Ed Sheeran sings about the everlasting love he has for his partner. Of course, this is one of the most popular first dance songs in recent memory, and the acoustic version gives it an extra-special romantic twist.

"You're Beautiful," James Blunt

Lyrics you'll love: "My life is brilliant/My love is pure/I saw an angel/Of that I'm sure"

This nostalgia-inducing track sounds sweet, but, unbeknownst to many, it has a (somewhat) sinister secret. James Blunt actually wrote the song after running into his ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend on the subway in London. While Blunt hasn't encountered his former flame since that fateful day, the song remains a classic. He even performed it at Elton John's civil partnership ceremony to now-husband David Furnish back in 2005. Take a cue from Elton and add it to your processional playlist.

"Make You Feel My Love," Adele

Lyrics you'll love: "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"

"Make You Feel My Love" was written by Bob Dylan back the '90s. Billy Joel first performed the tune in 1997, while Dylan's version was released shortly after. Adele's cover came out in 2008. Since then, it's been played at countless wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions. At the time of her album release, the singer told the Manchester Evening News: "The lyrics are just amazing, and summed up exactly what I'd been trying to say in my songs. [...] It's weird that my favorite song on my album is a cover, but I couldn't not put it on there."

"Today Was a Fairytale," Taylor Swift

Lyrics you'll love: "Time slows down/Whenever you're around, yeah/But can you feel this magic in the air?/It must have been the way you kissed me/Fell in love when I saw you standing there/It must have been the way/Today was a fairytale"

"Today Was a Fairytale" is one of Taylor Swift's happier songs thanks to its upbeat, cheery lyrics. The feel-good tune is part of the Valentine's Day movie soundtrack (the 2010 romantic comedy also starred Taylor Swift). The singer-songwriter chronicles a fairytale-worthy date with her so-called "prince." The lyrics make it a great song choice for your first dance as a married couple.

"Stand by Me," Boyce Avenue

Lyrics you'll love: "If the sky that we look upon/Should tumble and fall/Or the mountains should crumble to the sea/I won't cry, I won't cry/No, I won't shed a tear/Just as long as you stand, stand by me"

"Stand by Me" was originally performed by Ben E. King back in the 1960s. Since its initial debut, it's been performed and covered hundreds of times by a slew of celebrities, including John Lennon, Muhammad Ali and Florence + the Machine, to name a few. While the song is more than 60 years old, it remains a timeless favorite among people of all ages. Have your wedding DJ or band play it as you walk down the aisle or as you wrap up the wedding reception.

"No One (Acoustic Version)," Alicia Keys

Lyrics you'll love: "You and me together/Through the days and nights/I don't worry 'cause/Everything's gonna be alright/People keep talking, they can say what they like/But all I know is everything's gonna be alright"

Alicia Keys' powerful voice takes center stage on the acoustic version of her beloved hit. This emotional song can be played as a first dance song, as a romantic slow dance song, or during the cocktail hour or dinner portion of your affair.

"Fix You (Acoustic Version)," Coldplay

Lyrics you'll love: "Lights will guide you home/And ignite your bones/And I will try to fix you"

Your wedding guests will be overcome with emotion when they hear Coldplay's "Fix You" play as you walk down the aisle. While it originally premiered on The O.C., (talk about a throwback!) the song has deeply poetic and personal lyrics. Per E! News, Gwyneth Paltrow—who was married to Chris Martin from 2003 to 2016—told Howard Stern in a 2015 interview that the song was "about him trying to put me back together after my dad died." She continued, "I think it's pretty nice."

"Till There Was You," The Beatles

Lyrics you'll love: "There were birds in the sky/But I never saw them winging/No, I never saw them at all/'Til there was you/Then there was music/And wonderful roses"

The Beatles' "Till There Was You" is actually a cover. The original song is from the musical, The Music Man and was first written in 1950 by Meredith Wilson. Paul McCartney takes the lead on vocals, supported by George Harrison (who plays the guitar solo) and John Lennon (who performs double duty on acoustic guitar). The vocals and guitar strings are complemented by the bongo beat, played by Ringo Starr. Consider playing it during dinner or cocktail hour.

"A Thousand Years (Acoustic Version)," Christina Perri

Lyrics you'll love: "Time has brought your heart to me/I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more"

Calling all Twilight fans, add this Christina Perri track to your wedding playlist immediately. The song debuted in 2011 and was originally from Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1. Its tranquil-sounding instrumentals—which are complemented by Perri's almost-otherwordly vocals and romantic lyrics— make it an ideal song for your processional or first dance.

"XO (Acoustic Version)," John Mayer

Lyrics you'll love: "In the darkest night/I'll search through the crowd,/Your face is all that I see/I'll give you everything/Baby, love me lights out"

John Mayer first performed the acoustic version of Beyonce's hit single back in 2014 at a concert in Adelaide, Australia. A few days prior, he took to Twitter to describe Beyonce's voice in "XO" "real and raw." One month after the Australia performance, Mayer released the cover via on SoundCloud and iTunes. Four years later, Mayer once again performed it live: this time, at Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel's wedding. Today, critics and fans continue to rave about Mayer's sweet and simple take on the timeless love song, which makes for an incredible first dance tune.

"Wonderwall (Acoustic Version)," Jake Coco

Lyrics you'll love: "I said maybe/You're gonna be the one who saves me?/And after all/You're my wonderwall"

We'd be willing to bet that you've heard "Wonderwall" more than a few times before. But, Jake Coco breathes new life into the classic song with his acoustic version. This slowed-down cover sounds like a dreamy romantic ballad, making it a more-than-worthy choice for a first dance song.

"Higher Love," James Vincent McMorrow

Lyrics you'll love: "Think about it, there must be higher love/Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above/Without it, life is wasted time/Look inside your heart, I'll look inside mine"

Irish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow released an acoustic version of "Higher Love" back in 2011. However, this was hardly the first time that "Higher Love" was covered. In fact, the song was first released by Steve Winwood in 1986. The song skyrocketed in popularity when Whitney Houston released her own version in 1990. Nineteen years later, Kygo released a remastered version of Houston's cover.

"I Am Yours," Andy Grammer

Lyrics you'll love: "You know I need you/Like your oxygen/Be my atmosphere/Let me breathe you in/So I can try to tell you I love you"

Not to be confused with Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours," "I Am Yours" is by Andy Grammer. It's from the singer-songwriter's fourth studio album, Naive, which was released in 2019. The lyrics are typical for what you'd expect from any love song and read like a beautiful cross between a romantic poem and a wedding vow. It's one of the singer's most underrated tunes and is a fabulous first dance option.

"Count On Me (Acoustic Version)," Bruno Mars

Lyrics you'll love: "If you tossin' and you're turnin' and you just can't fall asleep/I'll sing a song beside you/And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me/Every day I will remind you"

"Count On Me" is one of Bruno Mars' most whimsical tunes. Its upbeat lyrics (which depict themes of loyalty, devotion and friendship), funky rhythm and all-around feel-good vibe make it a popular pick. Listen closely to hear an acoustic guitar and bongos in the background. If you're looking for a nontraditional first dance, this song makes the perfect choice.

"Let My Love Open the Door," Allison Miller

Lyrics you'll love: "When everything feels all over/Everybody seems unkind/I'll give you a four-leaf clover/Take all worry out of your mind/Let my love open the door"

You'll love this acoustic version of Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door," which sounds more like a sentimental ballad than a traditional rock song. The cover first appeared on A Million Little Things. The slowed-down cover, performed by Allison Miller (who plays Maggie in the hit NBC show), features beautiful background vocals. The piano instrumentals make for an amazing processional song.

"She Will Be Loved (Acoustic Version)," Maroon 5

Lyrics you'll love: "It's not always rainbows and butterflies/It's compromise that moves us along, yeah/My heart is full and my door's always open/You come anytime you want, yeah"

"She Will Be Loved is one of Maroon 5's most famous tracks to date. Throughout the tune, Levine sings about being in a relationship with a person who is struggling with personal hardships. Despite this, he continues to support and love them, even through difficult times. While this is not a top pick for a first dance song, you may opt to play it during dinner or cocktail hour.