16 Bob Marley Wedding Songs to Celebrate With Your "One Love"

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Bob Marley Wedding Songs
Photo: Michael Ochs Archive | Getty
Lauren Dana Ellman - The Knot Contributor.
by
Lauren Dana Ellman
Lauren Dana Ellman - The Knot Contributor.
Lauren Dana Ellman
The Knot Contributor
  • Lauren is a contributor for The Knot covering topics such as music, cakes, venues and speeches.
  • She has been published in a wide array of lifetsyle-oriented publications including SELF and Allure.
  • Lauren is a proud graduate of Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School of Public Communication.
Updated Sep 27, 2024

Do you or your partner love reggae music? If the answer's yes, then consider playing some Bob Marley wedding songs during your nuptials. The singer, also known as "The King of Reggae," has released some of the most popular reggae tunes of all time. However, with so many options to choose from, picking the best wedding songs by Bob Marley was no easy feat—but hey, someone's gotta do it.

From sweet love songs like "Is This Love" to high-energy hits like "Jamming," read on to discover 16 of our favorite Bob Marley wedding songs to incorporate into your special day. Make sure to ask your wedding DJ about your special song requests ahead of time, and if you plan to hire a wedding band, make sure your picks are within their range.

Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's roundup of Bob Marley Wedding Songs playlist on Spotify.

1. "One Love," The Wailing Wailers

Lyrics you'll love: "All we need is one love, one love"

"One Love" is one of—if not the most—famous Bob Marley song of all time. Its breezy instrumentals, touching lyrics, catchy melody and slow tempo make it perfect for a recessional, or to play during cocktail hour or dinner. You may or may not spot guests singing along.

2. "Is This Love," Kaya

Lyrics you'll love: "I wanna love you/And treat you right/I wanna love you/Every day and every night"

You can't help but groove to the beat of "Is This Love," but don't forget to take a moment to reflect and really listen to the sentimental lyrics. It's also worth noting that Marley, ever the romantic, even dedicated this song to his wife, Rita. Pro tip: Ask your wedding band to slow down the tempo even further so that you can either use it for your first dance song or play it while walking down the aisle.

3. "Could You Be Loved," Uprising

Lyrics you'll love: "Ah in the darkness, there must come out to light"

In "Could You Be Loved," Bob Marley croons about—you guessed it!—love. The tune, with its signature bouncy beat, is ideal for playing during dinnertime.

4. "Turn Your Lights Down Low," Exodus

Lyrics you'll love: "'Loving you is a like a song I replay (loving you is easy 'cause you're beautiful)/Every three minutes and thirty seconds of every day (uh, uh)/And every chorus was written for us to recite (right)/Every beautiful melody of devotion every night"

This Bob Marley love song is chock-full of poetic lyrics. The remixed version was released in 1999 and features singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill, and the two singers' voices sound incredible together. Overall, it makes for an especially unique—and fun!—first dance song.

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5. "Satisfy My Soul," Kaya

Lyrics you'll love: "Satisfy my soul/You satisfy my soul (Satisfy my soul)/Every little action (Satisfy my soul)/There's a reaction (Satisfy my soul)/Oh, can't you see what you've done for me, oh, yeah/I'm happy inside, all, all of the time (Woah)"

"Satisfy My Soul" was originally recorded in 1970 as "Please Don't Rock My Boat" before being re-recorded in 1977 under a new name. Let's just say that, throughout the song, Marley is not shy about expressing how much he loves and craves his beloved. See this sweet lyric as proof: "You make me feel like a sweepstake winner."

6. "Nice Time," Bob Marley & Peter Tosh

Lyrics you'll love: "This is my heart: To rock you steady;/I'll give you love/Time you're you ready./This little heart in me/Just won't let me be;/I'm rockin';/Won't you rock with me?"

Ask your wedding DJ to end your wedding reception on a sentimental note by making this the final song of the night before heading off to your wedding after-party. Besides, what's not to love about this slow number laden with heartwarming lyrics?

7. "Love And Affection," Volume II One Love

Lyrics you'll love: "What am I to do, my dear/So that I may win your love?/What am I to do, my dear/So that I may win your love?"

With its upbeat rhythm and horn instrumentals, this song sounds more like a jazz number than a reggae one. Have your wedding musicians or DJ play it during cocktail hour, dinner, or dessert—but be sure to ditch the sad lyrics since they're not the most apropos for a wedding celebration.

8. "Sun is Shining," Soul Revolution

Lyrics you'll love: "Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, yeah/Make you wanna move your dancing feet now"

"Sun is Shining" is a feel-good tune that's sure to make you—and your wedding guests—smile. By playing it toward the beginning of your wedding reception (maybe even as an entrance song), you'll set the scene for a happy, memorable, and fun-filled evening.

9. "Mellow Mood," Rebel's Hop

Lyrics you'll love: "I'll play your favorite song, darlin'/We can rock it all night long, darlin'/'Cause I've got love, darlin'/Love, sweet love, darlin'"

There's lots to love about "Mellow Mood," especially its oh-so-sultry lyrics. Its slow tempo makes it a must-play during dinner, when guests can take advantage of a much-needed dancing break to refuel—and rest their feet!

10. "Waiting in Vain," Exodus

Lyrics you'll love: "Ya see, in life I know there's lots of grief/But your love is my relief"

In "Waiting in Vain," Marley sings passionately about unconditional love—regardless of the fact that it's unrequited (hence the song title). Despite this, it's still a solid pick for your reggae wedding playlist: Moreover, we guarantee the two of you can't help but sing along to the super-catchy song.

11. "Baby We've Got a Date (Rock It Baby)," The Dub Sessions 1972-1992

Lyrics you'll love: "Baby baby we've got a date/Oh, baby, baby don't you be late!!"

Kick off your wedding reception on a fun, light-hearted note by making "Baby We've Got a Date (Rock It Baby)," one of the first songs of the night. And, don't be afraid to bust a move with your new spouse whenever Marley sings, "Rock it baby."

12. "Three Little Birds," Exodus

Lyrics you'll love: "Don't worry, about a thing/'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right/Singin', don't worry, about a thing/'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right"

"Three Little Birds" is arguably one of Marley's most popular songs of all time. While we wouldn't categorize it as a love song, per se, you and your wedding guests will appreciate its cheery, joyful messaging to sit back, relax and enjoy life. It's a fun recessional song or a relaxed entrance song.

13. "Soul Shakedown Party," Bob, Peter, Bunny & Rita

Lyrics you'll love: "The way you love me/It's all right/When you put your lovin' arms around me/And you hold me tight/(Hold me tight)/This is my invitation/I've got the special vacation/I need your concentration/Just to feel your vibration"

Have your wedding band or DJ play "Soul Shakedown Party" towards the beginning of the reception to get the good vibes going! Throughout the tune, Marley sings about—spoiler alert—a fun party with lots of love and dancing to be had.

14. "Stir It Up," Babylon by Bus

Lyrics you'll love: "Oh, little darlin', stir it up. Come on, babe!"

"Stir It Up" features steamy, passionate lyrics—but that's just the icing on the cake. We'd also be remiss not to highlight the groovy guitar instrumentals and stunning vocal harmonies. Fun fact: Marley wrote this for his wife in 1967, the year after they got married—how romantic is that?!

15. "Jamming," Exodus

Lyrics you'll love: "Love that now exist, true love I can't resist,/Jam by my side"

Put simply, "Jamming" is about, well, coming together and jamming with your better half. With this in mind, this danceable tune definitely belongs on your list of reception songs.

16. "No Woman No Cry," Natty Dread

Lyrics you'll love: "Everything's going to be alright"

Everyone faces ups and downs throughout life, but, fortunately, you'll always have your partner to lean on for support—even when times are truly tough. It's safe to say "No Woman No Cry" emphasizes just that with its message of endurance. It's a great singalong song for the end of the night.

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