49 Romantic Jazz Love Songs to Play on Your Wedding Day

Add these jazzy tunes to your wedding playlist, stat.
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 Nov 13, 2024

Jazz love songs are inherently romantic thanks to their sultry instrumentals, soft vocals and super-sweet lyrics. Whether you prefer nostalgia-inducing classics from Etta James, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra or more contemporary twists courtesy of Diana Krall and Norah Jones, jazz music makes for some of the best wedding songs out there.

As you scroll through this list, you'll notice that many jazz love songs have been covered by dozens of artists, each of which puts their own spin on the original tune. This affords listeners the unique opportunity to experience a song in more ways than one.

What are you waiting for? Transport yourself back in time and ask your wedding DJ to play one of these jazzy love songs at your ceremony or reception.

Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's Jazz Love Songs playlist on Spotify.

1. "Love Is Here to Stay," Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "It's very clear, our love is here to stay/Not for a year, but forever and a day"

Be prepared to swoon upon listening to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald's sweet version of "Love Is Here to Stay." Frank Sinatra also recorded the jazz standard, as did Tony Bennett and Diana Krall. It makes an incredible first dance song.

2. "My Funny Valentine," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "My funny valentine/Sweet comic valentine/You make me smile with my heart"

If funny love songs are your jam, then you'll love "My Funny Valentine" thanks to its goofy, lighthearted lyrics. The 1937 show tune was made famous by Frank Sinatra, who released his own recording of it in the 1950s. Talk to your wedding band about playing it during dinner and watch as your wedding guests laugh between bites.

3. "Let's Face the Music and Dance," Fred Astaire

Lyrics you'll love: "There may be trouble ahead/But while there's music and moonlight/And love and romance/Let's face the music and dance"

"Let's Face the Music and Dance" by Fred Astaire is a lively, jazzy tune that brings an air of elegance and fun to any wedding.

4. "It Had to Be You," Tony Bennett

Lyrics you'll love: "I wandered around, and I finally found/The somebody who/Could make me be true"

"It Had to Be You" dates back to 1924. In the years since, the romantic song has been covered many times. Jazz icons like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett—as well as more contemporary singers like Barbra Streisand and Harry Connick, Jr.—have released their own recordings of the beloved song.

5. "The Nearness of You," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "When you're in my arms/And I feel you so close to me/All my wildest dreams come true"

"The Nearness of You" dates back to 1938, when it was featured in the film Romance in the Dark. Frank Sinatra's version is the most famous, though it has since been recorded by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald (1956), Norah Jones (2002) and Rod Stewart (2002).

6. "In a Sentimental Mood," Duke Ellington

Lyrics you'll love: "In a sentimental mood/I can see the stars come through my room/While your loving attitude/Is like a flame that lights the gloom"

Full of elegance and emotion, this Duke Ellington track is a lovely choice for a sophisticated moment during your wedding.

7. "I've Got a Crush on You," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "I've got a crush on you, sweetie pie"

Be prepared to be dazzled by Frank Sinatra's smooth, sultry vocals in "I've Got a Crush on You." The catchy melody and relaxed tempo will have guests singing softly during cocktail hour or dinner. The tune was also recorded by Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald.

8. "My One and Only Love," John Coltrane

Lyrics you'll love: "The very thought of you makes my heart sing/Like an April breeze on the wings of spring/And you appear in all your splendor/My one and only love"

Don't skip this heartfelt John Coltrane ballad at your wedding reception, as the jazzy instrumentals add an extra-special touch. Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Paul McCartney and Rod Stewart are just a few singers who have covered the track.

9. "The Way You Look Tonight," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "Lovely; never, ever change/Keep that breathless charm/Won't you please arrange it? Cause I love you/Just the way you look tonight"

"The Way You Look Tonight" originates from the 1936 film Swing Time. The Academy Award-winning song was originally performed by Fred Astaire; however, Frank Sinatra's version is among the most famous covers. The cheery instrumentals and upbeat tempo will have wedding guests humming and singing away.

10. "When I Fall in Love," Nat King Cole

Lyrics you'll love: "And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too/Is when I'll fall in love with you"

"When I Fall in Love" (1956) is arguably Nat King Cole's most well-known hit. (However, unbeknownst to many, his version is actually a cover.) The soft instrumentals pair perfectly with the singer's soothing voice, so make sure to ask your wedding DJ to add this one to the queue.

11. "Cheek to Cheek," Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "I seem to find the happiness I seek/When we're out together, dancing cheek to cheek"

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Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong teamed up in 1956 to record and release their version of "Cheek to Cheek." The romantic duet is ideal for cocktail hour thanks to its smooth, tranquil rhythm. The song has also been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, among dozens of other singers.

12. "Let's Fall in Love," Dinah Washington

Lyrics you'll love: "Let's close our eyes/And make our own paradise"

Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Diana Krall have all recorded this classic love song, but we're partial to Dinah Washington's cover. The piano instrumentals provide the perfect background music for cocktail hour or dinner.

13. "I'm in the Mood for Love," Louis Armstrong

Lyrics you'll love: "Heaven is in your eyes/Bright as the stars we're under/Oh! Is it any wonder?/I'm in the mood for love"
This Louis Armstrong jazz hit starts with a gorgeous horn solo and continues on with Armstrong's signature soft vocals. You'll love the super romantic lyrics, too.

14. "I Put A Spell On You," Nina Simone

Lyrics you'll love: "I put a spell on you because you're mine/You're mine"

This saucy number is best played during cocktail hour or dinner, while guests are mingling and catching up.

15. "The Very Thought of You," Nat King Cole

Lyrics you'll love: "I see your face in every flower/Your eyes in stars above/It's just the thought of you/The very thought of you, my love"

Nat King Cole's version of "The Very Thought of You" was released in 1958 (Billie Holiday released her own track back in 1938). The decades-old song is celebrated for its peaceful melody and sweet instrumentals.

16. "What a Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong

Lyrics you'll love: "I see trees of green/Red roses too/I see them bloom/For me and you/And I think to myself/What a wonderful world"

We'd be willing to bet that you've listened to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong at least once in your lifetime. We love the soulful track, which would be the perfect pick for your last dance song.

17. "You Don't Know What Love Is," Chet Baker

Lyrics you'll love: "You don't know what love is/'Til you've learned the meaning of the blues/Until you've loved a love you've had to lose/You don't know what love is"

"You Don't Know What Love Is" is a classic jazz number, and Chet Baker's 1955 rendition is a must-listen thanks to the singer's incredibly calming voice. The song has also been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, John Coltrane and Dinah Washington.

18. "You Go to My Head," Billie Holiday

Lyrics you'll love: "You go to my head/With a smile that makes my temperature rise/Like a summer with a thousand Julys/You intoxicate my soul with your eyes"

Billie Holiday's 1952 rendition of "You Go to My Head" is a favorite among jazz enthusiasts. The singer's soft voice makes this recording all the more special. The iconic song has been covered by many a famous singer, including Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.

19. "The Look of Love," Diana Krall

Lyrics you'll love: "The look of love/It's saying so much more than just words could ever say/And what my heart has heard, well, it takes my breath away/I can hardly wait to hold you, feel my arms around you/How long I have waited, waited just to love you"

This 2001 cover of the classic jazz tune is truly one for the books. Diana Krall's sultry voice makes it an under-the-radar first dance song.

20. "Come Away With Me," Norah Jones

Lyrics you'll love: "Come away with me, and we'll kiss/On a mountain top/Come away with me, and I'll never stop loving you"

Here's a soft and intimate number by Norah Jones, which is perfect for a quiet, heartfelt moment during dinner.

21. "Fly Me To The Moon," Tony Bennett

Lyrics you'll love: "Fly me to the moon/And let me play among the stars/Let me see what spring is like/On Jupiter and Mars"

This timeless tune has a romantic, playful vibe fit for a first dance or any lighthearted moment during your wedding.

22. "Unforgettable," Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

Lyrics you'll love: "Unforgettable that's what you are/Unforgettable though near or far/Like a song of love that clings to me"

This classic jazzy love song will melt hearts and make the moment between you and your partner truly memorable—ideal for a slow dance or an intimate moment during your ceremony.

23. "Misty," Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "Walk my way/And a thousand violins begin to play/Or it might be the sound of your hello/That music I hear/I get misty the moment you're near"

With its soft, dreamy feel, this Ella Fitzgerald song is the jazzy love song for creating a romantic atmosphere during dinner or a first dance.

24. "Moonlight Serenade," Glenn Miller

Lyrics you'll love: "While we're dancing please hold me tight/step lively don't lag"

This gorgeous love song is more about the instrumentals than the lyrics. Dreamy and romantic, it's perfect to have on during your ceremony or while your guests are enjoying dinner.

Lyrics you'll love: "I see trees of green/Red roses too/I see them bloom/For me and you"

Uplifting and sweet, "What a Wonderful World" is a fantastic pick for a ceremony exit or closing the night on a positive, feel-good note.

25. "L-O-V-E," Nat King Cole

Lyrics you'll love: "Love is all that I can give to you/Love is more than just a game for two"

Fun and full of charm, this jazzy love song is a great pick for getting everyone in the mood for celebrating your sweet love during the reception.

26. "The Nearness of You," Norah Jones

Lyrics you'll love: "It's not the pale moon that excites me/That thrills and delights me/Oh no/It's just the nearness of you"

This smooth and intimate track is ideal for a slower, romantic dance with its soulful vibes—especially if you choose to have it performed live by wedding musicians.

27. "Someone to Watch Over Me," Sarah Vaughan

Lyrics you'll love: "There's a somebody I'm longing to see/I hope that he/Turns out to be/Someone to watch over me"

Sentimental and caring, here's a jazz love song for a quiet, tender moment between you and your partner.

28. "My Romance," Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "My romance doesn't need a thing but you/My romance doesn't need a thing but you"

This sweet and tender jazz love song perfectly captures the simplicity and beauty of true love. With Fitzgerald's velvety vocals, it's an excellent choice for a first dance or a slow, heartfelt moment during your wedding.

29. "Moon River," Andy Williams

Lyrics you'll love: "Two drifters, off to see the world/There's such a lot of world to see"

Its dreamy and nostalgic feel makes this classic jazz love song ideal for a romantic first dance or a special moment with your partner. We've recommended the Andy Williams version here, but you'd do just as well with the Frank Sinatra cover, too.

30. "You Make Me Feel So Young," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "You make me feel so young/You make me feel so Spring has sprung"

This upbeat, jazzy number brings a fun and youthful energy, making it a fab pick for kicking off the dance floor.

31. "Embraceable You," Billie Holiday

Lyrics you'll love: "Embrace me/My sweet embraceable you/Embrace me/My irreplaceable you"

Soft and soulful, this jazz love song is a splendid choice for a close, romantic slow dance with your spouse-to-be—especially if you're going for a "Great Gatsby" wedding vibe.

32. "Dream a Little Dream of Me," Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "Stars shining bright above you/Night breezes seem to whisper 'I love you'/Birds singing in the sycamore tree/Dream a little dream of me"

"Dream a Little Dream of Me" has been recorded more than 40 times, with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's duet being the most notable version. Other singers have also recorded the tune, including Nat King Cole and Michael Bublé. The song's slow tempo and horn instrumentals make it a true standout.

33. "That's All," Michael Bublé

Lyrics you'll love: "I can only give you love that lasts forever/And a promise to be near each time you call/And the only heart I own/For you and you alone"

Calling all Michael Bublé fans! This smooth love song is great for a heartfelt first dance or any tender moment during the evening.

34. "My One and Only Love," John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

Lyrics you'll love: "The very thought of you makes my heart sing/Like an April breeze on the wings of spring"

Deeply romantic and timeless, "My One and Only Love" is one of those jazz love songs that would be ideal for an intimate slow dance—including your first dance.

35. "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," Lena Horne

Lyrics you'll love: "Fish got to swim and birds got to fly/I got to love one man till I die/Can't help lovin' that man of mine"

With its smooth, jazz-infused melody and Horne's mesmerizing voice, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" is a gorgeous choice for a slow dance or special moment during the reception.

36. "I Only Have Eyes for You," Billie Holiday

Lyrics you'll love: "Are the stars out tonight?/I don't know if it's cloudy or bright/'Cause I only have eyes for you"

You really can't go wrong with this Billie Holiday number. Its tender lyrics and dreamy melody make it a beautiful song for a first dance or sweet moment during your ceremony.

37. "I Could Write a Book," Harry Connick Jr.

Lyrics you'll love: "And the simple secret of the plot/Is just to tell them that I love you a lot/Then the world discovers as my book ends/How to make two lovers of friends"

Romantic and charming, this song was practically made for serenading your partner on your wedding day.

38. "Moondance," Van Morrison

Lyrics you'll love: "Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance/With the stars up above in your eyes/A fantabulous night to make romance"

With its upbeat and jazzy feel, you'll want to play "Moondance" during a lively, celebratory moment on the dance floor with family and friends.

39. "Save Your Love for Me," Nancy Wilson

Lyrics you'll love: "I can feel it/Even when you're not here/Can't conceal it/I really love you my dear"

Soft and intimate, this song is a lovely pick for a slow dance or romantic moment during dinner.

40. "Tenderly," Chet Baker

Lyrics you'll love: "Then you and I came wandering by/And lost in a sigh were we"

This classic jazz ballad is soft, sweet and perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere during cocktail hour.

41. "The More I See You," Chris Montez

Lyrics you'll love: "The more I see you, the more I want you/Somehow this feeling just grows and grows"

Fun and upbeat, play this song during your reception or while guests are arriving and mingling.

42. "Fever," Peggy Lee

Lyrics you'll love: "Never know how much I love you/Never know how much I care/When you put your arms around me/I get a fever that's so hard to bear"

This jazzy love song will add a little heat and sophistication to the dance floor—not to mention have everyone singing along together.

43. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green

Lyrics you'll love: "I, I'm I'm so in love with you/Whatever you want to do/Is all right with me/'Cause you make me feel so brand new"

Classic and soulful, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" is perfect for celebrating enduring love, making it an ideal pick for a first dance or closing the night.

44. "Call Me Irresponsible," Michael Bublé

Lyrics you'll love: "Call me irresponsible/Yes, I'm unreliable/But it's undeniably true/That I'm irresponsibly mad for you"

If you're looking for a lighthearted track with cheeky lyrics, look no further than "Call Me Irresponsible" by Michael Bublé. Play this one during your reception or cocktail hour.

45. "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)," Ella Fitzgerald

Lyrics you'll love: "Let's do it, let's fall in love"

"Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)" was written by Cole Porter back in 1928. The jazz standard was covered by the iconic Ella Fitzgerald in the 1950s, and her version is arguably the most notable. Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra also covered this song. The slowed-down melody lends itself perfectly to cocktail hour or dinner.

46. "Ladyfingers," Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass

Lyrics you'll love: Instrumental

With a Latin-inspired, jazzy sound, here's a fun instrumental track to play during cocktail hour or dinner. The lively trumpet melodies and groovy rhythm make it an easy pick for any wedding.

47. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," Billie Holiday

Lyrics you'll love: "Why do I care how much it may storm?/I've got my love to keep me warm"

Sweet and cozy, this song brings a warm, romantic feel to any wedding moment, but the lyrics are particularly perfect for a fall or winter celebration.

48. "At Last," Etta James

Lyrics you'll love: "At last/My love has come along/My lonely days are over/And life is like a song"

Over the past few decades, Etta James' "At Last" has evolved into a beloved first dance staple. The soulful track puts the singer's impressive pipes on full display. The tune has since been covered by several singers, including Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé and Celine Dion.

49. "My Baby Just Cares for Me," Nina Simone

Lyrics you'll love: "My baby don't care for shows/My baby don't care for clothes/My baby just cares for me"

"My Baby Just Cares for Me" is a jazz song dating back to 1930. Nina Simone's chart-topping cover is arguably the best rendition of the song. Its bouncy beat and relaxed piano instrumentals make it a must-play during cocktail hour.

Additional reporting by Brittany Barber.

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