20 John Mayer Love Songs for an Ultra-Romantic Wedding Playlist
Looking for John Mayer love songs to play at your wedding? While most folks can't have John Mayer perform live at their nuptials (sorry!)—we've gone ahead and rounded up some of his best wedding songs to play on your big day. From the steamy "Your Body Is A Wonderland" to the more sentimental "Love Is A Verb," these 20 songs deserve a spot on your wedding playlist thanks to their ultra-romantic lyrics.
Don't forget to ask your wedding DJ or band about your favorite John Mayer love songs as soon as possible—that way, your wedding pros will have ample time to work these tunes into their set.
Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's roundup of John Mayer Love Songs playlist on Spotify.
1. "Your Body Is A Wonderland," Room for Squares
Lyrics you'll love: "I know you're mine, all mine, all mine/But you look so good it hurts sometimes"
"Your Body Is A Wonderland" (2001) is one of John Mayer's famous (albeit most sexy and explicit) love songs. Ask your wedding band to play it after your first dance or as your garter toss song if you're feeling extra-sultry.
2. "You're Gonna Live Forever In Me," The Search For Everything
Lyrics you'll love: "Time leaves no fruit on the tree/But you're gonna live forever in me/I guarantee, it's just meant to be"
"You're Gonna Live Forever In Me" isn't your standard gushy love song—but, then again, that's what makes John Mayer's music so unique. The ballad is comprised of heart-tugging lyrics and peaceful piano instrumentals. Consider playing it at your wedding ceremony or reception in honor of a deceased loved one.
3. "New Light," Sob Rock
Lyrics you'll love: "Yeah if you give me just one night/You're gonna see me in a new light/Yeah if you give me just one night/To meet you underneath the moonlight"
"New Light" was originally released back in 2018 as the lead single to his new studio album, Sob Rock. It's a great pick for post-dinner dancing—but don't just take it from us. One Rolling Stone critic wrote that the song has a "steady groove reminiscent of '80s blue-eyed soul and tinged with disco guitars."
4. "Edge Of Desire," Battle Studies
Lyrics you'll love: "Don't say a word/Just come over and lie here with me"
While you may not categorize "Edge Of Desire" as a typical love song, the emotional tune is one we can all relate to. After all, everyone has felt the same fear of jumping off the edge in order to take a risk—and this is especially true when it comes to romance and partnership. The guitar instrumentals, coupled with the poignant lyrics, make for an especially unique first dance song.
5. "Love On The Weekend," The Search For Everything
Lyrics you'll love: "Love on the weekend/Love on the weekend/We found a message in a bottle we were drinking"
"Love On The Weekend" is from his seventh studio album, The Search For Everything. Throughout this John Mayer love song, the singer-songwriter croons about an exciting, energetic love that's reminiscent of a hot-and-heavy summer fling. "Love on The Weekend" is a fun song that's perfect for playing during cocktail hour or dinner, so make sure to send it to your wedding musicians, stat. Your guests will love its upbeat rhythm and tranquil instrumentals.
6. "Free Fallin'," Where The Light Is: John Mayer Live In Los Angeles
Lyrics you'll love: "I wanna write her, her name in the sky/I wanna free fall out into nothin'/Oh, I'm gonna leave this, this world for a while/Now I'm free/Free fallin', fallin'"
When it comes to John Mayer wedding songs, you can't go wrong with this number. The singer-songwriter covered Tom Petty's "Free Fallin' back in 2008, and the track was also featured on his Where The Light Is: John Mayer Live In Los Angeles album. Over a decade later, it's remained a fan favorite first dance song thanks to the singer-songwriter's soothing vocals and acoustic instrumentals.
7. "Rosie," The Search for Everything
Lyrics you'll love: "Don't you know my love is true/'Perdon' and 'lo siento,' see, I learned those words for you"
John Mayer's "Rosie" is about a guy showing up at his former girlfriend's (aptly named Rosie) doorstop following a night of drinking, pleading with her to take him back. The jazzy tune is perfect for playing during dinner or cocktail hour.
8. "Love Is A Verb," Born And Raised
Lyrics you'll love: "When you show me love/I don't need your words/Yeah love ain't a thing/Love is a verb"
If you're looking for a classic love song for your first dance, you can't go wrong with "Love Is A Verb" (2012). One Rolling Stone writer described the sentimental-yet-sultry song as "a true soul-stoker" and a "slow dance that will loom over the spring wedding season, like a soft-rock Death Star."
9. "Half Of My Heart," Battle Studies
Lyrics you'll love: "Lonely was the song I sang/'Til the day you came/Showing me another way/And all that my love can bring"
"Half Of My Heart" was originally recorded and released as a duet between John Mayer and fellow singer-songwriter—and ex-flame—Taylor Swift. In the song, Mayer and Swift sing about deeply loving each other (albeit half-heartedly). Swift and Mayer's chemistry in "Half Of My Heart" is undeniable, and their harmonizing is truly stunning. Add the slow-paced tune to your list of cocktail hour music or play it while your guests have dinner.
10. "Waitin' On The Day," Paradise Valley
Lyrics you'll love: "Waiting on the day/When these words are in stone/When the kids are all grown/And we go dancing/Oh, can you do it babe?/Can you love me all the way?"
This often-overlooked track is from John Mayer's sixth studio album, Paradise Valley. In "Waitin' On The Day," Mayer croons about how excited he is to find his special someone and build a life with them. The lovely lyrics, combined with the gorgeous harmonizing, make for a swoon-worthy first dance song.
11. "The Heart Of Life," Continuum
Lyrics you'll love: "Pain throws your heart to the ground/Love turns the whole thing around/No, it won't all go the way it should/But I know the heart of life is good"
"The Heart Of Life" is from John Mayer's 2006 album, Continuum. What's more, the track serves as a poignant reminder that life is full of precious moments and good times, despite the obstacles and hardships that may lie ahead. Get your wedding DJ to play it for your first dance or processional song—with its guitar instrumentals and sweet lyrics, it really is one of the best John Mayer love songs.
12. "Emoji Of A Wave," The Search for Everything
Lyrics you'll love: "Oh honey/It's just a wave/It's just a wave and I know/That when it comes/I just hold on"
Whether or not you consider "Emoji Of A Wave" a love song is up for debate. However, there's no denying that the tune is an emotional one. The track depicts the ups and downs (i.e., the "waves") of a relationship. What's more, the harmonizing is incredibly soothing, making it a simply stunning song choice for cocktail hour or dinner.
13. "Carry Me Away," Sob Rock
Lyrics you'll love: "You know I need you, and that's for sure/You're just the kinda crazy I've been lookin' for/Carry me away
When it comes to John Mayer love songs, "Carry Me Away" is one of his more upbeat songs. While the track was released in 2019 as a single, it was recently featured on his newest studio album, Sob Rock. Its bouncy rhythm resembles that of a pop song—making it a great choice for post-dinner dancing. Throughout the track, Mayer sings about enjoying life, having fun, letting loose and living "on the wilder side of the light."
14. "Who You Love," Paradise Valley
Lyrics you'll love: "Oh, you can't make yourself stop dreaming/Who you're dreaming of/If it's who you love/Then it's who you love"
This John Mayer hit is actually a duet featuring the singer's then-girlfriend, Katy Perry. (The two also co-wrote the song together.) As its name suggests, the song's passionate chorus encourages you to "love who you love"—a lovely sentiment for a wedding day.
15. "XO," XO
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"
The singer-songwriter first covered this beloved Beyoncé hit back in 2014 at a concert in Australia. Prior to his performance, John Mayer took to Twitter to rave about Beyonce's voice in the song, calling it "real and raw." About one month after the initial performance, Mayer released his version online. Fast-forward seven years later, and it's since become a first dance favorite thanks to Mayer's soft vocals and acoustic instrumentals.
16. "Only Heart," Heavier Things
Lyrics you'll love: "And if you need confirmation, baby I understand/It's alright if you want me to/Tell you youYou got my only heart/Yeah, you got my only heart
"Only Heart," from Heavier Things, features everything you love about '00s John Mayer, including his signature guitar riffs and romantic lyrics. All classic rock aficionados should add this track to their wedding reception playlist. It also makes a unique first dance song, thanks to its guitar and drum instrumentals.
17. "Wildfire," Paradise Valley
Lyrics you'll love: "Say, say, say/Ain't it been some kind of day/You and me been catching on like a wildfire"
"Wildfire" is the opening track of Paradise Valley. The folk-rock-inspired tune is a cheery one. Throughout the song, John Mayer croons about a budding romance between two lovers. The poet lyrics, combined with the breezy rhythm, make it an ideal choice for cocktail hour.
18. "A Face To Call Home" Born and Raised
Lyrics you'll love: "You got me swaying right along/To the song in your heart/And a face to call home"
You can tell from the song title alone that this first-dance-worthy track is a romantic one. The lyrics, which feature beautiful stanzas about finding and embracing love, are even more heartwarming. Since this is a John Mayer love song, you can also expect a great electric guitar riff towards the end, too.
19. "City Love," Room For Squares
Lyrics you'll love: "I can't remember how I found/My way before she came around/I tell everyone/I smile just because/I've got a city love"
This 2001 track tells the tale of a hot-and-heavy romance between John Mayer and a girl named Lydia. Play "City Love" during cocktail hour or dinner, when your wedding guests will truly have the chance to appreciate its jazz-inspired instrumentals.
20. "Theme From The Search for Everything," The Search For Everything
Lyrics you'll love: [Instrumental]
While this instrumental tune has no lyrics, its soft acoustic instrumentals are perfect for your wedding processional. John Mayer used the track to conclude his concerts on his 2017 Search for Everything World Tour.