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Weddings

The 20 Best R&B Wedding Songs of All Time

These R&B wedding songs from past and present will make the perfect additions to your ceremony or reception playlists.

wedding first dance
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

wedding first dance
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, one of the details you may be most looking forward to ironing out is likely your wedding playlist. Choosing the songs that will be played on the most important day of your life is nothing short of a big deal—and you deserve to have every last say in the matter.

On the list of music genres you might be considering, R&B wedding songs are sure to top the list. If so, there’s no doubt that your big day will be full of heart and soul. The rhythm and blues genre is home to countless classic love songs as well as some fun and upbeat hits that will get your guests running towards the dance floor. It’s also a music genre that has passed the test of time. Since it’s been around since the '40s, reaching its heyday in '60s, '70s and '80s, each of your wedding guests can relate to an R&B wedding song or two (or 10!), from your grandparents to your close pals.

To help guide you in the often overwhelming process of selecting songs for your big day, here is a list of some of the best R&B wedding songs of all time.

Romantic R&B Wedding Songs

“All Of Me” by John Legend

This beautiful song that modern-day crooner, John Legend, wrote for his wife Chrissy Teigen is a total heart melter. It perfectly captures what it means to be in love.

“Halo” by Beyoncé

Queen Bey puts it into words so beautifully just how it feels to have found the love of your life—being surrounded by their “halo.”

“All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo

You may have memories of slow dancing to this hit as a child, and will likely still want to sway to it today!

“Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder

One of the best R&B wedding songs, this classic will have your guests singing along.

“Purple Rain” by Prince

You can never go wrong with playing this classic from Prince on your wedding day.

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

Not only is this a love song, but this Al Green hit (arguably his most famous song) is a beautiful commemoration to true love.

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

This song so eloquently captures what it means to be grateful for the little, but important, things in life.

“Always” by Atlantic Starr

This song might be from the 80s, but its confession of true love still rings true today.

“Back At One” by Brian McKnight

This ‘90s R&B wedding song classic couldn’t be more timeless in its message of the countdown to true love (and back again).

“By Your Side” by Sade

As its name suggests, this whole song is a dedication to being by your partner's side forever.

Uplifting R&B Wedding Songs

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

If you want all your wedding guests to get down on the dance floor, just play this song and you’ll hear them all sing along!

“My Girl” by The Temptations

I mean, could there be a more perfect R&B father-daughter dance song than this one?

“Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan

This R&B wedding song makes a great first dance song if you’re looking for an upbeat, faster-paced tune to groove to.

“You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White

Your reception won't be complete without playing this 1970s R&B wedding song. Barry White's deep voice is everything!

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder

This R&B wedding song has the perfect lyrics for a couple joining together in marriage.

“September” by Earth Wind & Fire

Here’s an R&B wedding song that will get even the older folks at your wedding up dancing — and you can groove along too.

“I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin

This oldie, but goodie by the R-E-S-P-E-C-T singer is so fun to dance to and the best part is that all of your wedding guests, young and old, will recognize it.

“Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

Here’s one of the most classic wedding songs of all time because of its true message of how love makes a person feel and its sweet melody.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole

For Parent Trap fans, this R&B wedding song is a must-play.

“Umbrella” by Rihanna

Gather your crew and sway together to this R&B wedding song by Rihanna.