There’s just something unique about old country music that evokes feelings of love, joy, and nostalgia in listeners. Perhaps you’re looking for the best 80s country wedding songs to set the mood; we’re here to help out.
While these classic songs are seemingly simple, they have deep meanings that guests will find relatable. For older folks who would be present at your wedding ceremony, these golden oldies will make them feel nostalgic.
And the younger couples who listen to these timeless classics will fall in love again with their partners. Whether you desire slow, romantic songs or sing-along, danceable anthems, our selected tunes will surely create a magical experience for you.
Keep reading as we explore these timeless country songs one after the other!
20 Best 80s Country Wedding Songs to Set the Mood
Check out these other wedding songs for the perfect playlist on your special day:
1. “Could I Have This Dance?” by Anne Murray
Best Lyrics: When I held you close to me/As we moved together, I knew forever/You’re all I’ll ever need
With its catchy melody and simple lyrics, “Could I Have This Dance” will make your guests get on the dance floor. Not only does this song have a romantic feel, but its lyrics are relatable, making it an ideal choice.
2. “Stand by Me” by Mickey Gilley
Best Lyrics: And the mountains should fall to the sea/No I won’t be afraid, no I won’t shed a tear
This slow, romantic song is perfect for the intimate moments of your wedding ceremony. “Stand by Me” speaks of the love, commitment, and importance of friendship.
3. “Lookin’ for Love” by Johnny Lee
Best Lyrics: Hoping to find a friend and a lover/I’ll bless the day I discover another heart
While you’re no longer looking for love, this song will still be a good addition to your wedding playlist. It speaks of the challenges that come with searching for true love, which listeners can relate to.
4. “When You Say Nothing at All” by Keith Whitley
Best Lyrics: It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart/Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Something is unique about this love song that will make you connect deeply to it. The lyrics describe the power of non-verbal communication between two individuals in love.
5. “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Best Lyrics: All this love we feel needs no conversation/We ride it together, ah ha/Making love with each other, ah ha
When two legends work together on a love song, the result is always extraordinary. “Islands in the Stream” can evoke deep feelings of love and nostalgia, making the atmosphere romantic and calm.
6. “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
Best Lyrics: All those lonely lonely times/I guess I never told you/I am so happy that you’re mine
In addition to Nelson’s emotional delivery, this song’s lyrics have a way of touching the hearts of listeners. “Always on My Mind” perfectly captures the essence of love and the importance of treating loved ones well.
7. “The Closer You Get” by Alabama
Best Lyrics: The closer you get, the further I fall/I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all
Considering its driving beat and catchy melody, “The Closer You Get” will be perfect for the wedding reception. The lyrics express the feelings of vulnerability that come with falling in love.
8. “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers
Best Lyrics: You’ve kissed my tears away/As long as it’s okay, I’ll stay with you
This timeless, romantic song celebrates the power of genuine love and unwavering commitment. It emphasizes that couples who truly love each other can overcome every challenge that comes their way.
9. “Forever” by Kenny Loggins
Best Lyrics: Because of all you’ve shown/I’ve grown enough to tell you/You’ll always be inside of me
With “Forever” playing in the background, you and your partner can have an intimate first dance. It is a heartwarming song that expresses love for a partner and the desire to be with them forever.
10. “I Couldn’t Leave You Even If I Tried” by Rodney Crowell
Best Lyrics: Baby I lied, I couldn’t leave you if I tried/I won’t be leaving you no matter what I do
Set the tone for a romantic ambiance with this beautiful love song. “I Couldn’t Leave You Even If I Tried” speaks of the power of true love, which remains constant no matter the situation or circumstances.
11. “You and I” by Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gale
Best Lyrics: Just you and I/Sharing our love together/And I know in time/We’ll build the dreams we treasure
Looking for a song that expresses the deep affection you feel for each other on your big day? “You and I” is the perfect choice. The song beautifully describes the feelings of love and commitment between couples in a romantic relationship.
12. “Just Another Woman in Love” by Anne Murray
Best Lyrics: You touch me, and I’m weak, I’m a feather in the wind/And I can’t wait to feel you touching me again
This romantic song deeply expresses the feelings of love a woman has for her man. “Just Another Woman in Love” can be dedicated to the groom to express admiration and gratitude for him.
13. “You Got It” by Roy Orbison
Best Lyrics: One look from you, I drift away/I pray that you are here to stay
“You Got It” is an upbeat love song that can create a lively atmosphere and encourage your guests to dance. The lyrics speak of the deep feelings of love for a partner and the desire to do anything for them.
14. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley
Best Lyrics: Darling, just once let yesterday go/And you’ll find more love/Than you’ve ever known
This song has touching lyrics that can make your wedding atmosphere emotional and calm. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” describes the feelings of vulnerability that come with being in love.
15. “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love” by B.J. Thomas
Best Lyrics: We live in the modern age/Where love is fast like a turning page
As this song plays, your guests will begin to nod their heads in agreement with its lyrics. It conveys a powerful message that can evoke feelings of nostalgia in listeners.
16. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
Best Lyrics: Well I would only be in your way/And so I’ll go, and yet I know/I’ll think of you each step of the way
Without “I Will Always Love You”, our list of the best 80s country songs will not be complete. This amazing song can be dedicated to your loved ones on your big day to assure them of your enduring love.
17. “Until I Met You” by Judy Rodman
Best Lyrics: Fall in love, then you’ll know/The closest thing to God I knew/Until I met you
This is a special love song that can be played to celebrate your partner uniquely. The lyrics speak of the transformative power of love, which brings happiness and relief from loneliness.
18. “That’s the Thing About Love” by Don Williams
Best Lyrics: You can never give it enough/Whoa, that’s the thing about love
Set the tone for a reflective mood in the quiet moments of your ceremony by playing this romantic song. It speaks of the complex and unpredictable nature of love, which can evoke feelings of nostalgia.
19. “Lady” by Kenny Rogers
Best Lyrics: There’s so many ways I want to say I love you/Let me hold you in my arms forever more
“Lady” is a romantic song that expresses admiration and appreciation for someone special. The song has a beautiful melody and powerful lyrics, making it a good addition to your wedding playlist.
20. “Love in the First Degree” by Alabama
Best Lyrics: To gamble on love just one time/I never thought that I would get caught/It seemed like a perfect crime
Everything you’ve ever desired in a wedding song is in this beautiful track. “Love in the First Degree” describes the intense feelings that come with falling deeply in love with someone special.
Wrapping Up
Now, we believe your wedding playlist selection process is easier with our list of the best 80s country wedding songs. Planning a wedding can be time-consuming and physically demanding. But one of the best ways to make your special day memorable is by playing meaningful songs.
Listen to the songs we listed in this article; you’ll notice that they have deep meanings that couples can relate to.
Moreover, these country tracks have the power to create a romantic ambiance for you and your guests. Feel free to listen to these songs as many times as possible before making your final choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Number One Wedding Song in 1985?
George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” was considered the number-one wedding song in 1985. The song’s sweet melody and romantic lyrics made it a favorite choice at weddings during that period.
In addition to topping the charts, “Careless Whisper” has relatable lyrics, making it a popular choice at weddings and proms.
Can You Skip Speeches at a Wedding?
Yes, you can skip speeches at a wedding if you feel like it. No rule says speeches are compulsory at wedding ceremonies.
Consider performing other fun activities, such as reading a poem or showing funny videos of the couples, to save time.
How Many Slow Songs Do You Need For a Wedding?
Ideally, you should choose one slow song for every five fast songs to keep your ceremony lively. Playing too many slow songs can make the atmosphere dull for the guests.
After dancing to a maximum of five songs for 20 to 30 minutes, your guests need to relax with a slow song.
Serena & Dominic are a married couple and parents to 3 wonderful children. They plan weddings, run multiple small businesses, and curate wedding events.
By giving you everything you need to make your dream wedding attainable, you can eliminate stress, get the ‘wedding glow,’ and focus on spending this rocking day with the person you adore. Discover their podcast for more information
