Every wedding holds the promise of endless love. To bring these sentiments to life, music plays a pivotal role and few artists can match the legendary Dolly Parton. Her timeless tunes, soulful lyrics, and iconic voice elevate the moments of a wedding day, making them even more memorable. Here are 20 Dolly Parton wedding songs to serve as the perfect backdrop for everything from the ceremony to the reception and beyond.
I Will Always Love You
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
This iconic song is all about eternal love, making it ideal for the first dance. Its heartfelt lyrics, “I will always love you,” will certainly add a romantic touch to this moment. As far as slow songs go, this Dolly classic, later remade by Whitney Houston, will have people reaching for the tissues.
Coat of Many Colors
Perfect for: Mother and Son dance
This song, recounting a tale about a mother’s love, would be the perfect accompaniment for a mother-son dance. The lyrics, “My coat of many colors that my momma made for me,” strike an emotional chord. Dolly has plenty of soulful serenades that double as Christian songs. This is one of them. It’s a great choice for a religious wedding.
From Here to the Moon and Back
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
A beautiful love song that speaks of endless love, perfect for a newlywed couple’s first dance. Lyrics like, “From here to the moon and back, who else in this world will love you like that?” deeply express lasting love. As far as song choices go, this is a winner for the wedding reception playlist.
Love Is Like a Butterfly
Perfect for: Pre-ceremony music
This sweet, gentle song could provide a lovely ambiance for the pre-ceremony music. Its soft lyrics, “Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh,” set a romantic tone for the wedding. A song of innocence, Dolly’s voice and lyrics are much like the butterflies in this song. Perfect for a romantic night to remember.
The Bargain Store
Perfect for: Father and Bride dance
This song’s narrative about giving love another chance can create a meaningful moment for a father-daughter dance. The lyrics, “My life is likened to a bargain store,” show the importance of valuing every moment.
Think About Love
Perfect for: Group dance with all friends and family
This upbeat song could provide a fun, joyful energy for a group dance. Its positive lyrics like, “Think about love, think about me,” encourage everyone to celebrate love.
My Blue Tears
Perfect for: Bride’s solo dance
This sentimental song about love and longing can touch hearts when performed by the bride for a solo dance. The lyrics “Fly away from my window, my little blue bird” express deep emotion.
Islands in the Stream (With Kenny Rogers)
Perfect for: Group dance with all guests
This classic duet is a statement of unity and companionship, making it perfect for a lively group dance. Lyrics like, “Islands in the stream, that is what we are,” bring out a sense of solidarity among the guests.
Real Love (With Kenny Rogers)
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
This song is about finding true love, making it perfect for the couple’s first dance. The lyrics, “Oh, real love, not an imitation,” reflect the authenticity of their love and commitment.
Pure and Simple
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s exit song
A beautiful, easy-going song about pure love and simplicity that would be a great exit song for the couple. The lyrics, “It’s so pure, it’s almost sacred,” reaffirm the sanctity of love as the couple embarks on their new journey.
Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That
Perfect for: Bride’s entrance
This upbeat and catchy song could create a fun, memorable moment when the bride makes her entrance. The lyrics, “Why’d you come in here lookin’ like that,” make it a light-hearted and celebratory choice.
Together You and I
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
This song encapsulates the joy of being with a loved one, making it a beautiful choice for the couple’s first dance. Key lyrics like, “Together you and I belong,” highlight the unity of the couple.
Love, You’re So Beautiful Tonight
Perfect for: Groom serenading the Bride
This song is a beautiful expression of a partner’s admiration for their loved one, making it perfect for a serenade from the groom to the bride. The lyrics, “Love, you’re so beautiful tonight,” can make for a moving moment.
Two Doors Down
Perfect for: Group dance with all friends and family
This joyful, upbeat song about celebrating love can bring everyone onto the dance floor. The lyrics, “Two doors down, they’re laughing and drinking and having a party,” make it a great party song. If you’re looking for upbeat country dance songs look no further! This is also a great reception entrance tune.
Here You Come Again
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s entrance to reception
The lyrics, “Here you come again, just when I’ve begun to get myself together,” could capture the anticipation and excitement as the newlyweds make their reception entrance.
When Love Is New
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
This song, sung with Emmy Rossum, encapsulates the excitement and joy of new love. The lyrics, “When love is new, and the world is not reaching for you,” could perfectly express the couple’s fresh journey of love.
Just When I Needed You Most
Perfect for: Dedication to the Bride from the Groom
This sentimental song could be a moving tribute from the groom to the bride. The lyrics, “You’re the one who held me up, never let me fall,” express gratitude and love.
Starting Over Again
Perfect for: Vow renewal ceremony
This song about getting a fresh start is perfect for a vow renewal ceremony. The lyrics, “And it’s all starting over again,” underline the renewed commitment.
Rockin’ Years (With Ricky Van Shelton)
Perfect for: Bride and Groom’s first dance
This sweet duet about growing old together could be a perfect choice for the couple’s first dance. The lyrics, “I’ll be your friend, I’ll be your lover,” express lifelong commitment and partnership.
Applejack
Perfect for: Group dance with all friends and family
This song is a celebration of music and good times. Its upbeat nature and lyrics, “Oh, play a song for me, Applejack, Applejack,” make it a fun song for a group dance.
At the End of the Night
As we explore these Dolly Parton wedding songs, it’s clear that her music offers a rich tapestry of love and emotion. Dolly’s timeless melodies accentuate the magic of each moment. Whether it’s the touching serenade of “Love, You’re So Beautiful Tonight” from the groom to the bride, the joyous group celebration with “Two Doors Down,” or the intimate first dance to “Together You and I.” With Dolly Parton’s music playing in the background, your wedding day is sure to be a memorable and joyous celebration.
