If you’re searching for Ellie Goulding wedding songs, you’re in good company. Not only is the “Love Me Like You Do” singer a much-requested artist on wedding dance floors across the world, but the British pop singer was also included in the entertainment at the royal wedding of Prince William & Princess Kate!
Pretty cool right? Ok, Ellie Goulding may not be performing live at your wedding, but at least you’ve got “royal” taste in music.
To help you find the perfect wedding day playlist, we have spent many happy hours listening to the best songs from Ellie Goulding’s career to date and compiling our favorites.
“First Time” (2017)
This song by Kygo and Ellie Goulding is the type of pop hit that’ll get most guests’ feet tapping, and maybe even creeping over to the dance floor. A nice, tropical house tune that would work at the reception, but equally during a lively cocktail hour, depending on your vibe.
“Lights” (2010)
This early Ellie Goulding track really showcases the effortless range of the British singer, her voice freely flowing from the raspy verses to the sweeter choruses.
The song itself is about being unable to sleep without the lights on, afraid of the dark. She then creates a metaphor for someone special in her life, someone who helps light her path. “You show the lights that stop me turn to stone/You shine them when I’m alone” This is a beautiful sentiment for a wedding and the ideal song for the dance floor.
“Starry Eyed” (2011)
If you really want to bring some royal wedding vibes to your big day, we’ll let you in on a secret, this song is a favorite of Princess Kate. During Ellie Goulding’s performance at the royal wedding, the British singer performed her hit song “Starry Eyed” last in her set. And apparently, Princess Kate knew every word!
Royal seal of approval or not, this dance track will certainly help guests leave their seats and hit the floor!
“Love Me Like You Do” (2015)
This Ellie Goulding song may have been created for the first Fifty Shades of Gray film, but has since taken on a life of its own. A hit not just in the charts, but in the hearts of couples around the world. It remains, to this day, a classic first dance song, and with good reason.
Be it the original or an instrumental cover, the musical highs and lows of this Ellie Goulding number make it ideal for creating a memorable moment in the spotlight together.
“How Long Will I Love You” (2013)
If you’re looking for a less tempo-heavy, more modern classic kind of first dance song. The Waterboys classic, “How Long Will I Love You,” covered by Ellie Goulding, could be the perfect slow dance tune for you.
Ellie took the rougher around the edges original, and turned it into a moment-making tune full of twinkling piano keys and low-key soaring violins. The lyrics are undeniably beautiful, too! “How long will I love you/As long as stars are above you/And longer if I can/How long will I need you/As long as the seasons need to/Follow their plan.” Certainly one of our top Ellie Goulding wedding songs!
“Sixteen” (2019)
For any young lovers planning their wedding playlist, it’s good to be reminded why you’re doing all of this in the first place. This is what Ellie Goulding’s hit “Sixteen” does. “Let’s take the love that we found/And give it back to ourselves/Sometimes, these things don’t work out/Sometimes, there’ll be no one else/They said we’d never even make it this far/But here we are/And we’re still counting stars/Like we were sixteen.” A sweet thought to have in mind, Ellie Goulding’s song will keep the atmosphere buzzing during your wedding reception, or post-ceremony drinks.
“How Long Will I Love You” (Instrumental)
We may have suggested this Ellie Goulding song for your first dance, but it is also perfect to walk down the aisle to, especially if you have a string quartet, or live musician/s who can perform it for you.
Its melody, pace, and tone make it such a beautiful love song for the ceremony – with or without the vocals. In particular, if you’re having an Irish wedding, this song could blend seamlessly with many traditional wedding songs.
“Your Song” (2010)
Be it a first dance or a processional song, this cover of the Elton John hit “Your Song” will create such a romantic mood. Goulding brings a sweeter, more innocent feeling to this classic tune, making it possibly even more emotional than it already was!
Whether you choose the Ellie Goulding mix or Elton John’s version, this song will always be a sure-fire hit at any wedding. “And you can tell everybody this is your song/It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done/I hope you don’t mind/I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words/How wonderful life is while you’re in the world“.
“Burn” (2013)
“Burn” by Ellie Goulding is one of the most ideal wedding songs, as it appeals to everyone. A people pleaser that cannot fail to get every guest off their feet and dancing together. “We don’t wanna leave, no, we just gonna be right now/And what we see, is everybody’s on the floor/Acting crazy getting loco to the lights out/Music’s on, I’m waking up, we stop the vibe, and we bump it up/And it’s over now, we got the love, there’s no secret now, no secret now“. This could also make the perfect wedding video soundtrack song!
“Powerful” (2018)
This may not be your classic, beautiful love song, but we think this Ellie Goulding song is perfect for a first dance! It feels almost like a waltz at times, soaring and sweeping along with a pace that’ll thrill your loved ones. Equally, this catchy pop song would work well at your reception or soundtracking cocktails.
If you’d prefer your first dance music to be more traditional, browse through these Catholic wedding songs, and you’re sure to find the ideal piece for the big day.
“I Need Your Love” – Calvin Harris Ft. Ellie Goulding (2012)
Towards the end of the night, after a few drinks, and a lot of dancing has already warmed up your guests – put this Ellie Goulding song on! It’ll light up that dancefloor and help to convince anyone left sitting down that they should be up on their feet.
The sweet lyrics are so perfect for a wedding too! “I need your love, I need your time/When everything’s wrong, you make it right“.
“Close to Me” (2018)
Cocktail hour should ignite the vibe and set the tone for the rest of the night. Therefore, your soundtrack needs to be en pointe!
We think this Ellie Goulding hit from a couple of years ago is ideal. It’s upbeat, so it’ll keep the energy up. But not so fast that it’ll make people feel uncomfortable. It’s relentlessly cool but still captures that upbeat pop vibe.
“Easy Lover” (2022)
The most recent hit from Ellie Goulding, and a favorite in our office right now! This catchy pop hit would again be ideal for post-ceremony cocktails, or maybe the beginning of your reception DJ set. A good mood setter that’ll let your guests know it’s time to party!
