Planning a wedding can be fun yet overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to make like the venue, dress, flowers, food, photography, etc. The list goes on and on.
One planning aspect that some couples forget about is their wedding music. In addition to the playlist you will want for your reception, there are other moments in your big day that you will want to add music to.
Some of these special times include the processional, cutting the cake, the bouquet and garter toss, and cocktail hour and dinner background noise.
If you’re looking for indie wedding songs, one band that is a great choice for your wedding playlist is Mumford and Sons.
Since hitting the US music scene in 2009, the band has produced and recorded several hits and deep cuts that work perfectly in a wedding.
Here is a list of some of our favorite Mumford and Sons wedding songs.
“I Will Wait”
This beautiful song is one of Mumford and Son’s most popular studio hits. With somewhat spiritual references, this uplifting tune talks of struggles and the patience of love.
Released in 2012 on the album Babel, this love ballad is unique with a surprisingly upbeat rhythm. With a memorable chorus, this dance song will be sure to get you and your wedding guests out on the dancefloor.
Memorable Lyrics:
“Now I’ll be bold/As well as strong/And use my head alongside my heart.”
“Learn Me Right”
This beautiful tune was recorded with Birdy for the Disney Pixar animated film Brave. It was reworked and named “Not with Haste” when it was released on the 2012 album Babel.
Inspiring the power of love, the song is perfect for leaving the reception as a couple.
Memorable Lyrics:
“We will run and scream/You will dance with me/We’ll fulfill our dreams/And we’ll be free.” Wow.
“Guiding Light”
One of Mumford and Sons’ most romantic songs, “Guiding Light” was released on their 4th album, Delta, in 2018.
We think this tune is perfect for the first or last dance of your reception.
Memorable Lyrics:
“Well I know I had it all on the line/But don’t just sit with folded hands and become blind/Cos even when there is no star in sight/You’ll always be my only guiding light.”
“Lover of the Light”
Another upbeat song with powerful lyrics, “Lover of the Light” could be used just about anywhere in your wedding day playlist.
Off the album, Babel, the song talks about embracing light even throughout the dark times, reminiscent of traditional wedding vows.
Memorable Lyrics:
“But love the one you hold/And I’ll be your goal/To have and to hold/ A lover of the light.” Simply beautiful and poetic.
“Beloved”
Guaranteed to not leave a dry eye in the house, “Beloved” is about lead singer Marcus Mumford’s experience with the death of his grandmother.
Too morbid and sad for a wedding? We’re not so sure. It is so beautifully written and expresses such deep emotion about love. The idea is that life is short and all we really have are fleeting moments.
“Ghosts That We Knew”
This heartfelt love ballad is all about accepting and loving someone as they are and healing each other’s ghosts of the past.
This is another song that could be used anywhere on your wedding day, possibly as some background music during cocktail hour or dinner.
Memorable Lyrics:
“And the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view/And we’ll live a long life.”
This song is intense and oh so lovely.
“Awake My Soul”
Released off of Mumford and Sons’ first album, Sigh No More, this might be the ultimate love song for your first dance as a married couple. It starts off slow for the first three minutes and then builds in intensity.
The words elude to the epiphany of love and how true love doesn’t try to change or consume another.
Memorable Lyrics:
“Lend me your hand and we’ll conquer them all/But lend me your heart and I’ll just let you fall/Lend me your eyes I can change what you see/But your soul you must keep, totally free.”
“Hopeless Wanderer”
This song is all about hope and could be the perfect song for your father/daughter or mother/son dance. It’s all about being inspired by the wisdom of another while finding your own way.
Memorable Lyrics:
“So when your hope’s on fire/ But you know your desire/Don’t hold a glass over the flame/Don’t let your heart grow cold/I will call you by name/I will share your road.”
“Slip Away”
Recorded at The Church Studios in London, “Slip Away” is off of Mumford and Sons’ 4th album with producer Paul Epworth.
Considered one of the band’s deeper cuts, the lyrics of the song are powerful and the music absolutely beautiful.
The words speak of being present with someone through their darkest times with memorable lyrics like: “You find me waiting here for you/Come and suffer here/You find me holding my breath for you/Come and suffer here.”
The song could be placed in several spots at a wedding. Some options that could work are during a parent/child dance or even as the last dance of the night.
“Rose of Sharon”
As with many of Mumford and Sons’ songs, the title of “Rose of Sharon” is a reference to a bible verse where love is compared to a rose.
We think this song is perfect for walking back up the aisle for the first time as a married couple.
It starts slow and mysterious for the first few seconds and then starts to crescendo to a joyful celebratory beat.
Memorable Lyrics:
“And I will surround you/With love too deep for words/Hold you from the world and its curse/So long as I have breath in my lungs/Long as there’s a song to be sung/I will be yours and you will be mine/Ever our lives entwined, My rose of Sharon.”
“Not With Haste”
This amazing love ballad may be the perfect song for your first dance. It’s about being vulnerable, showing unconditional love, and what a true partnership is in life.
Memorable Lyrics:
“Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste/As it keeps my heart and soul in its place/And I will love with urgency/But not with haste.”
