If you’re a rock ‘n’ roll fan or just looking for something upbeat for your reception, wedding rock songs are a great way to add some energy to the festivities. With so many rock songs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some of the best rock songs to play at a wedding.
When picking the perfect rock songs for your wedding, there’s no right or wrong choice. What matters most is that the songs you choose are fun, wedding appropriate and they pack the dance floor with a large group of your guests who will always have great memories of how much fun your wedding was.
What does “wedding rock songs” mean to YOU?
We recognize that the term “rock” is different for everyone. To some, “rock” is represented by what most would consider “classic rock” which now spans the 1960s through the 1980s. Think Rolling Stones, Georgia Satellites and Bob Seger. In addition to those, others may think of the Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance and blink-182.
As with all of the pages you’ll find here on TBWM, we present as many examples of songs played at weddings as we can. Ultimately, you know you and your partner’s taste as well as the taste of your guests.
Now, that’s not to say that your guests regularly listen to all of this music. We’ve seen grandmas and great-grandmas rocking out to virtually ALL of these songs. When the celebration is happening and everyone is having fun, you’ll never know what song will hit the crowd just right and there’s no one left at the dinner tables.
Here are a few featured songs to get you started. They are in no particular order. The full list is in our Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
This is a classic song and appeals to all ages. Shook Me is a very popular song to be played at weddings – and for good reason. It’s an instantly recognizable song and the reaction is all positive. Your guests will be singing the song out loud by the first chorus.
“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
This song is what is considered an anthem song. The chorus is ingrained in the head of kids to older adults and it packs the dance floor.
“All the Small Things” by blink-182
This energetic, upbeat song does not have an “old classic rock” feel. It has a more “modern” sound and is very simple in its structure. You and your guests will be singing along with the “na na’s” and rocking out in no time.
“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
As with “All the Small Things,” this song has a more modern feel, even though it was released in 1997. It’s extremely recognizable and its appeal is very wide-ranging. It has a “light” feel and a bouncy rock chorus.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard
Here’s another one that packs the dance floor. Released back in 1987, it is still one of the most requested songs at a wedding. Its appeal is obvious once it starts. It has a clean guitar sound, infectious drum beat and powerful vocals – especially the chorus. If your guests are rockers at heart, they’ll enjoy dancing to this one just as much as the elderly guests who like to dance.
“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
ZZ Top has a crossover appeal between rock fans and country music enthusiasts. Simply put, everyone loves ZZ Top. The simple, straightforward beat, blues-rock guitar and iconic vocals will have the dance floor packed.
“Old Time Rock & Roll” by Bob Seger
As much as this song has been played on the radio and at weddings over the years, there’s a reason why: It gets people of all ages onto the dance floor. There was a time when you couldn’t get away from this song, but that has since gone away and it brings up great memories.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This is another rock-country crossover. “Sweet Home” has become a standard for getting a large crowd onto the dance floor and singing the chorus together…and loudly. Anyone over 30 knows the lyrics and they’ll be singing it right along with grandma.
We featured some crowdpleasers above and then present our Spotify playlist below for even more inspiration. You’ll notice on the Spotify list we listed some rock ballads as well. These songs can be played during the reception, your Wedding Cocktail Hour or even during dinner.
Here’s our inspirational list of songs:
Last Updated: February 2023
Rick T
Rick has been consulting with and performing for brides and grooms on the right music for their wedding day since (gulp!) 1987.
