🎵 1960s Folk & Country Wedding Songs

A curated deep-dive into the 1960s Folk & Country hits every wedding DJ should know.

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Welcome to a new 1960s Wedding series #5:

1. 1960s Soul & R&B

2. 1960s Pop

3. 1960s Rock & Pop-Rock

4. 1960s Doo-Wop

5. 1960s Folk & Country

6. 1960s Jazz & Easy Listening

Enjoy the heartfelt sounds of 1960s Folk & Country. These genres offer a unique blend of mellow reflection and classic storytelling, providing the perfect soundtrack for couples looking to infuse their celebration with authentic warmth and timeless charm.

The ‘60s folk and country scene produced iconic artists and songs that are both instantly recognizable and deeply moving. Whether you’re seeking smooth, nostalgic tracks for your Cocktail Hour, comforting classics to accompany your Dinner, or Up-Tempo dance hits, this curated list offers a memorable musical atmosphere.

Yes, I combined both folk and country as there aren’t many hits that are still popular on today’s wedding playlists. Choose wisely.

Table of Contents

• Cocktail Hour & Mingling – 10 songs

• Dinner Classics – 3 songs

• Up-Tempo & Early Dance Floor - 3 songs

• Spotify Playlist – 16 songs

1960s Folk & Country Wedding Songs

Cocktail Hour & Mingling

These songs are generally smooth, reflective, and mid-tempo. Perfect for when guests arrive, enjoy appetizers, and chat before dinner. They set a relaxed, nostalgic mood.

Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan

1963 - The song is Dylan’s fourth most-streamed track on Spotify. The most commercially successful version was the cover released by the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary just three weeks later and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Blowin’ in the Wind” is Dylan’s most-covered song, with over 500 documented versions.

Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell

1969 - The first major hit version was not byMitchell. Folk singer Judy Collins recorded it in 1967, and it hit #8 on Billboard and won a Grammy for Best Folk Performance. In 2000, Mitchell re-recorded the song featuring an orchestral arrangement. It was prominently featured in the 2003 romantic comedy film Love Actually.

California Dreamin’ - Mamas & The Papas

1965 - The song was first recorded by Barry McGuire, but the members of The Mamas & The Papas actually sang the backing vocals. It hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Early Morning Rain – Gordon Lightfoot

1966 - Lightfoot would drive to LAX on rainy days just to watch the planes take off and land. He found the sight of the flights climbing into the overcast sky therapeutic, which inspired the song. The track is Lightfoot’s fifth most-streamed song on Spotify. Popular covers include Ian & Sylvia, Peter Paul and Mary, and Elvis Presley.

Gentle on My Mind – Glen Campbell

1967 - The song was written and first released by talented banjo player and songwriter John Hartford. It peaked at #44 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles and #39 on the Billboard Hot 100. Campbell won Grammys for Best Country & Western Solo Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country & Western Recording.

Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary

1969 - The song was written by John Denver in 1966, long before he became a solo superstar. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” was Peter, Paul and Mary’s first and only single to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Mr. Tambourine Man – The Byrds

1965 - “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a song written by Bob Dylan. The Byrds’ version has a distinctive “jingle-jangle” sound that defines the song comes from Roger McGuinn’s use of an electric 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. The Byrds’ single is widely credited as the first major folk-rock hit - it made it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills & Nash

1969 - The song was written entirely by Stephen Stills about his turbulent and ultimately failing relationship with singer-songwriter Judy Collins. The title itself is a double entendre: “Suite” refers to the multi-section musical form, while also sounding like “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes”. It peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Turn! Turn! Turn! – The Byrds

1965 - Almost all of the lyrics are taken nearly verbatim from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verses 1–8, in the King James Version of the Bible. The Byrds’ recording holds the unique distinction in the US of being the #1 hit single with the oldest lyrics.

Wichita Lineman – Glen Campbell

1968 - Glen Campbell often cited “Wichita Lineman” as his favorite song out of his entire career, saying it spoke to the universal need for love. It hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Country chart. In 2020, the track was inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Dinner Classic

This group leans into the calmer country/storytelling vibe but remains very easy on the ears. They are great for providing background music during the main meal.

Crazy – Patsy Cline

1961 - The song was written by a then-unknown, struggling Texas songwriter named Willie Nelson. “Crazy” was one of the first major country songs to successfully cross over to the pop charts, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Country chart.

King of the Road – Roger Miller

1965 - “King of the Road” was a smash hit that transcended genres. It hit #1 on the US Country chart and the Adult Contemporary chart. The track also peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop chart. The song won four Grammy awards.

Stand by Your Man – Tammy Wynette

1968 - The song became a #1 hit on the Billboard Country chart and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop chart. Wynette stated it was about loving and supporting a spouse through difficult times, and that the sentiment applied to both men and women.

Up-Tempo & Early Dance Floor

These are the most rhythm-driven songs in your list. They can be used to transition into the dancing portion of the night or simply provide a fun, recognizable, toe-tapping beat.