1970s Rock Wedding Songs
A curated list of 1970s rock songs for your ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception.
Are you planning a wedding and looking for some rockin' tunes to celebrate? Today’s playlist is for all the couples who want to swap the traditional string quartet for some classic guitar riffs. We've gone back to the 1970s, a decade that gave us some of the greatest rock anthems and most timeless love songs of all time.
From mellow cocktail hour classics to high-energy reception party starters, this newsletter is packed with everything you need to build the perfect rock-and-roll wedding playlist. So whether you're a die-hard fan of glam rock, southern rock, or just great music, get ready to dive into the decade of iconic rock legends.
Table of Contents
Cocktail Hour Songs
Dinner Songs
Reception Party
Classic and Hard Rock
Southen Rock
Glam Rock
First Dance & Special Moments
Spotify Playlist - 53 songs!
Every song on the playlist was released in the 1970s!
See my previously released 1970s Disco Party Playlist and 1970s Yacht Rock Cocktail Hour Playlist!
1970s Rock Wedding Songs
Cocktail Hour Songs
American Pie - Don McLean
1971 - The song famously refers to the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. “American Pie” was the longest song to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time (8 minutes 42 seconds). The track is a popular sing-along song.
Blinded by the Light - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
1976 - The song was written and first recorded by Bruce Springsteen. Manfred Mann’s cover became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Many people mishear the line “revved up like a deuce” as “wrapped up like a douche,” which has become a well-known mondegreen.
Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
1972 - The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In Australia, the song had to be promoted as “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) because Barry Manilow already had a different hit song called Brandy (later renamed Mandy in the U.S.). The track was featured in the 2017 film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
1974 - Redbone was the first Native American rock band to have a Top 5 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (#5). The track was featured in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy during Star-Lord’s dance scene.
Dancing In The Moonlight - King Harvest
1973 - The song was written in 1969 by Sherman Kelly and first recorded by his band Boffalongo in 1970. It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their only charting hit.
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
1977 - Despite Fleetwood Mac’s huge catalog of classics, “Dreams” is their only song ever to top the Billboard Hot 100. In 2020, the song went viral after a TikTok video by Nathan Apodaca (skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice).
Hotel California – Eagles
1976 - At over 6 minutes, it was unusually long for radio at the time, yet it still became a #1 hit in the U.S. The song is not about a hotel. However, the album cover shows the Beverly Hills Hotel at sunset. The dual guitar outro by Joe Walsh and Don Felder is often ranked among the greatest in rock history.
Piano Man - Billy Joel
1973 - Billy Joel wrote the song about his time working as a lounge pianist at the Executive Room bar in Los Angeles. Even though it only peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became his signature tune and a wedding staple.
Sister Golden Hair – America
1975 - The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, following their earlier smash “A Horse with No Name”. The song’s narrator loves someone deeply but admits he’s not ready for the commitment of marriage. However, still a rock favorite.
Stuck in the Middle With You - Stealers Wheel
1972 - The song reached #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Quentin Tarantino used it in the infamous ear-cutting scene of the 1992 film Reservoir Dogs. Stealers Wheel, formed by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan from 72-75. Afterwards, Rafferty had solo success with hits “Baker Street” and “Right Down the Line”.
The Joker - Steve Miller Band
1973 - The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and later hit #1 in the U.K. in 1990 after being used in a Levi’s jeans commercial. It’s the perfect sing-along song with the famous opening “some people call me the space cowboy”.
You Make Loving Fun – Fleetwood Mac
1977 - The song stands out on the album for its upbeat, funky rhythm and catchy bassline. It reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “You Make Loving Fun” is a joyful ode to love and happiness.
Dinner: Mellow Grooves & Romantic Moods
If – Bread
1971 - The band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, David Gates, wrote “If” as a tender, romantic love song with simple but heartfelt lyrics. It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.