Top 10
Nautical Wedding Songs

Or perhaps the two of you met while you were working on a cruise liner or a luxury yacht.

Or maybe you just like the theme with the slightly masculine feel of stripes, anchors and ropes. Whatever reason you chose this theme for, you might also be looking for some great songs to use at some stage during your celebration.

Some couples love to use nautical wedding songs in their ceremony or for a first dance, but if you have already chosen these special songs, then you can of course always include the list of songs below into your background playlist, or better yet, make a CD of these songs for your guests as favors!

It was not an easy task assembling a list of nautical love songs simply because sailors have a particular lifestyle and often their primary love is always the ocean itself. But some ship or sailing themed love songs do exist and might just be what you were looking for.

All the nautical wedding songs on the list are love songs and the lyrics are appropriate for the occasion. Here are my top 10:

#1 Sailboats by Brooke Fraser

Sailboats is a great wedding song for a nautical wedding or for anyone who has a love for sailing and the sea. Brooke Fraser wrote this for her husband and it is more of a metaphor for their life together and their relationship than it is about actual sailing. Take a listen:

#2 Sea of Love by Cat Power

This is of course a classic originally done by Phil Philips, and deserves a place on any nautical or beach wedding. You may like another version better, but I thought Cat Power's is very romantic. It was also covered by The Honeydrippers, Tom Waits and Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole.

#3 Sail Away by David Gray

If the invitation "sail away with me honey" does not just say it all...

Great song that speaks straight from the heart.

#4 Cruisin' by Gweneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis

This song makes a great nautical wedding song! The original by Smokey Robinson is also really great, but I loved the modern twist that Gwen & Huey gave it as well as the fact that it is done as a duet:

#5 The Ship Song‬ by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

I just adore this song. It gives me chills when I listen to it. In a good way!

"Come sail your ships around me, and burn your bridges down...

We make a little history baby, every time you come around..."

#6 Your Everything by Keith Urban

I did not really expect to add a country song to a list of nautical wedding songs, but this one really deserves to be here. With lyrics like these:

"I want to be the wind that fills your sail,

I want to be the hand that lifts your veil..."

#7 Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin

Another absolute classic that at least deserves a place on your playlist for the evening.  Robbie Williams also did a great cover if you want a more modern twist.

#8 If You Were A Sailboat‬ by Katie Melua

Katie has such an incredible voice and this is a very romantic song that would make a great first dance.

#9 Winedark Open Sea by Paul McCartney

A great little under-appreciated song that would make a wonderful wedding song. Listen to it below - really nice lyrics.

"Give Me Love, Your Love.
Sailing On A Winedark Open Sea."

#10 Downstream by Supertramp

"Took a boat Sunday, down by the sea
It just felt so nice, you and me
We didn't have a problem or a care
And all around was silence, everywhere

You are the reason I was born
Be with you through all seasons

I'll always hear you when you call
We'll keep the love light shining"

If those are not great nautical wedding song lyrics then I don't know what is.

If you are having a Nautical Wedding, you might also like:

Of course a nautical themed wedding is quite different from a beach wedding, but they do have the sea in common and some are of course also held on a beach or close to the sea.

So many songs that would work for a beach wedding would also be great for a nautical themed wedding. Make sure to check out the following links too:

Country Wedding Music:

Love Country Music? Or just looking to add a little Western flavor to your wedding? Click Here for some ideas on great favorites and new hits for your ceremony and reception.

Create the Reception WOW Factor:

Wedding Songs 2013

Wondering what the most popular wedding songs of 2013 were? Check out our top 10!

Wedding Music CD's:

100 Classical Songs for Weddings

A Day To Remember - Instrumental Wedding Music

Wedding Preludes & Reception Music

Steel Drum Wedding Music - Perfect for beach weddings!

Wedding Songs - Body & Soul Collection

First Dance Tips:

Choosing your first dance wedding music? Whether you want something low key and simple or an elaborately choreographed first dance, Click Here for some tips on how to make the most out of this special moment!