Spanish wedding songs are well known for quite a few things, so it’s no surprise that romantic Spanish songs have remained as popular music choices for countless weddings across the world. The passion expressed in a Spanish love song is truly unmatched and has never felt more appropriate than being played during a day that celebrates the love of your relationship. 

Whether you’re of Spanish heritage or not, it’s no surprise if you’re a big fan of Spanish songs. That’s why some of the most popular songs for weddings fall under the category of Spanish music. Merengue, salsa, reggaeton, samba—the list goes on and on. To give all of your guests something to dance to, it’s always a good idea to check all of the boxes.

In recent years, Latin dancing and Latin dancing music have gained popularity beyond leaps and bounds! The media has brought this style of dancing to the forefront and the public has seen how beautiful the dances are and has fallen in love with the music associated with them. Latin music has become mainstream rather than a crossover.

Younger guests will love dancing to hits by new artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalia, while older generations will appreciate classic songs from Celia Cruz and Jose Luis Perales. And when you’re looking to play something that will bring everyone together, you can’t go wrong with fun sing-alongs from old-school legends like Selena and Elvis Crespo. 

From our personal experiences, we can tell you it’s the Latin dance songs that are best able to create that transcendent energy among people, especially at weddings. Some couples can’t imagine their wedding reception without playing popular Spanish songs instead of English ones.

So if you’re looking for the perfect songs for your wedding day and are hoping that it carries some eclectic Spanish flair, you’re in luck. There’s certainly no shortage of Spanish dance songs that beautifully capture the pure, boundless, and ever-lasting memory of a walk down the aisle or a dance between a father and his daughter.

We’ve come up with a handful of songs that we feel are the top romantic Spanish masterpieces of all time that we see clients request for us to play for the most important parts of their weddings. But this doesn’t scratch the surface of the extensive list of Spanish wedding songs because there is so much more we could put up here. If you know the best songs for the English translation of these beautiful ballads and duets, then you’d appreciate great rich cultural music

Romantic Spanish Wedding Songs

Suavemente – Elvis Crespo

This is arguably the greatest Spanish wedding dance of all time. It has a super energetic beat and vibe to it that makes it perfect for any wedding dance party.

This is the #1 most requested dance song for every Latin wedding and is almost always requested at non-Latin weddings as well.

Danza Kuduro – Don Omar & Lucenzo

Like “Suavemente”, this infectious dance monster is an extremely popular song at Latin weddings. This song is a guaranteed dance floor filler.

Despacito – Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber

This crossover smash hit was the biggest wedding dance song in 2017. You literally couldn’t go to a wedding that year (and even still) and not hear this song played at least twice. It has a medium-paced reggaetón beat which works super well on the dance floor. 

La Vida Es Un Carnaval – Celia Cruz

This classic Spanish song is still very popular with the older crowd at Latin Weddings. “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is an all-time great Latin dance song.

You can never go wrong with playing this one.

Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony

This track by Marc Anthony helped him win a Latin Grammy award back in 2013 when it was released. Fun Fact: This song is a cover version of a European song called “C’est La Vie” by Khaled

Experiencia Religiosa – Enrique Iglesias 

If you’re a huge fan of Enrique, you can’t miss out on this. Rating as one of the most popular Spanish wedding songs, it’s perfect for a soulful first dance. This song will take you into romantic depths unknown.

Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti – Christina Aguilera & Alejandro Fernandez Christina and Alejandro 

Recreate this 1976 hit into a new-age masterpiece. This is one of the best Spanish father-daughter wedding songs. It’s romantic, yet decent and audience-friendly. Originally sung by Miguel Gallardo, the vocal prowess of these singers on this duet makes it one of a kind.

El Amor – Jose Luis Perales 

Ever found the true meaning of love? This classic piece is one of the most interesting wedding songs in Spanish. It explains love in the most basic yet complicated words. As a bond between mother and son or lovers, this is perfect for the mother-son dance and even the first dance.

Por Amarte Asi by Christian Castro ft. Ana Isabelle 

This is the ideal Spanish wedding music for a powerful entrance to your wedding. It is romantic, deep, calming, easy on the ears, and wedding appropriate. Christian and Ana combine their sonorous voices to build a vocal powerhouse. Walk down the aisle to this one, and your day remains unforgettable.

To sum it up, the best Latin dancing songs can bring excitement and joy to any party, gathering, or, better yet, Latin dance party!

Whether you’re a pro-Latin dancer or an amateur doesn’t matter. These songs will hopefully give you a starting part on what will keep your energy level up as you spin around on your all-important day. Each piece can offer you a good time listening or dancing with their authentically Latin beats!

While trying to figure out a first dance song for your wedding, it can help to narrow down options by genre first. Simply choosing your preferred style of music is recommended, but if you and your future spouse have differing taste or you truly enjoy a variety of sounds, you may want to consider R&B.

Fans of the smooth rhythm-and-blues genre love the soulful sound and often sensual beats. Romance is often a lyrical theme for these tunes, meaning there’s quite a variety to choose from that would make for wonderful love songs, and therefore wedding-song options. 

Our Favorite R&B First Dance Wedding Songs

Brian McKnight – “Back at One”

This is another one of those Brian McKnight songs that’s considered melodramatic out in the real world, but within the setting of a wedding party, it fits in as naturally as a bouquet of flowers. This should be played during a slow dance at a wedding reception.

Halo By Beyonce

Beyoncé originally wrote this song about her husband and so the lyrics are filled with love and emotion. The stunning melody will elicit emotional responses in everyone who attends your big day.

All Night Long By Lionel Ritchie

A great song to finish the day of celebrations and a way of ending the party on a high. This Lionel Ritchie song will get everyone back on the dance floor for one final dance and is a great way of getting those hips moving and toes tapping.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

This is a beautiful daddy dance song that will make the most unexpected impact on you and on your guests during your wedding reception. You won’t forget it anytime soon, and it will make a great addition to your father daughter dance. You will love it so much, and your guests will be sure to enjoy the beauty of this song.

“Love On Top” By Beyoncé

“Love On Top” is an amazing combination of R&B and funk influences. Her main vocals, as usual, are full of spirit, and the backing voices keep your ear tailored to each adaptive role. It’s a banger with many feel-good vibes, and the artist’s vocal range seems to have no bounds with so many different sonics. Despite her powerful voice, the instrumental provides a slow and warm backdrop.

“All My Life” By K-Ci And JoJo

This late-’90s love song has become a prom and wedding staple. The voices of brothers K-Ci and JoJo Hailey hit all the right notes as they convey their gratefulness for discovering the love of their lives.

“No One” By Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is unconcerned about what other people think in this uplifting love song. Nothing can stand in the way of her undying love for her handsome man; she sings passionately. Can we blame her when it comes to matters of the heart? Her personal life inspired her to write one of the best R&B love songs of all time.

“Adorn” by Miguel

With an opening salvo like “these lips can’t wait to taste your skin,” things get steamy quick on Miguel’s 2012 sex-soaked R&B love song. Armed with a deadly falsetto, the crooner melds the sweetness of a young Marvin Gaye with the swag of in-the-club-like-yeah Usher—it’s damn near irresistible.—

“Climax” by Usher

One thing you can count on with Usher is consistency: Two decades into his career, the slick singer is still releasing songs as titillating as, say, “Bad Girl.” “Climax” dropped on Valentine’s Day 2012, and it’s as surefire a soundtrack for horizontal listening as his previous hits; according to Diplo, Usher proposed the idea of “tak[ing] the strip club to the stadium” with its production. And with that dead-sexy falsetto and wax-melting grooves, you can hear it.

Here and Now – Luther Vandross

This beautiful song with tender lyrics it describes a promise of loving each other faithfully for the rest of their lives. Love, in this song, is the sole reason why life is such a beautiful thing. Nothing in the world can take this love away.

So Much in Love – All 4 One

This soulfully mesmerizing song is about a lover who wishes to walk down the aisle and exchange the wedding vows with his lady. To him, after that special moment, they will be together till the end of their lives.

With so many genres of music to choose from and with new R$B songs being released every day, it can be difficult to whittle down your playlist for your wedding day so use this guide to your advantage. If you need more ideas, contact us today!

Let’s face it – you know exactly what music you like to listen to. Your Spotify Wrapped may even tell us that you’re in the top 1% of listeners (kudos to you, that’s a LOT of music)! Now that it’s time to pick out just one song for each of the special moments of your wedding day, you’re stuck. Maybe there are so many songs you love that you don’t even know where to start. Maybe it’s the reverse and you’ve never really been the person that people turn to for building the party playlist – it’s not that your taste in music is bad (there’s no such thing as “bad taste” in music by the way – on this point we must be very clear), you’re just not put in charge of that part of the party. Whatever the reason, you’re feeling stumped, or overwhelmed, and well, that’s where we come in!

First, we promise that the fabulous and award-winning musicians of Around Town Entertainment are incapable of playing music that leaves the party feeling like it’s lacking something. We bring the heat every time, which is why we’re the most-beloved bands in the New York City and tri-state area! So, no matter what music you pick, we promise your guests will love it. With that in mind, we understand if you’re feeling a little stuck! What we’ve gone ahead and done is go through our list of special moments and give you tips on what style of song works best in each category. Style in this sense refers to a song’s qualities, rather than its genre; for example, style would be something like “upbeat, faster (uptempo), celebratory” where genre would be “jazz” or “hip hop” or “acoustic.” The genre should be uniquely you, and it often doesn’t matter when it comes to picking something appropriate for each moment – the style, however, is hugely influential. 

Without further ado, we’re going to work our way through the Special Moment categories listed on our own Final Information Document, given to each of our couples, and recommend what style of music you should look for, or what qualities you should look for in songs you love. The bonus sneaky trick is to use your Spotify account and search a few of these keywords; for example “Happy Upbeat.” Spotify will then pop up a playlist called “My Happy Upbeat Mix” and, lo and behold, it’s a playlist specifically curated for you, of songs you love or have listened to, or are like songs you love and have listened to, that suit the mood “Happy & Upbeat” (wildly cool of them, we know). From there, it becomes a lot easier and less overwhelming to try to find the song that best speaks to you for each moment. Keep in mind, some of the songs are VERY “skater’s choice” – namely your first dance, but on the whole, we think this should help! 

Bridal Party Entrance – This should be an energetic, upbeat, anticipatory, celebratory number! Your bridal party is your hype squad after all! 

Bride/Groom Entrance – Plenty of couples choose to combine their entrance with the bridal party’s so it’s entirely possible to use the same song here. However, it can also be a separate song, in which case, look for something romantic, celebratory, upbeat, happy, danceable, something that says “We did it”! 

First Dance – Remember when we said this one was skater’s choice? Yeah, we meant that. Every couple has a different set of skills on the dance floor and a different tempo that works for them. Strangely (or not so strangely), couples generally don’t need much help picking this one – it usually makes itself known pretty early on since it’s a deeply meaningful one to the two of you. Our one recommendation is to try to find a song with a tempo between 80 and 120 bpm for something that’s a moderate and moveable tempo. Faster than 120 starts to verge a little close to a club bop tempo and slower than 80 begins to feel dirge-like (and this certainly isn’t a funeral)! Not sure what tempo your song is? Check out sites like songbpm.com to find out where your song lies! Of course, the major advantage to hiring a live band is that we can always adjust the tempo of your song if your favorite one isn’t quite right in the recording! 

Traditional Dance – This doesn’t need our suggestions – you know if you need one or not and which one you need if you do! 

Father/Daughter & Mother/Son – We’re combining these two because their style needs are pretty much identical (even if you’re having a non-traditional parent dance)! Look for something sweet, happy, proud, gentle, or upbeat (depending on your relationship)! 

Cake Cutting – There’s literally sugar involved in this one. Look for something sweet! Upbeat tends to help out here, but you can also make it dramatic and slower since there isn’t any dancing for this one. 

Bouquet Toss – This one’s for the girls! Or the singles at large! Traditions are ever-changing and adapting so do with this one as you please. We recommend something energetic, upbeat, possibly feminist (trust us on that search term – Spotify will know to look for songs that hype up the girls), and most of all, FUN! 

Garter Toss – We’ll be so honest, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a couple choose to do this one. The tradition is considered by most to be a bit outdated and we get it. However, if it feels comfortable for you, pick a song that’s anticipatory, excited, and, let’s face it, sexy. 

Song Requests 1-3 – Skater’s choice!! These are just the three songs you most want to hear on your big day during your dance sets! Typically, upbeat and joyful songs work well, but classics of any genre tend to get people on the dance floor. Trust us to pick lots of those though, so it’s always a good idea to put other songs, no matter what style, that are meaningful to you, here!

It’s official – the temperatures are dropping, the humidity vanishing, the kids are back in school, and the pumpkin spice back in the lattes. Which can only mean one thing really: you’re ready to bust out a sweater, put on ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and keep all those cozy jazz songs we associate with the film and fall in this part of the country blasting. As a New York City-based company, we here at Around Town Entertainment love autumn in New York and we feel that we’re particularly qualified to tell you all about some of our favorite seasonally appropriate songs – all of which are, of course, also appropriate for your fall wedding! 

September has been an especially busy month for us and who doesn’t love an October wedding before the temperatures drop, or a wedding in the first two weeks of November – also known as the peak season for the colorful leaves around here. Of course, there’s no rule about wedding music being seasonally appropriate, but we find it’s often a really smart and successful move as people tend to dance more to the music they’re craving. Additionally, having the music match your ambience and theme just serves to create an even more cohesive and magical day that’s truly unforgettable. 

 Our award-winning bands and musicians will all tell you that they each have a different favorite song, but we’ve gone ahead and curated a list of songs that’s surprisingly wide-ranging given what we just said about a “cohesive ambience.” Below you’ll find some suggestions that are all linked to autumn in one way or another and who knows? You might just find the perfect song for your fall wedding! We’ve also tucked in suggestions about when each song might be appropriate on your big day – you know us, we love tips and tricks! 

“Autumn in New York” by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Come on, you have to have known we were gonna start with this one! This is an all-time classic and easily the first song that comes to mind when anyone so much as says the words “autumn in New York.” Cozy, warm, nostalgic, slow, this song is perfect for a slow dance. 

“September in the Rain” by Sarah Vaughan – At first, this one doesn’t seem like it’s a love song, but then, surprise! “To every word of love I heard you whisper, the raindrops seemed to play a sweet refrain” comes along and cements this as another cozy jazz standard of a love song. For anyone getting married in September, you get dibs! 

“Autumn” by Couch – Yes, the band’s name is Couch. Trust us, though, this newer song is an absolutely perfect First Dance song with lyrics like “You bring color to my life… and I love autumn the way I love you.” Its melody and instrumentation are entirely modern, but the musical motifs echo the older classic jazz standards, without being one or trying to become one. Unpretentious and heartfelt, this is a song perfect for couples who truly never thought they’d find one another. 

“‘Tis Autumn” by Nat King Cole – This one sneaks up on you, setting the scene for verse after verse until you get to “Me holding you close really is no crime, ask the birds, the bees, and Old Father Time, it’s just to help the mercury climb” that finally reveals this classic to be quite the romantic love song, and absolutely perfect for a wedding even later on in fall when it’s even chillier! 

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire – This one is about to be incredibly relevant since it begs the question, “Do you remember the twenty-first night of September?” which happens to fall on a Saturday this year! This one is uptempo, rare for this category of songs, and that makes it perfect for an entrance, or even a cake cutting! 

“Just Like Autumn” by Jordy Searcy, Carly Bannister, and The Tuesday Crew – this song is perfect for the acoustic/indie couple. Gentle, acoustic, and sweet, the song is a duet all about falling (in love “just like autumn” and a fabulous choice for either a processional or a first dance! 

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood – You’ll likely remember this one from 2013, even if you haven’t thought about it in awhile. If classics, jazz, and acoustic music don’t speak to you, this one probably will. Modernist, and pulsing, this one is great for a choreographed first dance or in a dance set!

“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young – this one is actually perfect to incorporate into a dance set if you want to get couples who’ve been married for years onto the dance floor for an “anniversary” dance, with lyrics like “I wanna see you dance again because I’m still in love with you.” If the original Neil Young doesn’t quite do it for you stylistically, check out covers by the band Melt,  Maya Delilah, or Lord Huron! 

“we fell in love in october” by girl in red – Probably the most “indie rock” of all our suggestions, this one is for fans of artists like Lana Del Rey or Phoebe Bridgers, it works incredibly well for our LGBTQ couples. Chill and simple, the lyrics do the lifting on this one. Not what we’d call ideal for a first dance necessarily, but there are lots of ways to work this one in!

Admit it – you read “Wedding March” and a very specific song popped into your head immediately. The question is – which one? There are two entirely different and equally iconic songs often colloquially referred to as “The Wedding March” and it’s more common than you’d think to get them mixed up! As masters of the wedding ceremony music, we here at Around Town have gotten pretty good at reading your minds and knowing which one you mean, but we thought it’d be fun to talk a little about the two – what sets them apart, how each one entered the zeitgeist, and when the best moment to use each of them is, if you want to use either of them! One thing is for sure, no matter what songs you choose for your wedding ceremony, our award winning and top-notch musicians will absolutely knock it out of the park on your big day. 

The first thing we want to clear up is which song is which! We’ll start with a linked list of the two so you know from the outset which one we’re talking about when. 

“Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn 

“Here Comes the Bride” or “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner 

Believe it or not, the “Wedding March” wasn’t actually written for weddings at all. That’s right, Mendelssohn didn’t originally compose it with blushing brides and grooms in mind. Instead, he wrote it as part of a suite for—wait for it—Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream! You know, the whimsical play with fairies, mischief, and a little bit of magic. More specifically, the song is meant to accompany the wedding of Titania, the fairy queen, and Duke Theseus. (It’s also a safe bet that Mendelssohn had no idea his music would one day become a wedding staple, but hey, that’s showbiz for you.)

The best part? This masterpiece was written in 1842, which means the “Wedding March” has been setting the tone for joyous occasions for over 180 years. However, it didn’t actually make its debut in a wedding ceremony until 1847, in England. After that, it slowly but surely started gaining steam in the world of weddings, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, if you’re wondering where “Here Comes the Bride” comes from, well, we have another fun little artsy backstory for you! It was composed by Richard Wagner for his opera Lohengrin in 1858, and it became a wedding classic after being used for the marriage of Victoria, Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia. 

According to Matthew Campbell, founder of My Wedding Songs (another go-to source for all things wedding music), the “Wedding March” is traditionally used for the processional—aka the moment you walk down the aisle to meet your soon-to-be spouse. But it’s also commonly played during the recessional—the big exit after the “I dos,” when you and your spouse make your first grand appearance as a married couple.

Campbell explains that “Here Comes the Bride” is typically used as the processional (cue all the anticipation and emotion), while Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is reserved for the recessional (cue all the celebration and confetti). He describes Wagner’s piece as one that evokes “anticipation and grandeur,” while Mendelssohn’s is all about “joy and celebration.” So, while both pieces are iconic, they serve different vibes and moments during your big day.

In other words, this song can bookend your ceremony with an extra layer of tradition and drama. Think of it as a soundtrack that says, “This is really happening!” into “This happened!”

Now, we can hear you asking: is the “Wedding March” still popular? Short answer? Absolutely. Couples still choose traditional tunes like the “Wedding March” for their ceremonies all the time. But here’s the deal: it’s not mandatory by any means! These days, your wedding is all about personal style, and plenty of couples opt for more contemporary or meaningful songs that reflect their relationship. Whether that means a string quartet playing Mendelssohn or an acoustic version of your favorite indie love song, the choice is 100% yours, and we promise no matter what songs they are, our musicians will bring exactly the sound and feeling you’re looking for! 

Now we do feel we should add a quick caveat for our religious couples, as there are a few things to think about! For one, not all venues are on board with these classics. According to Campbell, some religious settings—especially Catholic churches—might not approve of the “Wedding March” due to its secular origins and its ties to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (hello, fairies and pagan goddesses!). In fact, the Catholic Church advised against using the “Wedding March” in Mass weddings starting in 1971, though in some cases, it can still be used during the processional or recessional. Lohengrin certainly isn’t as pagan, but the opera is a tragedy far more than a romance, with some sorcery and brothers-turned-into-swans; the wedding in which the “Bridal Chorus” occurs falls in the middle of the opera and is followed by less romantic events (spoiler alert: the bride herself dies just before the curtain falls). 

Why the restrictions? Well, it turns out Shakespeare’s play isn’t exactly what you’d call a holy text. Themes of magic, manipulation, and mistaken identities make it a bit of an odd fit for more conservative religious ceremonies. And “Bridal Chorus” could feel like a bit of a bad omen, in addition to coming from a secular source. So, if you’re planning a traditional church wedding, it’s worth checking with your venue to see if they allow the “Wedding March” and “Here Comes the Bride” or if they have any preferred alternatives!

With a name like “Around Town Entertainment” it should come as no surprise that we’re well-traveled; we’ve had the pleasure of performing at countless venues throughout the tri-state area, country and even the world!. So we think we’re a pretty credible source when we tell you that Foxfire Mountain is one of the most stunning, thorough, and attentive venues you could possibly pick! Our award-winning bands consistently have a phenomenal experience working with Foxfire, and, just as importantly, our couples have an equally phenomenal experience. By now, you must have noticed that our second favorite pastime is spilling all the best secrets there are when it comes to wedding planning (our first favorite pastime is, of course, providing the best live music around and keeping your guests on the dance floor all night long with all your favorite songs!), so without further ado, let us tell you all about this absolute gem! 

Let’s be honest—when you’re hunting for the perfect wedding venue, it can feel like scrolling through the same cookie-cutter options. You want something unique, something that feels like you, and ideally, a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and let nature work its magic. Enter Foxfire Mountain House, a dreamy Catskills retreat that ticks all the boxes for a wedding that’s anything but ordinary.

Nestled on ten and a half private acres (yep, private—you and your guests will have the whole place to yourselves!), Foxfire Mountain House is like stepping into another world. Imagine towering mountains, fields of wildflowers, and a sparkling pond complete with a picture-perfect bridge. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic woods or the wide-open meadows, the setting alone will have you and your guests swooning before the first dance even begins.

What makes Foxfire truly stand out, though, isn’t just the scenery. It’s the way the property feels like a perfectly curated dream, from the moment you arrive until you reluctantly say goodbye. The main inn, with its eleven impeccably decorated guest rooms, manages to be both luxurious and cozy—think boutique hotel vibes meets rustic charm. For extra space (and let’s face it, extra privacy), you’ve got the adorable Foxfire Cottage, with its four additional guest rooms, plus two separate cabins that are perfect for a little romantic seclusion. 

A Full Wedding Weekend Experience—All Yours

Foxfire doesn’t just want to host your wedding—they want to give you a whole weekend to remember. From Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, you and your guests will have free rein of the entire property. That means you can kick things off with a welcome or rehearsal dinner for your 38 overnight guests (and yes, you can add more if you need!), enjoy breakfast with your crew the next morning, and then ease into your wedding day without a single worry in the world. Think of it as your own mini-vacation wrapped up in a wedding—because who says the party has to end after one day?

The venue itself can accommodate up to 140 guests for the ceremony and reception, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or mid-sized parties. Plus, Foxfire provides everything you need for your event, from ceremony seating to reception tables, dinner chairs, and all the plates, glasses, and flatware your heart desires. No need to rent a thing. Oh, and did I mention there are fresh flowers, candles, lights, and fire pits set up around the property to create that perfectly romantic ambiance? It’s like the set designers of your favorite movie came in and sprinkled fairy dust over every corner of the venue.

Farm-to-Table Feasts Custom-Made for You

When it comes to food, Foxfire gets it. The last thing you want is a standard-issue wedding menu that tastes like it’s been copied and pasted from last weekend’s event. That’s why Foxfire’s culinary team works with you to create a completely custom, farm-to-table menu that reflects your unique taste and style. Whether you’re dreaming of a casual, laid-back BBQ or a multi-course gourmet dinner, they’ve got the culinary chops to bring your vision to life. Plus, everything is locally sourced and sustainable, so you can feel good about what’s on your plate (and in your belly!).

You’ll even get three complimentary vendor meals on reception day, and if your guest list extends beyond the 38 overnight stayers, no problem—Foxfire can easily add more guests to your welcome dinner and breakfast. The flexibility and customization options here are basically endless, which means you get to call the shots.

A Venue that Feels Like Home—Now and Forever

Foxfire has mastered the art of making couples feel like they’ve discovered a secret paradise in the mountains, but they don’t just stop there. They want to be part of your love story for years to come. Once you’ve tied the knot, they’ll invite you back to celebrate anniversaries and milestones, with 25% off lodging, food, and beverages for future stays. How sweet is that? It’s like having a magical second home, just waiting for you to return and relive all the amazing memories from your wedding day. Plus, there’s something undeniably special about coming back to the place where it all began.

And if you’re worried about the nitty-gritty logistics, rest easy—Foxfire has your back. From set-up to clean-up, they handle all the hard stuff so you don’t have to lift a finger. They even provide a restroom trailer for your reception day because, let’s face it, you don’t want any wedding day “uh-oh” moments.

No Gratuities, No Worries

One of the coolest things about Foxfire? Their hospitality extends to how they treat their staff. The entire team is paid a living wage, and the venue provides top-notch benefits, meaning the people helping you create your dream day are genuinely passionate about what they do. No tipping, no service charges, no hidden fees—it’s all about transparency and making sure you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love with your favorite people.

Your Dream Wedding Awaits at Foxfire

In the end, what makes Foxfire Mountain House such a standout venue is its blend of natural beauty, impeccable hospitality, and a commitment to making your day as personal and unique as possible. Whether you’re imagining a cozy, intimate affair or a larger celebration with everyone you love, Foxfire has the charm, character, and Catskill magic to make it all come to life.

Ready to start planning your wedding weekend escape? Foxfire Mountain House is waiting to welcome you with open arms—and maybe a glass of wine on the Moroccan-tiled veranda.

Before Chappell Roan was a femininomenon who had us feeling hot to go, pulling in record breaking crowds at Lollapalooza, she spent almost 10 years on the music circuit, playing tiny venues as anything but a household name. But in the last year, almost overnight, Chappell has become exactly that, with her tunes blasting in bars, clubs, Ubers, and even during the roll call at the Democratic National Convention last week (her home state of Missouri chose ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ as their signature song). 

And while Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise is well-deserved and yes, we will absolutely play Pink Pony Club at your reception if you put it on your list of requested songs, what we actually want to talk about today are some other young up-and-coming artists with phenomenal music you may not have heard yet that will absolutely get people on their feet and onto the dance floor, or that may be perfect for some of your special moments! They might not be sensations yet, but with music like this, it’s only a matter of time. 

The real bonus of picking songs by artists who are currently lesser-known for your special moments is that you’re unlikely to find the same song being played the next weekend at your friend’s wedding  – you’ll have music that’s just as special and unique as you are! And Around Town’s award-winning and highly-praised bands can learn any song, no matter how new or underground, so don’t worry if you don’t see it on our song list! If you put a song on your Final Information Document in one of the specified boxes, we’ll learn it – even original songs by you, a friend, or a family member! (Yes, we’re seriously that cool.) 

Now, without further ado, let’s get into some underrated artists you might not know (but should)! 

Sammy Rae & The Friends – a queer band from Brooklyn, NY, this band cranks out nothing but bops that are meant to make you feel good, feel seen, and feel like you’ve always got a friend in them. The band has a permanent horn section and the jazzy retropop feel never fails to bring the heat. The music alone is enough to make you fall in love with the band, but it’s the lyrics that really nail home the empathetic nature of this band and their music, wise beyond their years. The group recently released their first-ever love song called “I Get It Now,” but if you’re looking for an upbeat bop “Let’s Throw a Party” never disappoints! 

Olivia Dean – a London-based singer songwriter with a sultry, gritty-yet-smooth voice perfect for the neo soul music she’s lately been taking off with. Amazon Music declared her the Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2021 and she’s slowly been gaining more and more attention, especially on the summer music festival circuit, making quite the splash at Glastonbury and another at Lollapalooza. Her tunes aren’t all over the radio waves yet though, (which is why she still makes this list) and songs like ‘Dive’ could be absolutely perfect for a first dance, or ‘Carmen’ for a parent dance, or a non-traditional parent dance. 

Stephen Day – A Nashville-based boy from Georgia, Stephen beautifully hybrids folk, pop, and singer-songwriter and is popularly monikered as a “crooner.” With lyrics that will surprise you and a down-home feel, his songs are crowd-pleasers, with “If You Were the Rain” perfect for a more upbeat moment, or “It Was You” for a more dramatic one. 

Boys Go To Jupiter – These funky Brooklynites are so new they don’t even have an EP out yet. But the singles they have dropped? Let’s just say “Wall St” goes so hard that when we first heard it we had to play it another 5 times immediately – the clever lyrics and song title initially hide the absolute brilliance of this rocking love song that surprises you repeatedly; every time you think you know where it’s headed musically, it switches it up, keeping you hooked and dancing hard from start to finish. 

Madison Cunningham – A recent opener for Lake Street Dive, this L.A.-based folk singer-songwriter already has a GRAMMY, making her lack of widespread fame even more surprising. Heavily guitar-based, her music focuses on exposing her tender and unique vocals and gorgeously poetic lyrics. Her song ‘Something To Believe In’ is a phenomenal choice for a slower parent dance. 

Couch – Boston-based and quickly gaining critical acclaim, this pop/funk/rock/R&B/soul style band has been described as “breathing new life into the pop scene” by Sheesh Media. And their songs are nothing but crowd-pleasers and good vibes: ‘Black Bear Lane’ especially stands out as a perfect  song to end the night on if you have a grand exit planned to a getaway car! 

Eloise – born in rural France, and now UK-based after a teenagehood spent in London, Eloise got her start posting acoustic covers on Instagram in 2017 and quickly gained support from artists like Billie Eilish and Sam Smith. She’s gained even more praise lately for her way with words, emotion, and unique incorporation of classic styles like jazz, R&B, standards, and current pop. Her music feels naturally intimate in a way that many artists attempt for years and often never achieve. A lot of her songs express complex emotions that may not be the right tone for your big day, but ‘You, Dear’ is a major exception and makes for a perfect first dance.

Let’s face it, weddings are huge. YOUR wedding is huge. It is one of the biggest days of your lives, everyone important to you will be there, there are so many moving pieces and parts, and you want to have total confidence that it will all go perfectly – down to the last detail. We here at Around Town know how you feel, and if there’s one thing we can always promise it’s that we will play our part to perfection. Our years of experience playing for the best weddings around have created a finely-tuned, well-oiled machine of artists who are experts at their craft. Which is why, today, we want to talk about what you can do to help us make sure your wedding is exactly how you’ve envisioned it, as well as what details you don’t need to waste time on – one of the fun parts about being experts in our field is that we don’t have to waste your time on minutiae. You can sit back, relax, and trust us to do what we do best – keep your guests on the dance floor all night long! 

We’re gonna start this off with a quick and dirty list of things we do need, or are extremely helpful (people pleasers and oldest daughters, we know you’ll love us for this). Of course, most of this is on our Final Information Document that we send to each of you, but we also know that can sometimes feel like a lot to look at! So, let’s break it down and make it a little simpler. Without further a-DO… 

DO write down a song’s title and artist! You’d be surprised how many versions of the same song can exist, each one a little different. If you choose “Here Comes the Sun” but don’t remember to write the artist, we’re going to assume you mean the original Beatles bop – when in fact you could have meant the incredible cover by Jacob Collier, or Nina Simone’s soulful take on the tune! Better yet, if you have a link to the version you’re thinking of, by all means drop that in! 

DO give us specific notes about timing or tempo if one of your dances is choreographed – again, we’ll match the original recording unless we’re told otherwise. If you want the second verse removed, or the tempo changed, let us know! You can even put in a link to the version you’ve been rehearsing to so we can match it exactly on the big day. 

DO have some fun with highlighting the song list! This is our best way to get a sense of your musical taste and the vibe you’re searching for on the dance floor and throughout the night. There’s a “Don’t” that will pair with this one, but we’ll get to that in a minute! 

DO reach out to your venue’s events coordinator nice and early to ask them if they’re able to accommodate our electrical requirements! The Final Information Document even has a section you can just copy and paste into an email, so all you have to do is hit “send”. We don’t need much, but what we do need is essential to make sure your music sounds perfect! 

DO remember to also ask your venue if they’re able to provide a microphone and speaker for your ceremony officiant! This is a big one!! Because plenty of venues do automatically include this for you, it is NOT a standard part of your basic Around Town Entertainment contract. We’re happy to provide one, but it does come with an additional fee since it requires our sound technician to arrive significantly earlier in order to set it up and make sure your ceremony has the same high quality sound as the rest of your evening! This is why it’s extra important to check early on and find out if your venue already has you covered or if you need us to handle it. 

Now, on to the “Don’t”s! 

DON’T cross out songs on the song list. We want to know which songs you LOVE! The song list serves as a great reference for the band to pick and focus on songs you DO love (rather than which ones you don’t). They’ll be reading the reactions of your guests and playing many or your favorites, as well as many others, so that everyone is dancing all night long! Know a song that you’d absolutely die if you heard it on your big day? You can note those very specifically in the box marked “Do Not Play” on your Final Information Document and we’ll steer clear of those like the plague!

DON’T choose more than one song for a special moment! We know that medleys are fun, but there’s a lot of extra work that goes into figuring out how to bridge together two different songs, that are often in different keys, in a way that feels seamless and natural. Sometimes, while seeming like an exciting idea, it could be a flop and make the special moment longer than usual.

DON’T stress! Your big day will be absolutely amazing! It’s going to be absolutely perfect and we’re so grateful you’ve trusted us to make it extra special! Your feet are going to hurt from dancing all night and your family and friends are going to have an absolute blast celebrating you and your partner putting a ring on it!

It’s been a full summer of hot new releases from our favorite artists and now that it’s starting to draw to a close, we thought it would be fun to do a roundup of some of our fresh new favorites. While we’re sure you and your partner likely have a meaningful song that you’ve loved throughout your relationship, sometimes it’s nice to have a new song in the mix, especially on a day full of so many meaningful love songs! Plus, in the height of wedding season, it’s easy to go to a friend’s wedding and discover their recessional song is the same one you had in mind – while it’s not a faux pas in any way to use the same song as someone else, we understand wanting to feel like your day is unique. So, we’ve done the legwork on finding you some great new love songs that aren’t necessarily “standards” yet! 

We’re also going to take this moment to brag about our bands – not only are they award-winning and highly lauded, but these consummate music professionals can learn any newly released song (as long as you have it on your Final Information Document by the “month prior to the event” deadline). And few things delight a wedding crowd more than hearing a brand new song they never thought they’d hear so soon after its release! 

So, without further ado, let’s get into some of our new favorite songs that have us swooning! 

The Alchemy – Taylor Swift 

“Baby I’m the one to beat/Cause the sign on your heart/Said it’s still reserved for me/Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”

A crowd favorite to start us off!  Who doesn’t love Taylor Swift? Taylor shocked everyone with a double album drop earlier this year, and this track stood out immediately as a powerful love ballad from the most dominant pop star on the planet this year. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish 

“I’ll love you ’til the day that I die/’Til the day that I die/’Til the light leaves my eyes/’Til the day that I die” 

Billie Eilish dropped this track and it blew up immediately – as it should! Sweet and almost upbeat for the singer that usually gifts us a lot of slow ballads that quickly have you in your feelings, this one is an instant classic. 

Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

“And I thank God every day/For the girl He sent my way/But I know the things He gives me/He can take away”

An ode to love, this one has a positively rocking chorus paired with surprisingly fragile and poignant verses, which means it really does have something for everyone – and makes for a truly dynamic first dance!  

Training Season – Dua Lipa

“I need someone to hold me close/deeper than I’ve ever known/Whose love feels like a rodeo/knows just how to take control”

Dua Lipa really brought it with this one, combining a catchy and emotive melody with lyrics that delve deep into themes of love, growth, and commitment – pretty perfect for your wedding day!  

II Most Wanted – Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus

“And I’ll be your backseat baby/ drivin’ you crazy anytime you like/ whoa, I’ll be your shotgun rider ’til the day I/’til the day I die”

The ultimate song about having a “ride or die,” these two powerhouse female vocalists teamed up and dropped a love song that could be as romantic as it could be platonic – and aren’t those the best kinds of love songs? 

Heather on the Hill – Nathan Evans (yes, ShantyTok guy, you’re not crazy) 

“Oh, my love said to me, “Will you meet me by the sea? You can kiss me underneath the misty moon.”

Sweeping and lovely, Nathan Evans is a master of the rollicking folksy tune, and Heather on the Hill is no exception. This song really does manage to make you feel as though you’re inside your own fairy tale – which might just be the perfect choice for you and your partner! 

To Love – Suki Waterhouse 

“While the world’s falling apart you make you so easy to love”

A rocking, epic, utterly romantic ballad that asks the question “will I find the person right for me in every universe” and answers it simply: I found you in this one, so what does it matter? 

Wall St – Boys Go To Jupiter

“Come in closer/I get the feeling that you’re someone like no other/And I wanna be the first one to/Uncover your thoughts when you’re asleep/The way you slow dance when you start to drink/Kiss me on top of the kitchen sink/Have I set enough of the scene?”

A small, upstart indie band from Brooklyn, Boys Go To Jupiter doesn’t have much of a discography but what they do have absolutely SLAPS. This one in particular is an absolutely exuberant love song that you can’t help but dance to. 

I Get It Now – Sammy Rae & The Friends 

“Now that something/I’m the most whole I’ve ever been/It was you/it was always you.” 

The first love song the band has ever released, this experimental retropop group also based in Brooklyn really knocked it out of the park with this simple piano ballad that expresses a simple, pure love found after years of doubt they’d ever find it. 

It Was You – Stephen Day

“It was you/everything and always is you/tell me that you feel the same way too/known it all along/it was you” 

Remarkably similar in message to ‘I Get It Now,’ this new release by the Nashville-based artist has more of a rootsy, country vibe. While the lyrics may be similar, the feel couldn’t be more different, which makes it perfect for any couple who leans a little more country in their taste.