As a wedding photographer in Bend, Oregon, I am at loads of weddings and what I love the most is when people make an amazing and unique playlist. Bend is full of free- spirited couples and with free-spirited couples comes the most incredible Boho weddings. I’m personally a huge fan of Boho weddings because they blend an eclectic mixture of natural, rustic, chic, and vintage styles. Your wedding playlist should reflect that vibe and inspire your guests to subconsciously enter into your realm of romanticism. I’ve compiled a list of must have love songs for your boho wedding playlist will give you that balanced and authentic feel you’re after. Fun Fact: Ky and I used every one of these songs in our own wedding playlist!
1: “Home” by Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros
No Oregon boho wedding playlist is complete without this authentic folk duet. It starts off with a hypnotic whistle choir and a drum beat that will have all of your guests tapping along. As the song progresses, the rhythm gains momentum and manifests a passionate and free-spirited energy. The tune is topped off with wholesomely romantic lyrics that remind people what love is really all about.
2: “Montana” by Pierce Edens
I don’t know about you, but when Ky and I listen to this song we are tempted to trade our cars for horses like Pierce suggests and ride off into the sunset together. Although it talks about Montana, it’s sure to stir the wanderlust hearts of Bend, Oregon boho couples! The rustic swell the banjo coupled with Pierce’s raw and emotional delivery is enough to make anyone say “Yes!” to a spontaneous adventure with their lover.
3: “Woman in White” by Current Swell
This indie rock song is full of rhythmic twists and turns that represent the free-spirited nature of love. It brings you back to the foundation of your relationship and reminds of why you’re getting married in the first place. This will surely have you feeling even more excited to have a magical Oregon boho wedding with your lover! Full disclosure; this song may make you want to elope!
4: “Fool For Love” by Lord Huron
This song starts off slow but don’t let the beginning fool you. Though it keeps its romantic vibe throughout, it quickly gains in tempo and makes a perfect addition to your Bend boho wedding playlist. Lord Huron stays true to his indie folk style with this mystical and playful melody.
5: “6’s to 9’s” by Big Wild (feat. Rationale)
Big Wild is known for his electronic dance music and Rationale is known for his R&B / Indie Pop but when the two partnered for this song, they made an incredibly sexy, contemporary 70’s, synth song-baby. It’s basically the a Bend, Oregon couples dream. Don’t ask me how or why it works – it just does. You’ll be busting moves like the good ‘ol fishing rod to pull the gang onto the dance floor for this one!
6: “A Little Honey” by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
This song has a serious blusey, folk rhythm to it. It’s passionate, sexy groove is perfect to dance to, but it will have you and your new spouse itching for some alone time. Seriously though, you can’t say I didn’t warn you if you find yourselves sneaking off into the Oregon ponderosa trees together.
7: “In Your Hands” by Nick Mulvey
This is the boho wedding song. Nick Mulvey cultivates a unique emotional depth and totally dreamy mood with his indie boho style. His metaphoric lyrics are all about the spiritual journey you and your partner are embarking on as you join forces, and the rhythm will make you want to kick your shoes off and celebrate your partnership in a free-spirited fashion.
8: “If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Although Jason and the band are known for hanging out in the alternative country genre, this song is all folk. Its blunt honesty puts love and life into perspective and creates a sense of gratitude for the present moment. Jason makes you appreciate the fragility of this life and urges you to cherish your partner. I love this song so much that I even used a line of it in my vows to Ky.
9: “Atlantic City” by The Band
This song was originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1982 and although I love me some Springsteen, I do prefer ‘The Band’s’ progressive remake of it. The tune boasts a fun accordion melody that makes you feel like you’re at an Irish celebration while the lyrics serve as a reminder that you should always court your partner no matter what’s happening in the world around you.
10: “26” by Caamp
This is the song Ky chose to walk into our ceremony to. The lyrics are simple and wholesome and the melody is uplifting and charming. The message transforms the mindset around the marital routine into a joyous lifestyle with its carefree symbolism. The banjo coupled with the piano and Taylor’s rustic voice create the perfect balance of enthusiasm and raw emotion.
11: “Truly Madly Deeply” by Yoke Lore
We all know the original version of this song that Savage Gardens recorded in the 90’s, but Yoke Lore’s rendition is absolutely incredible. They turned a cheesy pop/rock song into an enchanting boho masterpiece. As soon as I heard this remake I knew it was the perfect song for me to walk down the aisle to at our Bend, Oregon cascade lake wedding.
12: “Crystal” by Stevie Nicks
Ky and I did two ‘first dances’. We both chose a song to dedicate to one another and danced to each one, and this is the song I dedicated to him. In typical Stevie Nicks fashion, this song is overflowing with romantic symbolism and mystical energy. It brings a great mystical boho vibe to your Bend wedding. She sings about magnetic love, intuition, and security in a way that will bring goosebumps to you and your guests.
13: “Good Day for Marrying You” by Dave Barnes
This song is a perfect upbeat addition to your wedding playlist. Ky and I used it as a precursor for our ceremony to set the tone for our guests. Its irresistible tempo will have your friends and family snapping and clapping along and gets the whole crew excited about the festivities to come. It’s perfect for a spring or summer wedding vibe when the trees are blooming here in Bend.
14: “Legacy” by The Cadillac Three
Ky can’t help but twirl me around the house when this song comes on. While the Cadillac Three is known for their uncompromising southern rock style and outlaw nature, we see a totally different side of their lead singer, Jaren Johnston, in this wedding-worthy ballad he wrote for his wife. His honest declaration of love and the accompanying melody will soften even the hardest of hearts.
15: “Pencil Full of Lead” by Paolo Nutini
Get ready to groove ladies and gents! This beat is contagious and anyone within earshot will find themselves gravitating to the dance floor. No doubt, you’ll all be busting out dance moves like its the 1920’s again. Paolo is best known for his folk tunes, but he effortlessly rolls out a contemporary twist to old school jazz in this song that’s all about love and gratitude for the little things in life. It’s a must have for your Bend boho wedding.
16: “Paradise” by George Ezra
Something about George Ezra’s music has me reaching for my beach bag every time it comes on. He has an irresistible style that falls somewhere between indie, pop, and folk, and it packs serious summertime vibes. George will bring the beach to your Bend, Oregon wedding hands down!
17: “Found a Heart” by Emily Hearn
Is this song indie, folk, country, or pop? I honestly don’t know. But what I do know, is Emily Hearn tells a honest, relatable, and confident story with an upbeat and compelling tempo. This is a must have, uplifting tear jerker, and mood setter, for your Bend, boho wedding.
I want to hear from you – comment below and tell me which songs you added to your boho wedding playlist!