From walking down the aisle to last call at the reception, your wedding soundtrack sets the tone for each moment of your big day. Curating your wedding music is one of the best ways to show off your unique personality. But with the infinite number of romantic songs out there, it can be challenging to narrow it down. Read ahead for some of the best love songs for weddings, from modern hits to all time favorites.
10 classic love songs
If you love time-tested traditions, these songs have held up over generations.
- “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
Set the perfect scene for tying the knot as Green serenades, “I’m so in love with you.”
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
The lyrics “from that day on, I made a vow,” were made for this occasion.
- “At Last” by Etta James
One of the greatest love songs of all time, this soulful ballad has a dreamy intro to mark the start of your happily ever after.
- “My Girl” by The Temptations
If the happy couple includes a bride, this Motown staple brings a burst of sunshine (even if it’s not a cloudy day) to the celebration.
- “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye
The harmonies of this amorous standard are as charming as its lyrics.
- “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Start your next chapter on the right note, as these legends declare, “Two hearts that beat as one/Our lives have just begun.”
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Set a sentimental atmosphere with the king of rock and roll’s classic crooning.
- “It Had To Be You” by Billie Holiday
The lyrics “I wandered around and finally found that somebody,” sound pretty similar to wedding vows.
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
Just like the song’s lyrics and your love, this cheerful number is enduring and timeless.
- “Chapel of Love,” by The Dixie Cups
There couldn’t be a more appropriate time for this quintessential wedding song.
10 modern love songs
One of the many wonderful things about planning a wedding is that you get to make your own traditions. Below are some of today’s most popular love songs that could fit impeccably with your modern day wedding vision.
- “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
This catchy declaration of devotion, “You’re the one I need,” depicts a joyful narration of starting a life together.
- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
This pop hit describes exactly why you’ve gathered together on this day.
- “No One” by Alicia Keys
Just as this upbeat track proclaims,“You can be sure that it will only get better” from this day forward.
- “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
This feel good folk tune could be great for an outdoor ceremony, especially in a beachy environment.
- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
With vow-like lyrics, it’s no wonder this soft piano ballad is turning into a common wedding favorite.
- “Primetime” by Janelle Monae featuring Miguel
Enjoy a soulful slow dance as Monae affirms “heaven is betting on us.”
- Love They Say,” by Tegan and Sara
The opening line says it all. “First time I saw your face, I knew I was meant for you.”
- “As Long as You’re Mine” from the Broadway show Wicked
It doesn’t get much better than showstopper Idina Menzel belting to your first moments as a married couple.
- “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert
This endearing anthem is simple and powerful, as Lambert explains, “She says I smell like safety and home.”
- “Jump Then Fall” by Taylor Swift
Celebrate your new commitment with this profession of love, “Baby, I’m never gonna leave you.”
Wedding songs by genre
No matter what type of music is the key to your heart, there’s a love song out there to suit you. Here are a few samples of the best wedding songs by music style.
R&B
Smooth and soulful, this genre is an endless vault of love songs perfect for your ceremony or reception.
- “Ain’t Nobody,” by Chaka Khan
With cheery synths and Khan’s unmatched vocals, your whole guest list will want to get on the dance floor.
- “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
There won’t be a dry eye in the house as Vandross sings “I look in your eyes and there I see what happiness really means.”
- “By Your Side” by Sade
Just as you will for each other in sickness and in health, this track proclaims, “I’ll be there.”
- “Back at One” by Brian McKnight
The opening lyrics say exactly what you already know. “It’s undeniable that we should be together.”
- “Stay With You,” by John Legend
These lyrics could just as easily stand in as your vows, “Oh I’ll stay with you through the ups and the downs.”
Alternative rock
If your musical taste has a bit of an edge, there’s no shortage of great rock love songs.
- “I Never “by Rilo Kiley
Singer Jenny Lewis’ spine chilling belting just before the final chorus is a perfect needle drop moment.
- “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
The line “I promise that I’ll run away with you” is flawless for this moment, even if you didn’t elope.
- “You’ve Got the Love” by Florence + the Machine
This ethereal cover track works at any time during your big day, whether you’re strolling to the altar or enjoying your first dance.
- “Hysteric” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The acoustic version of this song makes for a delightfully unique score to your day, as Karen O hums “You suddenly complete me.”
- “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie
Sway under the moonlight to this simultaneously upbeat and achingly lovesick 80s Bowie track.
Country
If you’d describe yourself as a little bit more country, these songs may be the right style for you.
- “Forever and Ever, Amen,” by Randy Travis
The country superstar sets you off on your new journey, with the words, “I’m gonna love you forever and ever.”
- “This Kiss,” by Faith Hill
This crossover hit is sure to get your guests singing along, “it’s the way you love me.”
- “Amazed,” by Lonestar
The words “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side” have set the stage for many memorable first dances.
- “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
This 90s chart topper has held up through the years, and sets a sublimely romantic ambience for getting hitched.
- “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
A modern country favorite, couples of all kinds have started their marriage with this ode to the early days of romance.
Love songs for different moments
Each part of your event requires a specific tone. Here’s an idea of what to aim for as you mark each moment of your big day.
Processional
Here are a few options for the wedding party’s big entrance before the couple makes it official, if you want to mix it up from the traditional bridal march.
- “Could You Be Loved,” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Welcome the main event with this laid back reggae standard.
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
This song ends with what you’re already thinking about your spouse to be: “You look perfect tonight.”
- “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
Score your grand entrance to Christine McVie’s vocals, “And I love you, I love you, I love you, Like never before.”
- “In Your Eyes,” by Peter Gabriel
This progressive rock classic has just the right amount of sweetness.
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
If you want another Motown masterpiece in the mix, this song is great for adding joy to the day’s beginning.
Recessional
Bookend your ceremony with the perfect love song as you enjoy your first moments as a married couple.
- “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
“Home is wherever I’m with you” and now you’ve made it official.
- “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
This time honored favorite reminds you of all the things you’ve got as you start your new life together.
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” by Stevie Wonder
Just like the song says, “you’ve got the future in your hand,” as you walk out for the first time as a couple.
- “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
What could be more lovely than the day you said “I do?”
- “Baby, I Love You” by The Ramones
This punk cover of The Ronettes sets an energetic, joyful vibe as you head off to the reception.
First dance
When it comes to your wedding day music, your first dance song gets the spotlight.
- “All of Me,” by John Legend
The line “you’re my end and my beginning” has become a contemporary favorite on the dance floor.
- “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra
Even if you choose a different version of this standard, you can’t miss with this one.
- “A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri
The lyrics “right from the start/I knew that I’d found a home for my heart,” have made this pop track a favorite of modern couples everywhere.
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli
Even if you have hundreds of guests, this song’s sentiment will make you feel like you’re the only two in the room.
- “I Will,” by The Beatles
“Love you whenever we’re together/Love you when we’re apart” is exactly the right note to start your nuptials on.
Parent dances
Here are some common front runners for after the couple’s debut, when it’s time for the traditional parent dances.
- “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Keep a Kleenex handy for when mom and dad get misty-eyed.
- “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers
This ballad about love enduring through time translates easily to this moment.
- “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele
This track was written specifically for the vocal powerhouse’s son.
- “Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney Houston
This song has been recorded by many, but this version makes for an especially poignant parent dance.
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
You can also choose Sheryl Crow’s cover for a poppier version.
Reception
If you want your guests out of their seats and on the dance floor, these songs will get folks moving.
- “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls
If you want a crowd pleaser, this millennial childhood staple is the way to go.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
This timeless hit will make everyone want to sing along.
- “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
If you want to switch up the pace, this track provides a great slow dance opportunity.
- “Islands in the Stream,” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
This country duet is sure to make guests of all ages happy.
- “We Go Together,” from the movie Grease
If you really want a group singalong moment, it’s hard to resist this catchy closing number.
10 romantic honorable mentions
It’s only possible to scratch the surface of great wedding songs, but here are just a few more honorable mentions that can’t be left out.
- “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
- “How Deep is Your Love” by The Bee Gees
- “Till There Was You” from The Music Man
- “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden
- “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison
- “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
- “Something” by The Beatles
- “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” by Aretha Franklin
- “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion
- “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
Personalizing your wedding music
Making your wedding day playlist is a delicate balancing act. It’s all about picking the songs that tell your unique love story, while finding popular favorites that will keep guests in a merry mood. If you’re working with a band or DJ, ask them which songs tend to get the best reactions at weddings. From there you can work with them on which of the hits fit your personal style, and when to throw in the unique tracks that tell your love story.
How to avoid common wedding music mistakes
Your goal with a wedding soundtrack is striking the perfect tone. So when it comes to what not to do, it’s all about avoiding lulls in the mood. Here’s how to avoid typical wedding music mistakes, so your big day never misses a beat.
- Make sure someone is there to press play.
- Keep the songs short and sweet.
- Conduct a tech check.
The perfect soundtrack to your fairy tale wedding
The right music for your big day should reflect your individual love story. If you want a big day that runs in perfect harmony, balance your unique favorite songs with classics that you and your guest list will love. When you’re ready to book the venue for your ideal wedding soundtrack, Trademark’s unique venues are here to make your matrimonial music dreams a reality.
