The Soundtrack Every Wedding Needs
Nothing sets the mood at a wedding like the right song. Some tracks make couples swoon, others pack the dance floor, and together they create moments that stick in everyone’s memory for decades to come.
1. Etta James – “At Last”
Released in 1960, “At Last” became Etta James’ signature song and one of the most popular first-dance choices at weddings. Its sweeping strings and heartfelt vocals perfectly capture the feeling of love fulfilled. Even today, couples choose it to mark unforgettable beginnings.
Roland Godefroy, Wikimedia Commons
2. Elvis Presley – “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Modern artists from UB40 to Haley Reinhart have kept it alive across generations. First heard in Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” quickly became a wedding standard. Its tender lyrics—“Take my hand, take my whole life too”—make it ideal for ceremonies.
RCA Records, Wikimedia Commons
3. Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
Recorded in 1951, “Unforgettable” radiates charm and deep affection. Nat King Cole’s smooth voice made it an instant classic. In 1991, his daughter Natalie Cole released a duet version, bringing it back into the spotlight and ensuring its place in countless wedding playlists.
Nat King Cole - Unforgettable by beralts 4. Frank Sinatra – “The Way You Look Tonight”
This 1936 Jerome Kern classic won an Academy Award and later became a Sinatra favorite. With its timeless words praising a partner’s beauty, “The Way You Look Tonight” has long been a wedding go-to. It’s beloved for first dances or elegant receptions, where old Hollywood romance fits perfectly.
5. Louis Armstrong – “What A Wonderful World”
“What a Wonderful World” paints a vivid picture of life’s beauty—“trees of green, red roses too”. While not strictly romantic, its message of gratitude and joy resonates at weddings. Couples often use it during parent dances to create a heartfelt moment everyone remembers.
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World by Soulful Sounds
6. Ben E. King – “Stand By Me”
The song’s universal appeal even landed it in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. “Stand by Me” blends gospel roots with heartfelt promises of loyalty. It’s a wedding favorite because of its unwavering message—love standing strong through life’s trials.
7. The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody”
With soaring vocals and aching emotion, “Unchained Melody” remains one of the most recorded love songs in history. Best known for its feature in Ghost (1990), it’s often chosen for slow dances at weddings, symbolizing passion and everlasting devotion between couples.
The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody — (Official Video) by Weedy Weed Smoker
8. Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is an upbeat soul track brimming with joy and commitment. It’s both romantic and celebratory, so it matches the exact mood weddings thrive on. The jubilant energy makes it a staple at receptions, often played when the couple enters the room.
Motown Records, Wikimedia Commons
9. Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”
The smooth groove and heartfelt vows—“Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad”—perfectly suit wedding vows and first dances. “Let’s Stay Together” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of soul music’s greatest declarations of devotion.
Al Green - Let's Stay Together by Al Green
10. The Temptations – “My Girl”
“My Girl”, a 1965 Motown classic led by David Ruffin’s vocals, is instantly recognizable from its opening bassline. While romantic, it’s especially loved as a father-daughter dance song. Its playful charm and sing-along lyrics ensure it still lights up receptions more than fifty years later.
Zoran Veselinovic, Wikimedia Commons
11. The Beatles – “All You Need Is Love”
Written for a live global broadcast in 1967, “All You Need Is Love” carries the simplest message: love conquers all. Its message of unity has carried into wedding traditions. Since its release in 1967, the track has appeared on countless wedding playlists.
Bernard Gotfryd, Wikimedia Commons
12. George Benson – “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You”
A gentle ballad overflowing with promises, “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” assures devotion through life’s twists. It became an international hit again in 1987 when Glenn Medeiros covered it, topping charts in more than a dozen countries.
George Benson - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You • TopPop by TopPop 13. Elton John – “Your Song”
This was Elton John’s breakthrough hit. Written with Bernie Taupin, its heartfelt simplicity—”How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”—made it a wedding staple. The single climbed into the US Top Ten in 1971 and secured Elton’s global breakthrough.
Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971) by Elton John
14. Sam Cooke – “You Send Me”
Sam Cooke’s debut single, “You Send Me”, quickly became a number-one hit. Its gentle delivery and simple words made it timeless. With roots in gospel and romance, it’s one of the earliest soul tracks embraced as a wedding favorite, still cherished today.
RCA Victor Records, Wikimedia Commons
15. Billy Joel – “Just The Way You Are”
Joel wrote it for his then-wife, and its tender piano melody continues to resonate with couples. “Just the Way You Are” celebrates unconditional love. The ballad earned both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1979 Grammys.
Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are (from Old Grey Whistle Test) by Billy Joel
16. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – “Endless Love”
“Endless Love” became one of Motown’s biggest hits, spending nine weeks at number one. Its lyrics describe two lives joined forever, making it a wedding essential. Also, the chemistry between Ross and Richie helped cement it as one of the greatest love duets ever.
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie Endless Love 1981 by RETROVISOR
17. Chicago – “You’re The Inspiration”
Chicago’s signature ballad “You’re the Inspiration” became one of the most-requested wedding slow dances of the 1980s. With lines that praise lasting devotion and emotional connection, it remains popular today. Its uplifting chorus makes it ideal for first dances or candlelit moments at receptions.
Chicago - You're the Inspiration (Official Music Video) by Chicago Band
18. Bryan Adams – “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”
Its sweeping melody and emotional intensity made it a global hit, and it still finds its way into weddings. A power ballad built around sacrifice and devotion, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” echoes the spirit of marriage vows.
Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams
19. Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”
Houston’s soaring vocals turned “I Will Always Love You” into a worldwide anthem of love. Though originally a farewell ballad, weddings embrace it for the sheer power of commitment it conveys. It was originally written just as a movie soundtrack, but it took a life of its own.
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video) by Whitney Houston
20. Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is packed with emotion and promises to treasure every moment together. Couples often choose it for first dances when they want a grand, unforgettable soundtrack. It blends rock and passion with romantic intensity to leave a lasting impression.
21. Journey – “Faithfully”
Written about love enduring the challenges of touring, “Faithfully” speaks to devotion despite distance. Its memorable line—“I’m forever yours, faithfully”—has made it a favorite at wedding ceremonies. Few songs capture loyalty and long-term devotion as powerfully as this Journey classic.
Journey - Faithfully (Official HD Video - 1983) by journey
22. Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight”
“Wonderful Tonight” describes admiration during a simple evening, and it’s become one of the most romantic slow dances worldwide. Its conversational tone makes it relatable, and the track, released in 1977, has since become a defining romantic standard in Clapton’s career.
23. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Often played during receptions, it turns into a lively sing-along, uniting generations of guests on the dance floor. The message—that no obstacle can separate true love—fits perfectly with wedding celebrations. Pure joy pours out of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (extra HQ) - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell by Doc Rudy | Soul Studios
24. Kool & The Gang – “Celebration”
Few songs scream wedding as much as “Celebration”. With its upbeat chorus urging everyone to celebrate good times, it’s practically written for receptions. Also, the joyful energy ensures every guest, young or old, hits the dance floor to share in the moment.
Kool & The Gang - Celebration by KoolandthegangShow
25. Michael Jackson – “The Way You Make Me Feel”
Playful rhythm and flirtatious lyrics give this Jackson hit an irresistible edge. At weddings, it breaks up the slow ballads with something fun and flirty. Its popularity has kept it a go-to choice for reception playlists since first hitting number one in 1987.
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel (Official Video) by Michael Jackson
26. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is a guaranteed floor-filler. With Houston’s powerhouse vocals and its infectious beat, it’s often the first song to get everyone dancing. At weddings, it symbolizes the joy of celebration—finding somebody to share not just a dance, but life itself.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official 4K Video) by Whitney Houston
27. ABBA – “Dancing Queen”
Few tracks light up a floor like ABBA’s disco anthem. Its carefree spirit turns receptions into sing-along parties, perfect for guests who want to let loose. Generations still belt it out together because weddings are as much for fun as they are about romance.
Bengt Nyman, Wikimedia Commons
28. Earth, Wind & Fire – “September”
Once the horns start and the “ba-dee-ya” line hits, no wedding guest stays seated. Released in 1978, the song remains a reception favorite because it unites generations on the floor. DJs consistently list it among the most requested tracks for celebrations.
All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, Wikimedia Commons
29. Celine Dion – “The Power Of Love”
Dion’s soaring vocals lift “The Power of Love” into a wedding centerpiece. Its lyrics speak of passion and strength drawn from love, a fitting theme for couples embarking on marriage. Many choose it for dramatic first dances or grand slow moments.
Céline Dion - The Power Of Love (Official Remastered HD Video) by Celine Dion
30. Lionel Richie – “All Night Long”
Lionel Richie fused pop hooks with Caribbean flair, and the result became a global hit in 1983. Weddings embraced it immediately. Played late in the night, the song recharges receptions with a carnival-like spirit, keeping guests dancing long after dinner ends.
Lionel Richie - All Night Long (All Night) by lionelrichie
31. Bee Gees – “How Deep Is Your Love”
The Bee Gees slowed things down on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack with this ballad. Released in 1977, it won a Grammy and found a home at weddings. Romantic and silky harmonies make it a perfect counterpoint to high-energy dance tracks.
Kirt Edblom, Wikimedia Commons
32. Shania Twain – “From This Moment On”
Often chosen for ceremonies or first dances, “From This Moment On” feels like a vow set to music. Its lyrics about lifelong commitment capture the spirit of marriage perfectly. Country and pop fans alike see it as one of the most wedding-ready songs ever.
Shania Twain - From This Moment On by Shania Twain
33. Savage Garden – “Truly Madly Deeply”
“Truly Madly Deeply” invites listeners into a world of romantic fantasy. The heartfelt words—promising mountains, oceans, and forever love—make it a favorite for couples wanting something poetic. A song that makes weddings feel like stories pulled from fairy tales.
Ahmetderfrosch, Wikimedia Commons
34. Train – “Marry Me”
With lyrics that directly echo a wedding proposal, “Marry Me” is almost tailor-made for ceremonies. Its simplicity and sincerity strike a chord with partners who want an unpretentious declaration of love. It’s equally moving for vows or first dances.
Drew de F Fawkes, Wikimedia Commons
35. John Legend – “All Of Me”
Written for his wife, Chrissy Teigen, “All of Me” became an instant wedding classic. Its intimacy makes it one of the most requested first-dance songs of the past decade, loved worldwide. The lyrics embrace imperfections and love without conditions.
John Legend - All of Me (Official Video) by John Legend
36. Christina Perri – “A Thousand Years”
“A Thousand Years” became a wedding anthem after featuring in Twilight: Breaking Dawn. Also, the concept of waiting a thousand years for true love resonates deeply with couples. Together, the soft melody and timeless devotion make it especially popular for walking down the aisle.
Justin Higuchi, Wikimedia Commons
37. Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours”
This is a light, breezy, and upbeat acoustic track that is a favorite for casual weddings. Its message of surrendering to love fits perfectly with beach ceremonies and outdoor receptions. Couples pick it for moments when they want romance to feel joyful and free.
Steve Jurvetson at https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson, Wikimedia Commons
38. Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Sheeran called “Thinking Out Loud” his “wedding song”, and it shows. The line about loving someone until 70 sparked countless memes joking about falling out of love at 71. That playful twist didn’t stop the ballad from becoming a first-dance favorite.
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video) by Ed Sheeran
39. Adele – “Make You Feel My Love”
Originally written by a completely different artist, Bob Dylan, in 1997, the ballad gained new life when Adele covered it on her debut album, 19. Additionally, the stripped-down piano arrangement and raw vocals turned it into a wedding staple, often chosen for heartfelt ceremonies and intimate moments.
40. Ed Sheeran – “Perfect”
Another Ed Sheeran song that people love for first dances is “Perfect”. He wrote this ballad about his now wife, Cherry Seaborn, and it soon took over wedding playlists worldwide. The fairy-tale imagery and sweeping chorus made it Spotify’s most popular first-dance song in 2018.
Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons
41. Dan + Shay – “Speechless”
Inspired by their own weddings, Dan + Shay created “Speechless” about a bride walking down the aisle. Its heartfelt words and romantic country-pop style make it a natural fit for ceremonies, where couples want that emotional, stop-in-your-tracks moment.
Jana Beamer, Wikimedia Commons
42. Taylor Swift – “Lover”
Swift herself described “Lover” as a wedding song while releasing it, and it quickly lived up to that role. The lyrics even mimic vows: “I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover”. A millennial and Gen Z favorite.
Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons
43. Beyonce – “Love On Top”
Joy bursts through every note of “Love on Top”. With key changes rising higher and higher, it feels like love itself is climbing new heights. At weddings, it turns from a romantic declaration into a full-blown celebration, filling the dance floor with unstoppable energy.
44. Stephen Sanchez – “Until I Found You”
With its dreamy retro vibe and heart-on-sleeve lyrics, this song feels like it was made to play during slow dances and candlelit toasts. Lines like “I would never fall in love again until I found her” make it especially popular among couples who love a little vintage romance.
Stephen Sanchez - Until I Found You (Official Video) by Stephen Sanchez
