Choosing your wedding songs either for your ceremony or your first dance? Here are 15 of the most popular songs couples choose for their weddings, to give you some ideas.
“All of Me” by John Legend
John Legend wrote the song “All of Me” as a dedication to his wife, Chrissy Teigen. The couple had been together for several years before they got married, and the song was written as a reflection of their love and commitment to each other.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, John Legend revealed that “All of Me” was written as a heartfelt message to his wife, expressing his love for her in a very personal and intimate way. The song was also inspired by their experiences together, including the ups and downs of their relationship.
Legend wanted to create a song that would be both romantic and honest, capturing the essence of their love story. He said that “All of Me” is a song about loving someone with all of their imperfections and flaws, and accepting them for who they are.
The song was released in 2013 as a single from Legend’s fourth studio album, “Love in the Future”, and quickly became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It has since become one of John Legend’s most popular and beloved songs, often played at weddings.
“Marry Me” by Train
The lyrics of the song are very romantic and express a deep desire to spend the rest of one’s life with the person they love. The melody of the song is catchy and memorable, making it easy to sing along to and remember. Additionally, the song is often played at weddings or used as a proposal song, adding to its popularity. Train is a popular band with a strong following, and their reputation for writing and performing romantic, heartfelt songs contributes to the song’s enduring popularity.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Another of the most popular contemporary wedding songs chosen by couples is “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran because it has a romantic and danceable melody that is perfect for their first dance. The lyrics express a deep love and commitment to each other, which can evoke strong emotions in the listener. Ed Sheeran’s popularity is also a contributing factor, as many couples who are fans of his music may choose the song as it reflects their personal taste and style. Additionally, the song has a timeless quality that makes it appropriate for any couple, regardless of their age or musical preferences.
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a popular wedding song due to its romantic lyrics that express a deep love and commitment between two people. The lyrics are easy to relate to and can evoke strong emotions in the listener, making it a perfect choice for a wedding song. Additionally, Ed Sheeran’s popularity and reputation for writing heartfelt and emotional songs make “Perfect” a natural choice for couples who are fans of his music. The song’s slow and romantic melody is also perfect for a couple’s first dance, creating an intimate and memorable moment for the couple and their guests.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is popular wedding song because of its romantic lyrics that express a deep and timeless love. The song’s message of finding one’s true love and being willing to wait for them resonates with many couples. The emotional melody of the song, which features a slow tempo and soft instrumental accompaniment, creates a sense of intimacy and romance that is perfect for a wedding. The song’s appearance in the “Twilight” movie series also introduced it to a wide audience, contributing to its popularity. Additionally, the song’s timeless quality makes it suitable for couples of all ages and musical preferences.
The Piano Guys produced a beautiful instrumental cover version of the song, preserving the melody:
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley (covered by various artists)
“I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis Presley is a classic and timeless wedding song that is popular for its romantic lyrics and classic melody. The slow and romantic tempo of the song is perfect for a wedding dance, and the lyrics express a deep love and devotion between two people. The song’s enduring popularity over the decades is a testament to its timeless appeal and cultural significance as a beloved hit from a beloved icon of popular music history. It has inspired many cover versions. Choosing an Elvis Presley song for a wedding can also be a sentimental and nostalgic choice for many couples who hold his music dear to their hearts.
“Love on Top” by Beyoncé
If you want something more upbeat, “Love on Top” by Beyoncé is a popular wedding song because of its upbeat and joyful melody, which creates a celebratory mood that is perfect for weddings. The lyrics express a deep and enduring love that is committed and dedicated, making it a great choice for couples who are getting married. The song’s contemporary sound has made it popular among younger couples who are planning their wedding. Beyoncé’s popularity and influence as an artist have also contributed to the song’s popularity, and choosing a Beyoncé song for a wedding can be a trendy and fun choice for couples who love her music.
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a popular wedding song because of its upbeat and fun melody, which creates a lively and celebratory atmosphere that is perfect for weddings. The lyrics of the song are joyful and romantic, expressing a desire to commit to a lifelong partnership with someone special. The playful and whimsical nature of the song also makes it a fun choice for couples who want to inject some humor and lightness into their wedding.
Additionally, Bruno Mars is a hugely popular artist with a massive fanbase, which has contributed to the song’s widespread popularity as a wedding hit. The song’s catchy melody and fun lyrics have also made it a popular choice for wedding videos and first dance performances.
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne became a popular wedding song in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The song was released in 2008 as a single from LaMontagne’s album “Gossip in the Grain,” and it gained popularity in the years following its release. The song’s soulful and upbeat melody, combined with LaMontagne’s raspy vocals and the romantic lyrics, struck a chord with many couples looking for a romantic and timeless wedding song.
The song was also featured in several popular TV shows and movies, including “Up in the Air,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and “One Tree Hill,” which helped to further increase its popularity and cement its status as a classic wedding hit.
Today, “You Are the Best Thing” remains a popular choice for weddings, and it has become a staple on wedding playlists around the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the joy and happiness of a couple’s special day.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (for a more rock-inspired wedding)
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a power ballad by American rock band Aerosmith, which was released in 1998. The song was written by famous songwriter Diane Warren and produced by Matt Serletic. The song was featured in the movie “Armageddon,” which starred Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, and it served as the film’s theme song.
The song was an instant hit and topped the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it became Aerosmith’s first and only number-one single. The song also earned the band its first and only Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” quickly became a popular choice for weddings due to its romantic and emotional lyrics, which express a deep and enduring love that many couples can relate to. The song’s soaring melody and powerful vocals also make it a memorable and impactful wedding song that can capture the joy and happiness of a couple’s special day.
Today, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” remains a popular wedding song and a beloved classic rock hit that continues to be played on the radio and at special events around the world.
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
“Unchained Melody” is a song that was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret in 1955. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but perhaps the most famous version was recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1965.
The song’s popularity was further boosted in 1990 when it was prominently featured in the movie “Ghost,” starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. The iconic scene in the film where Swayze and Moore’s characters share a sensual pottery-making moment is accompanied by the Righteous Brothers’ version of “Unchained Melody,” which helped to solidify the song’s status as a classic love ballad.
The song’s haunting and romantic melody, combined with its emotional and heartfelt lyrics, have made it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. The song’s message of enduring love and longing resonates with many couples, making it a timeless classic that continues to be played and enjoyed by generations of music lovers.
Over the years, “Unchained Melody” has been covered by many other artists and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “Ghost,” “The Simpsons,” and “American Idol.” Despite its long and varied history, the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the emotions and desires of anyone in love.
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“It’s a Wonderful World” is a classic song that was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss and first recorded by jazz legend Louis Armstrong in 1967. The song has since become one of Armstrong’s most famous and beloved recordings, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.
The song’s positive and uplifting message, combined with Armstrong’s soulful and distinctive vocals, have made it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. The song’s lyrics celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world, reminding listeners to appreciate the simple things in life and to always look on the bright side of things.
Over the years, “It’s a Wonderful World” has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, further increasing its popularity and cementing its status as a classic song. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless message of hope and optimism, and it continues to be played and enjoyed by music lovers around the world.
Despite its many covers and variations, Armstrong’s original recording remains the definitive version of the song and a beloved classic that continues to inspire and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds.
“At Last” by Etta James
“At Last” is a classic song that was written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren in 1941. The song was first recorded by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, but it is perhaps best known for the soulful and iconic version recorded by Etta James in 1960.
James’ version of “At Last” is widely considered to be one of the greatest love songs of all time, and it has become a staple at weddings and other romantic occasions. The song’s slow, melodic tempo and James’ powerful vocals perfectly capture the emotion and longing of a couple in love, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Over the years, “At Last” has been covered by many other artists and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message of love and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
In recognition of the song’s cultural significance, James’ version of “At Last” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song remains a beloved classic and a testament to the enduring power of love and music.
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
“The Way You Look Tonight” is a classic song that was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields for the 1936 movie “Swing Time.” The song was first performed by Fred Astaire and has since been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé.
The song’s timeless melody and romantic lyrics make it a perfect choice for weddings, where couples want to express their love and admiration for one another. The lyrics describe the beauty and charm of the person the singer loves, capturing the essence of what it means to be in love and how it feels to be with the one you love.
Over the years, “The Way You Look Tonight” has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic love song. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level and to evoke feelings of love, joy, and romance.
In recognition of its cultural significance, “The Way You Look Tonight” was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936, and it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its timeless appeal and universal message of love make it a perfect choice for wedding songs.
