A wedding is a joyous occasion that celebrates the love and commitment between two people. Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the ceremony and reception, with certain songs holding a special place in the hearts of couples and guests alike. From timeless classics to modern romantic ballads, these songs have become staples at weddings around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 15 most popular wedding songs of all time, delving into the stories behind these beloved tunes and the emotions they evoke on this momentous day.
1. “At Last” – Etta James
“At Last” by Etta James is a timeless classic that has become a beloved choice for wedding first dances. James’ soulful, powerful vocals perfectly capture the joy and relief of finally finding true love after a long journey. The song’s lush orchestration and romantic lyrics create an atmosphere of intimacy and tenderness, making it the perfect accompaniment to the couple’s first dance as newlyweds. “At Last” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but James’ rendition remains the definitive version, with her emotive delivery and the song’s classic arrangement continuing to resonante with couples and wedding guests across generations. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to encapsulate the essence of love and the happiness of finally uniting with one’s soulmate.
2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley is a romantic ballad that has become a cherished wedding song for its simple, yet profound expression of love. Presley’s smooth, velvety vocals and the song’s gentle, waltz-like melody create an atmosphere of intimacy and devotion. The lyrics, which speak of the inevitability and depth of true love, perfectly capture the emotions of a couple on their wedding day. The song’s timeless quality and Presley’s iconic status have made it a popular choice for generations of couples, with its heartfelt sentiment and classic arrangement appealing to both young and old. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has been covered by many artists, but Presley’s version remains the most beloved, with his sincere delivery and the song’s simple beauty making it a perfect fit for the wedding celebration of a love that will endure for a lifetime.
3. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a contemporary wedding song that has quickly become a favorite among couples. The song’s poignant lyrics, which speak of the timelessness and inevitability of true love, are beautifully complemented by Perri’s tender, emotive vocals and the track’s delicate instrumentation. The song’s building intensity and soaring chorus create a sense of the epic nature of a love story that spans a thousand years, making it a perfect choice for couples who feel their love is destined and eternal. “A Thousand Years” gained popularity after being featured in the movie “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” and has since become a staple at weddings around the world. The song’s ability to capture the depth and beauty of enduring love has made it a beloved choice for ceremonies, first dances, and other special moments throughout the wedding celebration.
4. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic ballad that has become a modern wedding classic. Sheeran’s heartfelt lyrics and tender vocals paint a picture of a love that is genuine, comfortable, and enduring. The song’s simple, yet beautiful melody and Sheeran’s sincere delivery create an atmosphere of intimacy and devotion, making it a popular choice for ceremonies, first dances, and other special moments throughout the wedding day. The song’s relatable themes and Sheeran’s down-to-earth persona have resonated with couples around the world, who see their own love stories reflected in the song’s lyrics. “Perfect” has become a staple at weddings, with its timeless sentiment and romantic atmosphere making it the ideal soundtrack for a couple’s special day. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Sheeran’s songwriting ability and his knack for capturing the essence of true love in a way that speaks to the hearts of listeners everywhere.
5. “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a fun, upbeat pop song that has become a popular choice for wedding receptions and dance floors. The song’s catchy melody, playful lyrics, and Mars’ charismatic vocals create a joyful, celebratory atmosphere that perfectly captures the excitement and happiness of a wedding day. The song’s lyrics, which speak of the spontaneity and thrill of deciding to get married on a whim, have resonated with couples who value adventure and living in the moment. “Marry You” has become a staple at weddings around the world, with its infectious energy and lighthearted sentiment making it a favorite among guests of all ages. The song’s popularity has also made it a frequent choice for flash mobs, lip dubs, and other wedding-related videos shared on social media. While “Marry You” may not be a traditional wedding song, its ability to get people dancing and smiling has cemented its place as a beloved modern classic in the wedding music canon.
6. “I Won’t Give Up” – Jason Mraz
“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz is a heartfelt, acoustic ballad that has become a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and first dances. The song’s tender lyrics and Mraz’s soulful, emotive vocals create an atmosphere of love, commitment, and perseverance, making it the perfect soundtrack for a couple’s special day. The song’s message of unwavering devotion and the willingness to work through the challenges of a relationship resonates with couples who understand that marriage is a lifelong journey. Mraz’s sincere delivery and the song’s simple, yet beautiful melody have made it a favorite among couples looking for a meaningful and intimate musical moment on their wedding day. “I Won’t Give Up” has become a modern wedding classic, with its timeless sentiment and heartfelt delivery making it a song that couples will cherish for years to come. The song’s popularity is a testament to Mraz’s songwriting ability and his talent for crafting melodies that speak directly to the heart.
7. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic ballad that has become a wedding staple since its release. The song’s tender lyrics, which speak of a love that only grows stronger with time, are beautifully complemented by Sheeran’s soulful vocals and the track’s gentle, soulful melody. The song’s message of enduring love and commitment resonates with couples who are embarking on a lifetime journey together. “Thinking Out Loud” has become a popular choice for first dances, with its slow, swaying rhythm and heartfelt sentiment creating the perfect atmosphere for couples to share an intimate moment on their special day. Sheeran’s relatable, down-to-earth persona and the song’s universal themes have made it a beloved choice among couples and wedding guests alike. The song’s music video, which features Sheeran performing a romantic dance with a partner, has further contributed to its popularity and status as a modern wedding classic. “Thinking Out Loud” is a testament to Sheeran’s ability to craft love songs that stand the test of time and speak to the hearts of listeners around the world.
8. “All of Me” – John Legend
“All of Me” by John Legend is a powerful, emotional ballad that has become a wedding favorite for its honest and heartfelt portrayal of love. Legend’s soulful, rich vocals and the song’s beautiful piano melody create an atmosphere of intimacy and devotion, perfectly capturing the depth of feeling between two people in love. The song’s lyrics, which speak of loving someone completely, flaws and all, have resonated with couples who understand that true love is about accepting and cherishing each other unconditionally. “All of Me” has become a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and first dances, with its sincere sentiment and romantic atmosphere making it the perfect soundtrack for a couple’s special moment. The song’s music video, which features Legend’s own wedding to model Chrissy Teigen, has further contributed to its popularity and status as a modern wedding classic. “All of Me” showcases Legend’s incredible vocal range and his talent for writing love songs that speak directly to the heart, cementing its place as one of the most beloved wedding songs of all time.
9. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith is a power ballad that has become a popular choice for weddings due to its emotional intensity and romantic sentiment. The song’s soaring vocals, courtesy of lead singer Steven Tyler, and its lush orchestration create a sense of grandeur and passion that perfectly captures the depth of feeling between two people in love. The song’s lyrics, which speak of cherishing every moment with a loved one and never taking their presence for granted, have resonated with couples who understand the value of their relationship. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” has become a staple at weddings, with its dramatic, cinematic quality making it a popular choice for first dances or other key moments during the celebration. The song’s popularity was further bolstered by its inclusion in the movie “Armageddon,” where it served as a poignant reminder of the power of love in the face of adversity. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” showcases Aerosmith’s ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads and has cemented its place as a beloved wedding song for generations of couples.
10. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers is a timeless love song that has been a wedding favorite for decades. The song’s hauntingly beautiful melody and the powerful, emotive vocals of Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley create an atmosphere of yearning, devotion, and eternal love. The lyrics, which speak of the longing for a loved one’s touch and the unbreakable bond between two hearts, have resonated with couples who feel their connection transcends time and space. “Unchained Melody” has been a popular choice for wedding slow dances and ceremonies, with its romantic, ethereal quality creating the perfect ambiance for couples to share a special moment. The song’s enduring popularity was further cemented by its iconic use in the movie “Ghost,” where it served as a symbol of undying love. “Unchained Melody” is a testament to the Righteous Brothers’ incredible vocal harmonies and the song’s ability to evoke deep, universal emotions. Its status as a wedding classic is a reflection of its timeless appeal and its power to capture the essence of eternal love.
11. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra is a classic love song that has been a wedding staple for generations. Sinatra’s smooth, velvety vocals and the song’s elegant, jazzy melody create an atmosphere of romance, sophistication, and timeless charm. The lyrics, which express adoration for a loved one’s beauty and the joy they bring to the singer’s life, have resonated with couples who want to celebrate their love and appreciation for one another on their special day. “The Way You Look Tonight” has been a popular choice for first dances, with its slow, swaying rhythm and Sinatra’s heartfelt delivery creating the perfect ambiance for couples to share an intimate, romantic moment. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Sinatra’s iconic status and his ability to infuse a song with genuine emotion and style. “The Way You Look Tonight” has become a beloved wedding classic, with its timeless appeal and romantic sentiment making it a favorite among couples of all ages.
12. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli is an upbeat, romantic classic that has become a beloved wedding song for its joyful celebration of love. Valli’s soaring falsetto and the song’s lively, brass-infused melody create an atmosphere of excitement, happiness, and unbridled affection. The lyrics, which express the singer’s complete infatuation with their loved one and the irresistible pull of their charm, have resonated with couples who want to revel in the giddy, all-consuming nature of their love on their wedding day. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has been a popular choice for wedding receptions and dance floors, with its infectious energy and sing-along quality making it a favorite among guests of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity has been further bolstered by its use in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a timeless pop culture staple. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a testament to Frankie Valli’s incredible vocal range and the song’s ability to capture the euphoric, head-over-heels feeling of being in love, making it a cherished wedding classic.
13. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele is a tender, heartfelt ballad that has become a popular choice for weddings due to its simple, yet profound expression of love and devotion. Adele’s rich, soulful vocals and the song’s gentle, piano-driven melody create an atmosphere of intimacy, sincerity, and emotional depth. The lyrics, which promise unwavering love and support through life’s ups and downs, have resonated with couples who see their relationship as a source of comfort, strength, and security. “Make You Feel My Love” has been a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and first dances, with its slow, romantic tempo and Adele’s powerful delivery creating the perfect ambiance for couples to share a meaningful, heartfelt moment. The song, originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan, has been covered by various artists, but Adele’s version has become particularly beloved for its raw emotional honesty and the way her voice seems to capture the very essence of unconditional love. “Make You Feel My Love” is a testament to Adele’s incredible vocal prowess and the song’s ability to convey the depth and beauty of a love that knows no bounds.
14. “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding
“How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding is a sweet, romantic ballad that has become increasingly popular at weddings for its heartfelt lyrics and gentle, folk-inspired melody. Goulding’s delicate, ethereal vocals and the song’s simple, yet beautiful arrangement create an atmosphere of tenderness, devotion, and eternal love. The lyrics, which promise to love someone for eternity and even beyond, have struck a chord with couples who view their relationship as a never-ending story of love and commitment. “How Long Will I Love You” has been a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and first dances, with its slow, swaying rhythm and Goulding’s emotive delivery creating the perfect ambiance for couples to share a loving, intimate moment. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the romantic comedy “About Time,” where it served as a poignant reminder of the power of love to transcend time itself. “How Long Will I Love You” is a testament to Ellie Goulding’s ability to craft emotionally resonant, timeless love songs and has secured its place as a modern wedding classic.
15. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson is a laid-back, acoustic love song that has become a favorite at weddings for its simple, yet poignant message about the joys of companionship and partnership. Johnson’s warm, soothing vocals and the song’s mellow, guitar-driven melody create an atmosphere of contentment, ease, and understated romance. The lyrics, which celebrate the simple pleasures of spending time with a loved one and the comfort of knowing that life is better when shared, have resonated with couples who value the everyday moments and the quiet, enduring strength of their relationship. “Better Together” has been a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, first dances, and even as a soundtrack for wedding slideshows and videos, with its gentle, uplifting vibe providing the perfect backdrop for couples to celebrate their love story. The song’s charm lies in its simplicity and sincerity, with Johnson’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s organic, stripped-down arrangement creating a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. “Better Together” is a testament to Jack Johnson’s ability to craft love songs that feel both personal and universal, and its enduring popularity at weddings is a reflection of its ability to capture the essence of what makes a relationship truly special.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
