80 Songs About Weddings and Marriage to Add to Your Playlist

Details: wedding songs

When you're searching for the best wedding ceremony music to play for your guests on your special day, you can't go far wrong with songs that literally have a 'wedding' theme in their lyrics or title.

We've put together our playlist of the best wedding songs which are literally about weddings, marriage, undying love - the list will go on, much like Celine Dion's heart - and whereabouts we think they'd get the best reception on your own wedding day. Let's take a look!

Prelude music

Every good wedding playlist starts with a few mood-setting songs to ease your wedding party in:

Stand By Me - B.B. King

Welcome your guests to your venue with some smooth background music, like B.B. King's classic love song - soon enough your husband- or bride-to-be will be standing by you:

"No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid/ Just as long as you stand, stand by me"

Stand By Me - B.B. King

Play

L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole

Keep things light and jazzy as everyone finds their seats - and remind yourselves that you two can make it as long as you're in love:

"Two in love can make it/ Take my heart and please don't break it/ Love was made for me and you"

L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole

Play

Marry You - Bruno Mars

An up-tempo bop from master of pop Bruno Mars will help set the right tone for your big day - just go easy on the dancing juice:

"Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice?/ Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you"

Marry You - Bruno Mars

Play

Chapel of Love - the Dixie Cups

A bright and breezy number to get your guests ready for the proceedings:

"Today's the day we'll say "I do"/ And we'll never be lonely anymore"

Chapel of Love - the Dixie Cups

Play

Let's Get Married - Al Green

Al Green has the right idea - it's your wedding day, so let's cut to the chase:

"I wanna settle down/ And stop fooling around"

Let's Get Married - Al Green

Play

Get Me To The Church On Time - Frederick Loewe

This uproarious song from ‘My Fair Lady' will help ensure all your guests are smiling by the time they find their seats:

"I'm getting married in the morning, ding dong! The bells are gonna chime/ Pull out the stopper, let's have a whopper, but get me to the church on time"

Get Me To The Church On Time - Frederick Loewe

Play

I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do - Abba

Just in case you were struggling to find the right words at the altar, ABBA are here to remind you 30 times:

"So come on, now let's try it, I love you, can't deny it/ 'Cause it's true, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do"

I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do - Abba

Play

Archie, Marry Me - Flyte

This gorgeous vocal arrangement of Alvvays' indie-rock original would be ideal for a church setting:

"So honey take me by the hand and we can sign some papers/ Forget the invitations, floral arrangements and bread makers"

Archie, Marry Me - Flyte

Play

White Dress - Ben Rector

The chorus to this uplifting piano pop tune from Ben Rector says it all:

"I never knew that I could love someone the way that I love you/ I never knew, I never knew"

White Dress - Ben Rector

Play

Good Day for Marrying You - Dave Barnes

A fun vocal-lead wedding song with an infectious clap-along rhythm from Dave Barnes' aptly titled album ‘Hymns for Her':

"It's good day, it's about to get better/ Every dream is about to come true/ No reason to wait, we got the weather/ We just need our ‘do's'"

Good Day for Marrying You - Dave Barnes

Play

Wishin' And Hopin' - Dusty Springfield

This song was perfect for the opening sequence of ‘My Best Friend's Wedding' - and it'll be perfect for the start of your wedding ceremony:

"So you're lookin' to find love you can share/ All you gotta Hold him and kiss him and love him and show him that you care"

Wishin' And Hopin' - Dusty Springfield

Play

You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder captures the delight and mystery that new love brings with it through his ever-inventive keyboard work and joyful lyrics:

"I feel like this is the beginning, though I've loved you for a million years/ And if I thought our love was ending, I'd find myself drowning in my own tears"

You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder

Play

Marry Me - Dolly Parton

Country music legend Dolly Parton offers her signature ‘glass half full' perspective on courting and romance:

"We'll hold hands an' touch 'n' hug, he talks so sweet to me/ 'Cause he knows a lot about love and stuff and he's gonna marry me"

Marry Me - Dolly Parton

Play

The Wedding Song - Kenny G

Famed saxophonist Kenny G manages to capture the full range of emotions you can expect to experience on your wedding day - all without uttering a single word:

The Wedding Song - Kenny G

Play

Wedding processional songs

Next on your wedding playlist come the tunes to which the bride will walk down the aisle:

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Let your beloved that you're in this for the long haul, just as Ed said:

"And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70/ And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23"

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Play

Wedding Dress - Levi Hummon

If you want some modern country music vibes as your friends and family make their way to their seats, you'd be hard pressed to find a sweeter song than this to provide them:

"If I got down on one knee, would you say yes?/ I wanna see you in a wedding dress"

Wedding Dress - Levi Hummon

Play

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Let Louis Armstrong describe his rose-tinted vision of the world to you in his unmistakable voice:

"I see trees of green, red roses too/ I see them bloom for me and you"

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Play

At Last - Etta James

The dreamy string intro before Etta James' signature tune starts to swing makes this one of the greatest wedding party entrance songs of all time:

"You smiled, you smiled, and then the spell was cast/ And here we are in Heaven, for you are mine at last."

At Last - Etta James

Play

Marry Me - Train

A message as pure and simple as the solo acoustic guitar arrangement, Train will help you keep on track:

"Marry me today and every day/ Marry me if I ever get the nerve to say ‘hello' in this cafe"

Marry Me - Train

Play

January Wedding - the Avett Brothers

No matter what time of year you're actually going to be tying the knot, this sweet bluegrass-inspired song will put just enough spring in your step as you walk down the aisle:

"My heart and hers are the same/ And in January we're gettin' married."

January Wedding - the Avett Brothers

Play

To the Aisle - the Five Satins

There aren't many musical styles that can make you more misty-eyed on your wedding day than good old-fashioned doo-wop:

"You ask her if she loves you she answers, ‘I do', your heart starts glowing inside/ And then you will know she is just for you, while each step, draws you closer to the aisle"

To the Aisle - the Five Satins

Play

Never Worn White - Katy Perry

A sweet piano-led ballad from pop superstar Katy Perry (featuring another nod to Mendelssohn):

"'Cause I've never worn white, but I wanna get it right, yeah, I really wanna try with you/ No, I've never worn white, but I'm standin' here tonight, 'cause I really wanna say, ‘I do'"

Never Worn White - Katy Perry

Play

Wedding Song - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Profound lyrics sung in Karen O's signature dreamy voice, driven by a pounding heartbeat rhythm:

"With every breath I breathe I'm making history/With your name on my lips, the ages fall to bits"

Wedding Song - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Play

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Christina Perri rounds off the Twilight saga in style with this popular wedding song from Breaking Dawn:

"I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more"

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Play

Wedding Song (There Is Love) - Noel Paul Stookey

Stookey, the ‘Paul' from ‘Peter, Paul and Mary', was inspired to write this beautiful acoustic number after attending the wedding of bandmate Peter and a different Mary:

"Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?/ Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?"

Wedding Song (There Is Love) - Noel Paul Stookey

Play

Just Say Yes - Snow Patrol

The pounding beat of this trance-y Snow Patrol tune perfectly embodies the anticipation of watching your bride to be walk down the aisle towards you:

"Just say yes, just say there's nothing holding you back/ It's not a test, nor a trick of the mind - only love"

Just Say Yes - Snow Patrol

Play

Love Story- Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift takes inspiration from one of the greatest love stories of all time, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet:

"I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress/ It's a love story, baby, just say yes"

Love Story- Taylor Swift

Play

Signing the register

Pick a few songs for your wedding playlist to keep your guests entertained while you both sign on the dotted line to make your marriage official:

Wedding Song - Tracy Chapman

The perfect song to sign the register with your witnesses to - if you leave your wedding venue in a Fast Car, don't forget ‘just married' sign:

"Can I get a witness there is salvation and rapture for the lonely/ Can I get a witness, bless this day sacred and holy"

Wedding Song - Tracy Chapman

Play

Change Your Name - Chase Bryant

This tender soft rock ballad makes for perfect register-signing music:

"I wanna change your name, I wanna call you mine/ I wanna make you smile at least a million times"

Change Your Name - Chase Bryant

Play

With This Ring - The Platters

This joyful early rock ‘n' roll number will remind you that you're making the happiest promise of you life:

"Baby, I never thought so much love could fit in a little band of gold/ But I'm telling you, darling, I feel it in my heart, got it in my soul"

With This Ring - The Platters

Play

We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters

Let Karen Carpenter reassure you ever so sweetly that you two have so many great things ahead of you:

"Sharing horizons that are new to us, watching the signs along the way/ Talkin' it over, just the two of us, workin' together day to day"

We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters

Play

Let's Get Married - The Proclaimers

Not content just to be the men who walked a thousand miles, The Reid twins have another very important message to share with you on your wedding day:

"Let's get married, I love you and I want to stay with you/ Let's get married, have kids and grow old and grey with you"

Let's Get Married - The Proclaimers

Play

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Elvis Presley

Let the King whisk you away to an island paradise as he soothes your souls with this silky-smooth serenade:

"This is the moment I've waited for/ I can hear my heart singing, soon bells will be ringing"

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Elvis Presley

Play

I Do - Colbie Caillat

Although not strictly a Hawaiian wedding song, Colbie's sunny ukulele and cheerful melodies will give your guests some serious beach holiday vibes:

"Ooh, what did I get myself into?/ You make me wanna say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do"

I Do - Colbie Caillat

Play

I Choose You - Sara Bareilles

Sweet and understated, this song is the soundtrack to holding your breath as the register is finally signed:

"I'll unfold before you what I've strung together/ The very first words of a lifelong love letter"

I Choose You - Sara Bareilles

Play

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

Unlike the Titanic, Celine Dion's emotional hit will remind you that your relationship is one that will not sink:

"Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime/ And never let go 'til we're gone"

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

Play

In My Life - Beatles

The Fab Four lend a hand as you acknowledge the other important people in your life (even if the person you're signing the register with is your favourite):

"But of all these friends and lovers, there is no one compares with you/ And these memories lose their meaning when I think of love as something new"

In My Life - Beatles

Play

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Signing the register is basically the same as putting this message from Jason Mraz into writing:

"But I won't hesitate no more, no more/ It cannot wait, I'm yours"

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Play

Wedding Song - Bob Dylan

Take a leaf out of the Bob Dylan songbook - he bares his soul armed only with an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and some frankly fantastic lyrics:

"You're the other half of what I am, you're the missing piece/ And I love you more than ever with that love that doesn't cease"

Wedding Song - Bob Dylan

Play

Marry Me - Jason Derulo

Let your partner know you love them more than Jason Derulo loves singing his own name:

"And you know one of these days, when I get my money right/ Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life"

Marry Me - Jason Derulo

Play

Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel

Let Billy Joel, the Piano Man himself, play his theme song for the wedding vows you just exchanged:

"I would not leave you in times of trouble/ We never could have come this far/ I took the good times, I'll take the bad times, I'll take you just the way you are"

Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel

Play

Wedding recessional music

Now the serious part of your wedding ceremony is over, it's time to move your wedding party to your reception venue with some uplifting songs:

Hotel Yorba - White Stripes

Jack and Meg White claimed to be brother and sister for years before it came to light that they were actually divorced - but that never stopped them from singing about marriage:

"Let's get married in a big cathedral by a priest/ If I'm the man that you love the most, you can say ‘I do' at least."

Hotel Yorba - White Stripes

Play

Wedding Dress - Matt Nathanson

An emotional indie rock anthem with just a hint of church organ hiding behind the guitars and drums:

"And you hold me in your arms/ When all that I can see is my future in your hands"

Wedding Dress - Matt Nathanson

Play

Will You Marry Me? - Paula Abdul

Superbly sweet and sugary pop with a rhythm you can't help swaying to:

"Just girl to boy, I'd like to share this thought with you/ Our love's a joy, two ones have made inseparable two"

Will You Marry Me? - Paula Abdul

Play

Let's Get Married - Bleachers

This indie pop party anthem from Jack Antonoff will have your family and friends dancing out after you:

"So let's get married/ 'Cause we don't wanna walk alone, or runaway, hey"

Let's Get Married - Bleachers

Play

All of Me - John Legend

The man, the myth John Legend wrote this gentle piano ballad for his fiancee - and he pours more than enough emotion into his lyrics to get your guests' eyes overflowing:

"Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you/ You're my end and my beginnin', even when I lose, I'm winnin'"

All of Me - John Legend

Play

Wouldn't It Be Nice? - the Beach Boys

You won't find wedding music quite as upbeat as you will in the Beach Boys' back catalogue:

"Oh, we could be married/ And then we'd be happy/ Oh, wouldn't it be nice?"

Wouldn't It Be Nice? - the Beach Boys

Play

We Got Married - Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney's sweet tale of a young love blossoming features slow slow verses leading into quick choruses - perfect for getting your guests up out of their seats:

"Times were bad/ We were glad/ We got married"

We Got Married - Paul McCartney

Play

Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra

Your guests will swoon when they hear Ol' Blue Eyes croon:

"Love and marriage, love and marriage/ Go together like a horse and carriage"

Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra

Play

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) Natalie Cole

Natalie ‘daughter of Nat King' Cole's delightful performance is guaranteed to put a smile on your friends' and family members' faces:

"You brought a lot of a sunshine into my life/ You filled me with happiness I never knew/ You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of/ And no one, no one can take the place of you"

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) Natalie Cole

Play

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye

With Motown mainstays the Adantes and the Funk Brothers providing backing vocals and instrumentation respectively, Marvin Gaye sings the perfect song for you to stop - stop! - and thank your baby:

"You were better to me than I was to myself/ For me, there's you and there ain't nobody else/ I wanna stop (stop!) and thank you, baby"

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye

Play

(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry - Darlene Love

Your guests won't be able to resist swaying arm in arm as they exit your wedding venue to Darlene Love's joyful performance backed by some classic Phil Spector production:

"When we kissed, I felt a sweet sensation/ This time it wasn't just my imagination"

(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry - Darlene Love

Play

Better Together - Jack Johnson

With this modern classic, Jack Johnson helps anyone who's lost for words get to the heart of the matter:

"There is no combination of words I could say/ But I will still tell you one thing, we're better together"

Better Together - Jack Johnson

Play

Wedding March - Mendelssohn

The soundtrack to many a Hollywood wedding, from the climactic final scene of ‘the Graduate' to ‘Wayne's World 2's hilarious parody of it, Mendelssohn's ‘Wedding March' will be as instantly recognisable as the wedding bells themselves.

Wedding March - Mendelssohn

Play

First Dance songs

Choose the songs which are most personal to you for this part of your wedding playlist:

First Dance - Justin Bieber ft. Usher

Just as every true Bielieber knows, your first dance as a married couple only happens once in a lifetime:

"I couldn't ask for more, we're rocking back and forth/ Under the disco ball, we're the only ones on the floor"

First Dance - Justin Bieber ft. Usher

Play

Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler

This hilarious yet heartfelt song from funnyman Adam Sandler is perfect for couples who want their wedding songs to share their sense of humour:

"I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold/ Need you, feed you, even let you hold the remote control"

Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler

Play

When I Said I Do - Clint Black

The super-slow waltz rhythm and the emotional harmonies of the chorus are just two reasons why this would make a great country-tinged first dance song:

"Be faithful and true, devoted to you/ That's what I had in mind when I said I do"

When I Said I Do - Clint Black

Play

Marry Song - Band of Horses

A lovely message sung in harmony over a shimmering wurlitzer waltz:

"I'll marry my lover in a place to admire, I don't have to even ask her/ I can look in her eyes and thank God that I am forgiven"

Marry Song - Band of Horses

Play

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton paints a glowing portrait of a marriage, not just a wedding - but this soft rock classic is still a lovely way to compliment your beautiful bride:

"We go to a party and everyone turns to see/ This beautiful lady who's walking around with me"

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Play

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston

What better way to get your crowd warmed up at your reception than choosing this for your first dance song? Let Whitney take the lead as you take the person you love the most into your waiting arms:

"Oh, I wanna dance with somebody, I wanna feel the heat with somebody/ Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who loves me"

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston

Play

Everlasting Love - Love Affair

Don't let the band name fool you - Love Affair's cover of this soul classic has stood the test of time for a reason:

"Need you by my side, girl to be my bride/ You'll never be denied everlasting love"

Everlasting Love - Love Affair

Play

2 Become 1 - Spice Girls

Spice up your life with this slow jam from the Spice Girls' songbook - you two lives will truly become one one you are wed:

"Come a little bit closer, baby, get it on, get it on/ 'Cause tonight is the night when two become one"

2 Become 1 - Spice Girls

Play

You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

A modern soul classic which was also featured in the film ‘I Love You, Man', this is the perfect song to sing to your new spouse - and it's got a great rhythm too:

"We've come a long way, baby/ You know, I hope and I pray that you believe me when I say this love will never fade away"

You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

Play

Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

The original duet version of Lionel Richie's ballad with fellow R&B singer Diana Ross is often cited as the best duet of all time - one of the best wedding songs for the first dance of your married life:

"Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one/ Our lives have just begun"

Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

Play

I've Had the Time Of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

An all-time classic among wedding songs! Get your Baby out the corner and prepare to do some Dirty Dancing when that beat kicks in:

"I've had the time of my life, no, I never felt this way before/ Yes, I swear, it's the truth, and I owe it all to you"

I've Had the Time Of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Play

Praise You - Fatboy Slim

If the soul-inspired piano and vocal intro leading into a classic big beat breakdown didn't make this dance song perfect enough for your first dance as newlyweds or your father daughter dance already, then its lyrics certainly will:

"We've come a long, long way together/ Through the hard times and the good/ I have to celebrate you, baby/ I have to praise you like I should"

Praise You - Fatboy Slim

Play

Sweet Child O' Mine - Taken by Trees

Speaking of your father daughter dance, a softer reimagining of this Guns N' Roses rocker might be just the ticket - the beauty being that the lyrics express a pure love which could just as easily be about a parent and child as a husband and wife:

"She's got eyes of the bluest skies, as if they thought of rain/ I'd hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain"

Sweet Child O' Mine - Taken by Trees

Play

Wedding reception music

Save the bangers and anthems for this stage of the evening - let the dance party commence:

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) - Beyoncé

Although today is all about you, playing this for your single friends amongst your other wedding songs is becoming as much of a tradition as tossing the bouquet:

"All the single ladies, all the single ladies/ All the single ladies, now put your hands up"

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) - Beyoncé

Play

Wedding in Berlin - Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys celebrate holy matrimony with this futuristic dance song - which includes an updated version of Mendelssohn's Wedding March:

"We're getting married, a lot of people do it, don't matter if they're straight or gay/ We're getting married because we love each other, we're getting married today"

Wedding in Berlin - Pet Shop Boys

Play

Together Forever - Rick Astley

Rick Astley delivers an even grander promise than ‘Never Gonna Give You Up' - which is every bit as danceable:

"I would move heaven and earth/ To be together forever with you"

Together Forever - Rick Astley

Play

You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry

See how many of your guests try to recreate Uma Thurman and John Travolta's iconic dance from ‘Pulp Fiction' when they hear this record being spun:

"It was a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well/ You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle"

You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry

Play

White Wedding - Billy Idol

This punk rock number is a guaranteed dance floor filler - and we're sure you will have picked a nice day to start your new journey together:

"It's a nice day for a white wedding/ It's a nice day to start again"

White Wedding - Billy Idol

Play

Hey Ya - Outkast

We defy anybody to stay still and seated once André 3000 starts urging you all to "shake it, shake-shake it":

"Know what they say - it's nothing lasts forever/ Then what makes it, then what makes it, then what makes it, then what makes it, then what makes love the exception?"

Hey Ya - Outkast

Play

White Trash Wedding

Three part harmonies meet breakneck rhythms in this humorous hoedown from the (formerly Dixie) Chicks:

"You finally took my hand, you finally took my hand/ It took a nip of gin but you finally took my hand"

White Trash Wedding

Play

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen

Freddie Mercury gives his best Elvis Presley impersonation in this beloved jazzy acoustic number, one of the many reasons why it's the perfect wedding song to get your guests involved:

"It swings, it jives, shakes all over like a jellyfish/ I kinda like it, crazy little thing called love"

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen

Play

Only You - Yazoo

With its synthesised flourishes and electronic snaps and crackles, is it possible to sound more awesomely 80s than Yazoo does on this classic love song?

"All I needed was the love you gave/ All I needed for another day/ And all I ever knew, only you"

Only You - Yazoo

Play

Best Day of My Life - American Authors

With melodies as infectiously upbeat as their lyrics, the Authors must've known they'd penned a classic wedding song:

"Everything is looking up, everybody up now/ This is gonna be the best day of my life"

Best Day of My Life - American Authors

Play

Hot Stuff - Donna Summer

Nobody can get people down to the dance floor like Donna Summer can - and you won't be having any more lonely nights now you're married:

"Lookin' for a lover who needs another/ Don't want another night on my own"

Hot Stuff - Donna Summer

Play

I Feel Good - James Brown

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, said it - and sang it - best:

"I feel good, I knew that I would now/ So good, so good, 'cause I got you"

I Feel Good - James Brown

Play

The One - Elton John

For a slow dance, you need look no further than Sir Elton John, the ultimate purveyor of fine ballads:

"When stars collide like you and I, no shadows block the sun/ You're all I've ever needed, baby, you're the one"

The One - Elton John

Play