There is something for everyone on this list of the best 1974 wedding songs.
From Barry White to Elton John and Barbara Streisand, the legends of pop and country music are at their best. 1974 remains one of the top years for enduring wedding classics.
Best 1974 Wedding Songs
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – Barry White
Released in July 1974 on the album Can’t Get Enough
Barry White was the definitive soul voice of the era, and his biggest hit is still in high demand for wedding receptions today. There is simply no better song for the first dance with your new spouse than this crowd-pleaser which will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
My darling I, can’t get enough of your love babe Girl, I don’t know, I don’t know why I can’t get enough of your love babe
Annie’s Song – John Denver
Released in June 1974 on the album Back Home Again
This song by John Denver is a poignant and moving tribute to love, and it should be considered by couples who want to preserve the sentimentality of a wedding ceremony. “Annie’s Song” has been used for everything from the wedding processional to the send-off, and it can even provide a beautiful accompaniment for the bride’s grand entrance.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Let me lay down beside you Let me always be with you Come, let me love you
I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-John
Released in August 1974 on the album If You Love Me, Let Me Know
When it comes to your wedding don’t forget to include some simple declarations of devotion like this song by Olivia Newton-John, a hit for the Australian songbird in 1974. Many couples like songs with simple lyrics for their wedding because everyone can grasp and appreciate the meaning.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Maybe it was better left unsaid But this is pure and simple and you must realize That it’s coming from my heart and not my head I love you I honestly love you
Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orchestra
Released in November 1973 carry-over on the album Rhapsody in White
This song from The Love Unlimited Orchestra was produced by soul singer Barry White, so there is no doubt that it hits all the right notes for modern wedding celebrations. It is a good idea to use this song as the most important guests at your wedding are being ushered to their seats.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
I know that the melody that made him mine Will be the melody that keeps him close to me Love’s theme
Everlasting Love – Carl Carlton
Released in July 1974 on the album Everlasting Love
Carl Carlton only scored a few hits in the 1970s, but this one from 1974 has endured in popularity among newlyweds. Your spouse will appreciate this song as a nice surprise dedication, and you can also use it as the wedding cake is being cut.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Need you by my side Girl, to be my bride You’ll never be denied Everlasting love
Best of My Love – The Eagles
Released in November 1974 on the album On the Border
The smooth harmonies of The Eagles are always welcome at wedding ceremonies, and the lead vocals of Don Henley on this smash hit are filled with emotion. This is the wedding song that should be used to introduce the newlyweds to their guests for the very first time.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
That same old crowd was like a cold dark cloud That we could never rise above But here in my heart I give you the best of my love
My Melody of Love – Bobby Vinton
Released in September 1974 on the album Melodies of Love
Bobby Vinton is best remembered for his lounge tunes that evoke the sounds of Las Vegas, and those who prefer classic sounds will find that this ballad is perfect for your wedding day. It is a song that is best reserved for the more formal parts of a wedding ceremony, but it also makes a fine addition to the reception playlist.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Love you with all my heart Return and always be My melody of love
Stop and Smell the Roses – Mac Davis
Released in August 1974 on the album Stop and Smell the Roses
Newlyweds should take every opportunity to enjoy the splendor of their wedding day, and this song is a reminder to savor the special moments in life. Mac Davis made it a massive hit in 1974, and the song is still played today at many modern wedding festivities.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
You got to stop and smell the roses You’ve got to count your many blessings everyday
I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song – Jim Croce
Released in March 1974 on the album I Got a Name
The Philadelphia-born Jim Croce had a brief but stellar career before he died in a Louisiana plane crash, and this song is arguably his most popular ballad. The song expresses how hard it is to communicate love with mere words, and it can stress the overall importance of the music choices you make at your wedding.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Every time I tried to tell you The words just came out wrong So I’ll have to say I love you in a song
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
Released in March 1974 on the album Jolene
Dolly Parton’s song speaks of love was originally written for Porter Waggoner, and it could be too poignant for the tastes of some couples. Still, this version and the cover that was later recorded by Whitney Houston remain at the top of the list when it comes to the best wedding songs.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
And I wish you happiness But above all this I wish you love And I love you will always love you
We Should Be Together – Don Williams
Released in January 1974 on the album Don Williams Volume Two
Those newlyweds who have roots that are ingrained with country music will find this Don Williams song a nice choice for dancing at the wedding reception. It has also been used to announce the new couple and also as an interlude for lighting a unity candle at the altar.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
We should be together, together We should be walking side by side We should be together, together Keeping each other satisfied
A Love Song – Anne Murray
Released in February 1974 on the album Love Song
The Canadian songstress Anne Murray was all over the charts in 1974 with this beautiful romantic ballad, a song that pares down all the emotions of love into sentimental images. A bride may find that this is a good song to dedicate to her new husband on her wedding day.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Show the trail of my love and I Sing to you, Love is what I bring to you
The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand
Released in January 1974 on the album The Way We Were
Barbra Streisand has the type of voice that is very suitable for wedding selections, and this was one of her biggest mainstream hits. It may evoke feelings of love lost for some people, but newlyweds still like how it makes them feel when it is played as part of the wedding processional.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
So it’s the laughter We will remember Whenever we remember The way we were
Always Yours – Gary Glitter
Released in 1974 as a single
If you like the sounds of 1970s glam rock, this Gary Glitter tune will fit right in at your wedding reception. Try to use it in a way that allows everyone in attendance to participate by dancing with their own special one.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Please don’t cry if I pass you by Cause I’m always, always yours
Mockingbird – Carly Simon and James Taylor
Released in January 1974 on the album Hotcakes
Putting Carly Simon and James Taylor together on this modern rendition of an ageless classic was a stroke of genius, and the song has made appearances in popular films like Vacation. The fun-loving nature of the song will inspire merriment when your DJ plays it at the wedding reception, and some couples even do it as a karaoke duet.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Listen now and understand She’s gonna find me some piece of mind Yeah if that piece of mind won’t stay I’m gonna get myself a better way
Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing – Stevie Wonder
Released in March 1974 on the album Innervisions
Confidence, trust, and a sense of protection are things all blushing brides want to feel at their wedding, and Stevie Wonder expresses them all in this soulful tune. A groom can make his bride feel special when he has the song played for the couple’s first dance.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Don’t you worry ’bout a thing, baby ‘Cause I’ll be standing on the side When you check it out
I’m in Love – Aretha Franklin
Released in 1974 on the album Let Me in Your Life
Some songs are meant to be a personal expression of devotion between couples, and this Aretha Franklin single from 1974 is an intimate portrayal of the emotions newlyweds feel. It can make a great alternative wedding recessional, or it can play in the background as couples cut the cake.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
And I’m so glad That it’s me who had to change I’m sprouting? and blooming? Like the last summer rose I’m in love
You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics
Released in May 1974 on the album Rockin’ Roll Baby
The Stylistics understood that true love makes you feel like nothing else, and you can use this song as a part of your wedding playlist to let your new spouse know how important they are to you. Like all the classics from this group, the uptempo song is best saved for dancing.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Believe in me through thick and thin This song is for you Filled with gratitude and love
I have always had a love for music and the way it makes you feel. My passion grew for wedding celebrations with years as a wedding DJ. Now, as a wedding music planner, I research popular and unique wedding songs to create personalized playlists for couples and help wedding pros curate crowd-cheering music. Let's get the party started! - Read More About Me
