Many touching love songs were released in 1996 by some of the biggest names in popular music. Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion are just some of the artists who made 1996 wedding songs an enduring favorite of modern couples.

Best Wedding Songs of 1996

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Released in February 1996 on the album Falling Into You

This song by Celine Dion is everything a wedding song should be, from its soulful rhythm to its emotional lyrics. The song is often used as an alternative to the traditional bridal march, and it can also be used for the seating of important wedding guests.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I’ll be forever thankful, baby
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through, through it all

I Love You, Always Forever – Donna Lewis

Released in May 1996 on the album Now in a Minute

Donna Lewis notched her biggest hit with this love ballad from 1996. It is a song of sweet promise and devotion, one that you would want to use as a dedication to your partner during the wedding ceremony.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you

There’s Nothing I Won’t Do – JX

Released in May 1996 as a single

Jake Williams released this dance mix in 1996 under the name JX, and it often finds its way onto the reception playlists of wedding couples today. Even though it is a dance tune, the lyrics reflect the commitment that partners should express in their vows.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Oh baby I think of you; my heart is on the line
Oh baby I get with you; my mind feels so fine

Abide with Me – King’s College Choir of Cambridge

Released in January 1996 on the album Be Still My Soul – The Ultimate Hymns Collection

Those couples who want to include some traditional spiritual hymns in their wedding ceremony will want to consider this song by King’s College Choir of Cambridge. It is a beautiful modern rendition of a classic hymn that reflects the solemnity and religious overtones of the day.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me

Change the World – Eric Clapton

Released in July 1996 on the album Phenomenon

Eric Clapton had one of the biggest hits of the 90s with this song from the Phenomenon soundtrack, a pleasing guitar ballad that sums up the hope that accompanies wedding vows. Many grooms like to dedicate this song to their new bride at the reception.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

If I could reach the stars
I’d pull one down for you
Shine it on my heart
So you could see the truth
That this love I have inside
Is everything it seems

I Want You – Savage Garden

Released in May 1996 on the album Savage Garden

Savage Garden delivered many classic love songs in the 1990s, and this one beautifully expresses the longing shared by newlyweds. It is a song that is best served for cutting the wedding cake or the first toast at the wedding reception.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Oh, I want you, I don’t know if I need you
But oh, I would die to find out

Let’s Make a Night to Remember – Bryan Adams

Released in August 1996 on the album 18 til I Die

A wedding ceremony should provide memories that last for a lifetime, and this song from Bryan Adams reminds couples to make their wedding day special. It is a song that is best used in the later parts of the celebration as the festivities are winding down, and it will help end the ceremony on a high note.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Let’s make a night, to remember
From January, to December
Let’s make love, to excite us
A memory, to ignite us

Love is a Good Thing – Sheryl Crow

Released in September 1996 on the album Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow sang about the power of true love in this 1996 hit, and it resonates with couples who see their wedding ceremony as a celebration of optimism for a happy future.

The lyrics of the song speak of how love has the power to change the world we live in, and they also remind everyone how precious true love is.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Dance children, dance to the beat,
Want to rock and roll up and down the street,
I’ve got a message
Love is a good thing

That Thing You Do – The Wonders

Released in September 1996 on the album That Thing You Do! Soundtrack

This title song of the film That Thing You Do is a peppy love song that is perfect for dancing the night away. Couples who have unique personalities often make this the first song that is played at their wedding reception, and it will encourage everyone to join in the celebration.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I know all the games you play
And I’m gonna find a way to let you know that
You’ll be mine someday

Living in a Moment – Ty Herndon

Released in August 1996 on the album Living in a Moment

This song was country superstar Ty Herndon’s biggest hit, and its lyrics stress the importance of savoring all the feels of your wedding day. Grooms love to dance with their bride to this song, and it is also sometimes played as the new couple is introduced for the first time.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

This old cold world just got a little warmer
For the rest of my life I’m gonna hold you in my arms

More Than You’ll Ever Know – Travis Tritt

Released in July 1996 on the album The Restless Kind

Travis Tritt is a favorite of couples who appreciate country music, and this single from 1996 sums up love and devotion in a way that is simple yet powerful. Many modern couples have used the song to accompany the lighting of their unity candles, and it also works well as a prelude to the bridal march.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I’m sure you’ve heard it said hearts have windows
But mine has doors a painful past has closed
Unless someday they open wide revealing feelings locked inside
I’ll love you more than you’ll ever know

To Be Loved by You – Wynonna

Released in January 1996 on the album Revelations

Wynonna Judd continued her crossover into the pop arena with this hit from 1996, and it expresses how magical a bride feels on her special day. Most couples would use this as an alternative to traditional wedding processional hymns, but it has also been selected for the first dance between the bride and groom.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

No matter how many miles and dreams
Come between us now
In each step I take, with each prayer I make
This love will live somehow

What Kind of Man Would I Be – Mint Condition

Released in September 1996 on the album Definition of a Band

The R&B group Mint Condition released this song in 1996 as a soaring testimony of faithfulness and devotion. It is a song that expresses how two individuals leave their past yearnings behind as they make a vow to love each other eternally in the eyes of God and family.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Still here we are both together
With promises made that we’d never
Yet feeling it now more than ever
I can’t deny

Betcha by Golly, Wow – Prince

Released in November 1996 on the album Emancipation

The legendary Prince put his spin on an old classic with this rendition of a popular 1996 wedding song. It works well for couples who want to include older wedding music in their ceremony while preserving a modern feel, and “Betcha by Golly, Wow” has even been used as the bridesmaids make their way to the altar.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you keep growing strong

I Believe in You and Me – Whitney Houston

Released in December 1996 on the album The Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack

This song from Whitney Houston was featured in the film The Preacher’s Wife, and it is an honest and spiritual assessment of what marriage vows should be. Many brides have had this song played as they prepare to walk down the altar, and it also serves as a first dance for the happy couple at the wedding party.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

When all the chips are down, baby
Then I will always be around
Just to be right where you are
My love, you know I love you

Your Love Amazes Me – Michael English

Released in 1996 on the album Freedom

Michael English made a successful attempt to crossover from contemporary Christian music to pop with this cover of a John Berry country hit. The groom might want to consider surprising his bride with this song during the ceremony but be prepared for the emotional tears to fall when the tune is played.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Don’t you ever doubt this love of mine
You’re the only one for me
You give me hope
You give me reason

Every Time I Close My Eyes – Babyface

Recorded in 1996 and released in January 1997 on the album The Moment

Babyface released his version of this song in 1996, and it is still chosen by wedding couples today for many portions of the marital festivities. It is subtle enough to be used in the wedding processional, and it also fits well into your DJ’s reception playlist if you need songs that encourage dancing.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

And every time I close my eyes
I thank the Lord that I’ve got you

When You Love a Woman – Journey

Released in July 1996 on the album Trial by Fire

This song was considered a major comeback hit for the 80s rock group Journey, and it has remained a perennial wedding song classic since it was released in 1996. It has been sung by grooms for their bride, played as the bride walks down the aisle, and used in many other ways by couples of all ages.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

When you love a woman
You see your world inside her eyes
When you love a woman
You know she’s standing by your side

Tip

Next, see a list of the best 1997 wedding songs.

Celebrating weddings in 1996. Where were you and what was happening?

If you were one of the weddings in 1996

Congratulations on your wedding of 1996. You share your anniversary with the following events.

Music Highlights of 1996

Grammy’s Song of 1996: Kiss From A Rose – Seal
LL Cool J – Doin’ It
George Michael Fastlove
Robert Miles – Children
No Doubt – Just A Girl
Ginuwine – Pony
Keith Sweat – Nobody
Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart
Amber – This Is You Night
R Kelly – You Remind Me Of Something
Maxi Priest With Shaggy – That Girl-
Take That – Back For Good
Los Del Rio – Macarena
Mariah Carey And Boyz Ii Men – One Sweet Day
Celine Dion – Because You Loved Me
Tony Rich Project – Nobody Knows
Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby
Tracy Chapman – Give Me One Reason
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – The Crossroads
Donna Lewis – I Love You Always And Forever
Toni Braxton – You’re Makin’ Me High
Keith Sweat – Twisted
Quad City DJ’s – C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)
Everything But The Girl – Missing
Alanis Morissette – Ironic
Brandy – Sittin’ Up In My Room
2Pac – California Love
Eric Clapton – Change The World
LL Cool J – Hey Lover
Jann Arden – Insensitive
La Bouche – Be My Lover
No Mercy – Where Do You Go
Dishwalla – Counting Blue Cars
Joan Osbourne – One Of Us
Deep Blue Something – Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Coolio – 1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)
Blackstreet – No Diggity
Smashing Pumpkins – 1979
TLC – Diggin’ On You
Oasis – Wonderwall

Celebrity Weddings of 1996

Bill O’Reilly wed Maureen Mcphilmy
Prince wed Mayte Garcia
Deborra-Lee Furness married Hugh Jackman
Robin Wright Penn wed Sean Penn
Clint Eastwood married Dina Ruiz Eastwood

News Highlights of 1996

An 81-day-long standoff between antigovernment Freemen in Jordan, Montana, and federal officers.
Suspected “Unabomber” Theodore Kaczynski is arrested at his Montana cabin.
Nintendo 64 is launched in Japan.
Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be successfully cloned from an adult cell, is born in Scotland.
Martina Hingis becomes the youngest person in history (age 15 years and 282 days) to win at Wimbledon in the Ladies’ Doubles event.
The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Centennial Olympic Park bombing.
Rap legend Tupac Shakur is shot in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw marry.
Democrat incumbent Bill Clinton defeats Republican challenger Bob Dole to win his second term.
STS-80: was the longest mission of the Space Shuttle program, flown by Space Shuttle Columbia.
JonBenét Patricia Ramsey is murdered in Boulder, Colorado.