What are the Best Anniversary Songs? – Podcast E6

Anniversary songs are awesome at weddings for the Anniversary Dance. Get 100 anniversary song ideas and what the anniversary dance is.

Important Links

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Podcast Transcript

(00:18):
Hi everybody, I’m Matthew Campbell, and welcome to the show. Today I’m going to be talking about 100 of my favorite anniversary songs of all time. Now you may be thinking why anniversary songs when we’re a wedding songs podcast? Well, the answer is many MCs and DJs and bands will have what’s called an anniversary dance at weddings. What that is is the MC calls up all of the married couples onto the dance floor, and then year by year will reduce the number of couples that are on the dance floor by the number of years that they’re married. So they’ll call out “Hey, anybody that’s been married five years or less, please go sit down, 10 years or less please go sit down. Eventually you’ll have the longest-married couple on the dance floor. Then, the wedding couple will bring a special corsage or flowers to the longest-married bride that’s still left on the dance floor, which is typically grandma and grandpa.

(01:10)
They’ll also play a special dance with everybody on the dance floor as well, celebrating the longest married couple. So let’s go ahead and get started. As usual, I’ve alphabetized my list by artist and then by song title. Let’s go ahead and get started with the first five. At number one is Al Green “Let’s Stay Together” in 1972. Alan Jackson “I’d Love You All Over Again” in 1991. Alan Jackson again with “Remember When” in 2003. Ambrosia “Biggest Part of Me” in 1980. America “All My Life” in 1979. I’m very happy that Al Green is starting off our list with “Let’s Stay Together”. That’s really the meaning of staying together and having many anniversaries together with this very soulful song. Alan Jackson’s on our list twice with his original song “I’d Love You All Over Again”. That’s definitely a special meeting for an anniversary. Now “Remember When” I know that was focused on 9/11, but it also focused on your family and your friends throughout your life.

(02:12)
Ambrosia’s classic rock song “Biggest Part of Me”. Love this song for celebrating anniversaries. The same goes for America’s “All My Life”. Next is Anne Murray’s “Could I Have This Dance” in 1980. Avant featuring Keke Wyatt “You and I” in 2013. Avett Brothers; “Swept Away” in 2004. Backstreet Boys’ “As Long As You Love Me” in 1997. Barry White’s “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” in 1974. Ann Murray’s “Could I Have This Dance” is an all-time classic country song that is primarily used for first dances and could still be used as a first dance today. Classic love song “You and I” is a great R&B song released in 2013 and really celebrates love today. “Swept Away” is a folk song by the Avett Brothers and a great song, “As Long As You Love Me” is a great singalong song not only for the anniversary dance if it’s a recent anniversary, like 10 or 20.

(03:12)
Finally, the R&B song, “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” by Barry White is a classic R&B song that could hit the mark for any R&B fan for their anniversary dance. The next three songs are by The Beatles. “Here, There and Everywhere” in 1966 “In My Life” in 1965, and “When I’m 64” in 1967. The Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” in 1977. Ben E King’s “Stand By Me” in 1961. Now the Beatles with the British Invasion have definitely hit their mark in the U.S.A. and these three songs I think are the pinnacle for any anniversary dance. The Beatles can be played for any anniversary because of their mass appeal. The Bee Gees are thought of as disco, but this song has transcended all generations and is still played today as a great love song. Ben E King “Stand By Me” is a soulful song that you could play for not only the anniversary but a first dance during your ceremony.

(04:12)
Next up are Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” in 1987. Billy Joel “Just the Way You Are” in 1977. Bobby Vinton “Please Love Me Forever” in 1967. Bon Jovi “Always” in 1997. Brad Paisley’s “Two People Fell In Love” in 2001. “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” was first released in 1987 with the movie Dirty Dancing and is a great way to celebrate your anniversary at weddings. “Just the Way You Are” is a great way to tell somebody that you love them just the way that they are. Bobby Vinton takes you back to the 1960s with “Please Love Me Forever”. It is a great anniversary song for a couple that’s been married since the 1960s. “Always” is a great pop rock song by Bon Jovi for wedding couples married in the nineties. “Two People Fell In Love” is a great country song released recently that could be perfect for country fans.

(05:08)
The next five start with the number 21. Bruno Mars’s “Just the Way You Are” in 2010. Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason” in 2017. Captain and Tenille “Love Will Keep Us Together” in 1975. The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” in 1970. Celine Dion’s “Because You Love Me” in 1996. Now “Just the Way You Are” is a little bit more upbeat, but I really like the message in this song. Calum Scott has a very recent song but has a great message for any wedding anniversary with y”You Are the Reason”. “Love Will Keep Us Together” is another upbeat song, but could be fun as an anniversary dance for couples that were married in the seventies. Also released in the seventies is “We’ve Only Just Begun”. The Carpenters hit is the classic love song that says hey, we’ve just begun. But you know what? We’re going to keep it going because “You Love Me” is from the nineties for Celine Dion’s fans because she has a massive following.

(06:06)
At 26 is Climax Blues Band’s “I Love You” in 1980. Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black with “When I Said I Do” in 1999. Coldplay’s “Yellow” in 2000. Cowboy Junkies’ “Anniversary Song” in 1993. Dan + Shay’s “From the Ground Up” in 2016. So the Climax Blues Band is a classic rock song from the eighties with “I Love You” that could be played for couples that were married in the eighties. “When I Said I Do” is typically a love song for weddings but for country music fans of the late nineties could be played as an anniversary song. Current pop rock band Coldplay has a great wedding song for anniversaries called “Yellow”. Cowboy Junkies and their “Anniversary Song” is a country rock song from the mid-1990s. Dan and Shay’s “From The Ground Up” is still a popular wedding song today because it was only released in 2016, but it’s a pop country song that could be celebrating the anniversaries of yesterday and today.

(07:04)
David Pomerantz with “On This Day” in 2001. Dean Martin is on the list twice with “Memories Are Made of This” in 1956 and 1953 “That’s Amore”. Ed Sheeran with “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014. In 2017 Ed Sheeran with Beyonce – a duet called “Perfect”. David Pomerantz’s “On This Day” is a pop song released in 2001 for newly married couples. Dean Martin’s 1950s hits “Memories Are Made of This” and “That’s Amore” are still relevant today for couples that were married in the 1950s. For those couples that want a new vibe, Ed Sheeran definitely hits the mark with “Thinking Out Loud” and “Perfect”. What I like about “Perfect” is that it is a duet between Ed Sheeran and Beyonce. At number 36 is Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gale’s “You and I” in 1982. Eddie Howard’s “Anniversary Waltz” in 1955. Edwin McCain’s “I Could Not Ask For More” in 1999. Elton John’s “Your Song” in 1970. Eric Clapton with “Wonderful Tonight” in 1977. For classic country fans of the 1980s, “You and I” was a huge love song with Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gale that would fit right in as an anniversary dance song.

(08:20)
Eddie Howard’s “Anniversary Waltz” song was a huge hit in 1955 and could be played as an anniversary song for couples married in the 1950s. A current pop rock song, Edwin McCain’s “I Could Not Ask for More” really celebrates the love in a marriage and is a perfect anniversary song. Elton John’s “Your Song” in 1970 was actually played as the first dance song for friends of mine who were married in the 1990s and I think it’s still relevant today. It was really brought to light with the new Elton John movie as well released in 2019. Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” is not only a great anniversary song, but I like it as a last dance slow song too with the room cleared and the only people dancing are the wedding couple. So that way you have a special moment just with the photographer and the wedding couple getting a great picture.

(09:11)
The next five start with Eva Cassidy’s “Anniversary Song” in 2000. Extreme’s “More Than Words” in 1991. Five for Fighting’s “100 Years” in 2003. Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes For You” in 1959. Fleetwood Mac’s “You Make Loving Fun” in 1977. Eva Cassidy has her song released in 2000. That is an anniversary song and fits perfectly with weddings. Extreme’s “More Than Words” is on the list for those hair band fans and this song was released in 1991. Five For Fighting’s “100 Years” is a great song to celebrate anniversaries. The Flamingos is a doo-wop song that really hit the mark with “I Only Have Eyes For You” for those couples that were married in the 1950s. Fleetwood Mac’s “You Make Loving Fun” is a fun song that could celebrate the couples that were married in the 1970s. Starting with number 46, we have three songs by Frank Sinatra.

(10:10)
“My Way” in 1969, “The Best is Yet to Come” in 1964, and “The Way You Look Tonight” in 1961. Grover Washington Jr. And Bill Withers’ “Just The Two Of Us” in 1981. Harry Connick Jr.’s “It Had To Be You” in 1991. So, Frank Sinatra is still relevant today with three songs on the list and “My Way” is probably my favorite song on this whole list to play for those couples that were married in the 1960s. “The Best Is Yet To Come” is a great way to signify that you know that our love will continue until the end. “The Way You Look Tonight” is a dedication from a groom to his bride that she’s beautiful and a great song to play as an anniversary song. “Just The Two Of Us” is a classic R&B song that could be played as a more upbeat song for an anniversary dance.

(10:55)
“It Had To Be You” is a great song that was first released on the soundtrack When Harry Met Sally but still is relevant today for Harry Connick Jr. fans. Especially because he’s a judge on American Idol. The Honeydrippers’ “Sea of Love” in 1985. Ian James “Can’t Remember Never Loving You” in 2018. Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” in 2008. Jimmy Durante’s “As Time Goes By” in 1965. Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady” in 1991. So the Honeydrippers’ “Sea of Love” is a classic pop rock song released in the eighties. So if you have couples that were married in the eighties, this song is a perfect song to play. Ian Janes is a current country song, but I have to say really hits the mark as an anniversary song with “Can’t Remember Never Loving You”. Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” is a popular first dance song, but also could be a great anniversary song for couples that were married in the 2000s.

(11:52)
Jimmy Durante for those couples married in the sixties that love big band and jazz “As Time Goes By” is a great song. “Forever My Lady” by Jodeci is a classic R&B song for those couples married in the nineties and makes for a great anniversary song. Next up at number 56 is John Legend’s “Stay With You” in 2004. Johnny Cash’s “A Thing Called Love” in 1972. Josh Groban’s “You Raised Me Up” in 2001. Josh Groban with Jennifer Nettles’ “99 Years” in 2018. Journey’s “After All These Years” in 2008. This group of five starts off with John Legend’s “Stay With You” in 2004. It is a great current R&B song that you could play. Johnny Cash, The Man in Black, with a classic country song “A Thing Called Love” for those country fans. Josh Groban’s “You Raised Me Up” is played a lot at weddings and is an inspirational song for those couples that like this type of music.

(12:48)
Josh Groban sings with Jennifer Nettles, who’s a member of Sugarland, and really hits the mark with “99 Years” as a current pop song that could be played as an anniversary song. One of the greatest rock bands of the eighties Journey has their song “After All These Years” which was released in 2008. At number 61 is Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” in 2002. Kelly Morrison’s “Happy Anniversary” in 2009. Kenny Rogers’ “You Decorated My Life” in 1979. King Callaway’s “You’re Still The One” in 2019. Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” in 1980. Kelly Clarkson has her own talk show today, but “A Moment Like This” really hits the mark for anniversary songs released in early 2000. For couples that were married, my favorite anniversary song with anniversary in the title is Kelly Morrison’s “Happy Anniversary” released in 2009 for couples that like pop rock.

(13:46)
Kenny Rogers’ “You Decorated My Life” is a classic country song released in the late 1970s that you could play as an anniversary song or as a dedicated love song. King Calloway covers Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” in 2019 and makes for a great anniversary dance song. If you want to make your anniversary song an upbeat party song, then check out Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”. Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way” in 2018. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’ “Endless Love” in 1981. Little River Band’s “Happy Anniversary” in 1977. Mary Chapin Carpenter with “Grow Old With Me” in 1995. Michael Buble’s “The Best Is Yet To Come” in 2007. “Always Remember Us This Way” was released from the soundtrack Shallow in 2018. The next song makes for a great memory for an anniversary dance song for R&B wedding couples of the 1980s. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross is a must-play with “Endless Love”.

(14:48)
Classic rock band Little River Band had their hit “Happy Anniversary” as a great anniversary dance song. Mary Chapin Carpenter for country fans of the 1990s “Grow Old With Me” is perfect for those who like pop jazz. Michael Buble is a current crooner versus Frank Sinatra with “The Best Is Yet To Come”. Michael Franti and Spearhead “Just To Say I Love You” in 2018. Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” in 1965. Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” in 1975. Old School Gang’s “Beautiful You Are So Beautiful To Me” in 2018. Orleans’ “Still The One” in 1976. So if you’re looking for an upbeat folk song that’s current, Michael Franti really hits the mark with “Just To Say I Love You”. The classic R&B singer and jazz singer, Nat King Cole with “L-O-V-E” is perfect for couples that were married in the 1960s.

(15:49)
Natalie Cole’s R&B classic from the 1970s “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” is perfect for an anniversary dance. A classic rock song by Joe Cocker was made current in this R&B cover by Old School Gang’s “Beautiful You Are So Beautiful To Me”. If you’re looking for a classic rock song of the 1970s, be sure to check out Orleans’s “Still The One” which makes for a great anniversary dance song. Next up at number 76 is Patty Loveless and Vince Gill’s “My Kind of Woman, My Kind of Man” in 1999. Paul Anka “Times of Your Life” in 1975. Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack’s “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” in 1983. Queen with “You’re My Best Friend” in 1976. Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen” in 1987. So those country fans who are looking for a duet, I really like the 1990s song, “My Kind of Woman, My Kind of Man” by Patty Loveless and Vince Gill.

(16:43)
Two superstars in country coming together. Paul Anka’s “Times of Your Life” for those couples that were married in the 1970s is a perfect anniversary dance song. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” is a 1980s super hit – R&B song by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack that would fit perfectly in any wedding theme. “You’re My Best Friend” celebrates love in marriage and friendship in a marriage by Queen released in the 1970s. “Forever and Ever Amen” is a great classic country song from the 1980s. For couples that were married in the eighties, we’ll remember this great song by Randy Travis. At number 81 is Ray, Goodman and Brown’s “Happy Anniversary” in 1980. Rex Smith’s “You Take My Breath Away in 1979. The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” in 1965. Two songs by Rod Stewart “Forever Young” in 1988 and “Have I Told You Lately” in 1993. Ray, Goodman and Brown released “Happy Anniversary”, which is a great R&B anniversary song released in early 1980.

(17:45)
Rex Smith’s “You Take My Breath Away” is a great classic rock song from the late 1970s. The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody”. Even though it was released in the 1960s, it was brought back to life in the movie Ghost which was released in 1990. So this song could be relevant for couples married in the sixties and the nineties. Rod Stewart has two songs on the list. The first one is “Forever Young”. If the couple wants to be remembered as “Forever Young” or they want to have this song that is a little bit more upbeat be their song, then this 1980s hit fits “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is a great wedding song. This song from the 1980s really would be great as an anniversary song. At number 86 is Roy Clark with “Honeymoon Feeling” in 1974. Sam Cook’s “You Send Me” in 1957/ Savage Garden’s Truly, Madly, Deeply” in 1997. Shania Twain is on the list twice with “Forever And For Always” in 2003 and “You’re Still The One” in 1998.

(18:46)
Now Roy Clark, you may remember him from Heehaw, but he had this great country hit “Honeymoon Feeling” that would be great for couples that were married in the 1970s that love country music. Sam Cook is one of my all-time favorite R&B artists with “You Send Me” for couples that were married in the 1950s. For those couples that were married in the 1990s who could ever forget the mega-hit by Savage Garden “Truly, Madly, Deeply”? It really fits as a love song throughout any wedding. Shania Twain’s “Forever And For Always” is a little bit more uptempo for country fans who want to dance a little bit faster as their anniversary dance. “You’re Still The One” fits the perfect storyline and message for any anniversary dance from the 1990s. Hit Shanice “Saving Forever for You” in 1992. Sonny and Cher’s “I’ve Got You Babe” In 1965. Stevie Wonder’s “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life in 1973.

(19:39)
Tank’s “Our Song” in 2019. Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” in 2015. So, for those R&B fans of the 1990s “Saving Forever For You” by Shanice is a great song to play for couples that love R&B music. I think Sonny and Cher are still relevant today. But “I’ve Got You Babe” is a song that everybody knows even though it was released in the 1960s, you could play it for any couple throughout the years. Stevie Wonder’s “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” was released in the seventies, but still is a great soulful song that is relevant today. Tank just recently released an R&B hit “Our Song” that was produced with his wife and makes for a great anniversary song celebrating their love together throughout the years. Thomas Rett’s “Die A Happy Man” was released in 2015, but is a great country song that everybody will know and sing along to. The last five songs on the list, start with Tim McGraw.

(20:36)
“You Just Get Better All The Time” in 1997. Tim McGraw with his wife, Faith Hill, in “The Rest Of Our Life” in 2017. Tony Bennett’s Because Of You” in 1951. Tony! Toni! Toné!’s “Anniversary” in 1993. Tori Kelly featuring Ed Sheeran’s duet “I Was Made For Loving You” in 2015. Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” in 1989. So, Tim McGraw’s “You Just Get Better All The Time” was released in the 1990s for those nineties couples that love country/ For any couple, everybody knows who Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are. You don’t have to love country music and “The Rest Of Our Life” really signifies an anniversary and loving somebody forever. So this song is really perfect for an anniversary dance. Tony Bennett’s song “Because Of You” hits the mark for those couples married in the 1950s. R&B fans of the nineties definitely remember “Anniversary” by Tony! Toni! Toné! and makes for a great anniversary dance song.

(21:32)
Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran come together as a duet with “I Was Made For Loving You” by this 2015 pop song that could be a great song as an anniversary dance. Van Morrison really hit the mark with “Have I Told You Lately” which was released in 1989. I know it’s already on the list by Rod Stewart, but I actually prefer this version for those fans that love the pop-rock genre and Van Morrison’s unique sound. So there you have it. My list of 100 anniversary songs to play as an anniversary dance at your wedding. If you have a song that you think should be on the list, be sure to reach out to us through the comments or on our Facebook page. Have a great day.

Listen to Podcast Episode 7 – What are the Best First Dance Songs?