REO Speedwagon Wedding Songs: Iconic Power Ballads and 80s Rock Romance
REO Speedwagon is the definitive soundtrack for couples who love classic rock with a heart of gold. With Kevin Cronin’s soaring vocals and the band’s mastery of the “emotional build,” their songs are tailor-made for high-impact wedding moments. Whether it’s a sentimental walk down the aisle or a massive sing-along first dance, REO Speedwagon brings a nostalgic, stadium-sized energy to your celebration.
- The Power Ballad Kings: Masters of the slow-build anthem that leads to a triumphant chorus.
- Classic Rock Credibility: Instantly recognizable hits that bridge the gap between generations.
- Deep Emotional Sincerity: Lyrics focused on loyalty, long-term commitment, and the “destiny” of finding the one.
Emotional Ceremonies & Classic Rock Processionals
- The “Destiny” Arrival: “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” This is arguably the most iconic power ballad of the 80s. Its slow, steady build and themes of realizing your best friend is “the one” make it an elite choice for a bridal processional.
- The Sincere Vow: “Let My Love Find You.” Specifically written by Kevin Cronin as a potential wedding song, this track offers a prayer-like devotion. It’s perfect for the moment the bride enters the venue.
- Acoustic Devotion: “One True Man.” For a more intimate, unplugged vibe during the ceremony, this acoustic-driven track focuses on a man’s commitment and personal growth for his partner.
- Lush Atmosphere: “Here With Me.” A sentimental choice to play while guests are being seated, highlighting the feeling that even in a crowded room, only your partner truly matters.
Iconic First Dances & Slow Grooves
- The Ultimate Commitment: “Keep On Loving You.” The band’s first #1 hit. Its message of staying together through the “tough times” makes it a legendary first dance choice for couples who value endurance and loyalty.
- Piano-Led Perfection: “Just for You.” A tender piano ballad that expresses a promise of “forever.” It’s an ideal choice for a classic, romantic first dance that feels both intimate and grand.
- The “Meant to Be” Dance: “Then I Met You.” A soulful ballad about finding direction once the right person appears. Grooms often choose this to surprise their brides during the reception.
- The Sentimental Build: “In My Dreams.” This track starts soft and builds to a powerful rock climax—great for a first dance that has a bit of “drama” and energy as the song progresses.
High-Energy Reception & Crowd Pleasers
- The “Hype” Entrance: “All Heaven Broke Loose.” A dramatic, upbeat track that is perfect for announcing the couple’s arrival at the reception or for a high-energy grand exit.
- The Sing-Along Staple: “Take It on the Run.” While the lyrics are a bit edgy, the chorus is one of the most famous in rock history. It’s a guaranteed floor-filler for the classic rock portion of the night.
- The Feel-Good Groove: “Live Every Moment.” An upbeat, life-affirming anthem that reminds everyone to celebrate the here and now. Perfect for a high-energy cake cutting or a mid-reception energy boost.
- The Country-Rock Twist: “Till All the Rivers Run Dry.” For a wedding with a slight country or “rootsy” feel, this track offers a great mid-tempo groove for the reception dance floor.
DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the REO Rock Vibe
- The Power Ballad Fade: Many REO tracks have long, rocking guitar outros. Have your DJ fade out or transition once the final chorus finishes to keep the formal moments (like a first dance) from feeling over-extended.
- Bridging the Decades: REO Speedwagon mixes flawlessly with Journey, Foreigner, and Chicago. Use their hits to anchor an “80s Rock” set that will keep both the Gen X-ers and their parents on the dance floor.
- The Processional Build: If using “Can’t Fight This Feeling” for the processional, ensure the DJ starts it at the beginning, but has the volume peak right as the doors open for the bride. The opening piano notes are instantly recognizable and set the mood perfectly.

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REO Speedwagon Highest-Charting Billboard Hits
U.S.
- #1 Keep on Loving You, 1980
- #1 Can’t Fight This Feeling, 1984
- #5 Take It on the Run, 1981
- #7 Keep the Fire Burnin’, 1982
- #16 That Ain’t Love, 1987
- #19 One Lonely Night, 1985
- #19 In My Dreams, 1987
- #20 In Your Letter, 1981
- #20 Here with Me, 1988
- #24 Don’t Let Him Go, 1981
- #26 Sweet Time, 1982
- #29 I Don’t Wanna Know, 1984
Love Songs List
The staple of REO Speedwagon has always been love ballads. There are many to choose from when you are planning music selections for your wedding. REO Speedwagon wedding songs are emotional and suitable for many parts of your ceremony.
Let My Love Find You
Released in 2007 on the album Find Your Own Way Home
One of the hits from the album Find Your Own Way Home, this song was specifically written as a possible wedding song by REO singer Kevin Cronin. It is a song that should be played as the bride is making her entrance into the chapel.
This is a prayer
I will say before I sleep
Hoping it will keep us together
Forever
Just for You
Released in 1999 on the album The Ballads
REO Speedwagon released a collection of their most successful love songs on The Ballads in 1999, and this was one of two original songs recorded for the album. It is a piano ballad with tender lyrics that express a man’s promise to love his bride forever.
I believe in forever
Just for you and me
Till All the Rivers Run Dry
Released in 1999 on the album The Ballads
Kevin Cronin and the rest of REO Speedwagon were going through a country music phase when they recorded this song for The Ballads. Like many country tunes, this song is very good for wedding reception dancing.
If I have it my way we’ll stay together
Till the rivers run dry I’ll be loving you
Then I Met You
Released in 1996 on the album Building the Bridge
This love ballad from the album Building the Bridge speaks of wandering through life until your special one appears, and grooms love to play it for their bride on your wedding day. It can even be sung karaoke-style by those grooms who want to create a memorable wedding reception moment.
I would never have believed
That anything could feel brand new
Then I met you
One True Man
Released in 1996 on the album Building the Bridge
This is another REO Speedwagon hit that appears to have been written specifically for weddings, and it is an acoustic guitar ballad that you can play before the bride enters the wedding venue. Use the song to highlight the groom and his expression of love and devotion to his new bride.
They all understand
That I’m changing for the better (yes I am)
I’m your one true man
Building the Bridge
Released in 1996 on the album Building the Bridge
This love song is one that expresses hope for a brighter future, and that is something that many couples want to convey to their wedding guests. The lyrics here are sentimental and should be given to those parts of the ceremony where the couple is presented as one soul.
With a lot of love
And some help from above
From your heart to mine
Love is a Rock
Released in 1990 on the album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
This is an epic song that expresses all the emotions that one man can feel for one woman on your wedding day, and it resonates with a promise that is similar to the wedding vows. The song is a long one, so it can be used for the parts of a wedding ceremony that take time to complete such as the bridal party’s arrival.
Some things disappear without a chance to grow
But my love will not
My love is a rock
All Heaven Broke Loose
Released in 1990 on the album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
Those couples who want a dramatic love song to announce their arrival as man and wife often choose this REO Speedwagon hit. It should be played by the DJ as the couple enters the reception hall, and it can also be used for the send-off to bring things full circle at the end of the evening.
The love that you’ve given me
Is a love that is true
And each time I feel like running
I come running home to you
Here With Me
Released in 1988 on the album The Hits
This song comes from a collection of REO Speedwagon’s most successful songs titled The Hits, and it was one of just two original songs recorded for that album. The theme of the song is a man’s longing to be with the one he loves, so it is a nice choice to play while the bridal party is taking their place for the ceremony.
But your laughter and your tenderness
Will never disappear
No matter where you are tonight
A part of you is here with me
In My Dreams
Released in 1987 on the album Life as We Know It
This REO Speedwagon wedding song is an example of the kind of song the band does best, a soft and slow ballad that builds to a strong pop-rock climax. You might want to play this song as your wedding guests are being seated if you want to include multiple REO songs on your special day.
And I don’t know really what it means
All I know is that you love me
In my dreams
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Released in 1984 on the album Wheels Are Turnin’
This song from REO Speedwagon’s Wheels Are Turnin’ album in 1984 may be the top wedding song recorded during the 80s, and it endures in popularity thirty years later. Most couples like to have this song played as a part of the bride’s processional, but it works in any wedding day context.
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
Live Every Moment
Released in 1984 on the album Wheels Are Turnin’
Weddings should be a celebration of all good things in life and the commitment to live each day to its fullest, and that is the theme of this uptempo ballad. It is a song that you will want to play at your reception for all the wedding guests to enjoy.
Love every day
‘Cus before you know it
Your precious time slips away
Keep On Loving You
Released in 1980 on the album Hi Infidelity
This became the first major hit for the band in 1980, a song of love and dedication that endures throughout all the tough times couples face. It is a piano ballad written by Gary Richrath that can either be used as an alternative processional or as the soundtrack for a first dance.
And I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I want to do
REO Speedwagon Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite REO Speedwagon song? Please share your song below in the comments!
