The Carpenters remain one of America’s best-loved musical acts. The brother and sister duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter merged their respective talents to record a catalog of music that helped to define an entire era.
The duo was mostly known for optimistic love songs and ballads, and their legacy lives on today in a vast catalog of hits.
Newlyweds could easily create an entire wedding ceremony themed around the music of the Carpenters. Love was a frequent topic in the duo’s biggest hits. The Carpenters gave the world an enduring selection of love ballads and wedding songs. There is something on this list for everyone.
The Carpenters Wedding Songs List
Can’t Smile Without You
Released in 1976 on the album A Kind of Hush
The one that we choose to marry is the one that can always put a smile on our face no matter what the circumstances and that ability are celebrated in this Carpenters classic hit.
This song has been covered by many other artists, but it is hard to do better than the upbeat vocals of Karen Carpenter on the original.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
I feel glad when you’re glad And you must know what I’m going through I just can’t smile without you
You
Released in 1976 on the album A Kind of Hush
Let your partner know that this special day is all about them when you have this song dedicated to them at the wedding reception.
It is a song about unselfish love and devotion to one’s partner, and it sets the proper tone when you have it played as the wedding guests are beginning to arrive.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
You are one of the few things worth remembering And since it’s all true How could anyone mean more to me than you
Happy
Released in 1975 on the album Horizon
Simplicity is something that every couple should consider for their song choices on their wedding day, and this love ballad simply stresses the feeling of happiness one receives from being with their partner.
It is a song that would be perfect for that first dance together as husband and wife.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
All at once my life is changin’, And I know it’s ’cause I’m fallin’ in love with you
I Won’t Last A Day Without You
Released in 1972 on the album A Song for You
The themes of longing and devotion are at the center of many songs by The Carpenters, and perhaps that is why almost any song from this group can be used as a wedding song.
This one should be played as the wedding guests arrive, or it can proceed with the bridal march as an accompaniment for the bridal party.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
It’s nice to know that you’ll be there if I need you And you’ll always smile, it’s all worthwhile
Top Of The World
Released in 1972 on the album A Song for You
Karen Carpenter provides an upbeat vocal performance for this optimistic song that celebrates being on a high created by love, something all newlyweds can relate to.
This is a fun song that will have everyone singing along, so it should perhaps be used at the wedding reception for a group dance.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
When this day is through I hope that I will find That tomorrow will be, just the same for you and me All I need will be mine if you are here
A Song For You
Released in 1972 on the album A Song for You
This may be one of The Carpenters’ strongest lyrical efforts, a song of devotion that is meant as a dedication from one partner to another.
The best way to use this song is to surprise the groom with it at the wedding reception, and some brides even sing it karaoke-style for their new husband.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Darlin’ can’t you please see through me? ‘Cause we’re alone now And I’m singing this song for you
Let Me Be the One
Released in 1971 on the album Carpenters
What I want more than anything else on your wedding day is to be the sole focus of desire from our partner, and this song expresses that want poignantly.
Many couples have chosen this for their first dance, but it has also been used as an accompaniment for cutting the wedding cake.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Let me be the one you come to When you need someone to turn to Let me be the one
We’ve Only Just Begun
Released in 1970 on the album Close to You
This Carpenters classic was written explicitly as a wedding song, and it is used today by modern couples who wish to have a unique wedding processional.
The song was sung by Carl Weathers in the film Happy Gilmore, but you will probably want to stick with the original version for your wedding.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us Workin’ together day to day Together
(They Long To Be) Close To You
Released in 1970 on the album Close to You
Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel, and it shines on this number-one hit from 1970 that has become a wedding day staple.
Most couples like to have this song added to the wedding day playlist but it can also be used to introduce the happy couple for the first time as man and wife.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
That is why all the girls in town Follow you all around Just like me, they long to be Close to you
Love Is Surrender
Released in 1970 on the album Close to You
When we enter into the sacred bonds of marriage there is a willingness to surrender to the love of another, and this can be a scary leap of faith for any couple.
Have this song played before the bridal party enters the wedding chapel to remind you that everything will work out between the two of you?
Lyrics To Inspire You:
For love is surrender You must surrender if you care You must surrender if you dare
Baby It’s You
Released in 1970 on the album Close to You
There is only one person on the mind of the groom on your wedding day, and the beautiful bride is also the sole focus of all of those who are in attendance.
This song is a nice choice if you want something different to be played while the groom and his entourage are taking up their positions.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
What can I do When it’s true Don’t want nobody ‘Cause baby it’s you
All of My Life
Released in 1969 on the album Ticket to Ride
Marriage is about a lifelong commitment between two people who love one another with all their hearts and soul, and that is the meaning of this beautiful hit by the Carpenters.
It is a song that you might want to consider using as an alternative to the traditional bridal march.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
Come what may, and all of my life You’ll be my own I just want
The Carpenters Highest-Ranking Singles – U.S.
#1 (They Long to Be) Close to You, 1970
#1 Top of the World, 1973
#1 Please Mr. Postman, 1974
#2 We’ve Only Just Begun, 1970
#2 Rainy Days and Mondays, 1971
#2 Superstar, 1971
#2 Hurting Each Other, 1972
#2 Yesterday Once More, 1973
#3 For All We Know, 1971
#3 Sing, 1973
#4 Only Yesterday, 1975
#7 Goodbye to Love, 1972
Have a favorite Carpenters song, not on my list for weddings? Please comment on it below so that I can add it.
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
