Michael W. Smith Wedding Songs: Inspirational Classics for Your Big Day
Michael W. Smith is one of the most celebrated names in Christian music, with a career spanning over four decades and more than 20 albums. His ability to weave spiritual devotion with beautiful, radio-friendly melodies makes his music a staple for faith-based wedding celebrations. From timeless ballads that ground your ceremony to uplifting pop tracks for your reception, Michael W. Smith’s discography offers a “hand of providence” for your wedding playlist.
Essential Michael W. Smith Wedding Moments
- The Perfect Processional: “Forever Yours.” Released in 2010, this track carries a powerful message of lifelong commitment. It is a “great song to start a wedding,” setting a sacred tone as you begin your march down the aisle.
- The Heartfelt First Dance: “I Will Be Here For You.” This 1992 #1 hit is arguably his most popular wedding selection. Its lyrics promise a “light in the night,” making it a perfect choice for a first dance or even a sentimental parent-child dance.
- The Father-Daughter Tribute: “She Walks With Me.” Written for his own daughter, this 1999 track describes the bond between a father and his child. It’s an ideal choice for the father-daughter dance, celebrating the “love that makes her strong” as she finds her own way.
- The Ceremony Highlight: “Draw Me Close.” For moments like the unity candle lighting or wedding communion, this worship classic is a beautiful way to center your ceremony on your shared faith. It’s simple, moving lyrics remind everyone that God is “all I’ve ever needed”.
Expert DJ Tips for a Michael W. Smith Set
- The 1980s Connection: As I detailed in my 1980s book, Michael W. Smith’s early work (like 1987’s “Friends”) is iconic. While “Friends” is often used for memorials, its message that “friends are friends forever” makes it a touching choice for a final group dance with your closest loved ones.
- The “Love Of My Life” Duet: His collaboration with Jim Brickman (1999) is a masterclass in adult contemporary romance. As noted in my blog, this song “captures the perfect moment of a first dance” and fits seamlessly into a sophisticated dinner playlist.
- The “Waymaker” Energy: For a modern touch, don’t forget his 2019 version of “Waymaker.” It’s a powerful anthem that can be used during a mid-ceremony worship moment to bring a high-energy, spiritual atmosphere to the room.
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Michael W. Smith Highest-Charting Billboard Hits
- #1 Great Is the Lord, 1983
- #1 I Know, 1986
- #1 Rocketown, 1986
- #1 Emily, 1987
- #1 Pray for Me, 1988
- #1 The Throne, 1989
- #1 Go West Young Man, 1990
- #1 Place in this World, 1991
- #1 For You, 1991
- #1 “I Will Be Here for You, 1992
- #1 Give It Away, 1993
- #1 Picture Perfect, 1993
- #1 Cry for Love, 1995
- #1 Waymaker (with Vanessa Campagna and Madelyn Berry), 2019
- #2 Hosanna, 1984
- #2 Hand of Providence, 1988
- #2 On the Other Side, 1989
- #2 How Long Will Be Too Long, 1991
- #2 Seed to Sow, 1992
- #2 I’ll Lead You Home, 1996
- #2 Missing Person, 1998
- #2 Christmas Day (w/ Mandisa), 2007
- #3 I’ll Be Around, 1996
- #3 Someday, 1996
- #3 Live the Life, 1997
- #4 Wired for Sound, 1986
- #4 I Miss the Way, 1989
- #4 Love Crusade, 1992
- #4 Somebody Love Me, 1993
- #4 Breakdown, 1995
- #4 Love Me Good, 1998
- #5 Voices, 1986
- #5 Nothin’ But the Blood, 1987
- #5 Holy, Holy, Holy, 1989
- #5 I Hear Leesha, 1990
- #5 A Little Stronger Every Day, 1996
- #5 This is Your Time, 1999
- #5 Healing Rain, 2004
Love Songs List
Forever Yours
Released in 2010 on the album Wonder
A great song to start a wedding and begin the wedding march with the message of saying you’ll be yours forever.
Say you’ll be mine, for all your life
Till death comes between us
And the heavens steal you away
I’ll stay yours forever
Love Of My Life with Jim Brickman
Released in 1999 on the album Destiny
Love of My Life could capture the perfect moment of a first dance. However, it makes for the perfect wedding song that can be played at any time.
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love
The love of my life
Friends
Released in 1987on the album The Live Set
You are surrounded by friends at your wedding. This song is for remembering friends lost and possibly as the last dance song.
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
‘Cause the welcome will not end
Draw Me Close
Released in 2001 on the album Worship
A song about having God in your life. With the lyrics, this song can be played during the unity candle lighting or wedding communion.
You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Cross My Heart
Released in 1990 on the album Go West Young Man
A song worth considering for the ceremony as you are saying two will become one.
Cross my heart
There is room enough for two
Cross my heart over you
For You
Released in 1990 on the album Go West Young Man
An uptempo song that could complement your cake-cutting.
You know I’ll be here for you, for you
When you rise and when you fall
I’ll always be here for you
Love Always Wins
Released in 2018 on the album A Million Lights
A mid-tempo song that can be incorporated as a processional song after pronouncing your new married name!
I need to hear it time and time again
Oooh…
It’s written and it’s always been
Love always wins
I Will Be Here For You
Released in 1992 on the album Change Your World
The perfect love song for a first dance. You may also consider a parent’s dance too.
I’ll shine a light for you
Somewhere in the night
I’ll be standing by
I will be here for you
The Other Side Of Me
Released in 1995 on the album I’ll Lead You Home
If you are looking for a song to capture the longest-married couple at your wedding, this could be THE song.
Always love me
Never leave me now
Now you are the other side of me
She Walks with Me
Released in 1999 on the album This Is Your Time
The perfect father-daughter song as the song describes his daughter and how he knows she will be a strong woman.
And she walks with me
And she talks with me
And I hold her hand in mine
I know she’ll find her way
Like the light of day
Cause it’s love that makes her strong
Michael W. Smith Spotify Playlist
I hope you enjoyed my list of favorite Michael W. Smith wedding songs. If you think I missed a song, be sure to comment on it below. We read and respond to all comments.
