Top 100 Wedding Songs Past & Present List

Songs cement memories of your wedding day for you — as the wedding couple — and your guests. Here are the greatest wedding songs of all time.

How do you choose the best one? I have some tips for you.

This list incorporates all aspects of a wedding including the processional, recessional, grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, and party songs.

There are a lot of opportunities to use music at a wedding.

Top 10 Wedding Songs of All-time

1. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
Released in 1961 – Elvis, the king of Rock and Roll, slowed the tempo way down for this sensual love ballad. In 2017, Haley Reinhart’s cover of the song became extremely popular in the wedding circuit.

Other popular covers include Kina Grannis was featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians and a personal favorite by Music Travel Love.

2. “At Last” by Etta James
Released in 1960 – The soulful Etta James captures the emotion of finding your forever love in song. “At Last” has stood the test of time. It’s amazing to think that this song came from her very first album.

3. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017 – Although this song is the newest song on the list, I believe it will be played for years to come. Sheeran is a global superstar and this song has the perfect love story.

4. “Marry Me” by Train
Released in 2010 – Train has the perfect message for the processional walk. Did you choose your groom’s processional song yet?

5. “Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
Released in 1995 – Although the song was originally produced by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rascal Flats turned it into a mega-wedding hit.

This song captures the gratitude for past relationships as the path to meeting one another through God.

6. “All Of Me” by John Legend
Released in 2013 – John Legend will go down as one of the greatest R&B artists of his time. “All of Me” highlights his talent with words. Love isn’t about perfection; it’s about the acceptance of one another’s defaults.

7. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
Released in 1998 – Brought from the big screen to the hearts of wedding couples and wedding guests for a love that will last forever.

8. “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967 – This song, sung by Louis Armstrong, gives a great vibe of happiness and causes us all to smile — unless you say “Good Morning, Vietnam” then all you think of is war. Be aware of this connection if your parents served in the Vietnam Conflict.

9. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Released in 2011 – A wedding song played during the wedding of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart) in the Twilight series.

A very popular song played during the wedding ceremony as a processional but also as a first dance song too.  See other covers of this song too like The Piano Guys.

10. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Released in 1964 – The song resurfaced as a wedding song in 1991. It then was featured in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” in 1997.

Since then, the song can be played for the father-daughter dance, money dance, or any song shining the spotlight on the wedding couple.

Greatest Wedding Songs: The List

I have scoured the Earth reviewing DJ wedding playlists, music charts, and popular streaming songs to bring you our list of the greatest wedding songs of all time.

What are the greatest wedding songs of all time? I have your list. Our disclaimer is that the list is not bound by any specific era or genre like Rock, R&B, Country, or Jazz.

The greatest wedding songs of all time surpass genre and style.

Before you comment about your favorite song not being on our list of top all-time wedding songs, please know that I chose only 100 songs. Yes, there are fantastic wedding songs not on my list.

Best Wedding Songs

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Released in 2011

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Darling, don’t be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Released in 1967

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, baby

All Of Me – John Legend

Released in 2013

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections

All Your’n – Tyler Childers

Released in 2019

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There ain’t two ways around it
There ain’t no trying ’bout it
I’m all your’n and you’re all mine

Amazed – Lonestar

Released in 1999

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever

At Last – Etta James

Released in 1960

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs

Released in 2018

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Yeah, she’s crazy
But her crazy’s beautiful to me

Better Together – Jack Johnson

Released in 2006

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But I will still tell you one thing
We’re better together

Beyond – Leon Bridges

Released in 2018

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife?
She might just be my everything and beyond

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Released in 1982

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one

Tip: The most important songs chosen for your wedding ceremony are the songs played as the wedding party walks down the aisle. (See a list of upbeat and romantic songs for the processional.)

Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

Released in 2004

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Bloom – The Paper Kites

Released in 2011

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When the evening pulls the sun down
And the day is almost through
Oh, the whole world it is sleeping
But my world is you

Boogie Shoes – KC and the Sunshine Band

Released in 1975

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh yeah, boogie down boogie down
I want to put on my my my my my
Boogie shoes

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Released in 1967

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you
My brown-eyed girl

Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Released in 2011

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Tonight is the night, we’ll fight ’til it’s over
So we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us
Like the ceiling can’t hold us

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

Released in 1961

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can”t help falling in love with you

Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake

Released in 2016

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance

Cha Cha Slide – Mr C The Slide Man

Released in 2000

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cha cha now y’all
Now it’s time to get funky

Crazy in Love – Beyoncé, Jay Z

Released in 2003

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Just how your love can do what no one else can
Got me looking so crazy right now, your love’s
Got me looking so crazy right now

Cupid Shuffle – Cupid

Released in 2007

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Down, down, do your dance, do your dance
(A let me see ya do the Cupid, shuffle the Cupid Cupid shuffle)

Tip: All eyes are on you during your wedding day. At the reception, the highlight is your first dance. Choose a first dance song that means something to you.

Dancing Queen – ABBA

Released in 1976

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Released in 1981

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’

Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys

Released in 1997

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet’s back alright

Everything – Michael Bublé

Released in 2007

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything

Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks

Released in 1990

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause I’ve got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns
And the beer chases my blues away
And I’ll be okay

From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay

Released in 2016

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Beside you I’ll stand through the good and the bad
We’ll give all that we have
And we’ll build this love from the ground up

From This Moment On – Shania Twain

Released in 1997

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing, I wouldn’t give
From this moment on

Gasolina – Daddy Yankee

Released in 2010

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

What I like is that you let yourself go
Every weekenes she goes out

Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

Released in 1983

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh girls
Girls just wanna have fun

Good As Hell – Lizzo

Released in 2016

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I do my hair toss
Check my nails
Baby how you feelin’?
Feeling good as hell

Tip: It’s your parents’ Big Day too. A popular moment during the reception to incorporate your parents is to have a dad and daughter dance and a mom and son dance. Choose a song with them. If your mom is your bestie, a mom and daughter dance is appropriate too.

Growing Old With You – Restless Road

Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’ll build this home together, weather any storm
And as the years keep rolling on
You’ll be right where I belong

Hey Ya! – Outkast

Released in 2003

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor
Ah! Here we go
Shake it, shake, shake it, shake it, shake, shake it

Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean

Released in 2005

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m on tonight
You know my hips don’t lie (no fighting)
And I am starting to feel you

Hot In Herre – Nelly

Released in 2002

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s gettin’ hot in herre
So take off all your clothes
I am gettin’ so hot, I wanna take my clothes off

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor

Released in 1975

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I just wanna stop and thank you baby, oh yes
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

Released in 1998

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I just want to stay with you
In this moment forever
Forever and ever

I Get To Love You – Ruelle

Released in 2016

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Whatever may come your heart I will choose
Forever I’m yours, forever I do
I get to love you

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Released in 2009

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I gotta feeling
That tonight’s gonna be a good night

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

Released in 2000

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance, I hope you dance

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston

Released in 1987

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

What music will play as your grand entrance and introduction song into the reception to set the tone from romance to epic?

Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.

Released in 1997

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sometimes your words just hypnotize me
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid

I’m Good (Blue) – David Guetta & Bebe Rexha

Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause I’m good, yeah, I’m feelin’ alright
Baby, I’ma have the best night of my life
And wherever it takes me, I’m down for the ride

If You Love Her – Forest Blakk feat. Meghan Trainor

Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She’s the best thing that you’ll ever have
She’ll love you
If you love her

In Da Club – 50 Cent

Released in 2003

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s your birthday
We gon’ party like it’s your birthday
We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday

Joy Of My Life – Chris Stapleton

Released in 2020

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Just take me by the hand
I am the luckiest man alive
Did I tell you, baby
You are the joy of my life?

Jump Around – House Of Pain

Released in 1992

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I came to get down, I came to get down
So get out your seat and jump around!
Jump around!

Let’s Get Married (ReMarqable Remix) – Jagged Edge feat. Run

Released in 1997

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We ain’t getting no younger, girl, so we might as well do it
Been feeling you all the while girl that I must confess
Girl, let’s just get married

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Released in 1972

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Let’s, let’s stay together (Together)
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Levitating – Dua Lipa

Released in 2020

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I need you all night
Come on, dance with me
I’m levitating

Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

Released in 1986

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Tip: Pick songs to accent moments of your reception including a bride bouquet toss song and a wedding cake-cutting song.

Look At Me – Carrie Underwood

Released in 2009

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Darling look at me
I’ve fallen like a fool for you
Darling can’t you see

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Released in 1977

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

Low – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain

Released in 2007

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She hit the floor (she hit the floor)
Next thing you know
Shawty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Released in 2008

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

No, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
To make you feel my love

Marry Me – Train

Released in 2009

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Promise me you’ll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to sing to you
When all the music dies

Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Released in 2003

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Swimming through sick lullabies, choking on your alibis
But it’s just the price I pay, destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes, ’cause I’m Mr. Brightside

My Girl – The Temptations

Released in 1965

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl

My Way – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1969

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way

My Wish – Rascal Flatts

Released in 2006

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley

Released in 1987

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you

Tip: Have all guests leave the reception hall to prepare for your send-off. Then, have a private last dance to a special song in an empty room.

Never Stop – SafetySuit

(Wedding Version) – Released in 2012

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And as the mirror says we’re older
I want to look the other way
You are my life, my love, my only

Nobody But You – Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani

Released in 2019

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t wanna live without you
I don’t wanna even breathe
I don’t wanna dream about you
Wanna wake up with you next to me

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Released in 1990

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops

Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus

Released in 2009

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I got my hands up, they’re playin’ my song
They know I’m gonna be okay
Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.

Pepas – Farruko

Released in 2021

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Raise your hands and bottles
We always have the movie in play
Today we’re going to party until it’s daytime

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2017

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I’ll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

Released in 1978

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Do you remember, 21st night of September?
Love was changing the mind of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away

Shake It Off – Taylor Swift

Released in 2014

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Can’t stop, won’t stop grooving
It’s like I got this music in my mind
Saying it’s gonna be alright

Shape Of You – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2017

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m in love with the shape of you
We push and pull like a magnet do
Although my heart is falling too
I’m in love with your body

Shout, Pts. 1 & 2 – The Isley Brothers

Released in 1959

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know you make me wanna (Shout)
Kick my heels up and (Shout)
Throw my hands up and (Shout)

Tip: After the ceremony is over, pick your song to exit the ceremony – also known as the recessional song.

Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon

Released in 2014

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me

Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder

Released in 1970

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ooh baby, here I am
Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours, I’m yours

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce

Released in 2008

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

Songbird – Fleetwood Mac

Released in 1977

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And the songbirds are singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before

Speechless – Dan + Shay

Released in 2018

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

After all this time I’m just as nervous
Every time you walk into the room
I’m speechless

Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Released in 1961

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

Released in 1969

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good

Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

Released in 1971

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong

Thank God – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown

Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You loved me when you didn’t have to
But you did and you do, and he knew
Thank God for giving me you

There She Goes – The La’s

Released in 1990

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There she goes again
Chasing down my lane
And I just can’t contain
This feeling that remains

Tip: When it’s time to party, play only the best party songs to get guests on the dance floor!

This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan

Released in 1995

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This is how we do it, all hands are in the air
And wave them from here to there

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Released in 1975

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime
And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare, oh!
This will be an everlasting love

Thunderstruck – AC/DC

Released in 1990

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Beating in my heart
The thunder of guns
Tore me apart
You’ve been
Thunderstruck

Turn Down for What – DJ Snake, Lil Jon

Released in 2013

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Fire up that loud
Another round of shots
Turn down for what?

Turning Page – Sleeping At Last

Released in 2011

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Your love is my turning page
Where only the sweetest words remain
Every kiss is a cursive line
Every touch is a redefining phrase

Twist and Shout – The Beatles

Released in 1963

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know you twist so fine
Come on and twist a little closer now
And let me know that you’re mine

Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez

Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I said, “I would never fall unless it’s you I fall into”
I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her
I found you

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars

Released in 2014

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause Uptown Funk gon’ give it to you
Saturday night, and we in the spot
Don’t believe me, just watch, come on!

Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony

Released in 2013

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I am going to laugh, I am going to dance
Live my life lalalala

Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker

Released in 2013

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So, rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Rock me mama any way you feel
Hey, mama rock me

Tip: Don’t forget about your wedding party. See our list of songs for bridesmaids and the list of songs for groomsmen.

Wannabe – Spice Girls

Released in 1996

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Yo, I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want

We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Released in 1979

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We are family (hey, y’all)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing (sing it to me)

We Found Love – Rihanna, Calvin Harris

Released in 2011

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny
But I’ve gotta let it go
We found love in a hopeless place

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Released in 1967

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Wobble – V.I.C.

Released in 2008

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble (yeah)
Wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble (yeah)

Yeah! – Usher, Ludacris, Lil’ Jon

Released in 2004

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She’s all up in my head now, got me thinking
That it might be a good idea to take her with me

You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne

Released in 2008

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You please me, you don’t even have to try
Oh, because
You are the best thing

You Are The Reason – Calum Scott, Leona Lewis

Released in 2018

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Just to be with you
And fix what I’ve broken
Oh, ’cause I need you to see
That you are the reason

You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates

Released in 1980

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh yeah, well, well you (Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh ooh)
You make a-my dreams come true

Yours – Russell Dickerson

Released in 2015

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I came to life when I first kissed you
The best me has his arms around you
You make me better than I was before
Thank God I’m yours

Spotify Wedding Playlist

Tip: If you are just getting started planning the music for your wedding, see our wedding ceremony and reception songs.

FAQs

What makes a song a great wedding song?

A great wedding song captures the joy of love, excitement of the wedding day, and faith in the relationship.

The greatest wedding song may be a love song or a song that fills the dance floor with guests partying and dancing the night away.

Quite a debate can be had while deciding the best wedding songs. Many songs are played over and over and over. That doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the greatest wedding song.

Today’s wedding couples want a different experience than every other couple. What gives?

If you want to be different, do not select a song below as these are the most popular songs ever to be played at weddings.

If, however, you’d like to work for the crowd, choose from our list of the greatest wedding songs of all time. These songs will be known by every guest and will give you and them goosebumps.

This list is compiled from being veteran DJs, talking to wedding couples through social groups, and analyzing hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide wedding music.

Constant reviewing of wedding songs through the years that are both in current circulation and have stood the test of time.

What is the best wedding song ever?

The best wedding song ever is “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. The song still gets played by many couples as their first dance song today!

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” has also been covered countless times including by Kacey Musgraves (from the ELVIS film), Haley Reinhart, Kina Grannix (from the Crazy Rich Asians film), Brooklyn Duo, Boyce Avenue, Music Travel Love, and countless others.

Another song in the running at a close second is “At Last”. It is a timeless classic wedding song about finding your forever love.

What type of song makes for the best wedding song ever?

It must be the epitome of love. The song must express love for another as that is what a wedding is all about.

Getting married was a popular theme recently with Marry Me by Train, Marry You by Bruno Mars, and also not on the list Marry Me by Jason Derulo.

Movies also played a big role in the list of best wedding songs ever. Movies feature mega-hits like Armageddon with I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing and Swing Time with The Way You Look Tonight.

What is the most played song at weddings?

The most popular song to play during a wedding ceremony is the processional song – the song played as the wedding party, including the bride, walks down the aisle. The most popular wedding reception song is the first dance song.

Music Sources:

• DJs’ Playlists
• Couples’ Playlists
• DJ Event Planner
• DJ Intelligence
• Amazon Best Sellers
• Billboard
• Spotify