Best wedding songs

If you’re planning a marriage, assembling a list of the top wedding songs is a must! Whether you’ll soon be putting a wedding band on or are planning your best friend’s wedding, let’s take a look at some of the best wedding songs for the ceremony and reception alike.

The 25 Best Wedding Songs

1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston (1987)

Even though this song has all the effervescent energy of a pop hit, the lyrics are actually quite deep. So if you’re looking for a song that’s both danceable and a little sentimental, it’s a great one to pick.

This song is in the key of F#, and it’s a fun one to play on guitar. Depending on your skill level and the kind of version you’re trying to create, you can strum the chords or play the melody. This tutorial (video below left) takes you through the animated tabs plus chords!

2. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison (1967)

Interestingly enough, this song was written about an interracial relationship and was called “Brown-Skinned Girl.” The lyrics were changed to make sure the song got enough radio airplay. Still, the song’s focus on love makes it great for a wedding party.

“Brown Eyed Girl” is in the key of G, and it sounds especially nice played on an acoustic guitar. Once you’ve mastered it, listeners will recognize it instantly from the iconic riff. This tutorial (video above right) takes you through the whole song.

3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)

Most people associate this song with Bruno Mars, but the singer is actually a featured artist on this Mark Ronson hit. It might not sound like wedding music, but it’s one of the best dance songs for the reception!

This song’s funk-infused melody makes it a lot of fun to play, especially on an electric guitar. If you haven’t played funk guitar before, there might be a bit of a learning curve. But if you have a decent sense of rhythm, it shouldn’t be too hard to master! This video lesson (below left) will show you how to play it. The song is in the key of C major.

4. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole (1975)

This Natalie Cole song is one of the most popular wedding songs. It voices hope for a bright future together, and it captures the joy that only a wedding day can bring!

This perfect wedding song translates best to the piano, but if you have a digital keyboard or synth, you can have a lot of fun with the effects. This tutorial (video above right) shows you how to play it. Some of the chords are unique enough that you might learn some new ones! The song is in the key of G#.

5. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran (2014)

This song might not rank among the greatest wedding songs of all time, but it’s still a touching ballad about real love. Unfortunately, its catchy tune might be copied: Ed Sheeran is facing a lawsuit alleging the song copied Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”

If you want to learn to play this song for a wedding day or just in general, this tutorial (video below left) will show you how to play it like Ed Sheeran. And if you haven’t yet ventured into the world of percussive strumming, it’s a great introduction! The song is in the key of D.

6. “Say You’ll Be There” by the Spice Girls (1996)

Looking for good dance wedding songs? Look no further than this Spice Girls hit. The Spice Girls have said they wrote the track about the things they’ve been through together, but the lyrics could also apply to the things a couple has been through.

The song is in the key of C#. It’s a great song to play on the piano, especially if you find a backing track for the beat or play with a drummer! This video (above right) gives you a great visual illustrating how to play it.

7. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong (1967)

This one ranks high on the list of classic wedding songs, and it’s easily the most iconic song of Louis Armstrong’s career. It’s a great choice for a first dance, as it focuses not only on the beauty of the love between the couple but also on the beauty of the surrounding world.

“What a Wonderful World” sounds great on guitar or piano (or really any instrument). This video (below left) will show you how to play it on an acoustic guitar, but it also can sound good on an electric guitar with a little overdrive. The original song is in the key of F.

8. “All of Me” by John Legend (2013)

This relatively recent hit quickly became one of the best wedding songs. It’s a bit of a throwback to John Legend, who began his career with similarly piano-driven songs.

This song is in the key of G#, and as you might have guessed, playing it on the piano will make it sound a lot closer to the original. This video (above right) will show you how to play it, and it also shows you the names of the piano notes and chords you’ll need.

9. “At Last” by Etta James (1960)

This romantic song might be one of the best wedding songs of all time. It captures both the joy and the relief that comes with finding true love. The song was originally written for a musical called Sun Valley Serenade, but the Etta James version is by far the most famous.

This soul classic is a great one to learn on acoustic or electric guitar, and this helpful video (below left) can teach you how to play it. The original song is in the key of F. But if you want to sing along and have a different vocal range, you can always transpose it.

10. “Your Song” by Elton John (1970)

“Your Song” is one of the most popular Elton John songs ever, and it’s also one of the most popular wedding songs. It might seem like Bernie Taupin, lyricist and Elton John’s longtime collaborator, wrote the lyrics with a special person in mind. However, he claims he didn’t.

As you’ll see in this tutorial (video above right), the piano accompaniment is pretty enough that it sounds nice as an instrumental. But it’s also great to learn if you want to sing the song or accompany someone who does. The original is in the key of D#.

11. “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett and GoonRock (2011)

“Party Rock Anthem” probably isn’t a great processional song. But your wedding guests will certainly appreciate this dance song at the reception! If you’re compiling a list of wedding reception songs, this one should certainly be on the list.

If you’re just looking for a fun song to learn, you can play this one easily. This tutorial (video below left) shows you how to play an easy three-chord version. The original is in the key of F minor.

12. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)

This is another great song choice for a wedding reception. Wedding guests love familiar, danceable songs. And this catchy hit, according to band member Anni-Frid Lyngstad, said it was “absolutely the best song ABBA had ever done.”

Though “Dancing Queen” is certainly a Europop song, it also sounds great as a stripped-down acoustic version like the one you can learn in this tutorial (video above right). The song is in the key of A.

13. “I Was Made to Love Her” by Stevie Wonder (1967)

Stevie Wonder has said that this song was inspired by his first love. His mother even was a co-writer on the track!

If you’d like a detailed tutorial on how to play one of Stevie Wonder’s early hits, check out this great tutorial (video below left). The song sounds especially nice played on an electric guitar. And it’s in the key of F.

14. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole (1965)

This classic Nat King Cole song is a great choice for a first dance. It was originally recorded as an instrumental for a different artist; the Nat King Cole version just adds lyrics.

Like many soul songs, this one sounds great, played electrically. If you’re up for learning both the rhythm and the solo, this lesson (video above right) will do a good job of taking you through it. The song is in the key of E.

15. “Today Was a Fairytale” by Taylor Swift (2010)

Lots of people dream of a fairytale wedding, so this song just might be an appropriate one for a wedding soundtrack. Taylor Swift originally wrote it for the movie Valentine’s Day.

This song also isn’t a difficult one to learn to play. This tutorial (video below left) takes you through the relatively easy chords (though you will need a capo at the first fret). It’s in the key of G.

16. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart (1988)

Rod Stewart wrote this song as a heartfelt piece about his children. But it also serves as a kind of anthem to true love.

This upbeat tune can be a lot of fun to strum on an acoustic guitar, even if you’re new to the instrument. This beginner-friendly tutorial (video above right) can show you how to play it. The song’s original key is E major, though you can, of course, transpose it to suit your vocal range.

17. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (1981)

This hit was originally recorded for a movie of the same name. The movie didn’t do well, but the song certainly did! It’s a sincere ode to love, making it a great choice for your wedding day playlist.

This is a song that sounds great on either piano or guitar. This tutorial (video below left) shows you how to play it with a helpful animation. You can sing it as a duet or even just play the accompaniment! The original is in the key of C.

18. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland (2006)

If you’re searching for father-daughter dance songs, this is a good one to pick! As you might be able to tell from the title, the song is from the perspective of a father who loved his daughter before she met her spouse.

Like many country songs, this one sounds especially nice when played acoustically. It’s in the key of E. This video (above right) shows you how to play it easily by using a capo.

19. “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys (1966)

This beautifully intricate Beach Boys hit goes beyond the surf pop they’re known for. And when Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson was writing this song and others on the Pet Sounds album, he filled his living room with sand in hopes of gaining some creative inspiration!

If you want to try your hand at the signature guitar work of the Beach Boys, check out this detailed tutorial video (below left). It offers you a few different views of the guitar so you can play it as accurately as possible. The song is in the wistful and unusual key of F# minor.

20. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri (2011)

This Christina Perri hit was used on the Twilight: Breaking Dawn soundtrack. Perri was a Twilight fan and actually wrote the song about the movie’s main characters.

Most of Christina Perri’s songs use more piano than guitar, so if you want to sound more like the original, it’s a good idea to learn it on piano. This video (above right) will show you how to play it. It’s in the key of A# and includes some notes and chords that might be unfamiliar to newer pianists, but it won’t take long to get the hang of it!

21. “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga (2018)

Lady Gaga performed this song for the movie A Star is Born. But it was written by a team of Nashville songwriters specifically for the film. It’s a great choice of the first dance song!

Whether you’re a fan of the movie or not, this is a great song to learn to play. This tutorial (video below left) can show even newer players how to perform it. It’s in the key of C major.

22. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley (1961)

This is one of the best wedding ceremony songs of all time. Elvis Presley’s version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” has just enough of a gospel tinge to make it seem ideal for a wedding setting. It was a bit of a surprise Elvis hit, as most of his team reportedly didn’t think the song was particularly good.

This song works well on both guitar and piano. And if you’re a new piano player, you might find this beginner-friendly tutorial (video above right) especially helpful. The song isn’t too hard to play, and it’s in the key of C.

23. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (1988)

This crowd-pleaser is a great choice for your wedding music playlist, especially for the reception. The band’s guitarist Slash never liked the song; he thought the riff he made was silly, but the other band members convinced him to keep playing it. Still, Slash reportedly always considered it the worst song the band ever did.

Still, most people seem to like this song, and it’s a popular one for people to learn. The song is complex enough that it’s a good idea to learn it in a few phases. This video (below left) will teach you the iconic intro. It’s in the key of F#.

24. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton (1977)

This heartfelt Clapton hit might be one to look at if you choose recessional songs. Clapton wrote it about his girlfriend (and eventual wife) as he waited for her to get ready to go out.

Clapton’s wonderfully expressive guitar playing can be tough to replicate, but playing his songs can be a great way to improve as a guitarist. This detailed video (above right) will show you how to play it! It’s in the key of G.

25. “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers (1965)

Even though this song was written for a movie set in a prison, it still makes a beautiful wedding song! As is the case with some other huge hits, the band and their connections didn’t have high hopes for “Unchained Melody” when it was first released.

This song can be a fun one to learn on piano or guitar! This video takes you through a pretty acoustic version. The original song is in the key of C major.

Even More Wedding Song Ideas

1. “No One” by Alicia Keys (2007)
2. “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” by Backstreet Boys (1995)
3. “First Dance” by Justin Bieber ft. Usher (2009)
4. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (2008)
5. “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas (2009)
6. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce (2008)
7. “By Your Side” by Sade (2001)
8. “September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire (1978)
9. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion (1996)
10. “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin (1968)
11. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson (2002)
12.  “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green (1972)
13. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes (2005)
14. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast (2003)
15. “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake (2013)

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making a playlist for the wedding ceremony, the dance floor, or both, we hope that this collection of marriage songs has inspired you.

What do you think? Did we leave out any of the best wedding songs? Let us know in the comments, and please don’t forget to like and share if you found this list helpful!