From timeless ballads to upbeat anthems, wedding songs have evolved over the decades while maintaining their role in creating unforgettable moments. Here’s a quick look at the most iconic wedding songs from each decade, spanning the 1960s to the 2000s:
- 1960s: Etta James – “At Last” and The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody” defined love and romance with soulful melodies.
- 1970s: Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours” and Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight” brought energy and heartfelt emotion.
- 1980s: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross – “Endless Love” became a symbol of unity, while Van Morrison – “Have I Told You Lately” bridged into the 1990s with gratitude-filled lyrics.
- 1990s: Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You” and Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” delivered powerful, cinematic love ballads.
- 2000s: Michael Bublé – “Everything” and Train – “Marry Me” offered modern, romantic vibes perfect for today’s weddings.
These songs continue to resonate with couples and guests alike, making them enduring staples for ceremonies and receptions. Whether you’re planning a first dance, a grand entrance, or a quiet moment during the celebration, these classics are sure to set the perfect tone.
Top 10 Classic Wedding Songs
1. Etta James – ‘At Last’ (1960s)
When Etta James recorded her unforgettable version of “At Last” in 1961, she delivered a timeless wedding favorite. Her soulful voice radiates both longing and joy, with lyrics like “At last, my love has come along” perfectly capturing the emotions of finding true love. Even decades later, this song continues to be a top pick for couples who want a track that never goes out of style.
Released during the rock and roll era, its jazz-inspired melody and classic arrangement make it a great fit for a variety of wedding themes, whether you’re planning a formal black-tie event or a charming vintage celebration. With its moderate tempo and three-minute runtime, it’s perfect for first dances, the bride’s entrance, or even a romantic pause during the ceremony or reception.
Beyond weddings, “At Last” has left its mark on pop culture, appearing in countless movies and TV shows. While many artists have tried their hand at covering this classic, Etta James’ version remains unmatched, offering a blend of elegance, romance, and heartfelt emotion. As the 1960s gave us the soulful grace of Etta James, the 1970s brought a fresh wave of upbeat tracks that also continue to shine at weddings.
2. Stevie Wonder – ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours’ (1970s)
Stevie Wonder kicked off the 1970s with a burst of energy through his hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours.” Released in 1970, this lively anthem marked a shift from the soulful sounds of the 1960s to more upbeat, celebratory love songs, perfectly capturing the spirit of the decade. Its catchy rhythm and passionate lyrics have made it a go-to choice for weddings ever since.
With its joyful vibe and heartfelt message, this track is perfect for high-energy wedding moments. Think of the couple’s grand exit after the ceremony, their dramatic entrance into the reception, or even as the song that gets everyone moving on the dance floor. Stevie Wonder and his team created a love song that continues to bring excitement and emotion to weddings everywhere.
While the 1970s gave us vibrant hits like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, the 1980s shifted gears with deeply emotional ballads that have also become wedding classics.
3. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross – ‘Endless Love’ (1980s)
Released in 1981, this duet quickly became a wedding classic and remains a favorite for couples today. The emotional connection between Richie and Ross gives the song its heartfelt charm, perfectly symbolizing the bond of marriage.
The alternating vocals beautifully reflect the unity and partnership that weddings celebrate, making it a go-to choice for first dances, processionals, or setting a romantic tone during the reception. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to fit seamlessly into different moments of a wedding while staying true to its theme of love and commitment.
What makes “Endless Love” so special is how its lyrics and arrangement come together to celebrate the beauty of partnership. The blending of voices and deeply emotional lyrics strike a chord with couples who want their love story reflected in their music. Its universal message of devotion connects with guests across generations, making it a standout addition to any wedding playlist.
Though “Endless Love” defined romance in the 1980s, the decade also brought us other unforgettable ballads that continue to inspire wedding celebrations.
4. Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’ (1990s)
Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” took Dolly Parton’s original song to new heights, turning it into one of the most memorable love songs of the 1990s. Released in 1992 as part of The Bodyguard soundtrack, this emotional ballad has become a wedding staple.
Houston’s voice effortlessly moves from soft and tender to powerful and soaring, delivering an emotional punch that few songs can match. It’s a go-to choice for moments that demand heartfelt emotion, making it perfect for weddings.
Whether it’s a first dance, a ceremony entrance, or a touching parent dance, this song creates magical moments. Many wedding planners recommend pairing it with thoughtful lighting or choreography to amplify its impact. The song’s crescendos are ideal for dramatic gestures, like a veil lift or the couple’s first kiss.
This timeless track resonates because it reflects the love and commitment celebrated on a wedding day. Its message of eternal devotion aligns beautifully with the promises exchanged during the ceremony, cementing its place in wedding traditions.
While this ballad defined the 1990s, the era also produced other romantic hits that continue to inspire wedding playlists.
5. Van Morrison – ‘Have I Told You Lately’ (1980s/1990s)
Released in 1989 on Van Morrison’s Avalon Sunset album, “Have I Told You Lately” has become a classic for weddings, symbolizing love and gratitude. Whether it’s Van Morrison’s soulful version or Rod Stewart’s pop rendition, this song beautifully captures the emotions tied to marriage, making it a popular pick for first dances or intimate moments.
The lyrics, especially the heartfelt opening lines, > “Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you there’s no one else above you?” echo the essence of marriage – expressing love and appreciation every day. These words make it an ideal backdrop for couples to reflect on their bond during their first dance.
With its gentle rhythm, the song works perfectly for slow dances and creates a relaxed atmosphere for couples, regardless of their dancing skills. Its timeless charm connects with guests of all ages, adding a unifying touch to the celebration.
The 1980s and 1990s brought us ballads like this one, filled with emotion and depth, alongside unforgettable anthems that defined love in unique ways.
6. Righteous Brothers – ‘Unchained Melody’ (1960s)
First written in 1955, “Unchained Melody” became unforgettable thanks to The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 rendition. Their heartfelt vocals and the song’s dreamy tune have made it one of the most beloved wedding songs ever.
This 1960s gem combines doo-wop and soul, delivering a haunting melody and powerful harmonies. The lyrics speak of endless devotion, turning it into a symbol of love and commitment. Its nostalgic feel resonates with couples across generations, ensuring its place at weddings year after year.
The song gained renewed attention through its inclusion in the 1990 movie Ghost, introducing it to a younger audience and solidifying its role as a wedding classic. Its ability to connect people and create shared memories keeps it relevant today.
Whether it’s for a first dance, a processional moment, or as background music during dinner, “Unchained Melody” sets the perfect romantic tone. Played live or in its original version, it continues to move wedding guests with its emotional depth.
While “Unchained Melody” remains a timeless favorite, the 1970s brought us equally touching love songs like Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.”
7. Eric Clapton – ‘Wonderful Tonight’ (1970s)
Released in 1977 on Eric Clapton’s album Slowhand, “Wonderful Tonight” has stood the test of time as a wedding classic. Its gentle melody and unhurried tempo make it perfect for creating an intimate, heartfelt moment – especially for first dances.
The song’s straightforward yet touching lyrics celebrate the small, everyday moments that strengthen relationships. Lines like “And then she asks me, ‘Do I look alright?'” and “Yes, you look wonderful tonight” strike a chord with couples, capturing the essence of love and admiration.
Its timeless charm and emotional connection have made it a go-to choice for weddings across decades. The song’s gold certification highlights its popularity, while its warm, romantic tone makes it a fitting backdrop for quieter, more personal parts of a celebration.
While “Wonderful Tonight” closed out the 1970s with grace, the 1990s brought another iconic love ballad: Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” which took romance to a cinematic level.
8. Aerosmith – ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ (1990s)
Released in 1998, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” quickly became a wedding classic thanks to its sweeping romance and heartfelt lyrics. Steven Tyler’s soaring vocals bring deep emotion to the track, making it a favorite for couples celebrating their love.
The blend of rock and orchestral elements gives the song a dramatic, romantic feel. Its powerful build-up and unforgettable chorus set the stage for a grand, emotional moment, while the lyrics reflect the simple yet profound desire to treasure every second with a loved one.
As Steven Tyler told Billboard:
“It’s a very emotional song, and I think that’s what people connect with.”
Wedding experts often suggest this track for first dances or processionals because of its emotional depth and adaptable tempo. Whether played by a live band or straight from the original recording, the song’s cinematic style makes it perfect for couples aiming for a big, romantic statement. It’s a song that turns wedding moments into lifelong memories.
As the 1990s wrapped up with iconic ballads like this one, the 2000s brought a fresh wave of love songs with a more contemporary vibe.
9. Michael Bublé – ‘Everything’ (2000s)
Released in 2007, Michael Bublé’s “Everything” combines a modern vibe with a romantic essence, perfectly expressing the joy of finding true love. Its broad appeal makes it a hit with guests of all ages, bridging generational preferences in wedding music.
With its upbeat tempo and Bublé’s smooth vocals, the song creates a lively yet heartfelt atmosphere. It’s a go-to choice for couples wanting a mix of energy and emotion. This is reflected in its consistent placement among the top 30 most-requested wedding songs from the 2000s.
The song works beautifully in various moments, from first dances to reception highlights. It manages to feel emotional without being overly sentimental, celebrating the profound connection of finding someone who becomes your everything – a sentiment that resonates on such a special day.
Wedding DJs often recommend “Everything” for its ability to fit both intimate moments and more energetic celebrations. While this track brings a modern charm to wedding playlists, the next song takes a more reflective approach to love and romance.
10. Train – ‘Marry Me’ (2000s)
Released in 2009 as part of Train’s album “Save Me, San Francisco,” “Marry Me” quickly found its place on modern wedding playlists. Its blend of acoustic guitar and soft percussion creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect fit for both ceremonies and receptions.
What sets “Marry Me” apart is its straightforward message. Unlike many love songs that leave room for interpretation, this track speaks directly to the heart with its proposal theme and promises of lifelong devotion. Its pop-rock vibe brings a fresh, modern feel while still capturing the romance that wedding music demands.
Whether it’s played during the ceremony or at a key reception moment, “Marry Me” strikes a chord with couples and guests alike. Its ability to balance contemporary and classic elements ensures it remains a favorite, even as other wedding songs from the 2000s have faded from memory.
“Marry Me” serves as a reminder that love songs, no matter the era, continue to create unforgettable moments on the big day.
Conclusion
Wedding songs from the 1960s to the 2000s have left a lasting mark, resonating deeply with couples across generations. Their appeal lies in their ability to create unforgettable moments, adding depth and meaning to wedding celebrations.
These tracks play a key role in shaping special moments, from first dances to lively receptions, while bridging generational gaps among guests. Each song adds its own charm to wedding traditions, offering couples trusted choices that have brought joy to countless celebrations. Their emotional resonance turns them into more than just familiar melodies – they become part of cherished memories.
Spanning decades, these songs seamlessly integrate into modern wedding traditions, reflecting the timeless themes of love and commitment. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a polished pop hit, each era has contributed to the wedding soundtrack, giving couples a wide range of meaningful options.
As wedding customs continue to change, these songs remain go-to choices for creating unforgettable moments. A carefully selected wedding song can still touch hearts and create memories that last a lifetime. When building your wedding playlist, let these enduring classics inspire moments that will be treasured for years to come.
FAQs
What was the most popular wedding song in 1960?
“At Last” by Etta James stood out as the definitive wedding song of 1960. Known for James’ soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, the song beautifully embodies the emotion of finding lasting love. While other hits like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” gained traction later in the decade, “At Last” became a staple for wedding ceremonies, leaving a lasting mark on romantic music.
What was the most played wedding song in the 1970s?
The 1970s brought a mix of romantic and danceable tracks that became wedding favorites. Instead of one standout song, the decade offered a variety of memorable tunes that remain popular for weddings today. Here are a few highlights from the era:
| Artist | Song | Ideal Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Withers | “Lovely Day” | Morning Ceremonies |
| Prince | “I Wanna Be Your Lover” | Reception Dancing |
| ABBA | “Voulez-Vous” | Group Celebrations |
| Leo Sayer | “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” | Dance Floor Fun |
These songs reflect the 1970s’ blend of disco, soul, and pop, offering options for both tender moments and lively celebrations. The music of this era brought together heartfelt romance and energetic beats, making it perfect for weddings.
2 Responses
Can’t help falling in love with you by Elvis. Was a very popular wedding song in the 60’s. It was ours in 1965..
Can’t miss with that one! Kudos, Cathy Lyn!