From upbeat and fun to romantic and slow, whether you’re looking for first dance inspiration or the perfect wedding song for your bridal exit, here are our top picks – from romantic ballads to upbeat Motown sing-a-longs and fun rock anthems.
From the wedding entrance to the last dance of the night, many couples carefully select their wedding songs to unlock magical memories from first dates and other special moments.
But if you’re struggling, there’s no shame in starting again and listening to songs together to find one with meaningful lyrics and music that really speaks to you.
You might rally against going for the most popular first dances or a classic piece such as Pachelbel’s Canon for your wedding entrance, but they’re popular for a reason, and it doesn’t matter how much you hear it on the radio or at other weddings.
Upbeat wedding songs
1. Love On Top – Beyoncé
A funky and joyful crowd-pleaser, perfect for an upbeat first dance or even a wedding exit song. The endless key changes at the end will have everyone smiling and singing along.
2. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
A song that needs no introduction. Unmistakable from its very first notes, this 80s pop favourite was chosen by Harry and Meghan for their first dance.
3. Marry You – Bruno Mars
OK, it’s an obvious choice, but this early Bruno Mars song has a quirky charm to it. And it definitely lends itself to some fun, newlywed choreography too if that’s your style.
4. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Queen’s first number 1 hit in the US and a timeless classic ever since, this is a great choice for a fun-loving crowd.
5. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Released in 1980, this song has enjoyed a second wind in recent years due to its feel-good groove and endearing lyrics – a beautiful choice to welcome in married life.
6. A Sky Full Of Stars – Coldplay
Take your wedding dance out of this world with this soft house anthem from the unlikely duo of Coldplay and the late Avicii.
7. Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross’ first hit single is a toe-tapping, funk favourite with a bass line to get guests of every age on the dancefloor. You’ll never want it to stop!
8. We Found Love – Rihanna
Shooting straight to number one in 2011, this club anthem combines the powerhouses of Rihanna and Calvin Harris. Guaranteed to have your guests bouncing in no time.
9. One Day Like This – Elbow
Performed live by Elbow at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, the euphoric climax of this song is guaranteed to get guests bonding.
Old/traditional wedding songs
10. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
The iconic crooner knows how to share the love! Kick off your wedding music with this 1964 favourite.
11. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis
A timeless classic which will have your guests swaying in time and giving you both adoring eyes in seconds!
12. At Last – Etta James
One of the oldest wedding songs on this list, and one of greatest vocals of all time – a sentimental, bluesy number which might prompt a few tears.
13. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
A perennial wedding favourite, L-O-V-E is a short, sweet, jazzy love song which will be widely familiar due to its regular use on TV and film.
14. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
If you want your guests bobbing and singing along, Stand By Me is a well-known classic which will keep the mood light and appeal to all ages.
15. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Serenade your bride with this romantic classic that Clapton wrote when waiting for his fiancee to get dressed up for a special night.
16. My Baby Just Cares For Me – Nina Simone
Keep things intimate and soulful with this finger-clicking classic that is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
17. Songbird – Eva Cassidy
A guaranteed tear-jerker! If you’re looking for that delicate, intimate wedding song moment, this acoustic Fleetwood Mac cover has to be the one.
18. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
A feel-good hit which everyone loves, and the perfect song to capture the optimism and hope of your big day.
19. It Had to Be You – Harry Connick Jr
For fans of rom-coms and big band standards, this Grammy Award-winning cover from Harry Connick Jr was a huge success after its use in ‘When Harry Met Sally’.
Modern wedding songs
20. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Written for his wife-to-be in 2017, this song was number 1 in the UK, the USA and 16 other countries around the world and continues to dominate wedding song lists.
21. Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon
This upbeat floor filler will have your guests itching to join you on the dancefloor, so if you’re nervous about all eyes being on you, a song like this might take the pressure off.
22. All Of Me – John Legend
The ultimate slow dance song with romantic lyrics and passionate vocals that has proved to be hugely popular amongst UK newlyweds.
23. Stupid Love – Lady Gaga
Strut your way into married life with this joyous electro-pop hit from 2020 (we take no responsibility for your guests’ dance moves on this one).
24. Señorita – Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello
If you’re ready to show off your steamy, Latin moves together to impress your guests then get those hips moving to Señorita. It doesn’t get smoother than this!
25. You’ve Got the Love – Florence + the Machine
Get ready to ‘put your hands up in the air’ with this euphoric belter. As intimate as it is epic, this anthem will lift everyone’s spirits in joyous celebration.
26. Only Love – Ben Howard
The fourth single from Ben Howard and his first big hit in the UK Singles Chart has powerful lyrics which never fail to resonate on the dancefloor.
27. Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
This centrepiece from ‘A Star is Born’ is a tender love song perfect for soundtracking your first slow dance as a married couple.
28. Symphony – Clean Bandit ft Zara Larsson
A more modern choice, this light-hearted, danceable track has been a surprise favourite at weddings in recent years.
29. Take Me To Church – Hozier
This banger charted in 2013 and Hozier’s brooding vocals have captured love and infatuation on the dancefloor ever since.
30. Bits N Pieces – GBX
This song originally from Holland by Artemesia has become Scotland’s unofficial national anthem and that is why it has to be on the list. Perfect to get all the ravers up on the dance floor.
Indie wedding songs
31. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
Give your sensitive side some edge with this Arctic Monkeys favourite, the ideal wedding song for fans of a band normally used to tearing up the dancefloor!
32. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Charge your glasses – and all your emotions – for the most euphoric and pulsating of wedding dance songs, famously used in Grey’s Anatomy.
33. The One – Kodaline
A big hit from Dublin’s finest alternative rock quartet that has been relentlessly requested by newlyweds since its release in 2015. Bring tissues.
34. Riptide – Vance Joy
A huge hit from 2014, Vance Joy (really James Keogh) delivers this upbeat indie classic that hits just the right tone for folk-lovin’ couples.
35. I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
This rousing, foot-stomping single from the band’s second album suits any couple that want their party to hit the ground running.
36. She Moves In Her Own Way – The Kooks
Like audible sunshine, this song is guaranteed to light up any first dance – and, quite rightly, shine the spotlight on the beautiful bride!
37. Wonderwall – Oasis
An iconic anthem from the 2nd best-selling album in British history, few other songs will have guests singing along with each other this quickly.
38. I Will Follow You into the Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
This dark but delicate acoustic number is a favourite with indie fans looking for a softer number to open their wedding celebrations.
39. Beautiful In White – Shane Filan
Westlife’s Shane delivers all the feels on this instant wedding favourite that couldn’t be more on-the-nose if it tried.
40. We Found Each Other in the Dark – City and Colour
This swinging indie anthem is perfect for a learned dance routine or a gentle, newlywed sway to share a special moment before the party kicks in.
Rock wedding songs
41. Always – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s best-selling single in the UK, made famous from the film ‘Romeo is Bleeding’, is a rasping rock ballad that will send shivers down your guests’ spines.
42. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Featured in the film ‘Armageddon’, this intimate ballad’s unforgettable chorus and screaming vocals will have your guests arm-in-arm, air grabbing in no time!
43. Love Will Keep Us Alive – Eagles
This tear-jerker was surely written purely to celebrate love on your perfect day. Expect adoring looks, swaying guests and sincere smiles.
44. Lady – Styx
This stunning, keys-led tribute to Styx keyboard player Dennis’ wife sounds just as intimate and punchy today as when it was released in 1973.
45. You Really Got Me – The Kinks
The track that screams ‘PARTY’ for every generation! As funky now as it was when it hit the top of the charts in 1964, its a guaranteed party starter.
46. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
A wedding dance for the rock purists who want to scream and head-bang their way through their reception. Guaranteed to get guests air-guitaring!
47. White Wedding – Billy Idol
This rock-laden twist on a traditional wedding song was used in Adam Sandler’s ‘The Wedding Singer’. Just don’t listen too closely to the lyrics.
48. Everlong – Foo Fighters
It’s hard to beat Foo Fighters when it comes to the niche world of futuristic rock love songs – and this is a belter to mark your special moment!
49. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
One of the most successful singles of all time, there won’t be a dry eye in your venue if you go with this epic ballad’s swelling melodies, euphoric solos and soaring vocals.
50. Lovesong – The Cure
This song was actually written as a wedding gift by Cure lead singer Robert Smith for his fiancée, making it the perfect choice for rock fans on their special day.
Country wedding songs
51. Islands In The Stream – Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Originally written by The Bee Gees for Marvin Gaye, this has become a Dolly classic and an all-time favourite for country-lovin’ couples’ wedding song!
52. You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
Shania Twain’s first top 10 hit in the UK packs all the emotional and lyrical punch you need for a wedding song.
53. Cowboy Take Me Away – Dixie Chicks
Country romance at full throttle – as close to riding off into the sunset as you might get for a last dance! Reportedly a favourite of Taylor Swift’s.
54. In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young
The pinnacle of modern country serenade, this 2017 release is a popular choice with younger country fans looking for a beautiful story-based ballad.
55. The Bones – Maren Morris
This beautiful, melodic celebration of a long-lasting relationship is a deep look in the eye of a song that is guaranteed to give you and your guests all the feels.
56. Amazed – Lonestar
Surveys say this air-grabbing ballad is the most popular song choice for UK newlyweds’ first dance. But don’t be put off – this is one EPIC song!
57. Making Memories Of Us – Keith Urban
A song written on Valentine’s Day and performed by Urban on his wedding day to Nicole Kidman. This is an A-list wedding song choice.
58. Love Story – Taylor Swift
Early Taylor Swift that we all love the best – a true-life love tale that will keep things fun and light but has plenty of potential on the dancefloor.
59. Speechless – Dan + Shay
Flawless, romantic country pop at its finest! Check out the video if you need to see how this can play out at your wedding.
60. Nobody But You – Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani
A real-life power couple delivering a real life power ballad. Brace for epic drum parts and lavish lyrical statements of love – just what you ordered!
Fun wedding songs
61. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Andy Williams
A true classic, this is perfect for a slow, romantic start and a rousing, crowd-pleasing finish. Easy to chant along even if you don’t know the words.
62. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
This timeless, Scottish anthem of devotion is guaranteed to have your guests clapping, marching and chanting along before the first chorus even arrives.
63. I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
There are few things more fun for your first dance than you and your mates trying to hit those classic The Darkness high notes.
64. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
A sing-a-long belter that hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm over the last 40 years, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and dancefloor-filler in equal measure.
65. You’re The One That I Want – John Travolta & Olivia Newton John
Gather your bridesmaids. Gather your ushers. And prepare for the dance-off to end all dance-offs with this iconic summer favourite from ‘Grease’.
66. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Written for his second wife, Marcia (Caroline reportedly fitted the melody better – sure, Neil), this is a favourite for all ages that demands gang vocals and smiles all round.
67. Beautiful Sunday – Daniel Boone
In Scotland all the woman and some men love an excuse to get up and dance to the slosh. This is the best song for this.
68. I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrants
Get your claps ready and your FRIENDS nearby – this is the perfect choice for the couple looking for a more inclusive wedding song. *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*
69. Macarena – Los Del Rio
In the United Kingdom the song was released on 10 June 1996 and peaked at No. 2 on 17 August 1996, kept off the No. 1 spot by the huge popularity of the Spice Girls song “Wannabe.” and of course everyone knows the dance that comes with the song.
70. Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper
One of those songs that gets people on the dance floor. Simple to dance to – just follow the instructions in the song!
Motown wedding songs
71. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
Recreate your own ‘You’ve Got Mail’ scene with this Stevie Wonder classic that bridges the wedding vows and the dancefloor beautifully.
72. Ain’t No Mountain – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Is there a better wedding duet in the world!? Sing your heart out and mime your way through 3 minutes of musical, Motown bliss.
73. My Girl – The Temptations
A beautiful way of celebrating your stunning bride. You might even get some of that Temptations choreography going before the end too.
74. My Guy – Mary Wells
… or a funky celebration for your handsome groom! Whichever way you want to play it on your wedding day, the Motown catalogue has got all you need.
75. Best Of My Love – The Emotions
Get your groove on with this 3.5 minute musical smile. Warning: expect outbreaks of spontaneous hugging and impromptu dance moves.
76. You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes
A fun choice for a couple with a long engagement!? It’s time to celebrate and what better way to do that than soundtracked by The Supremes.
77. Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
This Oscar-nominated love song demands lots of swaying and shimmering lights – order the extra large disco ball for this one!
78. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
Guaranteed to please your oldest and youngest guests in equal measure, this is a truly ageless classic – upbeat but not annoying, sentimental but not cheesy.
79. Reach Out (I’ll Be There) – Four Tops
Always fun to dance too, this 1966 number 1 hit is essentially your wedding promises wrapped in funky, crowd-pleasing, Motown packaging.
80. I’ll Be There – The Jackson 5
A touching and romantic Motown ballad drenched in sentiment and opportunities for spinning your new husband or wife and swaying with adoring guests.
81. Gladys Knight & The Pips – Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
A big feel-good first dance – not too slow but still effortlessly romantic. “You are the best thing that ever happened to me”, should sum up why you’re marrying each other.
82. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Technically, Stevie Wonder wrote this song about his newborn baby, but it’s equally applicable to a lovely bride. And you can’t spend enough time on your wedding day giving her the spotlight.
Romantic wedding songs
83. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
This 1973 classic is instantly recognisable from the first four notes. A lilting paean to physical intimacy, it’s one for the more extrovert couples.
84. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
A stunning, joyous, key-change-packed celebration of a song that will capture all the joy and excitement of your special day.
85. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Ranked the 60th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone, a classic upbeat love song like this will never age. Easy to dance to and fun, this one won’t let you down.
86. Everything – Michael Bublé
Written for Bublé’s then girlfriend, Emily Blunt, its upbeat but slow enough to make for an easy two-step with your new husband or wife.
87. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Winner of 2016’s Grammys Song Of The Year, this has been hovering near the top of any wedding song list ever since with its beautiful sentiment for a strong marriage.
88. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Bob Dylan’s original has been covered by numerous famous faces including Billy Joel and Kelly Clarkson, but Adele’s powerful version has really stood the test of time.
89. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Made famous by the ‘Twilight’ films, Perri’s hit is an emotional, piano-led ballad with a killer vocal line and mesmerising chorus.
90. Better Together – Jack Johnson
From Jack Johnson’s 2005 first album, In Between Dreams, this sweet love song was huge at the time and still one of the most common wedding song requests.
91. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
If you want to make the dancefloor “hot just like an oven”, it’s Gaye’s Grammy-winning anthem that you need. Prepare for the occasional bump and frequent grind.
92. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
This bluesy ballad from one of the all-time queens of R&B is full of heart, stunning melodies and strutting bass lines.
Acoustic wedding songs
93. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
It’s not surprising that this 2016 hit is still a popular wedding song. Ideal for the church or your reception party.
94. Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Released in 2012 and featured in Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, this gentle, affectionate track is the acoustic kiss-on-the-cheek of a wedding song.
95. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Cuteness warning on this one! A rough and ready, acoustic treat for the couple leaning to more of a folky, festival wedding.
96. Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell
The ultimate slow build of a first dance or wedding entrance song, packed full of sincere lyrics – and tambourine! One for a couple that want to say “that’s OUR song” for years to come.
97. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
A super-catchy, lilting, freestyling track which took 2008 by storm and spent 76 weeks in the Top 100. A guaranteed feel-good anthem.
98. Wherever You Will Go – Charlene Soraia
This candlelight cover of The Calling’s 2001 rock hit captures the intimacy of your wedding day in 3 minutes of piano-based gorgeousness.
99. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
A song that has never left the public consciousness since Leonard Cohen’s original was released in 1984, this gentle, waltzing song is hard to beat.
100. Your Song – Elton John
Released in 1970 and featured in Moulin Rouge and Rocketman, this is a song of the ages. This is Ellie Goulding’s version but you might prefer the original.
101. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
This 90s classic, famously used in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘She’s All That’, is a belter. Cheeky newlywed kiss guaranteed.
102. Loving You – Paolo Nutini
Gorgeous lyrics (“pack up loneliness, hello tenderness”) and an easy tune to pick up, so those who haven’t heard it before will be singing along in no time.
103. Real Love – Tom Odell
If you can put aside the John Lewis Christmas advert with Monty the Penguin, Real Love is the perfect first dance song. At just two minutes, it’s ideal if you feel awkward about dancing for too long.
104. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
A slightly more obscure choice from Ed Sheeran; Tenerife Sea is an unreleased track from his 2014 album, x. This song made it into the UK Top 100, peaking at 62, despite the fact it has never been released as a single.
Disney wedding songs
105. You’ve Got A Friend In Me – Toy Story
One of the most feel-good movie songs of all time, this is a beautiful, plodding statement of forever love and friendship.
106. You’ll Be In My Heart – Tarzan
This Oscar-winning classic from Phil Collins is a sugary-sweet string of promises with a belting chorus.
107. Can You Feel The Love Tonight – The Lion King
Penned by Elton John, this is surely peak Disney when it comes to love songs. Make sure you hand out plenty of lighters for that swelling, sing-a-long key change chorus.
108. Once Upon A Dream – Sleeping Beauty
One for the real life Prince Charmings and Sleeping Beauties. This old school Disney favourite will have your guests waltzing around the dancefloor.
109. Tale As Old As Time – Beauty & Beast
Still as emotional now as it was on first viewing in 1991, this Disney ballroom-style love song has kick-started many a couple’s married life. Beauty-ful.
110. A Whole New World – Aladdin
Start your new life together with this topical Disney favourite. Instructions for use: once started, sway and cry for 3 minutes.
111. Bella Notte – Lady And The Tramp
As far as iconic Disney moments go, the spaghetti scene is hard to beat. But maybe don’t go for an exact recreation on the dancefloor.
112. Kiss The Girl – The Little Mermaid
A great choice as a surprise for a Disney-loving bride, and a guaranteed reaction from your guests for your first kiss on the dancefloor!
113. So This Is Love – Cinderella
An intimate, music box-style, orchestral throwback favourite for the Disney purists. Leave your ugly sisters outside and sway with your prince.
114. If I Never Knew You – Pocahontas
Disney romance at full throttle – and you can’t do much better for sheer emotion and appropriate wedding day sentiment.
Unusual wedding songs
115. Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler
A sweet and funny love song sung by Adam Sandler in ‘The Wedding Singer’ (1998) to confess his love to Drew Barrymore’s character on a plane.
116. Rewrite The Stars – Zac Efron & Zendaya
A hit from ‘The Greatest Showman’ released in 2017, this duet is full of longing and best performed on an aerial hoop.
117. This Kiss – Faith Hill
This country-infused bop is guaranteed to lift the feel-good factor in the room – and maybe even get you a cheeky snog!
118. Latch – Disclosure
Inject some garage house vibes into proceedings with these funk-filled driving beats from the Croydon siblings. Vibes guaranteed.
119. Janet Jackson – Escapade
“Save your troubles for another day” and get your fingers snapping and your hips popping. This characteristically percussive Jackson song is five minutes of funk heaven on the dancefloor.
120. Katy Perry – Teenage Dream
This euphoric stealth-banger from Katy Perry channels full hands-in-the-air-like-you-just-don’t-care energy and will have your guests bouncing from the first chorus.
121. Have You Ever Been In Love – Celine Dion
Sometimes you just need to sway to a massive power ballad and scream along with your friends and family. There are few better ways of doing that than with the Priestess of Pop herself and this iconic love song. Try it if you don’t believe us!
122. Always and Forever – Luther Vandross
Smooth as silk and the perfect sentiment for your special day, Vandross’ 1998 ballad sets the tone for a love-filled occasion with your brand new husband or wife.
123. Good For Me (acoustic version) – Above & Beyond
This beautiful reworking of this London duo’s original dance anthem makes for an ethereal addition to any evening. Whether walking down the aisle or finishing the night, this classic will elevate your celebrations above and beyond what you ever imagined.
124. Hold My Girl – George Ezra
Take a moment away from the wall-to-wall party bangers to grab your bride and do what George has told you to do for a minute. Another winner from this Hertford hit machine.
125. Love Someone – Lukas Graham
One for the acoustic singer-songwriter lovers, this 2018 Number 1 hit will pull at your guests’ heart strings and get even those still sat at the tables swaying in their seats.
126. You Are – Lionel Richie
This underrated, soulful groove from the King of Schmooz himself is real mood-raiser and a great alternative choice if you’re looking to avoid the wedding ‘classics’.
127. Marry Me – Train
For the full-throttle romantics, Train’s Pat Monahan has hit the nail on the head with this gentle, meandering, acoustic ballad.
128. Falling Like The Stars – James Arthur
If you’re looking for cosmic-scale expressions of love from Middlesborough’s finest, then look no further than this raw, soaring 2018 ballad.
