The best wedding songs to celebrate your happily ever after
Wedding season is officially underway.
Whether you're a bride, groom or just inspired by feel-good wedding songs, you've come to the right place to discover which tunes top the list for nuptials of all kinds.
Given that most weddings include a fair amount of music, you may be curating a playlist of songs to cover all the big moments including the ceremony, reception, cake-cutting and first dance.
“Picking the music vibe for a wedding is as important to couples as the flowers, food and venue,” Nancy Goldstein, director of creative design at Amazing Celebrations & Events, tells TODAY.com.
Because the soundtrack is such an integral part of the big day, we've collected a comprehensive list of the best wedding songs to include on your playlist.
Among them are romantic songs like Etta James' “At Last,” “Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, as well as contemporary hits like Christina Perri's “A Thousand Years” and Train's “Marry Me.”
There are plenty of others, too, including tunes that'll get everyone out on the dance floor, like “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours” by Stevie Wonder.
Add one of these classic tunes or add them all, but you're sure to be inspired by this list of tried-and-true wedding songs that's guaranteed to have everyone saying "I do."
'You Make My Dreams' by Daryl Hall & John Oates
If you're looking for a jubilant song that totally sums up the joy of marrying the person of your dreams, then look no further than this Daryl Hall & John Oates hit from 1980.
'Chapel of Love' by The Dixie Cups
“Chapel of Love,” an upbeat ode to getting married by The Dixie Cups, spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1964. An earworm if there ever was one, this is a must on any respectable wedding songs playlist.
'True Companion' by Marc Cohn
This timeless wedding song by Marc Cohn is sure to bring a tear to the eye with its quiet acoustic melody and poignant lyrics about sharing “I dos.”
'Can't Stop the Feeling!' by Justin Timberlake
The lead track off the “Trolls" soundtrack, “Can't Stop the Feeling” is beyond infectious and will have everyone in the crowd on their feet and dancing the night away.
'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge
No wedding is complete without this classic '70s tune from Sister Sledge. Can we just state for the record that when “We Are Family” comes on, everyone needs to get up and sing? Hey, hey!
'For Once in My Life' by Stevie Wonder
Toes will be tapping in time to this upbeat Stevie Wonder tune that's all about finally finding your one, true love. That girl or guy who sincerely needs you and makes all your dreams come true.
'My Girl' by The Temptations
A wedding favorite if there ever was one, The Temptations' 1965 hit, “My Girl,” is exactly the tune to play to have everyone join in on serenading the bride.
'Kiss Me' by Sixpence None The Richer
This 1998 song by Sixpence None The Richer went all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a charming addition to any wedding playlist.
'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers
“I belong to you, you belong to me, you're my sweetheart.” Have there ever been any sweeter wedding song lyrics than those of The Lumineers' “Ho Hey”? Nope.
'(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson
Covered by other artists like Rita Coolidge and Chicago, it's Jackie Wilson's spirited version of “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” that endures.
'At Last!' by Etta James
Etta James' iconic song has been played and performed at many weddings (and famously at a presidential inauguration) since its release in 1960, proving that it continues to stand the test of time.
'Always and Forever' by Heatwave
Heatwave's "Always and Forever" has been a favorite slow dance song for couples since its release in 1976 and with sweet lyrics like “We'll share tomorrow together,” it will continue to be a popular wedding song.
'Can’t Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley
“Take my hand, take my whole life, too,” Elvis Presley serenades. We can't help but fall in love with this heartwarming classic.
'Everything' by Michael Bublé
This bouncy tune by Michael Bublé is all about finding true love in life's crazy times, making it a great one to add to the reception playlist.
'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele
Adele takes this Bob Dylan song to the next level. “Make You Feel My Love” is tender and just right for that first dance as a married couple.
'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is sure to bring a tear or two to your eye during that very first dance, especially since it was written for his wife (and former high school sweetheart), Cherry Seaborn.
'Marry You' by Bruno Mars
Based on the title alone, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars needs no further explanation. With wedding bells chiming throughout the song, it's an upbeat addition to any wedding playlist.
'Just the Way You Are' by Billy Joel
Everyone knows the lyrics to this Billy Joel classic and will be singing alone as he implores his love “don't changin' to try and please me.”
'Marry Me' by Train
Just try and say “no” to Train's Pat Monahan as he croons this proposal ballad that's just right for walking down the aisle or slow dancing to.
'I’m Yours' by Jason Mraz
Released in 2008, “I'm Yours” by Jason Mraz is a light-hearted tribute to true love. Its uptempo beat will have everyone tapping their toes.
'Lucky' by Jason Mraz
“Lucky” is yet another Jason Mraz song that needs to be on your wedding playlist. The acoustic-driven duet with Colbie Caillat is just the right tune for the couple looking to celebrate their friendship along with their love.
'The Way You Look Tonight' by Tony Bennett
More often than not, Frank Sinatra's version of “The Way You Look Tonight” gets all the attention. But we love Tony Bennett's tender version off the “My Best Friend's Wedding” soundtrack, too.
'Amazed' by Lonestar
With lyrics like “I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side,” you can't go wrong with Lonestar's “Amazed.”
'This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)' by Natalie Cole
Enter the quintessential rom-com song. On movie soundtracks like “While You Were Sleeping” and “The Parent Trap,” it's guaranteed to get everyone smiling.
'Better Together' by Jack Johnson
Let Jack Johnson's dreamy acoustic song be a charming reminder that through thick and thin, everything is better when we're together.
'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones
“Come Away With Me” beckons lovers to run through fields, sit atop mountains and never stop being each other's best friend.
'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri
One of two “Twilight” songs on this list, Christina Perri's ethereal "A Thousand Years” was written specifically for the film and plays during Edward and Bella's iconic wedding scene.
'Flightless Bird, American Mouth' by Iron & Wine
The lyrics from “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” may not exactly scream “wedding,” even so they're guaranteed to evoke images of a certain prom dance in a white-light bedazzled gazebo (ahem, “Twilight”).
'All of Me' by John Legend
Written for wife Chrissy Teigen, John Legend's piano-driven ballad, “All of Me,” became an instant classic after its release in 2013.
'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran
Although he was just 23 when he wrote it, Sheeran perfectly captures the beauty of everlasting love in this wedding favorite.
'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 disco tune is mandatory on any (and all) wedding playlists. Everyone will dance. The end.
'I Gotta Feeling' by the Black Eyed Peas
The dance floor is sure to be packed when “I Gotta Feeling” comes on. It's undeniably infectious, and the best part? Everyone knows the words.
'Unchained Melody' by The Righteous Brothers
This The Righteous Brothers song has been popular since it was released back in 1965, but it rose to new heights after being featured in the 1990 blockbuster “Ghost.”
'Love Me Tender' by Elvis Presley
Recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956, “Love Me Tender” remains one of the greatest love songs of all time.
'You Are the Best Thing' by Ray Lamontagne
Consider this sweet song by Ray Lamontagne as a loving tribute to the one you love.
'Say A Little Prayer for You' by Dionne Warwick
One of the highlights from the film “My Best Friend's Wedding” is when Rupert Everett breaks out into “Say A Little Prayer for You.” Ever since, the song has become a favorite to play at weddings.
'When a Man Loves a Woman' by Percy Sledge
A No. 1 Billboard song back in 1966, “When a Man Loves a Woman” has been covered countless times since by artists like Bette Midler and Michael Bolton.
'Endless Love' by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
“Endless Love” is the theme song from the 1981 movie by the same name. While the movie didn't make much of a splash, the song remains a popular wedding ballad.
'From This Moment On' by Shania Twain
Released as both a duet and a solo, “From This Moment On” is one of Shania Twain's most popular songs — and understandably so.
'Still the One' by Shania Twain
The companion piece to Shania Twain's “From This Moment On,” this song is a slower, gentler acoustic tune that celebrates enduring love.
'I’ve Had the Time of My Life' by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley
Even if the happy couple doesn't master the lift at the end, “I've Had the Time of My Life” will still get the whole crowd dancing.
'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King
Simple but effective, “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King speaks to what all marriages are built on — being each other's rock in good times and bad.
'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours' by Stevie Wonder
Another rom-com favorite, this Stevie Wonder tune is featured in “You've Got Mail,” the classic love story starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967, “What a Wonderful World” didn't make much of a dent in the music world until it was featured in the 1988 film “Good Morning Vietnam.” Though it doesn't seem like wedding fodder, its lyrics about the simple joys in life make it a popular choice.
'Bless the Broken Road' by Rascal Flatts
This Rascal Flatts song is nothing short of a weeper. With lyrics that tell the tale of mishaps and lost dreams leading to your one true love, it's a tribute to how things that go wrong can lead us to something — or someone — that's just right.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com