Top 10 Classic Wedding Songs
Script written by Craig Butler.
When a newly-married couple hits the dance floor, it’s up to the music to tell their special story – and it’d better do a good job. From classics like Elvis and the Righteous Brothers to more contemporary hits like Celine Dion and Shania Twain, there is a huge variety of music to choose from on your special day. Which song do you want to dance to on your wedding day? In honor of Valentine’s Day and wedding season, WatchMojo.com counts down our picks for the top 10 classic wedding songs. For this list, we’ve chosen the songs we are constantly hearing as the "First Dance" tune at weddings, and which were released before the year 2000.
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Top 10 Classic Wedding Songs
Top 10 Classic Wedding Songs
When a newly-married couple hits the dance floor, it’s up to the music to tell their special story – and it’d better do a good job. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 classic wedding songs.
#10 – Seal: “Kiss from a Rose”
Seal sings, and couples around the world know just what he means; sometimes love is so strong it just hurts. Seal’s sensuous vocals and the delicate but powerful arrangement combine to make this one of those songs that strikes a special chord with couples of all ages – not just Batman fans.#9 – Elvis Presley: “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
The melody is based on an eighteenth century French love song, but it was Elvis Presley’s magic touch that transformed it into a timeless classic. The King’s rich, tender rendition topped the charts in 1962 and has been a “must play” at receptions ever since. Even the 1993 reggae remake has its fans.#8 – Celine Dion: “My Heart Will Go On”
Just like Celine’s heart, the worldwide appeal of this song goes on as well. The “Titanic” theme song is Celine Dion’s biggest hit and, with some 15 million copies sold, one of the most successful singles ever. Its message of undying, unyielding love makes it a natural for newlyweds – who hopefully will sail the seas of the heart more successfully than the Titanic sailed the Atlantic…#7 – Shania Twain: “From This Moment On”
Country music superstar Shania Twain has had songs that charted higher, but “From This Moment On” is the one that lives on forever on wedding DJs’ playlists. Its beautiful lyrics are practically a second set of wedding vows, and its soaring emotions are perfect for a reception – whether it’s performed solo or as a duet.#6 – Nat King Cole: “Unforgettable”
Nat King Cole recorded this song more than once – which says something about just how unforgettable he thought it was. When Cole’s silken vocals are caressing this tune, all couples in the room remember just why they fell in love and melt into each other’s arms.#5 – Percy Sledge/Michael Bolton: “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Fans argue over whether Michael Bolton or Percy Sledge has the superior version of this classic. What they can’t argue over is how powerful the song is, no matter who sings it. Couples that choose this “tear your heart out” song are declaring that no one – and they mean NO ONE – better get in the way of their love.#4 – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: “Endless Love”
“Titanic” was a box office smash that produced a classic theme song. “Endless Love” was a box office crash – but that didn’t keep its theme song from becoming a classic, too. Superstars Diana Ross and Lionel Richie blend their voices and their souls to become the essence of true love; what more do you want from a wedding song?#3 – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: “Up Where We Belong”
Those with a fear of heights may not want to be lifted “where the eagles cry, on a mountain high.” On the other hand, when Joe Cocker’s tormented soulfulness and Jennifer Warnes’ emotional purity join forces, just about anybody is willing to take a chance. A powerful, intense declaration of the majesty of love, it’s an anthem for all who are in thrall to its power.#2 – Whitney Houston: “I Will Always Love You”
This single from the film “The Bodyguard” was an astonishing success, selling more than four million copies in the United States alone. Considered by many to be Whitney Houston’s signature song, she delivers this fierce ballad with all the pop-gospel stops pulled out, which makes it overwhelming and impossible to forget. Moviegoers and radio listeners couldn’t resist it and neither can wedding singers and deejays.#1 – The Righteous Brothers: “Unchained Melody”
Written for a little known 1950s prison movie called “Unchained,” this gorgeous melody was recorded numerous times before the Righteous Brothers took it to number one in 1965. For years it was a big favorite at weddings, but it really got a second life when it was featured in the 1990 blockbuster film “Ghost.” Bobby Hatfield’s incredible blue-eyed soul performance is front and center throughout, and he knocks this song clear into the stratosphere… Which is right where every couple wants to be on their wedding day.Do you agree with our list? Which song do you want to dance to on your wedding day? For more great top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
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