10 Songs About Marriage to Consider for Any Part of Your Wedding

In need of a little big-day music inspiration? You're in luck! A mix of classic and modern, these 10 songs celebrate the enduring love of marriage. The meaningful lyrics and sweet melodies make them perfect for a ceremony recessional, a first dance, or any wedding-related playlist.

"Marry Me" by Train (2009)

"Marry Me" is told from the perspective of a café patron who becomes infatuated with a waitress. He's nervous to approach the woman, who he's never met before, but the love-at-first-sight experience­ makes him dream of a proposal. Thanks to the song's slow tempo and romantic message, it works well as a first dance ballad.

"Lost in This Moment" by Big and Rich (2007)

This country ballad describes a wedding ceremony as seen through the groom's eyes, from the processional to the vow exchange. The groom seems ecstatic to be marrying his bride, so the lyrics set a romantic tone.

"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri (2011)

This emotional song can have several different meanings, but some of the lyrics may be interpreted as describing a bride watching her husband-to-be at the altar: "But watching you stand alone/ All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow." "A Thousand Years" first gained popularity for its appearance in the movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 in 2011, and many couples still swoon over its romantic lyrics and soft instrumentals to this day.

"Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra (1955)

The theme for the TV show Married with Children, this Sinatra song has recognizable lyrics: "Love and marriage, love and marriage/ Go together like a horse and carriage." The quicker tempo and slightly funny presentation will be a hit at your wedding reception, but you might want to save it for the party, rather than the first dance.

"Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups (1964)

Most people are familiar with the lyrics "Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married," which come from the song "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups. Falling into the genre of R&B/soul, it describes a bride's excitement on her wedding day. Crank it up while you're getting ready with your 'maids!

"Wedding Song" by Tracy Chapman (2000)

In this sweet, folksy ballad, Tracy Chapman describes the act of marrying someone she loves. The lyrics emphasize the romantic aspects of a big day: "For you I don the veil/ By your light/ Others pale by comparison/ I place my faith in love/ My fate in this communion."

"Marry Me" by Jason Derulo (2014)

This sentimental song, which boasts notes of R&B, soul, and pop, focuses on the narrator's desire to propose to his girlfriend. The upbeat tempo and catchy beat will drive guests to the dance floor in celebration of your big day.

"Let's Get Married" by The Proclaimers (1994)

This rock song gives a sweet but realistic portrayal of marriage. The narrator wants to wed his girlfriend, who he's been with for a long time, and he's willing to overcome "good times" and "bad times" with her. Here are some of the lyrics: "Let's get married/ I love you and I want to stay with you/ Let's get married/ Have kids and grow old and gray with you."

"We've Only Just Begun" by Carpenters (1970)

In one interpretation of this song, newlyweds are ready to start married life after their wedding (described by the lyrics as "white lace and promises"). The song, which is a catchy pop tune, rings with hope and optimism.

"When I Said I Do" by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black (1999)

Sung by a husband-and-wife duo, this emotional country tune describes the couple's plans to stay "faithful and true" to one another forever. Thanks to the sweet lyrics, romantic meaning, and slow rhythm, "When I Said I Do" is ideal for a first dance song or a wedding processional.