Photo Credit: Elizabeth Sellers
There’s something about Valentine’s Day that makes us lean all the way into love. The softness. The nostalgia. The songs that instantly take you back to a first date, a first dance, or the moment you realized, this is my person. And if there’s one place where romance comes alive, it’s at a wedding ceremony or on the reception dance floor.
Music has always been at the heart of our love stories. It’s the soundtrack to the proposal, the bridal suite sing-alongs, the walk down the aisle, the first dance, and that final slow sway before the night ends. The right song doesn’t just fill a room, it captures a feeling. It tells your story in three or four unforgettable minutes.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the most romantic wedding songs — the ones that feel timeless, and deeply intentional. These are the songs that make guests reach for tissues, pull their partners a little closer, and whisper, “I can’t wait for this.”
Whether you gravitate toward classic soul, modern R&B, gospel love ballads, or contemporary chart-toppers, the perfect wedding song is the one that feels like home. Below, we’re sharing some of the most romantic selections we’ve seen couples choose and the beautiful moments they created on their wedding day.
“This Is Why I Love You” by MAJOR
The wedding of Rashida Miller and Nathanial “Earthquake” Stroman was one for the books. Rashida recalls the unforgettable moment she realized that singer MAJOR was there to perform his hit song, “This Is Why I Love You,” as she made her way down the aisle.
“So, he totally surprised me with Major. I did not know that was going to happen. It was such a great surprise!”
Photo Credit: Mood Photo & Video
“Giving Myself” by Jennifer Hudson
The wedding and love story of Gabrielle Irving and Kansas City Chiefs’ star Nazeeh Johnson read like a fairytale.
Gabrielle says, “I have a bad habit of ugly crying. So I was literally trying so hard to hold it in. There are pictures where I’m clearly just trying not to cry.
I walked down the aisle to “Giving Myself” by Jennifer Hudson and the lyrics itself are just so beautiful and it’s just such a big song because she sings big and everyone was just in tears, which also made it hard for me to not cry. I loved that moment so much.”
Photo Credit: Travis Daniels
“Sweetest Love” by Robin Thicke
Chloe and Najm’s romantic wedding ceremony in Midland, North Carolina was filled with many intentional details including their wedding song “Sweetest Love” by Robin Thicke.
Chloe shares, “Najm and I wanted to hear a song that would be different from the songs we would usually hear at a wedding. One day I randomly heard that song and at that time we had not yet picked out our wedding song. I sent him this song along with two other options and he chose this one. For us, the song was sentimental enough yet still upbeat enough for an upbeat and feel good dance routine.”
Check out the classic yet modern theme of their walk down the aisle.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Sellers
“Back at One” by Brian McKnight
Faith and Joshua’s wedding day was nothing short of magical. Choosing to plan it themselves, they poured love into every detail to create an experience that felt deeply personal and authentic.
“Back at One” by Brian McKnight – this song holds a special place in our hearts because it perfectly encapsulates the love and commitment we have for each other. The lyrics speak to the depth of our relationship – starting from the beginning and building something beautiful and lasting, step by step.
Photo Credit: Mesus Studios
“Here I Stand” by Usher
When it came to wedding planning for award-winning journalist Sidnee Douyon & music executive Bryant Jacques, Bryant was happy to let Sidnee take the lead. However, when it came to music he chimed in most.
“Music is so important, especially to me and my friends and my family.” He explains. “And there’s a lot of cultures within us. She’s from Jersey, I’m from New York so we each have very specific hip hop and dance music. I come from a huge Haitian family and my family immigrated here and they love Zouk.”
The power couple had a carefully curated playlist which included, “Here I Stand” by Usher for their First Dance.
Photo Credit: Arista Imagery
“You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
For Brittany and Brandon’s first dance, they wneyt old school and chose “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Brandon has always been a fan of the Method Man and Mary J. Blige version, “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By,” while Brittany—an old soul—has long adored the original.
“We love its message of love as a foundation and the reminder that, through mutual support and partnership, we can navigate and grow through anything life brings our way”.
See more of the gorgeous details from this timeless outdoor wedding.
Photo Credit: Optikool Illusions
“You and I” by Stevie Wonder
Ashley and Richard’s jewel-toned Atlanta wedding was a stunning celebration of love!
The couple explain why they chose “You and I” by Stevie Wonder as their wedding song: “We chose this iconic piece to commemorate our purposeful and authentic relationship we’ve developed over the years.”
Photo Credit: Reem Photography
“Anything For You” by PJ Morton and Ledisi
Akilah and Devin chose “Anything For You” by PJ Morton and Ledisi because it spoke to the beginnings of their love story.
“We were in a long distance relationship shortly after we met, and when you combine that with the pandemic, one wouldn’t be wrong for believing circumstances were tough. However, we both took it as an opportunity to show what lengths we would go to make the other person feel wanted and appreciated in our lives and it felt good knowing effort was at the top of both of our lists.”
Photo Credit: Michelle Harris
Which wedding song appeals the most to your love story?
By Associate Editor, Candice Davie
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