The Best Wedding Songs About Lovers on Their Special Day

Aren’t ALL songs about lovers? Not quite if you pay extra close attention to the lyrics.

We get asked quite often “What are the best songs about lovers?” The answer may seem pretty straightforward, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. From our expertise and perspective, there are plenty of sweet-sounding songs. However, when you listen closely, you’ll realize it’s not a song about lovers after all.

I’ll forewarn you that some of these examples of not-about-lovers-at-all (don’t worry, we’ll list the songs about lovers below) may shock you. You may have had the notion of a love song your entire life and find out here that it isn’t at all.

Songs about lovers that you thought were perfect, but reveal something else entirely

Don’t feel too badly about misjudging a song. My own mother and her husband chose their first dance song because it was “their song” together. You certainly aren’t alone. At all.

I was in the wedding party, so I was swiftly banned from helping with the music. I didn’t even know which song they chose until they started dancing to it. They chose The Police’s hit “Every Breath You Take” to represent their love. It’s a song about a stalker obsessed with a girl. Yeah…don’t feel bad.

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police

This famous song by The Police may sound like a romantic love song, however, the lyrics reveal that it’s actually about a stalker obsessively watching their love interest. It’s a song that is as famous for its shocking surprise as it is for being a great song.

Sting and The Police in concert
“It sounds like a comforting love song. I didn’t realize at the time how sinister it is. I think I was thinking of Big Brother, surveillance and control.”
– Sting speaking about writing the song “Every Breath You Take”
© NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK

“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton / Whitney Houston

This one is often thought of as a romantic love song. It sure sounds like one. After all, the original songwriter and performer Dolly Parton and then the amazing Whitney Houston gave us all the feels. However, the song lyrics reveal that it’s actually about saying goodbye to someone you still love.

“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

It may sound like a love song about a man’s crush on a woman, but the lyrics reveal that it’s about a man lusting after his friend’s girlfriend. So, it’s a song about lovers, just not the kind you may have thought.

“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison

While this hit song may sound like a classic love ballad, the lyrics reveal that it’s actually about the pain of a failed relationship. Yet, when the song is played, couples pack the dance floor.

“Smooth Operator” by Sade

This song may sound like a love song about a smooth-talking man. However, the lyrics reveal that it’s actually about a woman being wary of a man who only wants her for her body. Sade’s even smoother vocal performance sure can fool you.

“Marry Me” by Train

This one may be the shocker of them all. Train’s song “Marry Me” is played at thousands of weddings each year. It may sound like a wedding song at first listen. With its catchy melody and lyrics that express a desire to spend a lifetime with someone. However, upon closer inspection, the song’s message isn’t actually about love, but rather a one-sided infatuation. The story is about being desperately in love with someone who may not feel the same way. He is willing to do anything to win them over, including proposing marriage.

Train's Patrick Monahan
“We wanted to write a song from the perspective of a guy who’s in love with a girl who doesn’t know he exists. It’s not really a love song, but more of a proposal.”
– Patrick Monahan about Train’s hit song “Marry Me”
© Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK

“Luka” by Suzanne Vega

It may sound like a love song if you ignore the true meaning of the lyrics. But the words reveal that it’s actually about child abuse and domestic violence. It’s probably better to ignore that and continue to enjoy this great song…just not at your wedding.

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

On the surface, it may sound like a romantic love song. Alas, the lyrics reveal that it’s actually about a man lusting after a woman he sees on the subway.

“Against All Odds” by Phil Collins

Phil Collins’ hit may sound like a love ballad, but the lyrics reveal a man’s pain and heartbreak over a failed relationship.

“Stay” by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko

This one may sound like a love ballad, but the lyrics reveal a woman’s struggle to let go of a toxic relationship.

Rhianna performing at the 95th Oscars
A very pregnant Rihanna performing at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023
© Jack Gruber – USA Today

“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Prince / Sinead O’Connor

A sweet love ballad? Nope. The Prince penned lyrics reveal a man or woman’s pain and heartbreak after a relationship has ended.

“Hello” by Adele

Adele’s smash hit may come across as a love song. However, the lyrics reveal a woman’s longing for a past relationship and the pain of being alone.

You may find some super romantic songs about lovers in the article The Best Acoustic Wedding Songs For Your Wedding Day

Okay, here are the romantic songs about lovers we promised

At a wedding ceremony, music can make a huge impact on the mood and atmosphere of the event. That’s why choosing the right songs for your wedding day is so important. The right music can set the tone and create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. In this article, we will provide a list of the best wedding songs for lovers on their special day.

“At Last” by Etta James

“At Last” is a classic love song about lovers that has been a popular choice for wedding ceremonies for decades. The soulful vocals and romantic lyrics make it a perfect choice for the first dance or as background music during the ceremony.

Ed Sheeran performs at Miller Park singing songs about lovers
“It was more of a wedding song than a commercial single. I’ve played that song at every single wedding I’ve been to since I wrote it.
It’s just a love song that you can play to your partner.” – Ed Sheeran
© Michael Sears / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

This sweet ballad is a sweet declaration of love and commitment. The lyrics speak to the beauty of a long-term relationship. It rings true to so many couples that it is played at weddings around the world every week.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a timeless love song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for a slow dance or as background music during the ceremony.

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

Written by the incredible Diane Warren, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a popular choice for couples everywhere. The emotional lyrics and soaring chorus make it a great choice for a wedding. Coincidentally, this song was written for the soundtrack to the blockbuster movie “Armageddon” in 1998. The movie starred Liv Tyler, the talented daughter of Aerosmith’s frontman Steven Tyler.

Speaking of songs about lovers…

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” is a beautiful and emotional song that has become a popular choice for weddings. The lyrics describe a love that lasts through time and distance.

“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” is a soulful and romantic song that has become a popular choice for wedding ceremonies in recent years. The upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics make it a great choice for the first dance or as background music during the ceremony.

“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” is a sweet and romantic song that is perfect for couples who want to express their love and commitment to each other. The heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody make it a great choice for the first dance or as background music during the ceremony.

Songs about lovers: John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen
“I wrote it about my wife, and it’s my favorite song that I’ve written. It’s a really personal, intimate song. It’s about loving all of someone, even the parts that you might not love so much. I think it’s a message that a lot of people can relate to.”
– John Legend about writing his song “All of Me” for his wife Chrissy Teigen, pictured
© Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY NETWORK

“All of Me” by John Legend

John Legend’s “All of Me” is a beautiful and emotional love song that has become a popular choice for weddings in recent years. The soulful vocals and romantic lyrics make it a perfect choice for the first dance or as background music during the ceremony.

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” is a classic love song that has been a popular choice for wedding ceremonies for decades. The haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for the first dance or as background music during the ceremony.

“Love on Top” by Beyoncé

This upbeat song is a celebration of love and the joy that comes with being in a happy relationship.

Songs about lovers are a wonderful and romantic addition to any wedding

Choosing the right love songs for your wedding day is important. They will be creating the perfect atmosphere for your special day. Hopefully, we’ve given you some pause and encouraged you to listen to the lyrics a little closer. It will only make the day that much sweeter!

We want to read your thoughts!

Of course, these are just a few of the many great and uplifting songs about lovers. Once again, when choosing your own wedding song playlist, it’s important to choose songs that mean something to you and your spouse-to-be. Let us know what you think below! We’d love to hear from you.

Rick T

Rick T

Rick has been consulting with and performing for brides and grooms on the right music for their wedding day since (gulp!) 1987.

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