Love songs are a fundamental part of pop music. Most of us can think of particular songs we associate with the love relationships of our lives. In the third of a 5 part series on love songs, here are the top 10 love songs that are appropriate for wedding ceremonies. Songs are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the artist.
1. Atlantic Starr - Always (1987)
Atlantic Starr's "Always" has been a wedding favorite from the time of its release. It is a gentle duet centered on pledging eternal love "for always."
2. Beatles - In My Life (1965)
Some claim this to be one of the greatest songs ever written and performed by the Beatles. It couples a wistful, almost nostalgic, rememberance of the past with the reassurance "In my life I love you more."
3. Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun (1970)
"We've Only Just Begun" was written by songwriter Paul Williams and first used for a bank commercial behind footage of a young couple making their first financial plans. It was then recorded by relative unknowns the Carpenters and helped make them stars and Paul Williams one of the most successful pop songwriters in the business. It's upbeat message about setting out on life's path together has made it a favorite wedding song for over 3 decades.
4. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong (1982)
The unlikely duo of gruff rock vocalist Joe Cocker and pop singer Jennifer Warnes scored a major hit with this ode to the awesome power of love. It was included as a theme for the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and ended up a #1 pop hit and took home a Grammy Award.
5. Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
This Crystals girl group classic follows a relationship from the first kiss to the wedding. The song's production by Phil Spector uses his classic 'wall of sound' technique.
6. Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love (1964)
"Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married" is one of the most memorable lines of all girl group lyrics. The Dixie Cups were a trio from New Orleans that recorded with Phil Spector producing. "Chapel Of Love" was a massive hit single and a perfect wedding day song.
7. 98 Degrees - I Do (Cherish You) (1999)
This gently swinging pop confection by Nick Lachey and company has quickly become a wedding favorite. The song details a lost individual finding their way in all-encompassing love.
8. *NSYNC - This I Promise You (2000)
The members of *NSYNC pledge undying love in this warm ballad. Undying love is put forth as the balm to end all pain and longing.
9. Sting - Fields Of Gold (1993)
Sting's poetic ballad of lovers walking together in "fields of gold" echoes poetry from centuries past. As such, it remains a strongly romantic choice for wedding ceremonies.
10. Ann Wilson and Mike Reno - Almost Paradise (1984)
The lead singers of Heart and Loverboy combined for this ballad from the soundtrack to the hit film Footloose. Written by pop singer/songwriter Eric Carmen, the memorable line is "I swear that I can see forever in your eyes."
