31 Of The Best Songs About Marriage And Getting Married

Written by Dan Farrant

Marriage is a beautiful journey, joined by two souls in an eternal relationship. It’s a celebration of love and commitment. What better way to express these sentiments than through music?

Songs revolving around marriage have long been a staple in the music industry. These range from joyous anthems about new beginnings to ballads exploring the depth of commitment.

Today, we have come up with 31 of the best songs about marriage and getting married. Enjoy reading!

1. “Marry Me” By Train

From the album Save Me, San Francisco comes “Marry Me” by the pop-rock band Train. This song is about a man who instantly falls in love with a woman he sees.

“Marry Me” captures the essence of love at first sight and the longing for a lifetime commitment. When the narrator sees her, he is confident she’s the one he’ll marry. This reflects the hope and anticipation that often take place before a marriage proposal.

The song paints a picture of the emotions associated with the journey toward marriage. There’s the instant connection, the deep longing, and the nervous anticipation of proposing.

2. “Chapel Of Love” By The Dixie Cups

Up next, we have “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups. Released in 1964, it’s a celebration of the excitement associated with a wedding day.

The story is about a couple deeply in love and eagerly looking forward to their wedding at the “chapel of love.” The narrator expresses joy and anticipation because “today’s the day [she’ll] say ‘I do.'” With her getting married to the man she loves, her lonely days are over.

The song stands out for its focus on the commitment that comes after courtship. It also captures the emotions that weddings represent.

3. “Love And Marriage” By Frank Sinatra

When it comes to songs with “marriage” in the title, this one by Frank Sinatra makes the list. “Love and Marriage” appeared in the 1955 television production Our Town. Sinatra recorded a second version used as the theme song for the TV sitcom Married…with Children.

The song revolves around the idea that love and marriage are linked, each enhancing and depending on the other. It depicts marriage as a natural progression of love.

In addition, “Love and Marriage” suggests that love is the driving force behind successful marriages. As the song says, “Love and marriage / go together like a horse and carriage.”

4. “Marry Me” By Jason Derulo

When you find the love of your life, you want to make them a permanent part of your life. Jason Derulo talks about a man’s desire to marry his partner in “Marry Me.”

The narrator intends to propose to his girlfriend, signifying his commitment to spend the rest of his life with her. This is directly addressed in the lines, “A hundred and five is the number that comes to my head / when I think of all the years I wanna be with you.”

In addition, he plans to make her happy and take care of her. This emphasizes the values of love and commitment, things associated with marriage.

5. “Marry You” By Bruno Mars

The 2010 song “Marry You” by Bruno Mars captures the spontaneous and adventurous spirit of love. It’s about a man who decides to propose marriage in a moment of impulse fueled by love.

“Marry You” doesn’t necessarily advocate for thoughtless decisions. However, it celebrates the idea of being in love that you’re willing to commit right then and there. The Vegas setting also adds to the spontaneity of the moment.

At its core, “Marry You” is about the exhilaration and excitement of tying the knot. It embodies the thrill of making life-changing decisions like getting married.

6. “Getting Married Today” By Stephen Sondheim

Getting married can be very exciting. On the other end of the spectrum, some are not ready to make this commitment. Just like Amy, the character from the musical Company who performed Stephen Sondheim‘s “Getting Married Today.”

This song is a rapid-fire pattern, which reflects Amy’s manic state on the day of her wedding. She expresses her anxiety and panic about getting married. She fears the commitment and the lifelong responsibilities marriage entails.

At its core, this song mentions “getting married” as something irrelevant to modern society. It highlights the emotional turmoil that can accompany such a big decision.

7. “To The Aisle” By The Five Satins

The classic doo-wop song “To the Aisle” by The Five Satins is about a romance that leads to marriage. The listeners are taken through the various stages of marriage.

The song opens with the boy and the girl meeting for the first time. There’s the initial spark of attraction and the getting-to-know-you stage. They eventually fall in love. All of these bring them closer to walking down the aisle.

The lyrics capture the joy and anticipation of a wedding day and the deep love and commitment between two individuals. The song also conveys the excitement of the journey toward becoming husband and wife.

8. “January Wedding” By The Avett Brothers

Up next, we have “January Wedding” by The Avett Brothers. This song, released in 2009, is about love, companionship, and the passage of time.

The month of January symbolizes a new beginning or a fresh start. And by having a January wedding, it marks a new chapter in the couple’s lives as they become husband and wife. However, the lyrics seem to reference an ill-timed love, possibly due to the illness of the woman.

In terms of marriage, “January Wedding” delves into the deep commitment between two people. They find comfort in each other’s presence despite life’s challenges.

9. “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” By Darlene Love

Sometimes, you meet someone, and you’re certain you’re going to share a future with that person. “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” by Darlene Love reflects this sentiment.

This song captures the joy of falling in love and envisioning a future with the other person. It also captures the moment of certainty when the narrator realizes she has met the man she’s going to marry. In other words, she finds “the one.”

Released in the 1960s, the song reflects the romantic ideals of the era. It was the time when love at first sight was a common narrative. Marriage was often the next step in a romantic relationship.

10. “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” By ABBA

In “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” ABBA delves into sentiments of love and commitment in the context of marriage. The track was part of the supergroup’s self-titled album released in 1975.

Lyrically, the narrator expresses her affection for someone and her longing for his love in return. She convinces him of her love, underlining her sincerity and the depth of her emotions.

The repetition of “I do” throughout the song represents wedding vows. This is the narrator’s promise to love, cherish, and stay committed to her partner.

11. “Good Day For Marrying You” By Dave Barnes

People who are getting married can’t wait for that special day of walking down the aisle. Dave Barnes‘ “Good Day for Marrying You” reflects this sentiment.

The lyrics paint a picture of a beautiful day perfect for a wedding, with “the sun is shinin’ / Dogwoods are comin’ in bloom.” The narrator urges his beloved to wear her wedding dress because the day is just right for their wedding.

At its core, the song encapsulates the excitement and joy of committing to someone you love. It reflects the idea that a wedding day is the culmination of a love story.

12. “Marry Me” By Dolly Parton

When it comes to songs about young love, commitment, and longing for a shared future, look no further than Dolly Parton‘s “Marry Me.” This was released in 2001 from her album Little Sparrow.

This heartfelt country song is about a woman who meets someone at a barn dance and falls for him. Though he appears to be a physically attractive guy, what catches her attention is his being “real smart with a real big heart.”

She is confident that he feels the same way and “he’s gonna marry [her].” In addition, she is clear about her feelings and her desire to spend the rest of her life with him.

13. “Hawaiian Wedding Song” By Elvis Presley

Has anyone ever had or wished to have a picturesque Hawaiian wedding? Elvis Presley serenades us with the 1961 track “Hawaiian Wedding Song.”

The song beautifully captures the romantic appeal of Hawaii as a backdrop for the wedding ceremony. It was originally titled “Ke Kali Nei Au,” which translates to “Waiting There for Thee.” This hints at the anticipation of a union between two individuals.

In the lyrics, the narrator expresses his longing for his beloved and a desire to join together in matrimony. He commits to a shared future, with their journey beginning with the words “I do.”

14. “When I Said I Do” By Clint Black Ft. Lisa Hartman Black

In “When I Said I Do,” Clint Black sings about a relationship that has stood the test of time. The song is a duet with his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, and reflects their vows to stay together through thick and thin.

The narrator in the song promises to uphold his vows to his partner. He declares, “When I said I do, I meant that I will ’til the end of all time.” This conveys the message that marriage requires an unwavering commitment to work through the good and the bad times.

“When I Said I Do” is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the strength of marriage vows made at the altar. It is also a tribute to marriage, where two people commit to love and support each other all the time.

15. “Marry Song” By Band of Horses

Our next song explores the intricacies and complexities of marriage. “Marry Song” by Band of Horses was released in 2007 from their Cease to Begin album.

The song acknowledges that marriage can be demanding and challenging. That’s why it needs both partners to work on it. The lyrics follow the narrator and his lover coming together in marriage. They face challenges and navigate life together.

As the song shows, marriage is not all about the good times. To make it work, it requires not just love but forgiveness and understanding as well.

16. “Marry For Money” By Trace Adkins

Let’s move on to a humorous take on marriage and relationships. In “Marry for Money” by Trace Adkins, the narrator regrets marrying for love when it ends up in divorce.

The song uses satire to present the scenario where the narrator decides to marry for money. His previous marriage has burned him, leaving him with an aversion toward marrying for love. He openly admits he wants a comfortable life provided by his “sweet sugar mama.”

At its core, “Marry for Money” is a playful take on a different side of marriage. This one is motivated by financial gains rather than emotional connection. It urges listeners to reflect on their values when it comes to marriage.

17. “Marry Me” By Thomas Rhett

What can be more painful than seeing your beloved getting married … but not to you? Thomas Rhett‘s “Marry Me” follows this narrative of unrequited love and missed opportunities.

This heartbreaking song follows a man who has donned his best black suit and attends the wedding of the woman he loves. However, she is marrying someone else. He is deeply in love with her but has never confessed his feelings.

As a result, he’s just a guest at her wedding and not the groom. This is a “what could have been” scenario, reflecting on how things might have been different if he had been brave enough to express his love for her.

18. “Let’s Get Married” By The Proclaimers

You’ll know it when you’re ready to settle down with the person you love. The Proclaimers‘ 1994 song, “Let’s Get Married,” expresses the narrator’s desire to get married.

The song is a realistic portrayal of marriage. The narrator is eager to take the next step in their relationship. He is not only ready but enthusiastic about making this big commitment to his partner. This is embodied in the lines, “Let’s get married / We’re ready for tying the knot.”

“Let’s Get Married,” at its core, is a celebration of love. It captures the joy and excitement of spending the rest of your life with the one you love.

19. “Let’s Get Married” By Jagged Edge

There’s no stopping someone who is certain about settling down with the woman he loves. In Jagged Edge‘s “Let’s Get Married,” the narrator expresses his desire to take the next step in their relationship: marriage.

Apparently, he and his partner had been together a while. They have weathered the storms of their relationship together, and they “ain’t gettin’ no younger.” Now, he is ready to make a lifelong commitment to her.

The lyrics suggest a traditional marriage ceremony. It references meeting at the altar, with the bride wearing a white dress. The narrator is eager to move forward and formalize their bond through marriage.

20. “Archie, Marry Me” By Alvvays

The Canadian indie-pop band Alvvays released “Archie, Marry Me” in 2013. It delves into themes of commitment, financial stability, and societal pressures.

Simply, “Archie, Marry Me” is a critique of societal expectations on marrying. The lyrics follow the narrator, who pleads with her lover, Archie, to get married.

However, Archie is described as someone who has “contempt for matrimony.” In addition, he’s got a lot of “student loans to pay and will not risk the alimony.”

These are the things that make Archie hesitant to tie the knot. Nevertheless, the narrator continues to spend time happily with him, indicating a bond that transcends worries.

21. “Wedding In Berlin” By Pet Shop Boys

The celebratory anthem “Wedding in Berlin” by Pet Shop Boys is about the joy and unity of getting married. The boys penned the song for a friend while they were in Berlin, hence the title.

Lyrically, the song is simple and repetitive, with the chorus saying, “We’re getting married, married, married.” While it was a tribute to a heterosexual couple, the song reflects marriage equality. This is embodied in the lines “We’re getting married / A lot of people do it / Don’t matter if they’re straight or gay.”

In relation to getting married, this song portrays the event as a moment of celebration and happiness. It emphasizes the joy that comes from making a lifelong commitment to another person.

22. “White Trash Wedding” By The Chicks

From The ChicksThe Classic Albums Collection album comes “White Trash Wedding.” This song explores the societal and economic pressures surrounding marriage.

In particular, it delves into themes of stereotypes and the financial aspects of getting married. The lines “You can’t afford no ring / I shouldn’t be wearing white” suggest an engagement that does not meet societal expectations.

While aware of these things, the narrator is determined to move forward with the relationship. The song conveys a message that wedding rings and a white dress do not define a marriage.

23. “Love Story” By Taylor Swift

Up next is a song with a narrative reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. Taylor Swift‘s “Love Story” is about a couple who fall in love despite their families’ disapproval. Good thing Swift’s version has a happy-ever-after ending.

The song portrays marriage as the ultimate expression of deep love. The lines “Marry me, Juliet, / you’ll never have to be alone” suggest the guy’s commitment to their relationship despite the circumstances.

In essence, “Love Story” depicts love’s triumph over adversity, with marriage as the happy ending. This sentiment resonates with many people, making it a popular choice for weddings.

24. “You Never Can Tell” By Chuck Berry

Penned and performed by Chuck Berry, “You Never Can Tell” is about a young couple who get married. The lyrics follow their journey from a teenage wedding to settling into a married life.

This song demonstrates that a marriage can remain strong despite the couple’s youth and inexperience. It highlights their joy and contentment as they navigate married life, from buying their home and their first car.

The song is a positive portrayal of marriage, focusing on the couple’s shared experiences and mutual love. Despite obstacles, their love story unfolds. It reinforces the message that when it comes to love and marriage, “you never can tell.”

25. “I Do” By Colbie Caillat

Given the title and the lyrics, Colbie Caillat‘s “I Do” seems to be about the act of getting married. However, once you listen to the song, you’ll find out it’s about taking the relationship further.

“I Do” is about one’s affirmation of love and commitment to the relationship. It captures the moment the narrator realizes she’s truly in love and is ready to commit to her partner. It’s them saying “I do” to love, to be together, and to share their lives.

The feelings and commitments expressed in the song are central to the concept of marriage. The love in the lyrics captures the essence of deciding to spend the rest of your life with someone.

26. “Wedding Song” By Tracy Chapman

The emotional ballad “Wedding Song” by Tracy Chapman explores love, commitment, and marriage. It expresses the narrator’s deep emotional connection to her partner and her longing to be with him.

The song begins with the narrator dreaming of her partner always standing with her and reaching out for her hand. This can be interpreted as her desire to stand by her partner in life, as one does in a marital relationship.

“Wedding Song” does not explicitly talk about a wedding ceremony. Rather, it’s a metaphor for a strong and enduring bond of love.

27. “Marriage Ain’t The End Of Being Lonely” By Emily Scott Robinson

There are two sides to a marriage: the good and the bad, the highs and the lows. Emily Scott Robinson‘s “Marriage Ain’t the End of Being Lonely” provides a real-life portrayal of the realities of marriage.

The song suggests that marriage doesn’t necessarily erase feelings of loneliness. In fact, for the narrator, “Sometimes it feels like it’s the start.” Though she swears to do better in married life, the opposite is what happened.

This song with “marriage” in the lyrics reminds us that it isn’t a singular solution to your emotional needs. It encourages listeners to maintain a sense of self within the union.

28. “I Wanna Marry You” By Bruce Springsteen

In the early years of his career, Bruce Springsteen shied away from writing songs about mature love and marriage. He eventually did and released “I Wanna Marry You” in 1980.

Lyrically, the song explores the narrator’s desire for commitment and the romanticized idea of marriage. The phrase “I wanna marry you” expresses his longing to elevate their relationship.

“I Wanna Marry You” is not just about wanting to marry a specific person. Rather, it’s about the general concept of marriage and the responsibilities that come with it.

29. “Anita Got Married” By Duane Steele

It’s heartbreaking when the person you plan to marry ends up marrying someone else. Such is the narrative behind Duane Steele‘s “Anita Got Married.”

It’s evident that Anita’s marriage brings significant changes in the narrator’s life. The places are never the same, suggesting a sense of melancholy and loss associated with Anita’s marriage. The only thing left for him to do is pack his bags and leave.

The song is a reminder that sometimes we don’t end up with the person we’ve dreamed of marrying. It captures the bittersweet emotions of seeing someone you knew so well move on to a new life through marriage.

30. “Rude” By MAGIC!

Up next is “Rude” by the Canadian reggae fusion band MAGIC! The song is about a man who wants to marry his girlfriend, but her father gets in the way.

You can imagine the frustration he feels when her father refuses to give his blessing. He laments that the older man is being rude for denying permission to marry his daughter.

Nevertheless, the narrator remains determined to marry his girlfriend. He even considers eloping if it comes to that. Come hell or high water, he’s “gonna marry her anyway.”

31. “Get Me To The Church On Time” By Stanley Holloway

Let’s end this list with Stanley Holloway‘s “Get Me to the Church on Time.” This song was written for the 1956 musical My Fair Lady and sung from the perspective of the character Alfred P. Doolittle.

Lyrically, the song is about a man who will be married the following day. Doolittle enjoys the few hours remaining of his freedom with his friends. With all the merriment, he implores them to get him to his wedding at the church on time.

Throughout the song, Doolittle demonstrates a carefree attitude toward his wedding. The song captures the joy and a bit of the anxiety that comes with the transition from bachelorhood to married life.

Summing Up Our List Of Marriage Songs

If you’re married, chances are you resonated with a lot of the songs on our list. If you’re single, we hope the songs provided you with unique perspectives on marriage and the act of getting married.

As these songs showed you, there are diverse emotions and situations associated with the institution of marriage, ranging from joy to conflict. They delved into themes that resonated with listeners, making them timeless pieces of art.

We hope you liked the compilation we have come up with today. And if you want more songs to be added, let us know!

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.