Top 20 most romantic songs of all time
12/02/2026 09:00 | Inspiration
With music from the 50s to the present, we have compiled a playlist for you to spend the most romantic night of the year together!
Photo (above, f.l.t.r): Live music: Yentl - Photographer: Jana Pollet / Live music: Het Strijkkwartet - Photographer: Alice Mahran / Live music: 2ROMANCE - Photographer: Love Tales by Elvire
1. Louis Armstrong - La Vie en Rose (1950)
Even though this song belongs to the fabulous Edith Piaf, no one has ever come as close to a beautiful cover as Louis Armstrong. In the intro, we hear a trumpet solo, which is afterwards accompanied by his deep, warm voice. Armstrong enchants listeners and takes them on a journey in time through rose-tinted glasses.
Listen to La Vie en Rose here and get carried away.
2. Etta James - At Last (1960)
Known for her extraordinary soulful voice, Etta James transports crowds with her vocals full of passion and great orchestration. In April 1961, this powerful ballad reached number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in 1999 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. A magnificent achievement to say hello to.
Discover At Last by Etta James here.
3. Nat King Cole - L-O-V-E (1964)
One cannot talk about romance without talking about Nat King Cole. With his full voice and beautiful melody, Nat King Cole makes you realise what a wonderful feeling love really is. A timeless song, which will definitely put you in the mood to ask your lover to dance.
Listen to L-O-V-E here and let it fill your heart.
4. The Beatles - And I Love Her (1964)
Although the Beatles only performed this song once outside Abbey Road Studios, it does not fall short of beauty and emotion. Despite the dark feel this song carries, its elegance and grace still shines through.
Listen to And I Love Her here.
5. Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love (1977)
This pop ballad was used as part of the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever. It became a classic; in the USA, this song stayed in the top 10 for 17 weeks. A showcase of the Bee Gees' fantastic and unique harmonies, this song tells a story about the power of true love in any situation. Shedding a tear is allowed.
Listen to How Deep is You Love here.
6. Julien Clerc - Ma Préférence (1978)
Released in 1978, this single is sure to give you goosebumps. What is more romantic than a man fighting to defend his wife against all odds? The powerful lyrics, passionate vocals and beautiful musical composition make this song definitely worth a listen.
7. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love (1981)
This song was named the most beautiful duet of all time by Billboard. The song brimming with love and passion moves from beginning to end.
Listen to Endless Love here and let emotions overwhelm you.
8. Sade - By Your Side (2000)
Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2002, this gold record was the first single from the group Sade's fifth studio album. Listed 48th on the ranking of greatest love songs of all time, this song is considered a timeless classic.
9. John Legend - All Of Me (2013)
A contemporary classic love story - John Legend gives us the true essence of romance. Upon its release, the song immediately peaked to the top of the Bilboard Hot 100. The piano power ballad was inspired by his wife, Chrissy Teigen, which makes the whole song even more beautiful.
Get carried away by this sentimental song, and enjoy the emotion in John Legend's voice by listening to All of Me here.
10. Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (2014)
Another contemporary love song: this gem stayed in the top 40 for a full year in the UK. This song about eternal love is sure to appeal and touch you. Enjoy the compelling lyrics paired with Ed Sheeran's beautiful, melodic voice.
Discover Thinking Out Loud here.
11. Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling in Love (1961)
‘Can't Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley is a timeless love song originally written for the 1961 film Blue Hawaii, which starred Elvis Presley. The song became one of his most iconic hits. With its gentle melody and poetic lyrics, it perfectly sums up the emotions of falling in love.
Listen to Can't Help Falling in Love here.
12. Adele - Make you feel my love (2008)
Make you feel my love is a slightly more modern song. The song was originally written by legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Adele released her version of the song on her debut album 19. Her emotional version of the song is perfect for special and heartwarming moments.
Discover Make you feel my love here.
13. Michael Bublé - Everything (2007)
With the song's romantic and upbeat vibe, Everything should not be missing from your wedding. Michael Bublé revealed that the song was inspired by his own feelings during his engagement to actress Emily Blunt. The sincere emotion comes out beautifully in the song.
14. Elton John - Your song (1970)
This compelling song was based on a love letter Bernie Taupin, one of the song's writers, wrote for his then-girlfriend. The song is steeped in genuine emotion and personal feelings. In 1998, the song was inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame. The song became one of the most popular wedding songs in the world.
Get carried away by Your Song here.
15. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (1965)
This timeless song was actually written for the 1955 film Unchained. The Righteous Brothers' cover quickly became a huge hit. It was rewarded with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The emotional song is often associated with eternal love and connection, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Discover Unchained Melody here.
16. Billy Joel - Just the way you are (1977)
Billy Joel wrote ‘Just the Way You Are’ as a birthday present for his then-wife, Elizabeth Weber. The song later became one of his biggest hits. The song earned 2 Grammy Awards in 1979 for ‘Song of the year’ and ‘Record of the year’. Thanks to the song's sincere and romantic message, it is often chosen for the wedding couple's first dance.
Listen to Just the way you are here.
17. Percy Sledge - When a man loves a woman (1966)
Based on a true story, the song describes the story of the pain and devotion of a man in love with a woman. The song is considered one of the most impressive vocal performances in the history of pop music. As a result, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Discover When a man loves a woman here.
18. Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (2011)
‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri, known from the Twilight saga, often hits ee, sensitive chord at weddings. What's special is that Perri wrote the song in just a few days, making it a true musical gem that celebrates love in a profound way.
Listen to A Thousand Years here.
19. Train - Marry me (2010)
‘Marry Me’ by Train is a romantic song that graces many weddings. What makes it extra special is that the lead singer, Pat Monahan, wrote the song as a marriage proposal to his wife. It became a favourite among couples worldwide, with the song's meaning really bringing love to life.
20. Frank Sinatra - The way you look tonight (1964)
This timeless song celebrates love. The song won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1936 and became one of Sinatra's iconic hits. It is often chosen as a dance number at weddings because of its romantic vibe.
Discover The way you look tonight here.
Which song should we definitely put on our list next year? Which singer or singer makes your heart beat faster? Which song do you have a special memory of? Send us your favourite songs and great stories at support@houseofweddings.com. We look forward to reading your stories!
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