Most Popular Wedding Songs

In western culture, the "Wedding March" or "Here Comes the Bride" is typically played during the wedding processional (entrance of the wedding party). The song originated as the "Bridal Chorus" from German composer Richard Wagner's 1850 romantic opera, Lohengrin.

It is important to note, however, that the "Bridal Chorus" is infrequently used at Jewish weddings as its composer, Wagner, was a notorius anti-Semite.

Ironically, the song typically played as the wedding recessional (departure of the wedding party) -- the "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream -- was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, a German Jew and a target of Richard Wagner's anti-Semitic essay, Das Judenthum in der Musik or "Jewry in Music." Wagner and Mendelssohn, while adversaries, were both associated with German music of the 19th century late "Romantic" period.

Bridal Chorus and Wedding March 2in1 Piano Solo - Music Book

"The Wedding Song (There Is Love)" was written by folk singer Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary fame. It was released in 1971 on Stookey's debut solo album Paul and. Other notable singers to record the song include, Mary MacGregor, The Captain and Tennille, and Petula Clark.

"For more than 30 years, through PDF, Mr. Stookey has given almost 1.5 million dollars to various family and children’s programs throughout the world. PDF's diverse generosity has helped day camps survive, put fledgling agencies on the map, supported music ventures focused on children, aided Central American relief efforts and even ensured the sustainability of a rural community radio station." —PDFoundation.org

"Into every songwriter's life comes a song, the source of which cannot be explained by personal experience...the 'Wedding Song' was just such a creation; given through its composer to be given away." —Noel Paul Stookey regarding why he created the Pubic Domain Foundation

Commemorative "Wedding Song" CD
Available at PDFoundation.org is a special release of the original 1971 "Wedding Song" as sung by Noel Paul Stookey (of 'Peter, Paul and Mary'). Suitable for wedding, anniversary or engagement favors and gifts, each CD is specially crafted and comes wrapped in a artfully decorated sleeve. Inside you'll find a delicate vellum sheet - perfect for personalizing your message to the couple - a 3" mini CD of the 'Wedding Song', a card from Noel Paul Stookey explaining the song's origins and its charitable purpose, and the 'Wedding Song' lyrics. All purchases support PDF's charitable causes. A distinctive and thoughtful present for anyone celebrating their union.

The Wedding Song (There Is Love) Lyrics
(Words and Music by Paul Stookey)

He is now to be among you
at the calling of your hearts
Rest assured this troubadour
is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits, here,
has caused Him to remain
for whenever two or more of you
are gathered in His name
there is Love, there is Love.

Well, a man shall leave his mother
and a woman leave her home
and they shall travel on to where
the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning
is now and til the end
Woman draws her life from man
and gives it back again.
And there is Love, there is Love.

Well then what's to be the reason
for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here
or love that brings you life?
And if loving is the answer,
then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something
that you've never seen before?
Oh there is Love, there is Love.

Oh the marriage of your spirits here
has caused Him to remain
for whenever two or more of you
are gathered in His name
there is Love, there is Love.

A very nice midi arrangement of "The Wedding Song" can be heard at SongsofPraise.org.

Paul Stookey - Wedding Song - There Is Love - Sheet Music (Digital Download)

More Popular Wedding Songs
Following is a list of some of the other most popular wedding songs. Some are appropriate for Father-Daughter and Mother-Son first dances. Most are popular first Husband-Wife dance songs.

SIDEBAR: Garter removal song? Try, "The Stripper," by David Rose.

Amazed -- Lonestar
Annie's Song -- John Denver
At Last -- Etta James
Butterfly Kisses -- Bob Carlisle
Can I Have This Dance? -- Anne Murray
Can't Help Falling In Love -- Elvis Presley
Could Not Ask For More -- Edwin McCain, Sara Evans
Cross My Heart -- Clint Black
Don't Wanna Miss A Thing -- Aerosmith, Mark Chestnutt
Endless Love -- Diana Ross/Lionel Richie
Everything I Do -- Bryan Adams
From This Moment -- Shania Twain/Bryan White
Have I Told You Lately -- Van Morrison, Rod Stewart
Hero -- Maria Carey
I Love The Way You Love Me -- John Michael Montgomery
I Swear -- John Michael Montgomery, All4One
I Will Always Love You -- Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston
I'll Always Love You -- Taylor Dane
In My Daughter's Eyes -- Martina McBride
Isn't She Lovely -- Stevie Wonder
Just The Way You Are -- Billy Joel
Just You and I -- Eddie Rabbitt/Crystal Gale
The Way You look Tonight -- Frank Sinatra
There Is Love (The Wedding Song) -- Paul Stookey
Three Times A Lady -- The Commodores
Through The Years -- Kenny Rogers
Time In A Bottle -- Jim Croce
To Make You Feel My Love -- Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks
Tonight I Celebrate My Love -- Roberta Flack/Peabo Bryson
Unchained Melody -- Righteous Brothers, Willie Nelson
Unforgettable -- Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole
We've Only Just Begun -- The Carpenters
What A Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong
When A Man Loves A Woman -- Percy Sledge, Michael Bolton
When I Said I Do -- Clint Black/Lisa Hartman
Wind Beneath My Wings -- Bette Midler
Wonderful Tonight -- Eric Clapton
Your Love Amazes me -- John Berry
The Complete Wedding Album -- Various Artists