195 of the Best Rock Love Songs for Your Wedding

Finding the right songs for your wedding isn’t easy, especially if you love rock ’n roll. But who says you can’t have songs with electric guitar solos and raspy-voiced vocals at your nuptials?

Just because rock songs aren’t the traditional choice for a wedding doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge in your favorite genre. To help you find some amazing music for your special day, we’ve put together a list of the best rock love songs that are completely wedding-appropriate.

From rocking love ballads for your first dance to the perfect party songs for group dancing, to the ultimate grand entrance track, we’ve got rock songs to suit every part of your big day.

So, whether you’re a classic rock fan, a hairband junkie or prefer more modern rock, we’ve got songs you’re sure to love.

Top 25 Rock Wedding Songs and Love Ballads

To help you in your search for the perfect rock song for your special day, let’s take a look at our top 25 love song recommendations — 10 modern, 10 classic and five rock duets.

Top 10 modern rock love songs for your wedding

1. “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” — by Bryan Adams

This 1991 rock ballad not only was featured in the soundtrack for Prince of Thieves, it won Canadian rocker Bryan Adams a Grammy. Are the lyrics, which speak of a love worth dying for, a little bit cheesy? Yes, but in the very best way. This romantic song is the perfect candidate for a memorable first dance with your spouse.

2. “You Are the Best Thing” — by Ray LaMontagne

This folk-rock tune may never have been a Top 10 hit, but what could be better for a wedding than a song telling your partner he or she is the best thing in your life? LaMontagne’s gravelly rock voice and soulful lyrics make this the perfect love song for your special day.

3. “Now and Forever” — by Richard Marx

Everyone needs a little Richard Marx at their wedding. And this Top 10 hit is his best. Inspired by his relationship with his wife, this acoustic love song was featured in the 1994 film “The Getaway.” Simple yet beautiful, the lyrics together with his husky voice, is a lovely choice for your first dance.

4. “Love Will Keep Us Alive” — by The Eagles

The Eagles have been creating great songs since 1971, yet it’s this Grammy-nominated song from 1994 that is one of the group’s best love songs. Bassist Timothy B. Schmit’s signature countertenor vocals give the song an air of vulnerability and restrained passion for a romantic song for your ceremony or reception.

5. “Marry Me” — by Train

Known as the ultimate proposal song, “Marry Me” was an adult contemporary chart hit in 2010. The soothing acoustic guitar melody and heartfelt lyrics are absolutely perfect for your wedding ceremony or as a romantic first dance.

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

This No. 1 Hot 100 hit was written for the 1998 sci-fi film “Armageddon,” which, ironically, starred lead singer Steven Tyler’s daughter, Liv Tyler. While Aerosmith wasn’t songwriter Diane Warren’s first choice to perform the song, it became Aerosmith’s biggest hit in the U.S. and across the globe. If you like a classic love song interlaced with rock style, this one’s for you.

7. “Thank You For Loving Me” — by Bon Jovi

This Top 20 adult contemporary hit from 2000’s “Crush” album showed the rock group’s softer side. Featuring Jon Bon Jovi’s impressive tenor vocals, sweet lyrics and a great guitar riff from Richie Sambora, this rock love ballad has everything you need for a touching first dance.

8. “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” — by Rod Stewart

If you’re looking for a track that’s a little more laid back, then this love song from U.K. rocker Rod Stewart is the way to go. His cover of Van Morrison’s song became a Top 10 hit in 1993. If you’re a fan of Stewart’s raspy vocals, this sentimental ballad is ideal for your ceremony or reception.

9. “Can’t Stop Loving You” — by Van Halen

A little higher energy than the other songs to make our top 10 list, “Can’t Stop Loving You” is still a great choice for your wedding. From lyrics about true love to Sammy Hagar’s powerful vocals to Eddie Van Halen’s unparalleled lead guitar riffs, this Top 40 hit is perfect for any couple who wants a traditional rock song for their wedding.

10. “Heaven” — by Bryan Adams

A song about enduring love, “Heaven” is one of Adams’ best love ballads. In fact, this No. 1 hit song from 1985 was practically synonymous with weddings in the late ’80s and ’90s and definitely deserves to be part of modern weddings too.

Top 10 classic rock love songs for your wedding

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

This song from the King of Rock ’n Roll is one of the most popular love songs to ever be written. Not only is it regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone, it still sounds as fresh today as when it was sung by Presley back in 1961.

2. “God Only Knows” — by The Beach Boys

Hailed by critics as one of the greatest songs of all time, Carl Wilson’s angelic vocals take center stage in this 1966 love ballad co-written and arranged by his older brother Brian Wilson. Called Carl’s best vocal performance, the song also includes the signature harmonies of the Beach Boys for a hauntingly beautiful ballad about being consumed by love for that one special person.

3. “You Are So Beautiful” — by Joe Cocker

The most successful solo song of Cocker’s career, the success of “You Are So Beautiful” is at least partly due to the musical genius of Beach Boy Dennis Wilson, who reportedly helped songwriters Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher turn the 1974 ballad into a hit. Cocker’s raspy voice and lovely lyrics make this the perfect love song for any classic rock fan.

4. “Something” — by The Beatles

Named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest songs of all time, George Harrison has said this 1969 ballad was inspired by his then-wife Pattie Boyd. With simple yet sincere lyrics and Harrison’s great guitar work, this is a lovely first dance song.

5. “Crazy Love” — by Van Morrison

“Crazy Love” has been covered by numerous artists since being released by this rocker from Northern Ireland in 1970. Morrison’s signature sound makes the original a natural choice but Michael Bublé’s version is also a good option for someone who wants a jazz sound.

6. “Wonderful Tonight” — by Eric Clapton

Clapton’s Top 20 hit from 1977 was inspired by then-wife Pattie Boyd — who was previously married to George Harrison. The song, which describes his love and admiration for her on a night out, is one of Clapton’s best ballads and features his signature guitar work. This song works equally well for a first or last dance of the night.

7. “Devoted to You” — by The Everly Brothers

The best-known recording of this beautiful ballad is by the pioneers of country rock, The Everly Brothers. A Top 10 hit for the pair in 1958, the brothers’ harmonies married with sweet lyrics and a beautiful melody make this song as perfect for your ceremony as it is for a first dance.

8. “Then He Kissed Me” — by The Crystals

Named one of the 200 greatest songs of the 1960s, “Then He Kissed Me” remains popular today with use in movies and regular airplay on classic radio stations. Sung by all-girl group The Crystals, this catchy pop-rock tune tells the story of a young woman’s relationship with a man she meets all the way from the first encounter to him proposing marriage.

9. “Be My Baby” — by The Ronettes

Featuring music from the famous Wrecking Crew and production by the legendary Phil Specter, this song was The Ronettes’ biggest hit and ranked 22nd on Rolling Stone’s 2004 and 2020 editions of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Accolades aside, this song boasts an upbeat tune and fun lyrics that are sure to appeal to any classic pop-rock lover.

10. “All You Need is Love” — by The Beatles

Initially released as a stand-alone single in 1967, this No. 1 hit from the Beatles is still played frequently on the airwaves to this day. This song is a bit cheesy compared to other tracks from the group, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect for your wedding. This song would be especially great for your grand entrance to your reception.

Top 10 duet rock love songs for your wedding

1. “Up Where We Belong” — by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

Cocker was recruited to sing this song with Warnes, who is best known for her vocals on a variety of soundtracks. The lead song for the 1982 film “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Up Where We Belong” was a No.1 hit and is still played on adult contemporary channels today.

2. “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” — by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

This soft rock hit from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack won an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy in 1987. Known as one half of the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley also teamed up with Jennifer Warnes in this mid-tempo song that is perfect for dancing or as a grand entrance song.

3. “I Wanna Remember” — by NEEDTOBREATHE ft. Carrie Underwood

Christian rock group NEEDTOBREATHE teams up with country star Carrie Underwood in this heartfelt track from the group’s 2021 album “Into The Mystery.” This nostalgic track is all about remembering some of the sweetest times you’ve shared with your love, making it a great first dance song for your wedding.

4. “Baby Blue” — by Dennis Wilson ft. Carl Wilson

Originally written for Dennis Wilson’s solo (and never completed) album “Bambu,” this hauntingly beautiful song was instead included on The Beach Boys’ “L.A. (Light Album).” Dennis’ husky voice contrasts with Carl’s smooth tenor vocals and, added to the traditional harmonies and a dreamy melody, is a beautiful choice for a first dance.

5. “Leather and Lace” — by Don Henley and Stevie Nicks

Rocker Stevie Nicks originally wrote this song for someone else but, when they opted not to use it, she turned it into a Top 10 hit for her own album “Bella Donna.” Although both singers take lead on different verses, Henley (of Eagles fame) harmonizes with Nicks’ husky contralto on the choruses for a romantic sound that’s perfect for a first dance.

Other Rock Love Songs to Consider for Your Wedding

While these songs didn’t make our top 25 list of best modern and classic rock songs, as well as best duets, these are all amazing choices for your wedding reception.