![[2026] Play It on the Sax! A Collection of Recommended Wedding Songs for Ceremonies and Receptions](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/Io7OtYwdI68/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Play It on the Sax! A Collection of Recommended Wedding Songs for Ceremonies and Receptions
It’s standard at weddings, receptions, and after-parties to sing or use popular wedding songs as background music, but if you can play an instrument like the piano, you may also have the chance to showcase your skills for the happy couple.
This article is a bit unusual among roundups of wedding songs: it compiles classic, popular tracks for weddings—both Western and Japanese—that work perfectly as saxophone covers.
We’ve included videos of actual saxophone covers, so use them as a reference and make your saxophone performance the highlight of the wedding!
[2026] Let's Play It on Sax! A Collection of Recommended Wedding Songs for Ceremonies and Receptions (1–10)
You Raise Me UpNEW!Rolf Løvland
This is “You Raise Me Up,” a piece by the Irish–Norwegian duo Secret Garden.
In Japan, it became famous when figure skater Shizuka Arakawa used it at the 2006 Turin Olympics, where she won the gold medal.
Many people may feel it resembles “Londonderry Air” or “Danny Boy,” and in fact this song is based on “Londonderry Air.” Its gently soaring lines make it a perfect match for the saxophone, a melodic instrument.
When it’s a well-known song you already recognize, you’ll improve faster.
Give it a try as a practice piece.
Aino Katachi feat. HIDENEW!GReeeeN
For saxophone beginners looking for a famous song to try, GReeeeN’s “Ai no Katachi feat.
HIDE” is recommended.
Since the saxophone is a melodic instrument, practicing with songs you like and already know is a shortcut to improvement.
Nowadays, there are many videos for sax beginners that include live demonstrations along with melody sheets, so it’s a great environment for sticking with your practice.
Pay attention to note lengths and the occasional rests, and practice so that you lock solidly into the tempo.
As the song builds, there are more high notes, so it’s good to practice long tones in parallel to ensure each note speaks clearly.
The solo in the interlude is a section to drill intensively, but once you can play it, it sounds really cool—so follow the score carefully and commit to the practice.
Look up at the stars in the nightNEW!izumi taku
If you’re just starting on the saxophone, a famous song you might want to try is Kyu Sakamoto’s classic “Ue o Muite Arukou” (Sukiyaki) / “Look Up at the Stars at Night” (Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o).
Melodic instruments pair exceptionally well with vocals, and the saxophone in particular often carries the melody in school bands and community wind ensembles.
If you’re thinking of joining an ensemble, being able to play vocal-based melodies you’ve practiced will make you a valuable member, even as a beginner with some experience.
When practicing well-known songs, the key is to align the sung melody you hear with the rhythm on the score and your fingerings.
Start by carefully learning the written rhythms and fingerings so you can phrase it as the original vocal does.
Simply being able to play it accurately without mistakes is already great progress.
And if you can add dynamics and expression so it doesn’t sound monotonous, that’s even better!
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
A heartwarming song has been born—one that makes you want to share your excitement with someone.
With the fresh idea of recording days with a lover on movie film, it captures the precious moments of life.
Released in April 2018, the track was included on Official HIGE DANDism’s first full album, “Escaparade,” and was later chosen as the theme song for the film “Love Me, Love Me Not.” When covered on saxophone, it allows for an even more expressive performance.
It’s perfect for weddings and receptions, making a wonderful piece to color the couple’s memories.
Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA
A timeless song that expresses the shape of love was born from a collaboration between MISIA and HIDE from GReeeeN.
It portrays a universal form of love, imbued with words that symbolize the bonds between family and lovers.
Released in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Stepmother and Daughter’s Blues.” This work marks an important milestone celebrating the 20th anniversary of MISIA’s debut.
Covered on saxophone, its warm tone can further convey the depth of love.
It’s a perfect piece for weddings and receptions, sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
SugarMaroon 5
Featuring sweet love lyrics and a catchy melody, this song was released in January 2015 as the third single from Maroon 5’s album V.
The lyrics, which liken yearning for a lover to “sugar,” are memorable, and a saxophone cover would enhance the wedding atmosphere with its pleasant rhythm and luscious tone.
It became a global hit, reaching as high as No.
2 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
The music video, which generated buzz for its fun concept of surprising couples at their weddings, was also widely discussed.
It’s a perfect song for weddings that both the bride and groom and all the guests can enjoy.
PerfectEd Sheeran
Known as one of Ed Sheeran’s signature songs, this track has captured many hearts as a romantic ballad.
Written as a declaration of love to Cherry Seaborn—his friend since high school and now his wife—the song was released in 2017 and topped the charts in 18 countries, including the UK and the US.
Its lyrics, portraying pure love and the deepening of affection over time, make it a popular choice for wedding music, and it suits a saxophone cover perfectly.
The music video, depicting the couple at a snow-covered mountain cabin, is also memorable.
Capturing perfect moments with a loved one, this piece resonates with listeners across a wide range of ages.