[2026] Brighten your wedding with Western music BGM! Recommended English-language wedding songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

We’re introducing some recommended Western songs for your wedding BGM! If you’re a couple who loves Western music, you’ll want to make your reception feel like “you” by using Western tracks throughout.

That said, if you switch out every track for each scene and for background conversations, you’ll end up needing a dozen or more songs.

Your favorite songs might not always suit a celebratory occasion, and choosing can be tough… So for those dealing with that dilemma, we’ve put together a list of Western songs that work well across various wedding moments.

We focused our research on recent hits, including the latest tracks, and we also introduce timeless classics in the latter half—so you’re sure to get compliments on your great taste.

Use this article as a guide to help you create a wedding that’s brimming with your unique personalities!

[2026] Make Your Wedding Sparkle with Western Music BGM! Recommended Western Wedding Songs (11–20)

StargazingMyles Smith

Myles Smith – Stargazing (Lyric Video)

StargazingMyles Smith

Stargazing, released on May 10, 2024 by Texas-born musician Miles Smith, is a moving track that’s currently breaking out, especially on the US charts.

It expresses deep love and an eternal bond, poignantly portraying a romantic moment in which one finds the future in a partner’s eyes.

Set to a beautiful melody, it sings of a profound connection and trust between two people who love each other to the core—an instant classic that resonates with listeners.

This soulful pop tune, highlighted by Miles’s striking vocals, is also perfect as wedding music to celebrate life’s milestones with a loved one.

Played during a ceremony where vows of eternal love are exchanged, it’s sure to elevate the emotion of the moment.

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Lift Me UpRihanna

Rihanna – Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Lift Me UpRihanna

A moving power ballad that conveys warmth and strength in Rihanna’s voice is featured on the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Her first new song in six years, Lift Me Up is a special track dedicated to Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020.

Its lyrics, filled with the sorrow of losing a loved one and the longing for reunion, gently resonate with listeners as a grand love song in a broader sense.

Played at a wedding, it’s sure to convey the couple’s deep bond and their gratitude to guests.

It’s a perfect song for a special day when you vow eternal love.

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Leave the Door OpenSilk Sonic

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open [Official Video]

Leave the Door OpenSilk Sonic

A landmark debut track from Silk Sonic that elevates the finest retro soul sound for today! Two of America’s top artists, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, carry on the tradition of classic Philly soul while captivating listeners with witty lyrics and groove-filled performances.

The stylish music video, evoking the 1970s, is also a must-see.

With its sweet, “the door’s always open” vibe, this love song is a perfect pick to brighten up any wedding as a celebratory wedding tune!

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Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon

WALK THE MOON – Shut Up and Dance (Official Video)

Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon

It’s “Shut Up and Dance,” a song released in 2014 by the American pop band WALK THE MOON.

It’s an upbeat dance number that gets listeners excited.

The vocals by Nicholas Petricca are so strong that you might think of a second Maroon 5.

This track is included on the album TALKING IS HARD.

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As It WasHarry Styles

Harry Styles – As It Was (Official Video)

As It WasHarry Styles

“As It Was,” the lead single from British singer-songwriter Harry Styles’s 2022 album “Harry’s House,” is a standout hit that came to define the year.

Many will recognize Styles’s mellow vocals paired with a polished synth-pop sound.

Drawn from his own experiences—adapting to a post-pandemic reality and grappling with loneliness and fame—the song was named one of 2022’s best tracks by numerous music outlets.

While some say it reflects his relationship with Olivia Wilde, it’s also a song that would surely resonate with many guests as wedding background music.

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Risk It AllBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Risk It All [Official Music Video]

Risk It AllBruno Mars

This song portrays a resolve to risk everything, unafraid of any cost, for the one you love.

Its live, bolero-style arrangement featuring horns and strings is captivating, and we’re amazed by the romantic talents of the globally acclaimed artist Bruno Mars.

The track opens the album “The Romantic,” released in February 2026, and its music video was unveiled at the same time.

Filled with passionate feelings for a special someone, this song is a great choice for expressing your heart to a loved one at celebrations like weddings!

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[2026] Enliven Your Wedding with Western Music BGM! Recommended Western Wedding Songs (21–30)

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton

This is the song “A Thousand Miles,” released in 2002 by Vanessa Carlton, an American singer-songwriter and pianist.

Its beautiful piano melody truly captivates the heart and ear! It’s a refreshing, free-spirited track that feels like taking a drive.

It’s included on the album Be Not Nobody.

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