Recommended for 2026 weddings! A collection of classic songs by female Western artists

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.

If you’re a fan of Western music, you probably want to use your favorite classic tracks as BGM for important events.

And when it comes to a major life event like a wedding, you’ll want to be extra careful in selecting the songs you use.

With that in mind, this article introduces a curated list of classic and popular female-vocal tracks—including the latest hits—that fit a variety of wedding scenes, all under the theme of Western music.

Since it’s not uncommon in Western music for a beloved love song to actually be a breakup song, we’ve also included reviews that touch on the lyrics.

Enjoy!

[2026] Recommended for Weddings! A Collection of Classic Songs by Female Western Artists (1–10)

Not Even the KingAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Not Even The King (Official Lyric Video)

Not Even the KingAlicia Keys

A heartwarming ballad by Alicia Keys, where the piano melody gently resonates.

The song sings about priceless values—trust and love—that even a “king” with wealth and power cannot buy.

More precious than any expensive jewel, it cherishes the happiness of simply being by someone’s side, delivering a lovely message.

Featured on her 2012 album Girl on Fire, the piece is also known for being co-written with Emeli Sandé.

In September of the same year, she performed it solo on piano for a charity program, and her unadorned presence and vocals moved many.

No flashy production needed—why not listen on a quiet White Day evening, nestled close to the one you love?

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ARTTyla

Tyla – ART (Official Music Video)

ARTTyla

Tyla, who has rapidly risen to prominence as a new-generation pop star representing South Africa.

Her debut album TYLA, released in March 2024, is packed with songs that showcase her full appeal.

Among them, Art—infused with elements of Afrobeats and R&B—is a particularly satisfying track, delivering a classic love song message that likens a lover to a work of art and praises their beauty.

Beyond Tyla’s outstanding vocal ability, you’ll be moved by the depth of love expressed in the lyrics.

It’s a masterpiece that couldn’t be more perfect as wedding BGM for a vow of eternal love.

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Always Remember Us This WayLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Always Remember Us This Way (from A Star Is Born) (Official Music Video)

Always Remember Us This WayLady Gaga

If you’ve seen the film A Star Is Born, you probably remember the piano ballad that colors one of the story’s pivotal scenes.

This piece carries a bittersweet yet beautiful wish to etch a moment of love into the heart forever.

Lady Gaga’s vocals overlap with her on-screen character, striking listeners deeply.

The warm, country-inflected sound feels dramatic even without flashy production.

Included on the soundtrack album A Star Is Born, released in October 2018, the song—despite being an album track—was nominated for Song of the Year at the 62nd Grammy Awards.

It’s perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in the film’s world or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

Why not try a piano-and-vocal performance and sing it tenderly?

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SnoozeSZA

SZA – Snooze (Official Video)

SnoozeSZA

SZA’s song “Snooze” is a 2022 hit released as a passionate love song.

Its lyrics are striking for their strong message—deep affection, a powerful bond, a relationship where both people truly need each other, and the sentiment of “I’d do anything for you.” The bittersweet melody and smooth R&B groove are soothing, creating a richly romantic mood.

Released as a single from the album “SOS,” it became a standout track, with its music video also drawing attention.

It’s a beautiful love ballad perfect as wedding BGM for pledging eternal love—an ideal choice to accompany a special day with someone you cherish.

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Love StoryTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Love Story

Love StoryTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift burst onto the scene as a rising star in country music, then transitioned into pop with a broader musical palette, and has since remained at the forefront of the music world as one of America’s defining singer-songwriters.

Her 2022 release, Midnights, recorded explosive sales and sparked a phenomenon in which its tracks occupied the entire top 10 of the Billboard chart, a result that powerfully attested to her immense popularity.

While Taylor has released many massive hits drawn from her own romantic experiences—including numerous sharp-tongued breakup songs—the track we’re featuring today, Love Story, is quintessentially Taylor: a bright, poppy love song that likens the relationship of two lovers to the tale of Romeo and Juliet.

The narrative is told entirely from the heroine—Juliet’s—perspective, before switching to the male, Romeo’s, point of view at the end, a brilliant structural touch.

It’s a song with a happy ending, so be sure to play it at that perfect moment during your wedding!

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