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

At LastEtta James

At Last

Etta James was born in Los Angeles, California in 1938 and was a great singer who excelled across a wide range of genres, including jazz, blues, soul, and pop.

Released in 1961, this work is an enduring classic that has been covered by many artists and continues to prove its universal appeal.

It expresses the joy and fulfillment of finding true love through a passionate vocal performance and moving lyrics, and is regarded as an ode that resonates with people seeking the sense of resolution and happiness that love brings.

This piece, which evokes deep empathy and emotion in listeners, is a song that couples pledging eternal love at their wedding should especially consider using.

I Wanna Dance With SomebodyWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston’s 1987 hit is a moving dance-pop track that captures a universal longing for love and connection.

It features quintessential ’80s schmaltzy production and lyrics that blend a yearning to share joyful moments with a partner.

Released as the lead single from the album “Whitney,” it reached No.

1 in 14 countries and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1988.

It’s an emotional song perfect for scenes affirming deep affection—an ideal choice for a wedding.

Not Even the KingAlicia Keys

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

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?

Everything’s Gonna Be AlrightSweetbox

SWEETBOX “EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT”, official music video (1997)

Sampling the melody of the classic masterpiece “Air on the G String,” which everyone has heard at least once, and layering pop-leaning rap with a beautiful tune, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” is a nostalgic hit especially for those who spent their youth in the ’90s.

Released in 1997 by the German music group Sweetbox, it became a massive hit in Japan as well, winning the Western Music category at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

There are other pop songs that quote famous classical pieces, but this one stands out as a representative blockbuster among such works.

In fact, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” has long been popular as a wedding song.

The classical melody perfectly suits the wedding atmosphere, the club-inspired track is stylish, and above all, with lyrics that affirm everything and declare that the couple’s future will be “all right,” it delivers a message truly fitting for the start of a new chapter in life.

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Lift Me UpRihanna

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

Rihanna, the singer-songwriter from Barbados who has continued to lead the music scene since the 2000s.

Her dazzling success—often cited as the world’s wealthiest female artist—and her remarkable career, which has produced numerous songs that will go down in music history, have influenced many other artists.

She also performed at the halftime show of the 57th NFL Super Bowl held in February 2023, and continues to draw worldwide attention.

However, there was a period of several years from 2016 when she did not release any new solo material.

Her first new song in about six years, “Lift Me Up,” was released on October 28, 2022.

It debuted as the lead track on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and quickly became a massive hit, a development still fresh in our minds.

Sung with Rihanna’s calm and beautiful voice, “Lift Me Up” is a ballad dedicated to the late actor Chadwick Boseman.

At first glance, that description might make it seem unsuitable for a wedding, but the melody conveys a tender, all-embracing compassion that holds joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness alike—making it certain to move listeners in a setting where eternal love is pledged.

It has already been added to wedding playlists on Spotify and other platforms, and there’s no doubt it will go on to become a beloved standard at weddings in the future!

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Lovin’YouMinnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You (Official Video)

When you hear that stunningly beautiful high-tone voice, most people will probably feel they’ve come across it at least once.

It’s Lovin’ You, the classic released in 1974 by legendary singer Minnie Riperton, who possessed a five-octave range and, though highly anticipated for her future, sadly passed away at the young age of 31.

The song is also known for being produced by Stevie Wonder, and the ultra-high notes sung in the chorus could be called one of the miraculous performances in music history.

In Japan, it’s often used in commercials and is widely known; because its lyrics express deep love for a special person in simple words, it seems perfect as wedding BGM.

The arrangement, which doesn’t feel pushy and has a lounge-music vibe, is also a big plus!

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Sweet LoveAnita Baker

Sweet Love

“Sweet Love” is a song released by Anita Baker in 1986 and included on her album Rapture.

It’s one of her signature tracks—a love song that expresses pure, unconditional affection for a partner.

Anita’s warm, passionate vocals captivate listeners and won’t let go.

At the time, it climbed high on the U.S.

charts and received critical acclaim, winning Best R&B Song at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards.

With lyrics that pledge eternal love, it’s a perfect choice for weddings and is sure to bless the start of a loving couple’s new journey.