Whether you’re planning the anniversary dance at your wedding or setting the mood for a party of two on your anniversary, you can’t go wrong with a romantic song. It may seem like sentimental love songs of any kind will do, but to really capture the essence of an anniversary celebration, songs about love that stand the test of time are what you need. An occasion as special as an anniversary deserves to be celebrated as such, whether it’s been one year or 50.
From love ballads to upbeat hits, there are all sorts of songs to choose from to create your perfect anniversary song playlist. To help with your search, we’ve compiled all the best anniversary songs and lyrics so even if you aren’t musically inclined, you can express your love through song.
What is the anniversary dance tradition?
The reception isn’t just about fun and games. There are sweet moments sprinkled throughout the night as well for both the couple and their guests. Married guests, in particular, are honored during the anniversary dance, which is an opportunity to celebrate the themes of marriage like unity, commitment and longevity.
Following the first dance, father-daughter dance and mother-son dance, the DJ or band will invite married guests to the dance floor (including the newly wedded couple) to honor their love and commitment to each other. As the dance proceeds, couples will be excused in order of the length of their marriage until only the couple who has been married the longest is left. It’s a fun way to get guests more involved and maybe even get a few tips!
Popular Anniversary Songs
“Anniversary” – Tony Toni Tone
As the name would suggest, this smooth listening R&B hit from the early 90s is the perfect anniversary song. Although it may not be the best for a wedding, it will have you and your partner laughing and dancing together to the repetitive, but endearing chorus, "It’s our anniversary".
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran will have everyone swaying to the slow tempo, married or not. With lyrics like "darling I will be loving you ‘till we’re 70" there won’t be a dry eye in the room.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
Everyone knows this sweet, tender ballad by the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Elvis Presley. It has been a quintessential love song for decades and celebrates lasting love. There have also been countless covers of this classic hit over the years if you’re looking for a modern version to fit your wedding style.
“Forever and for Always” – Shania Twain
Country fan or not, everyone will love this upbeat song from Canadian pop-star Shania Twain. The sweet lyrics about a childhood crush turned lifelong partner will put a smile on everyone’s face.
“The Rest of Our Life” – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Country music’s biggest power couple have celebrated their fair share of anniversaries, having been married for over two decades. This duet celebrates the idea of growing old (or staying young) together.
“Dance Me To The End Of Love” – Leonard Cohen
This 80’s ballad penned and performed by poet Leonard Cohen will slow things down to a waltz. The Greek-inspired dance melody is perfect to dance to at a wedding or even at home in the living room.
“That’s All” – Michael Bublé
Modern-day crooner Michael Bublé has a song for nearly every part of the wedding, from the processional to the cocktail hour. "That’s All" was originally recorded by the music legend Nat King Cole (father of another singer on this list), but was covered by Bublé in 2003.
“P.S. I Love You” – The Beatles
With such a large repertoire, it’s no surprise that The Beatles made it onto the list. With lyrics like "As I write this letter / Send my love to you" it makes the perfect song to quote while writing an anniversary card.
“It Had To Be You” – Frank Sinatra
The lyrics of this dreamy ballad suggest a realistic portrayal of love that stands the test of time. Although it was originally performed by Frank Sinatra, the song has since been covered by famous singers of all sorts, including a duet by Barbra Streisand and Michael Bublé.
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
This song would be a great way to follow up a slower more sentimental song because it packs just as much of an emotional punch, but with a bit more pep. "This Will Be" topped both the R&B and pop charts upon its release in 1975.
75 More Anniversary Songs by Genre
- "I Was Made for Loving You" – Tori Kelly ft. Ed Sheeran
- "Dreamlover" – Mariah Carey
- "All Of You" – John Legend
- "Because You Loved Me" – Celine Dion
- "A Moment Like This" – Kelly Clarkson
- "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- "A Thousand Years" – Christina Perri
- "I Do (Cherish You)" – 98 Degrees
- "1, 2, 3, 4" – Plain White T’s
- "Say You Won’t Let Go" –cover by Boyce Avenue
- "You and I" – Ingrid Michaelson
- "Your Song" – Elton John
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" – Bette Midler
- "Just The Way You Are" – Bruno Mars
- "I Got You Babe" – Sonny and Cher
- "Swept Away" – The Avett Brothers
- "Ho Hey" – The Lumineers
- "Sleepwalkin’" – Modest Mouse
- "I Was Made for You" – She & Him
- "Bloom" – The Paper Kites
- "You’re The One" – The Black Keys
- "You’ve Got the Love" – Florence + The Machine
- "All I Want Is You" – Barry Louis Polisar
- "I Would Do Anything For You" – Foster The People
- "Baby I’m Yours" – Arctic Monkeys
- "Walking on a Dream" – Empire of the Sun
- "You and I" – Wilco
- "Awake My Soul" – Mumford & Sons
- "Mess is Mine" – Vance Joy
- "Simplest Love" – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
- "You’re The First, The Last, My Everything" – Barry White
- "Just The Two Of Us" – Grover Washington Jr. with Bill Withers
- "Endless Love" – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
- "Let’s Stay Together" – Al Green
- "All My Life" – K-Ci & JoJo
- "L-O-V-E" – Nat King Cole
- "By Your Side" - Sade
- "Saving Forever For You" - Shanice
- "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" - Stevie Wonder
- "Always and Forever" – Heatwave
- "Truly" – Lionel Richie
- "Everlasting Love" – Tony Terry
- "Here I Stand" – Usher
- "I Believe in You and Me" – Whitney Houston
- "A Couple of Forevers" – Chrisette Michele
- "Eight Days A Week" – The Beatles
- "When I’m Sixty-Four" – The Beatles
- "After All These Years" – Journey
- "You’re My Best Friend" – Queen
- "You Make Loving Fun" – Fleetwood Mac
- "We’ve Only Just Begun" – The Carpenters
- "Yellow" – Coldplay
- "I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)" – The Proclaimers
- "Always" – Bon Jovi
- "Hanging By A Moment" – Lifehouse
- "Iris" – The Goo Goo Dolls
- "Still The One" – Orleans
- "I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing" – Aerosmith
- "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" – Bryan Adams
- "Love Of A Lifetime" – Firehouse
- "I’d Love You All Over Again" – Alan Jackson
- "A Thing Called Love" – Johnny Cash
- "Grow Old With Me" – Mary Chapin Carpenter
- "When I Said I Do" – Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black
- "I Keep On Lovin’ You" – Reba McEntire
- "I Won’t Let Go" – Rascal Flatts
- "Two People Fell In Love" – Brad Paisley
- "You Just Get Better All The Time" – Tim McGraw
- "You’re Still The One" – Shania Twain
- "Rockin’ Years" – Dolly Parton
- "Through the Years" – Kenny Rogers
- "Remember When" – Alan Jackson
- "Look at Us" – Vince Gill
- "I Cross My Heart" – George Strait
- "Forever and Ever, Amen" – Randy Travis
Next time you’re celebrating an anniversary, refer back to this list for musical inspiration or send some of your favorite lyrics to your special someone with a sweet anniversary message. And if you’re soon-to-be married, use these songs as inspiration for what the future has in store.
More wedding song inspiration:
