Picking songs for your wedding can be a tricky task, especially if you’re looking for wedding duet songs. Romantic duets are a great way to capture the moment of first dances or walking down the aisle together. Read on to be inspired by some of the best wedding duet songs ever recorded.
“Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Song Year: 1983
Kenny Rogers has participated in a multitude of romantic duets, but his collaboration with Dolly Parton on “Islands in the Stream” is arguably the best Kenny Rogers duet. Written by the Bee Gees, this sweet love song has a fun beat and wholesome lyrics.
“You’re the One that I Want” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
Song Year: 1978
“You’re the One that I Want” is the perfect campy song to play during your reception. Whether you want to recreate the iconic choreography from the film or have your friends rock out with you on the dance floor, this tune about love and commitment is a great way to kick off your marriage.
“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Song Year: 1956
“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” is a classic love song about cherishing the small details about your partner. This song has a pleasant beat and instrumental break, making it a good choice for a first dance.
“I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Song Year: 1987
If you and your partner appreciate pop culture references, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” featured in the film Dirty Dancing, would be a romantic and lighthearted wedding song. In this duet, the singers express that knowing each other has been the most meaningful experience in their lives.
“It Takes Two” by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB1AnAPfGn4
Song Year: 1966
“It Takes Two” is a charming tune from the 1960s that celebrates partnership and unity. This song is a little more upbeat and faster-paced than other popular romantic duets and may be a good option if you want a lot of energetic dancing at your wedding.
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
Song Year: 1965
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher may be the first song that comes to mind when you think of romantic duets. Between the dreamy rhythm and deep affection within the song, you and your new spouse will be swaying together on the dance floor like no one else is in the room.
“Darlin’ Companion” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
Song Year: 1968
Although this song was originally recorded by Johnny Cash alone, he and his wife June Carter Cash frequently performed it live as a duet. “Darlin’ Companion” is a cute country song that highlights the friendship element of a romantic relationship.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and Steve Kazee
Song Year: 2011
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a beloved contemporary love song, and the duet version with Steve Kazee is particularly powerful. The song describes a couple that has always loved each other and always will.
“From This Moment On” by Shania Twain and Bryan White
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kekvCQ5ZGMo
Song Year: 1997
“From This Moment On” by Shania Twain and Bryan White is a delicate duet that gradually builds up strength as the singers swear their devotion to each other. If you want an impactful and swoon-worthy duet for your first dance, “From This Moment On” is an excellent choice.
“All I Ask Of You” by Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson
Song Year: 2004
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Phantom of the Opera, “All I Ask Of You” has a gorgeous, luminous feeling. In this beautiful duet, the characters commit to sharing a life and protecting each other from harm.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Song Year: 1967
For an adorably groovy moment at your wedding reception, play “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. This song is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will get everyone on the dance floor.
“People Will Say We’re In Love” by Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones
Song Year: 1943
For a slightly tongue-in-cheek wedding song from a classic musical, check out “People Will Say We’re In Love” from Oklahoma! This duet depicts the characters teasingly warning each other that people may think they are romantically involved, listing all the romantic things they “shouldn’t” be doing together.
“Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth and Emeli Sandé
Song Year: 2012
“Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth and Emeli Sandé is another stunning contemporary duet. The song focuses on the importance of deep, meaningful relationships, with the singers expressing their desire to know each other beneath their superficial selves.
“Everything Has Changed (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran
Song Year: 2021
“Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran was already a magical love song, but the 2021 release of “Everything Has Changed (Taylor’s Version)” showcases the artists’ depth and maturity, making for a fantastic wedding song that captures the moment when soulmates meet.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee
Song Year: 1976
Every wedding playlist should include this popular 1970s duet. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” features the great beat and instrumental arrangement you would expect from Elton John, and the chemistry between Elton John and Kiki Dee evokes the childlike wonderment and immense trust that goes into a relationship.
“Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches
Song Year: 2001
“Anyone Else But You” is an amazing indie duet that captures an offbeat, honest love. This endearing song describes the simple ways a couple is in love with each other, saying that they couldn’t understand how anyone could be interested in someone other than their incredible partner.
“You’re the Top” by Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal
Song Year: 1973
“You’re the Top” is a well-known love song, but perhaps one of the silkiest and most entertaining versions of the tune is the one recorded by Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal for the slapstick comedy What’s Up, Doc?, pairing Streisand’s powerful and elegant voice with O’Neal’s gentle and affectionate commentary.
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAJlqNJYmIs
Song Year: 1981
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie is a traditional love ballad featuring two talented performers. The duet captures the power of long-term commitment, and it works equally well as a wedding song or a fiftieth-anniversary song.
“All I Need” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige
Song Year: 1995
“All I Need” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige samples another great romantic duet, “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song demonstrates shared love and partnership.
“I’ll Cover You” by Jesse L. Martin and Wilson Jermaine Heredia
Song Year: 1996
Musical theater fans will adore it if you play “I’ll Cover You” from Rent at your wedding. In the song, the characters talk about giving each other shelter and building a life and home together.
“I See The Light” by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi
Song Year: 2010
“I See The Light” from Disney’s animated film Tangled evokes the magical moment when you realize you are with your soulmate. If you want a classically romantic first dance, this song would be excellent for choreographed ballroom dancing.
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
Song Year: 2017
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a fantastic love song, and his duet version with Beyoncé adds depth and power to the piece. Since the lyrics describe childhood sweethearts, “Perfect” is a nice wedding song for couples who met when they were young.
“Love Me Anyway” by P!nk and Chris Stapleton
Song Year: 2019
P!nk’s R&B and pop influences blend perfectly with Chris Stapleton’s country style to produce a soulful love ballad. This tune emphasizes the “worse” element of “for better or worse” and depicts a couple asking each other to continue to love them unconditionally.
“True Love” by Vince Gill and Amy Grant
Song Year: 1985
“True Love” is a moody duet about finding love after waiting a long time. The slow beat and smoky vocals are well-suited for an intimate wedding reception, especially for a couple that is getting married later in life.
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Song Year: 2008
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat is a sweet, lighthearted duet about love based on friendship. The soft, crooning vocals are sure to add a dreamy, romantic touch to your first dance as a married couple.
“Tonight I Celebrate My Love” by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack
Song Year: 1983
If you like sentimental 1980s love ballads, it doesn’t get much better than “Tonight I Celebrate My Love.” Bryson and Flack express an earnest and mature passion for each other, backed by some awesome 1980s-style musical arrangements.
“Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya
Song Year: 2017
“Rewrite the Stars” is a compelling love song from the movie musical The Greatest Showman. The lyrics are an exchange between two lovers willing to change their fates to be together, and the musical style has an engaging contemporary twist.
“Could I Have This Dance” by Amy Grant and Anne Murray
Song Year: 1980
“Could I Have This Dance” is a wonderful first dance song for two women. This tune has a pleasant country lilt, and the narrative depicts someone asking their lover to dance with them every night.
“Something Good” by Julie Andrews and Bill Lee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eITiP7tTDrs
Song Year: 1965
“Something Good” is a hidden gem from The Sound of Music. Sung by Julie Andrews and Bill Lee, this hazy, ethereal duet meditates on how the couple must have done something right in their lives to have found each other.
“Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Song Year: 1991
“Unforgettable” is a well-known jazz standard, but the version by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole sets itself apart with the father-daughter duo’s incredible vocals. Natalie Cole recorded this song decades after her father’s death, combining her new recording with his older performance.
“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Song Year: 2018
“Shallow,” the highly acclaimed duet in the 2018 version of A Star Is Born, will have a big impact on your wedding reception. Lady Gaga, of course, has a beautiful voice filled with emotion, but Bradley Cooper’s rough, Springsteen-esque tone brings a layer of passion to the song.
“Shall We Dance” by Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe
Song Year: 2015
Couples who enjoy Broadway musicals should consider using “Shall We Dance” from the 2015 revival of The King and I as the first dance song. Naturally, the song has an excellent beat for ballroom dancing, and the tender dynamic between the characters sets an intimate tone for the evening.
“When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss and Union Station
Song Year: 1995
For another romantic country duet, check out “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss and Union Station. Krauss takes the lead with her angelic voice, describing how she knows her partner loves her simply by looking at his face.
“Haunted” by Shane MacGowan & The Popes and Sinéad O’Connor
Song Year: 1995
If you want a wedding duet song with a bit more of an edge to it, listen to “Haunted” by Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor. MacGowan’s growl contrasts perfectly with O’Connor’s feminine soprano as they exchange proclamations of their love.
“A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall In Love)” by Dinah Washington and Brook Benton
Song Year: 1960
“A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall In Love)” is an adorable tune to play at a wedding. This retro, pop duet has a playful, sensual feeling captured by Washington and Benton’s warnings that they are falling in love.
“Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Song Year: 1950
“Dream A Little Dream Of Me” is a popular love song for good reason: the familiar lyrics will get anyone into the mood for romance. When Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong sing this duet together, their voices transform the room into a warm, cozy space.
“So This Is Love” by Ilene Woods and Mike Douglas
Song Year: 1950
Brides who want to feel like a princess on their wedding day might want to go directly to the source and take a song from Disney’s Cinderella. “So This Is Love” is a simple, dainty song that can serve as the music for a brief, nostalgic first dance.
“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith and John Legend
Song Year: 2015
Sam Smith’s plaintive voice makes “Lay Me Down” an incredibly poignant ballad about longing to lay next to the one you love. For the 2015 Red Nose Day benefit, John Legend recorded a duet version of the song with Smith that enhanced the R&B elements of the composition and incorporated Legend’s excellent piano skills.
“Till Forever Falls Apart” by Ashe and FINNEAS
Song Year: 2021
“Till Forever Falls Apart” has a theme that feels extremely relevant these days. With a slightly apocalyptic implication, the singers promise that they will love each other until the world ends, referencing various potential natural disasters.
“The Bones” by Maren Morris and Hozier
Song Year: 2019
“The Bones” articulates the long-term commitment of a couple, stating that they can’t get through any problems because their relationship has a strong foundation. This piece would be cute for a vow renewal wedding, or for a reception dance that honors the older couples at the event.
“When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Song Year: 1998
Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the animated movie The Prince of Egypt, “When You Believe” expresses that when you have faith, amazing things can happen. Featuring the talented singers Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, this song may be a good choice for a couple having a spiritual ceremony.
“Hey Paula” by Paul and Paula
Song Year: 1961
Paul and Paula were a popular singing duo in the 1960s, and their hit tune “Hey Paula” is a great match for any wedding reception with a retro vibe. This duet is essentially written for a wedding, given that the lyrics include Paul and Paula explicitly saying they want to get married.
“Up On the Roof” by Carole King and James Taylor
Song Year: 2007
Carole King and James Taylor collaborated on music early on in their careers, so it delighted many fans when they finally recorded their duet version of “Up On the Roof,” a song that Carole King had written decades earlier. This tune is a good fit for introverted couples who value their special time alone.
“Jackson” by Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck
Song Year: 2021
“Jackson” is a classic country duet about a couple who is threatening to separate, but ultimately end up going to Jackson together. The 2021 version has a modern twist on the song, with Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck incorporating LGBTQ culture into a traditional country tune.
“Sneakin’ Around” by Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds
Song Year: 1982
“Sneakin’ Around” is a fun blend of country music and show tunes, featuring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds as a clandestine couple sharing how much they enjoy spending time together. For an entertaining song to get people into a dancing mood, “Sneakin’ Around” is an original and memorable choice.
“Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend
Song Year: 2016
“Like I’m Gonna Lose You” is an engaging pop song about loving your significant other and not taking them for granted. This is a great tune for reminding yourself to enjoy the small, precious moments of your wedding day.
“Ten Minutes Ago” by Brandy and Paulo Montalbán
Song Year: 1997
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a fantastic musical, and the 1997 film version is truly iconic. For a gorgeous love duet with a modern pop undertone, check out “Ten Minutes Ago,” which captures the moment that lovers meet.
Top Wedding Duet Songs, Final Thoughts
Wedding duet songs don’t have to be cheesy—as this list demonstrates, many unique and creative duets will suit your personality and the tone of your event. Whether you prefer a slow, dreamy ballad or a contemporary pop song, a duet is sure to add some magic and romance to your special day.