Are you planning to propose this year? Whether you’re planning an intimate moment with just the two of you, or a grand, public proposal, you’ll want to pick the perfect song for it!
A romantic song while you pop the question will set the ideal atmosphere. It will create timeless memories of that moment. The link between the two of you as a couple and that song will last a lifetime. I’ve put together a suggested selection of 20 romantic songs for the perfect proposal to inspire you! I’ve also created a Spotify playlist to help you find a great recording to play. If you’re interested in booking a live musician to perform for you, there’ll be details of how can do that at the end of the blog post!
Pop songs to propose to
1. All of Me by John Legend
This song has been popular at weddings ever since its release in 2013. It’s showing no signs of decreasing in popularity. Not only are the words tender and heartfelt, but the melody is too, so it works well as an instrumental version. Check out this video of one of my harpists performing the song.
2. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is the king of the romantic ballad! Some prefer his later love song, Perfect. But for me, nothing tugs at my heartstrings more than this version of Thinking Out Loud recorded by one of my pianists.
3. Rather Be by Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne
It felt like this song was at the top of the charts for ages back in 2014! It’s catchy and feel-good, and its video was a viral hit. I particularly love Clean Bandit’s signature use of classical string instruments in the accompaniment.
4. Marry You by Bruno Mars
Given the title, this is a somewhat obvious choice! I first heard this great song in a wedding episode of the hit TV series Glee, where it was a joyful wedding processional. It also works brilliantly in an instrumental version, as shown here by one of my string trios.
Film music to propose to
5. Dawn from the soundtrack to Pride and Prejudice, by Dario Marianelli
If you or your partner is a fan of the romantic Jane Austin novel (and movie adaptations), then this is the ideal choice. The original piano track is just gorgeous – so gentle, calming and peaceful.
6. Beauty and the Beast (Tale as Old as Time), by Alan Menken
A timeless Disney classic. Unless you’ve got a dry sense of humour though, you might not want to refer to one member of your partnership as ‘the beast’! Perhaps an instrumental version would work best! If so, it works beautifully on string instruments, as demonstrated by one of my string duos.
7. A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s watched this film a thousand times! This song is full of hope and optimism, as a young couple predict their future together full of exciting adventures. The perfect marriage proposal song for a pair of dreamers.
8. River Flows in You from Twilight, by Yiruma
I have to confess; I’ve never seen Twilight so didn’t know this song until it started getting requested for weddings. It’s a beautiful, serene solo piano piece, which Classic FM have dubbed the “Clair de lune of the 21st century”. (Read more about Clair de lune in the classical section below!)
Classical pieces to propose to
9. Clair de lune by Debussy
Clair de lune means ‘moonlight’ and is widely judged to be one of the most romantic classical pieces ever written. So, if you’re planning a moonlit proposal, this could be perfect. It is composed for solo piano, and one of my pianists performs the original version in the video below.
10. Air on the G String by J S Bach
Another popular one for weddings. This piece is part of a bigger orchestral work, but soloists or smaller ensembles often arrange it to fit into more intimate settings. I particularly like hearing it played by solo classical guitar.
11. Méditation from Thaïs, by Massenet
I challenge you to listen to this gorgeous violin tune without shedding a tear! It is reflective, romantic, and without wishing to overstate it: absolutely stunning. It works beautifully on harp, strings, or wind instruments.
12. O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi, by Puccini
This is one of the most well-loved arias in the operatic repertoire. The English translation doesn’t quite fit the context of a marriage proposal. But as long as neither of you speaks Italian, or you use an instrumental version, it would still be a magnificent song for that precious moment!
Jazz songs to propose to
13. The Way You Look Tonight
The lyrics to this jazz standard, popularised by Frank Sinatra, are so cute and charming. And if you want an instrumental piece without a singer, it works beautifully on solo jazz guitar. Hear it performed in the video below by the jazz guitarist I booked for my own wedding!
14. All the Things You Are
This classic is a wonderful dream of two people coming together to become one. It’s ideal for a marriage proposal! A true, 1930’s big band piece, solo instruments and smaller ensembles can also adapt it for a more intimate performance.
15. You Stepped Out of a Dream
Another song dedicated to the person of your dreams; this is perfect to play to someone you idolise. I love the recording by Nat King Cole. One of my jazz trios also did this fabulous version for keyboard, bass and saxophone.
16. I Can’t Give You Anything but Love
As the title suggests, this upbeat and quirky song shows us what true love is all about. Compare the late 1990’s Diana Krall recording on my Spotify playlist, with the video below of one of my jazz singers. You’ll see what a variation in style there is between different interpretations of jazz standards!
Old-school songs to propose to
17. Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
Another timeless classic everyone knows and loves. A friend of mine, who has a gorgeous baritone voice, sang this to his wife on their wedding day. It was the most precious moment. If you’re not a confident singer, putting the legendary Elvis Presley on in the background will do the trick!
18. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
This song is one of my absolute favourites. It makes my cry every time I hear it! If you want your proposal to be an emotional, heartfelt moment, then this song is for you. It’s also another favourite for harpists to play as a processional song in wedding ceremonies.
19. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
A celebration of love and the world, this would be a great song to start your journey as an engaged couple. Louis Armstrong’s voice is iconic. If you’re looking for an instrumental version, you’re spoilt for choice. It’s on repertoire lists for harp, string ensemble, piano and classical guitar.
20. When I’m Sixty-Four by The Beatles
A bit of a silly one to end with, but still perfect for a marriage proposal! If you don’t take life too seriously and want the moment to be fun and uplifting, this might be the song for you! It also works superbly in entertaining arrangements for string instruments or brass ensembles.
I hope my 20 suggestions have inspired you to pick one of these beautiful romantic songs for your perfect proposal. If you’ve got ideas of your own, drop them into the comments – I’d love to hear them! And I want to take the opportunity to wish you lots of luck as you pop the big question!
If you’re interested in booking a live musician for your magical marriage proposal, book a free discovery call with me to discuss your dream proposal.
