The 1980s were the decade weddings went to the movies. Seven of the fifteen songs on this list came from film soundtracks, three of those won the Oscar for Best Original Song, and every single one of them still gets requested at receptions today.
If you got married in the 1980s, at least one of these played at your wedding. The songs run in order from 1980 to 1989, and there’s a Spotify playlist with all fifteen at the end.
And when you’re done here, our 1980s wedding dresses have the sleeves to match.
“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang (1980)
I think this is still a top wedding song! If you can’t play Celebration at a wedding, when can you play it?
Did you know this one started with a passage in the Quran? Ronald Bell read about angels celebrating the creation of Adam, and out came the song every DJ still reaches for first.
“Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray (1980)
This is actually one song I wasn’t super familiar with, but great country love songs always find their way onto wedding reception dance floors.
It’s an actual waltz, from the Urban Cowboy soundtrack, and the lyrics are about remembering the song from the first time you danced together. No wonder it turned into the anniversary dance at so many receptions.
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (1981)
Do you remember this movie with Brooke Shields? It was kind of intense. But this song somehow made the movie less creepy?
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded this in Reno at about 3 a.m., because that was the only hour their tour schedules overlapped. It sat at No. 1 for nine weeks.
“Open Arms” by Journey (1982)
Wow, this song…it’s still such a classic and just so 80s!
Jonathan Cain wrote the start of this in his old band, and the singer there passed on it. Steve Perry didn’t. It became Journey’s biggest hit.
“Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes (1982)
I have a soft spot for this song and Joe Cocker. You Are So Beautiful is another great wedding song from him, but that’s another decade (the 70s).
This is from An Officer and a Gentleman, and it won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Keep an eye on Jennifer Warnes, because she does this again later in the list.
“Truly” by Lionel Richie (1982)
Is there any song Lionel Richie doesn’t make great? I feel like any song of his you play will just crush it at a wedding.
This was his first single after leaving the Commodores, and it won him a Grammy. Between this one, Endless Love, and Three Times a Lady on our 1970s wedding songs list, he might be the king of wedding music.
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper (1984)
Now we’re talking more my speed. I loved listening to this song learning to ride my bike around the neighborhood. And if this was your wedding song (or your mom’s), good choice!
Fun fact: she pulled the title from a TV Guide listing for a time-travel movie. It became her first No. 1, and even Miles Davis recorded a version.
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael (1984)
Ooooh, Careless Whisper. George Michael. I’m just instantly transported back to the decade with this song! Would it be too ironic to play it today?
He wrote it at 17, on the bus to his job as a movie theater usher. And yes, it’s a song about cheating. Has that ever stopped a wedding DJ?
“You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago (1984)
This song was cool enough to be featured in the Deadpool movie. Why can’t we bring it back to weddings now?
Peter Cetera and David Foster originally wrote this for Kenny Rogers. Chicago kept it for themselves instead. Smart move.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner (1984)
This song by Foreigner just hits. No wonder it was their number one song. It still sounds so good!
That’s the New Jersey Mass Choir singing the final choruses, and it’s why the whole room joins in every time.
“Crazy for You” by Madonna (1985)
OK, I’ll admit it, this is not my favorite Madonna song. And best from the 80s? I guess it was the most popular wedding song she had that decade, because Like a Virgin just wouldn’t fit in as well with grandma there, LOL.
This was her first ballad released as a single, from the movie Vision Quest, and it knocked We Are the World out of the No. 1 spot.
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin (1986)
Berlin is such an underrated band. While this song is great (especially if you’re a Top Gun fan), check out The Metro if you’ve never heard it. Or listen to it again!
Top Gun’s love theme won the Oscar too, the second on this list with one more still coming. That opening synth bass line can still quiet a room.
“Always” by Atlantic Starr (1987)
Very few songs make me feel like I’ve actually time-traveled to a different decade, but this is one of them. Maybe because this song was played in so many different places, but I just feel like I’m back at the mall listening to it, probably wearing my Reeboks and slouchy socks and Swatch watch.
The lyrics read like a set of vows, and couples still walk down the aisle to it. It earns a spot on any list of the best first dance songs.
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (1987)
I just recently rewatched Dirty Dancing after, maybe, 30 years? That movie (and this song) is still so good. And another great song from a different decade featured in that movie is Cry to Me by Solomon Burke. The chemistry between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze during the scene that song is played in still makes teenage me shiver! LOL
And remember Jennifer Warnes from a few songs back? This one won her a second Oscar. It also convinced someone at every wedding since 1987 that they can do the lift.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler (1989)
If you want to cry, like ugly cry, watch Beaches. I won’t even turn that movie on anymore because I know I’ll be a sobbing mess, partly because of Bette Midler’s song in it. Sigh.
Other singers had recorded this song for years before Bette made it hers. Her version won Record of the Year at the Grammys, and at weddings it became the mother-daughter dance.
All 15 Songs, in Order
Here’s the whole list in one playlist. Fair warning: it will not stay background music for long.
Did we play your song? Tell us your first dance in the comments. And if you’re planning a wedding right now, our 25 favorite 1980s wedding reception songs cover the party half of the decade.
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