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18 Backstreet Boys Wedding Songs That Bring the Nostalgia and Romance

"Everybody, rock your body" to these classic boy band hits.
Backstreet Boys performance
Photo: Brian Friedman | Shutterstock
Ariel Tarankski headshot
by
Ariel Taranski
Ariel Tarankski headshot
Ariel Taranski
The Knot Contributor
  • Ariel writes on a variety of wedding-related topics for The Knot.
  • She has previously worked for Southern Bride Magazine, Miss Design Berry and other woman-owned wedding brands.
  • She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis.
Updated Jan 23, 2025

Whether you're a millennial or someone nostalgic for the '90s, there's a good reason why so many artists from that time are still on rotation. And if you want to add a fun mix of pop, R&B and romance, then we have the Backstreet Boys wedding songs for you. This boy band has a wide repertoire of slow songs perfect for that first dance to upbeat numbers that bring the party to your reception. (Don't worry; you can also check out some NYSYNC love songs to add even more boy band vibes to your wedding.)

We gathered some of the best Backstreet Boys songs to play throughout your day or to add to your DJ wishlist. And if you want to find the right DJ for your blast from the past party, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace. It's also helpful to round up some questions for potential DJs to ensure they fit that '90s/'00s feel you're looking for. Now, "if you wanna party, let me hear you yell," and let's take a look at these hits to satisfy your inner BSB fan.

1. "I'll Never Break Your Heart," Backstreet Boys

Lyrics you'll love: "I'll never break your heart/I'll never make you cry/I'd rather die than live without you/I'll give you all of me/Honey, that's no lie"

You can't go wrong with some classic BSB, and this hit single off their first album is perfect for your first dance or during your ceremony. With the lyrics "I'll never break your heart," this could be considered a vow in and of itself. Play an instrumental or violin version of this song for a more romantic feeling of this throwback hit.

2. "What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)," Black & Blue

Lyrics you'll love: "What makes you different/Makes you beautiful/What's there inside you/Shines through to me/In your eyes I see/All the love I'll ever need"

Chances are you might know this song from The Princess Diaries soundtrack. Have your own royal moment during your wedding with this sweet, slow song from the '00s that celebrates you and your spouse's unique love for each other.

3. "Spanish Eyes," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "I can't believe how close that we are/When I look into your Spanish eyes/And the world is so beautiful tonight/It's a place I've never been/And it comes from deep within"

A guitar version of this song is perfect for your walk down the aisle or as your first dance. This romantic ballad from the Backstreet Boys evokes long walks on the beach and beautiful sunsets, making this a must for any destination wedding or nighttime soiree.

4. "Anywhere for You," Backstreet Boys

Lyrics you'll love: "For just one kiss from you/Far beyond the call of love/The sun, the stars, the moon/As long as your love's there to lead me/I won't lose my way believe me/Even through the darkest night, you know"

Add this quintessential '90s wedding song to your pre-ceremony playlist so your guests have something both fun and nostalgic to listen to as they take their seats. Nothing beats the mix of pop and R&B in this number, and it'll take you back to you and your S.O.'s first dates.

5. "The One," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "You need me like I need you/We can share our dreams coming true/I can show you what true love means/Just take my hand, baby, please/I'll be the one, I'll be the light/Where you can run to make it all right"

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Consider this upbeat number for your wedding exit or reception entrance. This also makes a fantastic choice for your first dance with the bigger energy it brings, especially if it's choreographed.

6. "Chances," DNA

Lyrics you'll love: "Is it love? Is it fate?/Where it leads, who can say?/Maybe you and I were meant to be/What are the chances that we'd end up dancing?/Two in a million, once in a life/That I could have found you"

If fate led you and your spouse-to-be together, this song perfectly encapsulates that first meeting all those days ago. And with the "What are the chances that we'd end up dancing?" line, you can twirl with your love with this as your first dance song.

7. "Yes I Will," Black & Blue

Lyrics you'll love: "Yes I will/Take your hand and walk with you/Yes I will/Say these three words that promise to/Yes I will/Give you everything you need and someday/Start a family with you/Yes I will"

"Yes, I will" and yes, you do, with this vow-worthy Backstreet Boys song playing during your ceremony. Just make sure you have the tissues ready for when this number plays. It's got the right romantic beat and beautiful lyrics as you look ahead to your new chapter.

8. "Just to Be Close to You," Backstreet Boys

Lyrics you'll love: "Like a flower to a tree/That's how close I wanna be/To your heart (Baby to your heart, heart)/Like the stars to the night/And daytime is to light/We'll never part"

If you want your loved ones on the dance floor, then how about this dreamy tune that's all about getting close? This also makes a great choice for honoring the other couples in your families and letting them have the spotlight with a slow dance.

9. "No One Else Comes Close," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "And when I wake up to/The touch of your head on my shoulder/You're my dream come true, oh yeah/Girl you know I'll always treasure/Every kiss and every day/I'll love you, girl, in every way"

Lean your head on your new spouse's shoulder as you sway and dance to this tender song. With its sweet harmonies and Spanish guitar sound, it's a must for any Backstreet song list, whether that's during a special moment for the couple or to encourage some slow dancing during the night.

10. "Drowning," The Hits–Chapter One

Lyrics you'll love: "I can't imagine/Life without your love/Even forever/Don't seem like long enough/'Cause every time I breathe, I take you in/And my heart beats again/Baby, I can't help it/You keep me drowning in your love"

For the perfect Backstreet Boys wedding entrance song, try this slower tune from their later albums. You can also hire a pianist for the ceremony or reception for this number, giving it a more classical feel during your wedding day.

11. "The Perfect Fan," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "I want to thank you for what you've done/In hopes I can give back to you/Be the perfect son/You showed me/When I was young just how to grow/You showed me/Everything that I should know"

For one of the most "perfect" mother and son wedding songs, Backstreet Boys has this adorable and sweet tune about the biggest fan in your life. Save this for the mother-son dance during the reception for a song that will have everyone's tears flowing.

12. "As Long as You Love Me," Backstreet's Back

Lyrics you'll love: "I've tried to hide it so that no one knows/But I guess it shows/When you look into my eyes/What you did and where you're comin' from/I don't care, as long as you love me, baby"

This classic hit from your favorite boy band is a must for a mashup and choreographed wedding dance, complete with '90s dance moves. It's got enough romance for a slow dance, or you can pair it with something more upbeat for your first official dance as a married couple.

13. "I Need You Tonight," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "All those endless times we tried to make it last forever more/And baby, I know/I need you/Oh oh, yeah, I know deep within my heart"

Here's another piano-heavy song that fits seamlessly into any wedding playlist, from the ceremony to the final song of the night. This is especially a must if you have a live band or quartet that can add some strings to this beautiful melody.

14. "I Promise You," Black & Blue

Lyrics you'll love: "You're searching for clues of just how deep my feelings are/How do you prove the sky is blue, the oceans wide?/All I know is what I feel when I look into your eyes/I promise you from the bottom of my heart/I will love you till death do us part/I promise you as a lover and a friend"

If you're marrying your best friend, this sweet song is an excellent way to show your appreciation for them and their love. Plus, it has the added bonus of the lyrics "I will love you till death do us part," so consider an instrumental version during your vows.

15. "Safest Place to Hide," Never Gone

Lyrics you'll love: "When this whole world gets too crazy, yeah/And there's nowhere left to go (nowhere left to run)/I know you give me sanctuary/You're the only truth I know/You're the road back home"

For your person, your home and the one who makes you feel at ease, this Backstreet Boys love song may just bring tears to your eyes when it plays. Imagine this as your first dance or during your walk down the aisle.

16. "I Want It That Way," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "You are my fire/The one desire/Believe when I say/I want it that way"

You can emulate the choreography from this Backstreet Boys video during your first dance for an exciting throwback your guests will love. Pair it with "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" for a fun way to start the celebrations at your reception.

17. "All of Your Life (You Need Love)," This Is Us

Lyrics you'll love: "I wanna know/Can we spend this life together/Be a shield from rain and weather/Tell me can I/Baby tell me can I be your man"

This song brings the dance club vibes of the late '00s while still giving the boy band harmonies you know and love from BSB. Use this party tune post-first kiss, during your reception entrance or as your exit song for an unforgettable night.

18. "It's Gotta Be You," Millennium

Lyrics you'll love: "Now I know why I was born/You feel my feelings one by one/Can't see the world I'm walking through/'Cause baby I see only you, oh yeah"

If you're looking for the most fun wedding entrance songs for newlyweds, then this funky beat brings the energy to jumpstart your reception. Make sure everyone has their dancing shoes on for your DJ's '90s and early '00s playlist.