10 Aretha Franklin Love Songs to Add to Your Wedding Playlist

When it comes to absolute classics to add to your wedding playlist, you can't go wrong with Aretha Franklin love songs—whether they're originals or covers. The Queen of Soul has some of the best wedding songs out there, and we've gone ahead and rounded up our top 10 picks for you.

As a legendary musician whose voice is instantly recognizable, each one of these tracks are sure to be enjoyed by your guests. She wasn't just a singer, afterall—she was a powerhouse, blending gospel, soul and R&B into hits that have defined generations. Songs like "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" have been anthems for decades.

If you plan to hire a wedding band, make sure to send your selections over with ample time so they can prep their setlist. Otherwise, ask your wedding DJ to add 'em to the queue and sway the night away with these beautiful Aretha Franklin love songs.

Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's list of Aretha Franklin Love Songs playlist on Spotify.

1. "Day Dreaming,"Young, Gifted and Black

Lyrics you'll love: "Day dreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you/Day dreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you"

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This song is all about that dreamy, head-in-the-clouds kind of love, where you just can't stop thinking about your special someone. It'd be a great tune to play while guests are enjoying dinner or during cocktail hour, or even at some point during your wedding ceremony.

2. "Think," Aretha Now

Lyrics you'll love: "You better think (think)/Think about what you're trying to do to me"

Packed with sass and attitude, "Think" is all about standing your ground and protecting your freedom. This high-energy classic that's all about standing up for yourself. This track is perfect for when the party's getting started, so get your wedding band to play it right after dinner to kick off the dancing.

3. "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman," Lady Soul

Lyrics you'll love: "Before the day I met you/Life was so unkind/You're the key/To my piece of mind"

This soulful, heartfelt song captures the magic of feeling truly loved and seen. It would be a gorgeous choice for a first dance song or even during the ceremony as the couple's vows are exchanged.

4. "Respect," I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Lyrics you'll love: "I ain't gonna do you wrong while you're gone/Ain't gonna do you wrong (oo) 'cause I don't wanna (oo)/All I'm askin' (oo)/Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)"

This is the anthem of empowerment, and Aretha Franklin made it her own with those powerful vocals. Originally written by Otis Redding, this is the kind of song that makes you want to stand up and demand what you're worth—perfect for a powerful dance floor moment during your reception.

5. "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," "I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You"

Lyrics you'll love: "I guess I'm uptight/And I'm stuck like glue/'Cause I ain't never/I ain't never, I ain't never, no, no (loved a man)/(The way that I, I love you)"

Dripping with emotion, this Aretha Franklin love song is a great track that expresses deep, powerful love. It could work beautifully for a first dance or any intimate, romantic moment during the reception—so make sure to tell your wedding DJ to add it to the list.

6. "Rock Steady," Young, Gifted and Black

Lyrics you'll love: "Let's call this song exactly what it is/(What it is, what it is, what it is)/It's a funky and low down feeling' (what it is)/In my hips from left to right (what it is)"

Want to add some funky vibes to your wedding? This wedding track will get the party started for sure, so drop it during the reception when it's time to hit the dance floor hard.

7. "Son of a Preacher Man," This Girl's in Love with You

Lyrics you'll love: "The only one who could ever reach me/Was the son of a preacher man/The only boy who could ever teach me/Was the son of a preacher man"

Fun and a bit cheeky, this Aretha Franklin song tells a playful love story. Ask your wedding musicians to play it during a laid-back moment at your wedding (like during cocktail hour) to keep the energy light and fun.

8. "I Say a Little Prayer," Aretha Now

Lyrics you'll love: "Forever, and ever,/(you'll stay in my heart and I will love you)/(Forever) Forever, and ever,/(we never will part Oh, how I love you)"

This Aretha Franklin love song is sweet and sentimental, ideal for adding a touch of romance. Play it during dinner or a quiet moment when everyone's soaking in the love and good vibes.

9. "You Send Me," Aretha Now

Lyrics you'll love: "Darling, you send me/I know you send me/Darling, you send me/Honest you do, honest you do"

Aretha's take on this Sam Cooke classic is filled with pure love and warmth. It's a great choice for a first dance or any moment that calls for celebrating love in its purest form.

10. "Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," That Loving Feeling, Volume V

Lyrics you'll love: "When the river was deep, I didn't falter/When the mountain was high, I still believed/When the valley was low, it didn't stop me, no no/I knew you were waiting, I knew you were waiting for me/Uh huh"

This upbeat duet with George Michael is all about finding your soulmate. Play it during your reception, when everyone's ready to celebrate.