40 DJ-Approved Songs for a Proposal Your Partner Will Always Remember

Congrats: You've decided to take the next stage in your relationship by popping the question to your partner! However, planning your proposal takes hard work and effort, with many details to consider, from selecting the perfect proposal song to hiring a secret proposal photographer to capture the moment. And, when it comes to your engagement proposal song choice, Dominic Fournier, a San Antonio, Texas-based wedding DJ and co-founder of The Wedding Duo, recommends narrowing down the genres and artists you both like. "From there," he says, "you can start thinking about songs you both like, bearing in mind that a wedding proposal song has to fit the moment."

Additionally, you should consider selecting a song that holds a special place in your hearts and/or speaks to your relationship. Take this example from Fournier: "If you remember the first movie you saw together, maybe there is a song on the soundtrack you could use." Last but not least, you may also consider incorporating your proposal song into other aspects of your future wedding, be it the ceremony, cocktail hour or reception. Ahead, a few—well, 40, to be exact—of our favorite songs for a proposal spanning nearly every decade and genre.

Bonus: Listen to these songs for a proposal and browse the lyrics with our Romantic Proposal Songs playlist on Spotify.

"Just The Way You Are," Bruno Mars

Lyrics you'll love: "When I see your face/There's not a thing that I would change/'Cause you're amazing/Just the way you are"

You and your future spouse are sure to swoon over this Bruno Mars bop thanks to its gushy lyrics and beautiful melody. What's more, "Just The Way You Are" encapsulates everything you love about your partner. It's a popular song for proposals, wedding processionals and first dances, as well.

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"All Of Me," John Legend

Lyrics you'll love: "Give your all to me/I'll give my all to you/You're my end and my beginning/Even when I lose I'm winning"

If you love intimate ballads, then you'll definitely want to incorporate "All Of Me" into your proposal. In this 2013 track, John Legend sweetly serenades his wife, Chrissy Teigen. The poetic lyrics, which celebrate true love, make it the perfect song for proclaiming your love and proposing.

"Marry Me," Jason Derulo

Lyrics you'll love: "Will forever be enough, so there ain't no need to rush/But one day, I won't be able to ask you loud enough/I'll say, "Will you marry me?"/I swear that I will mean it"

"Marry Me" is an upbeat pop hit performed by Jason Derulo. The romantic song was practically written for proposals.

"Make You Feel My Love," Adele

Lyrics you'll love: "I could make you happy, make your dreams come true/Nothing that I wouldn't do/Go to the ends of the Earth for you/To make you feel my love"

Be prepared to shed happy tears when you listen to Adele's 2008 rendition of "Make You Feel My Love." The power ballad was first performed by Bob Dylan, but Adele felt inspired to record her own version after listening to it.

"Thinking Out Loud," Ed Sheeran

Lyrics you'll love: "So honey now/Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/Place your head on my beating heart"

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" is often used as a first dance song; however, it also makes a great marriage proposal song. Throughout the tune, the singer croons about his undying love for his partner, which only grows stronger with time. Is someone chopping onions in here?

"I Do," Colbie Caillat

Lyrics you'll love: "I promise I won't turn around and I won't let you down/You can trust I've never felt it like I feel it now/Baby, there's nothing, there's nothing we can't get through/So can we say/I do, I do, I do, do-do-do-do-do-do-do"

Get ready for your partner to say "I do" by featuring Colbie Caillat's "I Do" in your proposal. (See what we did there?). The chart-topping love song was released in 2011, and its cheery rhythm, combined with its lovely lyrics, is sure to put a smile on your—and your future spouse's—face.

"A Thousand Years," Christina Perri

Lyrics you'll love: "I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more"

Twilight fans will recognize this Christina Perri song, which was written specifically for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1. The emotional ballad, which will tug at your heartstrings, depicts a rom-com worthy love story.

"I Swear," All-4-One

Lyrics you'll love: "You can be sure I know my part/'Cause I'll stand beside you through the years/And you'll only cry those happy tears"

The 1993 love song, "I Swear" was made famous by R&B group All-4-One, who released their cover a year later in 1994. Play the sweet ballad before you propose to set the mood and profess your love.

"Better Together," Jack Johnson

Lyrics you'll love: "Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart"

"Better Together" by Jack Johnson is a classic—and for good reason. The nostalgia-inducing tune has a sentimental meaning: The singer-songwriter wrote it for his spouse. If you're planning a casual proposal at home, this proposal song makes the perfect backdrop.

"Just Say Yes," Snow Patrol

Lyrics you'll love: "Just say yes, just say there's nothing holding you back/It's not a test, nor a trick of the mind/Only love"

Snow Patrol's "Just Say Yes" combines elements of classic rock and pop. The end result? A catchy, melodic love song—complete with beautiful harmonizing and groovy guitar instrumentals—you just can't help but sing along to.

"On Bended Knee," Boyz II Men

Lyrics you'll love: "I'll never walk again until you come back to me/I'm down on bended knee"

Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee" will take you back in time to the good ol' days of the '90s boy band era. This romantic proposal song will make your heart skip a beat (or two) thanks to its absolutely adorable—albeit somewhat cheesy—song lyrics.

"I Choose You," Sara Bareilles

Lyrics you'll love: "I will become yours and you will become mine/I choose you"

Sara Bareilles' killer pipes are on full display in "I Choose You." Throughout the cheerful pop ballad, Bareilles croons about finding her true love, symbolizing what she describes through song as "a beautiful start to a lifelong love letter." Also of note: The music video, which chronicles a series of surprise proposals, is definitely worth watching.

"I'm Yours," Jason Mraz

Lyrics you'll love: "There's no need to complicate/Our time is short/This is our fate, I'm yours"

More than a decade after its release, this track remains a popular proposal song. The simple-yet-sweet lyrics provide a lighthearted backdrop to a romantic marriage proposal.

"Let's Stay Together," Al Green

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm, I'm so in love with you/Whatever you want to do/Is all right with me/'Cause you make me feel so brand new/And I want to spend my life with you"

If you prefer classic to contemporary, consider Al Green's timeless hit, "Let's Stay Together" for your romantic proposal song. The 1970s-era soul song features heartfelt and authentic lyrics about sticking with your partner and supporting them through life: "Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad."

"Truly Madly Deeply," Savage Garden

Lyrics you'll love: "I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy/I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need/I love you more with every breath truly, madly, deeply do"

"Truly Madly Deeply," which was released in 1997 by Australian pop duo Savage Garden features paragraphs full of passionate lyrics. The sultry ballad has since captured the hearts of millions of couples with its catchy lines about unconditional love.

"Love Story," Taylor Swift

Lyrics you'll love: "This love is difficult, but it's real/Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess/It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes"

If you or your soon-to-be spouse is a Taylor Swift fan, then consider playing "Love Story" right before proposing—the lyrics "baby, just say 'yes'" couldn't be more appropriate. The soft and sweet instrumentals only add to the romance factor.

"Love Is A Verb," John Mayer

Lyrics you'll love: "When you show me love/I don't need your words/Yeah love ain't a thing/Love is a verb"

Calling all John Mayer fans: This one's for you. The singer-songwriter's 2012 track, "Love Is A Verb," was practically made for proposing. What's more, Mayer's signature soothing vocals—combined with soft instrumentals and strikingly beautiful lyrics—make the love song a fantastic proposal pick.

"Crazy In Love," Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Lyrics you'll love: "Got me looking so crazy right now, your love's/Got me looking so crazy right now"

If you prefer to pop the question to something more upbeat, consider the 2003 hit, "Crazy In Love." The uber-popular dance hit is a beloved classic for many reasons, such as Beyoncé's incredible vocals and the fast-paced rhythm, making it ideal for singing and dancing.

"Marry You," Bruno Mars

Lyrics you'll love: "It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do/Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you"

Planning a flash mob proposal? We'll never tire of this trend, particularly when "Marry You" serves as the backdrop. What could be more fun than a group of your love's family members and friends dancing to this sweet proposal song?

"Love Me Like You Do," Ellie Goulding

Lyrics you'll love: "You're the light, you're the night/You're the color of my blood/You're the cure, you're the pain/You're the only thing I wanna touch/Never knew that it could mean so much, so much"

Feeling sultry? If the answer's yes, you'll want to play this steamy ballad from Ellie Goulding following up to your proposal. Although the song is originally from the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack, the track took on a life of its own following the film premiere, subsequently skyrocketing in popularity. Today, it remains one of the most popular songs for wedding proposals and celebrations.

"First Date," Taylor Acorn

Lyrics you'll love: " Forever and ever, let's make this last forever"

Taylor Acorn's slowed-down cover of this classic Blink-182 song is among Fournier's top picks for the best proposal songs thanks to its "perfect lyrics." (And, as an aside, it's also one of our favorite acoustic love songs of all time.) The DJ continues, telling The Knot, "I think it is pretty cool as you are moving from dating an engaged couple to remembering the first time you went out."

"A Million Dreams," Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Ziv Zaifman

Lyrics you'll love: "However big, however small/Let me be part of it all/Share your dreams with me/You may be right, you may be wrong/But say that you'll bring me along/To the world you see"

"A Million Dreams" from the 2017 flick, The Greatest Showman is, at its core, a sweet love song that'll make your heart melt. "I am sure if you are asking someone to marry you, you have probably discussed your dreams together," says Fournier. "That song might just capture the moment when you ask to make those dreams into reality."

"Better Together," Luke Combs

Lyrics you'll love: "Your first and my last name would just sound better together"

"Better Together" by Luke Combs is one of the best country proposal songs out there. Fournier especially loves the country music song's romantic lyrics, including the one mentioned above—and, spoiler alert, so do we. "What amazing lyrics for the day you are asking for someone's hand in marriage!" he says.

"I Was Made for Loving You," Tori Kelly (ft. Ed Sheeran)

Lyrics you'll love: "All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you/Hold me close, through the night/Don't let me go, we'll be all right/Touch my soul and hold it tight/I've been waiting all my life"

This sentimental song features some truly poetic lyrics, and is especially ideal for popping the question. The tune also features vocals from none other than Ed Sheeran, and the two singers' voices blend together perfectly in the chorus.

"Let's Get Married," Jagged Edge

Lyrics you'll love: "Meet me in the altar in your white dress/We ain't getting no younger, we might as well do it"

Behold, the perfect R&B proposal song: "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge (talk about a throwback!). The chorus is just as catchy as it is affectionate, with the protagonist crooning about his love for his partner and how much he wants to marry her—how apropos.

"You Make My Dreams," Hall & Oates

Lyrics you'll love: "Oh my, you make a-my dreams come true"

Some songs have withstood the test of time, and "You Make My Dreams" is no exception. This feel-good number is sure to make you (and your soon-to-be fiance) smile with its upbeat rhythm and heartwarming lyrics.

"Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis Presley

Lyrics you'll love: "Like a river flows/Surely to the sea/Darling, so it goes/Some things, you know, are meant to be/Take my hand/Take my whole life too/For I can"t help falling in love with you"

Elvis Presley's iconic "Can't Help Falling in Love" is another oldie-but-goodie. Be prepared to cry happy tears as you get down on one knee while the King of Rock and Roll's (arguably) most famous song plays softly in the background.

"At Last," Etta James

Lyrics you'll love: "At last/My love has come along/My lonely days are over/And life is like a song"

If you and your partner love jazz music, then you'll want to consider playing "At Last" by Etta James right before you propose. The song, which dates back to 1960, has remained incredibly popular over the decades for its intimate lyrics coupled with James' soulful pipes.

"Grow Old With Me," John Lennon

Lyrics you'll love: "Grow old along with me/The best is yet to be"

Before presenting your partner with an engagement ring, pull out your phone and stream John Lennon's "Grow Old With Me," which will set the mood for the festivities ahead. It goes without saying that this song certainly evokes feelings of passion, love and tenderness.

"Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," Rod Stewart

Lyrics you'll love: "There's a love that's divine/And it's yours and it's mine"

As you can guess from the song title and lyrics, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" is one of the world's most romantic tunes. Rod Stewart's version of this classic love ballad, which put his signature raspy pipes on full display, is, in a word, spectacular.

"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder

Lyrics you'll love: "You must have known that I was lonely/Because you came to my rescue/And I know that this must be heaven/How could so much love be inside of you?"

This soft Stevie Wonder ballad is chock-full of swoon-worthy romantic lyrics. The horn instrumentals add an extra-special upbeat touch.

"Love You For A Long Time," Maggie Rogers

Lyrics you'll love: "And in the mornin' when I'm wakin' up/I swear that you're the first thing that I'm thinkin' of/I feel it in my body, know it in my mind, oh, I/I'm gonna love you for a long time"

If we had to describe this 2019 number from singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers in three words, we'd say it's cheerful, soulful and sweet. In short, the song represents everything there is to love about, well, love—and all the happy feelings that come along with it.

"Let Your Love Flow," The Bellamy Brothers

Lyrics you'll love: "Just let your love flow like a mountain stream/And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams/And let your love show and you'll know what I mean/It's the season"

The debut single of country music duo The Bellamy Brothers, "Let Your Love Flow" is one of the catchiest love songs of the '70s. Post-proposing, the two of you can celebrate by singing and dancing along to the tune.

"Time After Time," Cyndi Lauper

Lyrics you'll love: "If you're lost you can look and you will find me/Time after time/If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting/Time after time"

"Time After Time" is one of the most beautiful love songs of the 1980s. What's not to love about its heartfelt lyrics coupled with Lauper's trademark powerful pipes?

"We Belong Together," Mariah Carey

Lyrics you'll love: "We belong together like peanut butter and jelly/Februaries and skellies, after parties and tellies"

Show your S.O. how much they mean to you by blasting this beloved Mariah Carey number as you ask for their hand in marriage. And, here's a fun fact for you: "We Belong Together" is one of the famous love songs of the 2000s!

"Say You Won't Let Go," James Arthur

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm so in love with you/And I hope you know/Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold/We've come so far, my dear/Look how we've grown/And I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old/Just say you won't let go"

This slow, sentimental ballad by English singer-songwriter James Arthur is perfect for proposals. Plus, the soft guitar instrumentals add an extra-romantic touch.

"I Love You Always Forever," Betty Who

Lyrics you'll love: "I love you always, forever/Near and far, closer together/Everywhere I will be with you"

Australian pop singer Betty Who released her version of the 1990s-era love song in 2017. It's a fun, albeit ultra-underrated pick for a proposal song—though we guarantee you'll love the upbeat chorus and passionate lyrics just as much as we do.

"Come Away with Me," Nora Jones

Lyrics you'll love: "Come away with me and we'll kiss/On a mountaintop/Come away with me/And I'll never stop loving you"

It's easy to imagine a proposal to this whimsical and dreamy song!

"It's Your Love," Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Lyrics you'll love: "It's your love/It just does something to me/It sends a shock right through me/I can't get enough/And if you wonder/About the spell I'm under/Oh it's your love"

For country music lovers, Tim McGraw's duet with his wife Faith Hill, makes the lyrics resonate even more for a memorable proposal moment.

"So High," John Legend

Lyrics you'll love: "Baby, since the day you came into my life/You made me realize that we were born to fly/You showed me everyday new possibilities/You proved my fantasies, what love could really be/Let's go to a place only lovers go/To a spot that we've never known/To the top of a cloud we're floating away"

This soulful John Legend track is an amazing proposal song choice. The beautifully written lyrics can double as unique wedding vows when the big day arrives