If you’re after the perfect song to set the mood when proposing to the love of your life, I’ve got you! Whether music is a big part of your lives together or you’re simply looking for a song that spells out your feelings in a way you could never voice, these are the absolute best and most romantic engagement proposal songs that’ll bring your partner to tears as you get down on one knee. You can either choose a single song to cement this special moment in time or curate a playlist with some of these songs below to set the mood for the proposal or to listen to afterward—up to you!
1. “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
Standout lyrics: “When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change. ‘Cause you’re amazing just the way you are.”
There’s a reason Bruno Mars is so loved when it comes to romantic songs. While not a traditional proposal song in the sense that the lyrics don’t specifically ask their special person to marry them, this song celebrates the person that they are from their head to their toes. No matter how you choose to propose, this song will no doubt bring a tear to their eyes.
2. “All of Me” by John Legend
Standout lyrics: “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.”
Another super romantic song that is a perfect choice when you want to express how much you love your partner is this classic song by John Legend. This song has been played all over the world in romantic settings, and there’s a good reason for it. Those lyrics and the melody are both sweet and loving.
3. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Standout lyrics: “Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms, barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song.”
Ed Sheeran is another popular choice when it comes to songs to propose to. This artist really knows how to speak to the heart. Plus, if you’re a dancer (or even if you’re not!), this is a great song to sway along to with your partner after popping the question.
4. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Standout lyrics: “I have died every day waiting for you. Darling, don’t be afraid. I have loved you for a thousand years. I’ll love you for a thousand more”
This song is probably one of the most popular songs to walk down the aisle to. But who said you can’t use it in a proposal setting as well? If you want to express how you’ll love your partner for a thousand years to come, this is the perfect song to play for the proposal.
5. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Standout lyrics: “I’ve known it from the moment that we met. No doubt in my mind where you belong.”
Originally sung by Bob Dylan, Adele sings a heartfelt version of this classic love song. This ballad is a great way to express that you would go to the ends of the earth for your partner.
6. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
Standout lyrics: “’Cause it’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.”
I mean… you can’t really get more on the nose than this song! You might remember when this song was all the rage with the big filmed proposals over the years. If you want to replicate that vibe for your own proposal, you can’t really go wrong with this Bruno Mars song.
7. “Marry Me” by Train
Standout lyrics: “Promise me you’ll always be happy by my side. I promise to sing to you when all the music dies. And marry me today and everyday.”
This is another great proposal or engagement song that is on the nose and to the point. Imagine getting down on one knee at that moment Train’s Pat Monahan sings, “Marry me.” It gives me the shivers!
8. “Your Song” by Elton John
Standout lyrics: “I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
A classic love song that also is a great first dance song for weddings, this lovely Elton John song is a great one to play in the background either on the way to the proposal or while you’re down on one knee asking the all-important question.
9. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Standout lyrics: “There is nothing for me but to love you and the way you look tonight.”
Want to throw it back with an absolute classic Frank Sinatra song? “The Way You Look Tonight” really showcases how beautiful your partner is, making them feel amazing right before you pop the question.
10. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Standout lyrics: “When the night has come, and the land is dark. And the moon is the only light we’ll see. No I won’t be afraid. Oh, I won’t be afraid. Just as long as you stand, stand by me.”
You can use this classic song in a few different ways for a proposal. You can either perform this song in front of your loved one right before popping the question or keep it as part of a romantic engagement playlist.
11. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Standout lyrics: “Take my hand. Take my whole life, too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.”
This Elvis Presley song may not have the most wordy lyrics, but with those few words, Elvis is able to convey what it’s like to fall in love. In particular, when the song starts the “Take my hand” verse highlighted above, this song is perfect for any kind of proposal. Plus, since it’s a classic song, you know it’ll never go out of style.
12. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
Standout lyrics: “Woah, my love, my darling. I’ve hungered for your touch a long, lonely time. And time goes by so slowly. And time can do so much. Are you still mine? I need your love.”
This song is both timeless and hauntingly beautiful, making it a popular love song for couples around the world (but not overplayed, in my opinion). The song perfectly evokes longing and passion, both emotions that you’ll want to convey to your future spouse.
13. “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles
Standout lyrics: “Tell the world that we finally got it all right. I choose you. I will become yours, and you will become mine. I choose you.”
A song that may not be as popular, but it’s perfect for talking all about making the decision to choose the person to be with forever—a perfect proposal song. After all, the moment you get down on one knee and your partner says yes, that’s your commitment to spending your lives together!
14. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Standout lyrics: “Take me into your loving arms. Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars. Place your head on my beating heart. I’m thinking out loud. Maybe we found love right where we are.”
Another absolutely lovely Ed Sheeran song you’ve got to consider for your proposal and engagement is “Thinking Out Loud.” This is a perfect song for slow dancing with your partner before or after getting down on a knee and asking that four-word question.
15. “Lover” by Taylor Swift
Standout lyrics: “Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home. You’re my, my, my, my lover.”
If your partner loves Taylor Swift, they’ll 100% appreciate your choice in music if you propose to Swift’s “Lover.” This dreamy song really captures the feeling of a romantic proposal that’s both heartfelt and personal.
16. “At Last” by Etta James
Standout lyrics: “At last my love has come along. My lonely days are over. And life is like a song.”
“At Last” is an absolute icon of a love song and old-school romance. Its short but powerful lyrics get to the point, talking about what it’s like to find “the one.” If you do not use it for your proposal, consider using it for your wedding at some point!
17. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Standout lyrics: “’Cause, baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough. Ain’t no valley low enough. Ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you, babe.”
Looking for a more upbeat song to add to the mix or to propose to? This Marvin Gaye classic is a great choice that emphasizes loyalty—something you’ll want to convey as you get down on a knee.
18. “My Girl” by The Temptations
Standout lyrics: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May. I guess you’d say. What can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl.”
Another fun and feel-good song is this hit by The Temptations. This is a really cute way to express how your girl brings sunshine on a cloudy day to your life. Since “My Girl” is a very classic song, you can’t go wrong here!
19. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
Standout lyrics: “I’ll reach out my hand to you. I’ll have faith in all you do. Just call my name, and I’ll be there.”
If you want to express your lifelong loyalty and support to your life partner, there’s no better way to convey these sentiments with The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.” Honestly, this song really hits all the right notes and feels.
20. “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding
Standout lyrics: “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”
If you want a song that’s more sultry and modern, check out this hit by Ellie Goulding. While not a traditional proposal or engagement song, this song does have intense lyrics that talk about a very deep love that you might want to play in the background as you propose.
21. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Standout lyrics: “So I won’t hesitate no more, no more. It cannot wait, I’m sure. There’s no need to complicate, our time is short. This is our fate, I’m yours.”
Want a more laid-back vibe for your proposal? “I’m Yours” is the perfect pick for a breezy song that still is heartfelt. This is also a great and easy song to sing and play the guitar to if you feel like serenading your partner.
22. “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion
Standout lyrics: “’Cause I’m your lady. And you are my man. Whenever you reach for me. I’ll do all that I can.”
There’s a reason this Celine Dion hit is considered one of the best love songs of all time. So, why not use it as a part of your proposal?
23. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Standout lyrics: “I don’t wanna close my eyes. I don’t wanna fall asleep. ‘Cause I’d miss you baby. And I don’t wanna miss a thing.”
This classic power ballad by Aerosmith never fails to cover my skin in goosebumps. The lyrics perfectly express how every moment with your life partner is so precious, so you can really show how much your partner means to you with this song.
24. “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
Standout lyrics: “I wanna know what love is. I want you to show me. I wanna feel what love is. I know you can show me.”
Another power ballad worth mentioning in this list of the best songs to propose to is “I Want To Know What Love Is.” This song is emotionally intense and has a strong message of longing and vulnerability that makes it the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
25. “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest
Standout lyrics: “Dancing in the moonlight. Everybody’s feeling warm and bright. It’s such a fine and natural sight. Everybody’s dancing in the moonlight.”
If you’re looking for something lighthearted and upbeat, King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” is a great choice for a proposal song that brings a carefree and joyful energy to a playful but romantic moment. Why not use this song as the song to propose to if you happen to propose under the moonlight?
26. “Love Stoy” by Taylor Swift
Standout lyrics: “Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run. You’ll be the prince, and I’ll be the princess. It’s a love story, baby, just say, “Yes.””
Want your proposal to feel like a fairy-tale romance? Who doesn’t? The best song to play for those fairytale vibes in Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” In fact, for Swifties, this is the number one song to propose to. Just wait to get down on one knee the moment Swift sings, “Marry me, Juliet.”
27. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Standout lyrics: “Got me looking so crazy right now, your love’s got me looking so crazy right now.”
If you want a more energetic song that is perfect to play in the background after popping the big question, Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” is a great choice that sings all about what it feels like to be head over heels in love.
28. “A Million Dreams” by Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, and Ziv Zaifman
Standout lyrics: “Cause every night I lie in bed. The brightest colours fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake.”
This hit from The Greatest Showman is the perfect song about the future and dreams you want to build together. If you want a song that’s not necessarily a love song but still talks about your future together, this is a great song to propose to.
29. “Better Together” by Luke Combs
Standout lyrics: “Some things just go better together and probably always will.”
If you and your partner are big country fans, you’ve got to play this song by Luke Combs in the background during your proposal. This beautiful song is ideal for a down-to-earth and heartfelt proposal.
30. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Standout lyrics: “If you’re lost, you can look, and you will find me time after time.”
Do you feel like throwing it back to the 80s? This song expresses loyalty and absolute steadfastness in love. This song is a great way to show your partner that you will be there for them no matter what.
31. “Yellow” by Coldplay
Standout lyrics: “Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you.”
“Yellow” is a beautiful and emotional song that may be simple but is one of the greatest modern love songs. I think this song is particularly fitting if you plan to propose at nighttime under the stars.
32. “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler
Standout lyrics: “I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad, carry you around when your arthritis is bad.”
This adorable song from The Wedding Singer is both funny and sincere. This is a pretty easy song to play on the ukulele if you want to serenade your partner as you propose, as you sing about growing old together.
33. “Sea Of Love” by Phil Phillips & The Twilights
Standout lyrics: “Come with me, my love, to the sea, the sea of love. I want to tell you how much I love you.”
For a dreamy and vintage feel to your proposal, play this classic and nostalgic love song in the background. This song has a soft and sweet melody that’ll draw your partner in during your proposal.
34. “Adore You” by Harry Styles
Standout lyrics: “Oh, honey. I’d walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do.”
If you’re looking for a song that sings all about adoration and devotion, you should check out this song by Harry Styles. This is a great modern song to add to the mix before or after your proposal.
35. “Work Song” by Hozier
Standout lyrics: “No grave can hold my body down. I’ll crawl home to her.”
Hozier has some really great love songs that go perfectly for any kind of proposal, but one standout is for sure “Work Song.” This deep and haunting song talks of a love that endures even death. How beautiful is that?
36. “Lucky” by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
Standout lyrics: “Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been. Lucky to be coming home again.”
This is a super sweet duet that is perfect for a proposal between two best friends in love. “Lucky” is a cheerful and easy song that talks all about the joy of being in love and being loved.
37. “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
Standout lyrics: “If there’s no one beside you when your soul embarks. Then I’ll follow you into the dark.”
This is another very sweet song that is easy to listen to. But the lyrics convey a very deep and meaningful meaning about a love that’s so deep that you’re willing to follow them wherever. Show your partner your commitment to them with this song for your proposal!
38. “Diamond In My Pocket” by Cody Johnson
Standout lyrics: “I got a diamond in my pocket, and my baby’s got a heart of gold.”
“Diamond In My Pocket” is cute country song that is perfect for a proposal where you plan to pop the question. It’s lighthearted, fun, and not too on the nose, so your partner won’t be too clued in before you actually get down on one knee.
39. “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison
Standout lyrics: “Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you there’s no one else above you?”
For a simple but heartfelt proposal, this is a great song to play in the background. Plus, it’s the perfect song to slow-dance to after a tearful and happy “yes!”
40. “Hello” Lionel Richie
Standout lyrics: “Hello, is it me you’re looking for? I can see it in your eyes. I can see it in your smile. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
Lionel Richie’s “Hello” is a bit of a unique pick for a proposal song. But the lyrics are still incredibly loving and full of longing, making it a powerful pick for a romantic proposal.
41. “Question” by Old 97’s
Standout lyrics: “Some day somebody’s gonna ask you a question that you should say yes to once in your life. Baby, tonight I’ve got a question for you.”
One of the most proposal anthems out there is this upbeat and folky song. This song literally talks about the moment someone pops the question. In my opinion? Have this song play in the background and at the end of the song, ask the all-important four-word question.
42. “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles
Standout lyrics: “Will you still need me? Will you still feed me when I’m sixty-four?”
This is a super whimsical song that is lighthearted and sweet. While you may not be as familiar with this song as other more popular The Beatles songs, this is a great choice for a fun proposal that promises love and care even when you’re 64!
43. “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups
Standout lyrics: “Goin’ to the chapel. And we’re gonna get married.”
Okay, okay… This song will probably tip off your partner if you play this song before the proposal, but wouldn’t this song be perfect if you were to play it after you hear the word “yes”?
44. “Any Time At All” by Frank Sinatra
Standout lyrics: “’Cause anytime, you call me, baby, I’ll come running straight to you.”
If you want to show your partner your devotion, play some Frank Sinatra in the background, specifically, “Any Time At All.” This is an absolutely timeless choice for a romantic proposal.
45. “All the Way” by Frank Sinatra
Standout lyrics: “When somebody loves you. It’s no good unless he loves you.”
Another Frank Sinatra song that’s perfect for a proposal is “All the Way.” This is the perfect Sinatra ballad to play in the background for a classic romantic proposal.
46. “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads
Standout lyrics: “Home is where I want to be, but I guess I’m already there. I come home, she lifted up her wings. I guess that this must be the place.”
Another upbeat song you should totally add to your proposal playlist is “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads. This song has fun and quirky lyrics that make it a unique choice to add that still fits the bill of a romantic proposal.
47. “Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol
Standout lyrics: “Just say yes, just say there’s nothing holding you back.”
Since this song is all about saying “yes” to love, this is another great unique love song that fits the proposal bill. “Just Say Yes” is all about taking the leap with your partner, which is what you’ll be doing as you embark on this journey together down the aisle.
48. “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
Standout lyrics: “Sometimes life can be deceiving. I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together.”
This is one of the best laid-back songs to propose to. While the lyrics aren’t specifically for a prosal, a lot of the words in the song are words you are likely to say when you get down on one knee. It really shows how much you appreciate everything better when you are with your partner.
49. “Something” by The Beatles
Standout lyrics: “Something in the way she moves attracts me like no other lover.”
This is a Beatles classic that you’ve got to add to your proposal playlist. In fact, it could also work as the song you propose to, as the lyrics speak about how special that someone is.
50. “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young
Standout lyrics: “In case you didn’t know. Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you.”
This country love song is a classic for a reason. Express your love and vulnerability to your partner as you propose with the help of this beautiful song.
