The “Will You Marry Me?” Mixtape: 10 Songs to Seal the Deal

So, you’ve decided to retire from the dating pool. You’ve found the person who doesn’t mind that you steal the covers or that your “cooking” usually involves a microwave and a prayer. Now comes the hard part: the proposal.

You’ve got the ring (hopefully hidden somewhere better than a sock drawer), but you need the atmosphere. Music is the ultimate wingman. It fills the awkward silence while you’re fumbling with the ring box and trying to remember how to breathe.

Here are 10 romantic songs to help you get that “Yes!” without sounding like a Hallmark card on repeat.

1. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Ed Sheeran basically built a career on making the rest of us look unromantic. It’s sweet, it’s slow, and it’s practically a legal requirement for proposals at this point.

• Best for: When you want to play it safe and successful.

2. “Lover” – Taylor Swift

If your partner is a Swiftie, you don’t really have a choice. This song has that “vintage-prom-dance” vibe. It feels like slow-dancing in a kitchen at 2 AM, which is much more realistic than a private beach in the Maldives.

3. “Beyond” – Leon Bridges

This is for when you’re feeling a little soul. It’s for that moment when you realize, “Oh no, I actually really like this person and I’m terrified.” It’s smooth, classic, and sounds like it belongs in a movie.

4. “Coming Home” – Leon Bridges

Yes, two Leon Bridges songs. Why? Because the man’s voice is like warm syrup on a Sunday morning. This one is great if you’ve been together for a long time and the proposal feels like a natural “arrival.”

5. “Marry Me” – Train

Subtlety is overrated. If you’re worried they won’t get the hint while you’re down on one knee, this song literally tells them what to do. It’s efficient!

6. “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes

This is for the indie-loving couple. It’s quirky, it’s honest, and it acknowledges that life was kind of a mess before they showed up. It’s the “I’m a weirdo, you’re a weirdo, let’s be weirdos together” anthem.

7. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson

If you’re proposing on a beach or just in a very relaxed setting, Jack Johnson is your guy. It’s hard to be nervous when there’s a light acoustic guitar and lyrics about banana pancakes involved.

8. “Conversations in the Dark” – John Legend

This song is about loving someone’s “mess.” Which, let’s be honest, is what marriage actually is. It’s a beautiful tribute to the private moments that no one else sees.

9. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley (or the Kina Grannis cover)

You can’t argue with a classic. Whether it’s the King himself or a soft acoustic cover, this song carries a weight that says, “I am very serious about this, and I might cry.”

10. “I Swear” – All-4-One

Look, if you grew up in the 90s, this is the gold standard. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it’s perfect if you want to lean into that nostalgic, “boy band” sincerity. Just maybe skip the matching silk vests.

Pro-Tip: Make sure you actually hit play. There is nothing less romantic than staring at your partner in silence because your Bluetooth speaker decided to update its firmware at the exact moment you dropped to one knee.

The Big Question

Now it’s your turn to chime in! Every couple has “their song”—even if it’s something totally weird that would never make a “romantic” list.

What is the most “un-romantic” song that somehow became “your song” with your partner? Let us know in the comments! (We won’t judge if it’s a heavy metal track or a cartoon theme song).