Overview: What "Grow Old With You" Is and Why It Matters for Weddings
At many weddings, the wish to grow old with the person you love becomes the wish to actually hear that promise in song. The song you picture for your first dance, parent dance, or vow renewal may carry the title "Grow Old With You," but before you choose it, you need to understand which version you mean and who holds the rights. This guide explains the main songs people mean by that phrase, who owns and licenses them, how much a wedding singer typically charges, and how to secure the right music legally and safely.
Primary Song Candidates You Mean by "Grow Old With You"
When couples say they want the song "Grow Old With You," they are usually referring to one of three recordings, each with its own writers, publishers, and clearances. These versions appear on albums, in ceremonies, and in playlists and are all governed by public performance rights, not mechanical rights, for live singing at weddings.
- Billy Joel — "Grow Old with You": A piano ballad from the 1993 box set "An Innocent Man" and later on the 1997 greatest-hits album "Greatest Hits Volume I & II." Written by Billy Joel. Published by Sony/ATV Songs LLC and administered by The Licensing Lab.
- Chris Brown — "Grow Old with You": A ballad from the 2017 mixtape "Pop Sh*t, Vol. 1." Written by Chris Brown and others, published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, administered by The Licensing Lab.
- Third Day — "Grow Old with You": A contemporary Christian song on the 2010 album "Move." Written by Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, and David Carr, published by Word Music (a CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS INC brand), administered by One License.
Which Version Do You Picture for Your Ceremony?
The choice depends on genre and mood. Billy Joel's version is cinematic and romantic, Chris Brown's is modern R&B, and Third Day's is worshipful. Confirm which recording you wish to perform or have your wedding singer cover. Your officiant, venue coordinator, and singer can all help ensure you align on the exact track.
Music Rights at a Wedding: Public Performance vs Mechanical Use
At a wedding, two kinds of rights come into play when music is involved: public performance and mechanical. For live singing or playing recorded music during the ceremony or reception, you need a public performance license. Mechanical rights matter only if you reproduce the song on physical media or digital downloads to give guests.
- Public performance rights: Required for live or recorded music played during the event. You obtain these through a PRO (Performing Rights Organization) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, or via a direct license from the publisher.
- Mechanical rights: Needed only if you distribute copies of the song, such as on USB sticks, wedding albums, or streaming links for guests.
Three Paths to Legally Play "Grow Old With You" at Your Wedding
How you secure rights depends on whether you hire a venue with music, a DJ, or a live singer, and whether recordings will be shared. Understanding these paths helps you avoid last-minute surprises or copyright claims.
- Venue or DJ package: Many banquet halls and DJs include a blanket license from ASCAP/BMI/SESAC in their contracts. Ask for the license certificate and confirm the list of covered songs; some venues restrict certain recordings or require additional fees for specific tracks.
- Hiring a live wedding singer: The singer or band should provide evidence of PRO coverage. If they perform a cover, verify that their repertoire is licensed or directly cleared with the publisher. Live covers are typically covered by the venue’s or singer’s PRO license, but confirm this in writing.
- Mechanical use (guest copies): If you plan to hand out recordings of the performance or offer a digital download, you must secure mechanical licenses. For Billy Joel or Chris Brown, you deal with Harry Fox Agency or directly with the publisher (Sony/ATV). For Third Day, contact One License. Fees are usually statutory under U.S. law, but confirm rates and terms.
Typical Pricing for a Wedding Singer and What Factors Influence Cost
Couples often wonder what a fair price is for a live singer at a wedding. Prices vary by region, experience, set length, and whether vocals are backed by a band or solo piano. The table below summarizes typical ranges based on professional singer and vocalist market data in the United States.
| Service Type | Typical Duration | Average Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo vocalist or wedding singer | 2 hours | $250–$500 | Common for ceremony and cocktail hour sets; includes travel within 30–50 miles. |
| Duet or duo with light accompaniment | 2–3 hours | $400–$800 | May include rehearsal time and one costume change. |
| Band or small group (3–5 pieces) | 3–4 hours | $900–$2,500+ | Pricing rises with more members, complex arrangements, and additional rehearsals. |
| Travel and lodging | Outside local area | +$100–$300+ | Varies by distance; often includes mileage, hotel, and per diem. |
How to Choose and Vet a Wedding Singer for "Grow Old With You"
Choosing the right singer protects you legally and emotionally. Look for professionals who provide references, sample recordings, and written contracts. Confirm their experience with ceremony songs and that they understand the difference between live performance and accompanied tracks. Read contracts carefully for overtime, cancellation, and equipment responsibilities. The most trustworthy singers can explain their licensing and will show proof of insurance and clear communication practices.
Sample Checklist for Securing Music Rights and a Singer
- Confirm the exact song and version you want, and note writers and publishers.
- Ensure your venue or DJ provides a valid ASCAP/BMI/SESAC license and can name the covered songs.
- If hiring a live singer, request evidence of their performance license or affiliation with a PRO.
- For guest recordings, obtain mechanical licenses through Harry Fox Agency or the publisher.
- Get a written contract from the singer that lists set times, songs, overtime, and cancellation policy.
- Ask about deposit, refund, and liability policies, especially if equipment or recordings are involved.
Common Questions About Wedding Singer Contracts and Music Rights
- Does the venue’s music license cover a live singer?: For live, unamplified singing, venues’ PRO licenses usually cover it, but confirm with the venue and the singer. Amplified singing may require additional coverage.
- Can we record the singer and share the audio with guests?: That is a mechanical reproduction. You need a mechanical license to distribute recordings, even as gifts.
- What if the singer forgets licensing?: Professional singers carry their own PRO membership or direct licenses. Still, include proof of coverage or licensing in the contract to clarify responsibility.
- Are covers of "Grow Old With You" free to perform?: Covers are generally covered under a venue’s or singer’s PRO license, but always verify with the singer and check the venue’s license list.
The Importance of Contracts, Clear Repertoire, and Professionalism
A clear contract benefits both you and the singer. It defines the repertoire, timing, sound needs, overtime, and cancellation terms. It also assigns responsibility for licensing and insurance. Professional singers expect respectful communication, punctual arrivals, and reasonable accommodation for rehearsal. Being organized reduces stress and ensures your chosen songs, such as "Grow Old With You," are performed exactly as you envision.
Final Guidance: Protect Your Wedding Music from Start to Finish
Securing the right to perform "Grow Old With You" is as important as choosing the song itself. Confirm whether your venue or DJ’s license covers it, verify your singer’s credentials, and obtain mechanical licenses if you plan to share recordings. By addressing these steps early, you safeguard your celebration, support the artists, and create a soundtrack you can cherish for decades. Treat music rights as a standard part of your wedding planning checklist, alongside venue booking and vendor reviews.