Choosing the perfect first dance song is a big decision for your wedding. It’s not just about picking a tune; it’s about selecting the soundtrack to your first moments as a married couple, a melody that will forever echo the romance of your special day. As content creators at ten-dance.com, we understand the importance of this moment. We’re experts in all things dance, and we’re here to guide you through the beautiful world of First Dance Wedding Songs, ensuring you find a track that’s not just fitting, but truly unforgettable.
A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception, bathed in soft, romantic lighting.
Picking “your song” can feel like a delightful pressure. Maybe you and your partner already have a tune that defines your relationship. If not, don’t worry! Your first dance song can become that special piece, a melody you’ll both cherish and affectionately call “our song” for years to come. It’s a song that will transport you back to your wedding day with every listen, so making it extra special is absolutely worth the effort.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled an extensive list of first dance wedding songs, drawing inspiration from various genres and styles. We’ve categorized them to help you navigate through the options and find something that perfectly reflects your style as a couple. Whether you’re dreaming of a popular love ballad that everyone knows and loves, a timeless classic that exudes elegance, or something unique that will surprise and delight your guests, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to explore our curated selection of over 100 songs, designed to evoke those heartwarming, tender feelings and maybe even bring a happy tear to the eyes of your loved ones. You can also find the complete playlist HERE! Happy listening, and let the wedding planning (and dancing!) begin!
Popular First Dance Songs: Timeless Hits for Modern Romances
These popular first dance songs are chart-toppers for a reason. They resonate with couples across the globe, capturing the essence of love and commitment in melodies that are both contemporary and timeless. These tracks are crowd-pleasers, ensuring your first dance is both personal and universally enjoyable.
- You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne: With its soulful rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, this song is a beautiful declaration of love and appreciation, perfect for starting your married life.
- Forever Like That – Ben Rector: Ben Rector offers numerous fantastic options, and “Forever Like That” stands out with its sweet melody and optimistic view of lasting love.
- Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes: This indie-folk anthem is filled with warmth and a sense of belonging, making it ideal for couples who have found their home in each other.
- Photograph – Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheeran is a master of love songs, and “Photograph” is a particularly poignant choice, reflecting on love as a lasting memory.
- Take The World – Johnnyswim: Johnnyswim’s harmonies and uplifting lyrics in “Take The World” create an atmosphere of joyful unity, perfect for your first dance.
- Lover – Taylor Swift: A modern classic, “Lover” perfectly encapsulates the giddy, all-encompassing feeling of being deeply in love, making it a favorite for first dances.
- Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat: This duet is charming and lighthearted, celebrating the luck of finding true love and partnership.
- Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron and Wine: The “wedding version” from the Twilight soundtrack adds a touch of cinematic romance to your first dance, gentle and deeply moving.
- Marry Me – Train: An outright proposal in song form, “Marry Me” is a straightforward and emotionally resonant choice for a wedding first dance.
- Stuck With U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: This feel-good pop track is about wanting to be inseparable from your loved one, a sentiment perfectly suited for newlyweds.
- All Of Me – John Legend: “All Of Me” is an iconic ballad that speaks of unconditional love and acceptance, making it a profoundly romantic choice.
- Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur: With its raw emotion and promises of unwavering support, this song is a powerful declaration of commitment.
- Forever After All – Luke Combs: For country music fans, “Forever After All” beautifully blends country storytelling with the promise of eternal love.
- It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: This country duet is a lively and loving celebration of partnership, perfect for couples who appreciate a bit of energy in their first dance.
- Love Your Love The Most – Eric Church: Even for those less inclined to country, Eric Church’s “Love Your Love The Most” is undeniably sweet and sincere, focusing on cherishing your partner above all.
A couple sharing their first dance as newlyweds, with the bride emotionally moved and tears in her eyes.
Classic First Dance Songs: Timeless Elegance for Your Wedding
For a touch of vintage romance and sophisticated charm, classic first dance songs are unparalleled. These are the songs that have soundtracked love stories for generations, offering an air of timeless elegance to your wedding celebration.
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole: Pure joy and classic romance in a song, “L-O-V-E” is instantly recognizable and brings a sense of playful sophistication to your first dance.
- At Last – Etta James: Etta James’s powerful vocals and the song’s sweeping melody make “At Last” an anthem of finally finding true love, incredibly moving for a first dance.
- Come Away With Me – Norah Jones: Smooth, jazzy, and intimate, “Come Away With Me” creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a heartfelt first dance.
- Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra: This Sinatra classic is the epitome of romance, whisking you and your guests away to a world of dreams and love under the moonlight.
- La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts: While the original is a classic, Emily Watts’ version offers a modern, softer take on this French classic, maintaining its romantic core.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley: Elvis’s gentle serenade in “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is universally beloved, expressing the sweet inevitability of falling deeply in love.
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra: Another Sinatra gem, “The Way You Look Tonight” is all about admiration and adoration, perfect for gazing into each other’s eyes during your first dance.
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald: Choose between Nat King Cole’s smooth rendition or Ella Fitzgerald’s dreamy version for a song that speaks of love from the heart. Both are equally enchanting.
- Dancing In the Moonlight – King Harvest: For a slightly more upbeat classic, “Dancing In The Moonlight” is joyful and light, suggesting a carefree and happy beginning to your married life.
- It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr. or Frank Sinatra: Whether you prefer Harry Connick Jr.’s contemporary take or Sinatra’s classic version, “It Had To Be You” is a charming declaration of destined love.
A newlywed couple laughing and smiling during their first dance, creating a joyful and lighthearted moment.
Unique Cover Songs for Your First Dance: A Modern Twist on Beloved Tunes
Looking for something familiar yet different? Cover songs can offer a unique spin on well-loved tracks, giving you a recognizable melody with a fresh, distinctive feel. These cover songs are perfect if you want to surprise your guests with a familiar song in an unexpected style.
- This Must Be The Place – Iron and Wine: Iron and Wine’s cover transforms the Talking Heads’ original into a tender, acoustic ballad, ideal for a uniquely romantic first dance.
- Friday I’m In Love – Janet Devlin: Janet Devlin’s folksy take on The Cure’s classic adds a whimsical and sweet touch, perfect for couples who love indie and alternative vibes.
- I Believe in a Thing Called Love – Branches: Branches turns The Darkness’s rock anthem into a soulful, almost gospel-like declaration of love, full of passion and energy.
- Better Together – Us The Duo: While the original Jack Johnson version is beloved, Us The Duo’s harmonies bring a new layer of warmth and intimacy, making it exceptionally sweet for a first dance.
- Earth Angel – Death Cab For Cutie: Death Cab For Cutie’s rendition of this classic doo-wop song brings a touch of indie sensitivity to a vintage favorite, perfect for a sentimental yet modern couple.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Haley Reinhart: Haley Reinhart’s soulful, jazzy cover of Elvis Presley’s classic offers a powerful and emotional alternative to the original.
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys: Arctic Monkeys’ crooner style cover of this classic soul song is both cool and romantic, perfect for a couple with a retro-modern aesthetic.
- Simply The Best – The Hound + The Fox: Channeling Schitt’s Creek vibes, The Hound + The Fox’s acoustic version of Tina Turner’s hit is folksy and heartwarming, ideal for a cozy, intimate first dance.
- Home – Edith Whiskers: Popularized by TikTok, Edith Whiskers’ version of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes’ “Home” is stripped down and deeply emotional, highlighting the song’s heartfelt lyrics.
- I Like Me Better – Jonah Baker: Jonah Baker’s acoustic cover of Lauv’s pop hit transforms it into a tender and sincere love song, perfect for a contemporary yet intimate first dance.
A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception, with the focus on their joyful connection.
Unique First Dance Songs: Stand Out from the Crowd
For couples wanting to truly personalize their wedding, these unique first dance songs offer something different from the typical wedding playlist. These tracks are less commonly heard at weddings, ensuring your first dance is uniquely yours and memorable.
- You and I – Ingrid Michaelson: Sweet and simple, “You and I” is perfect for an intimate and genuine first dance, with Ingrid Michaelson’s angelic voice adding to its charm.
- I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne: Another gem from Ray LaMontagne, this song is deeply romantic and soulful, ideal for a heartfelt and unique first dance.
- Green Eyes – Coldplay: “Green Eyes” is tender and emotionally resonant, a beautiful choice for couples who appreciate Coldplay’s heartfelt melodies and want a slightly less mainstream option.
- I Got You – Jack Johnson: Jack Johnson’s laid-back and warm vocals make “I Got You” a comforting and loving song, perfect for a relaxed and joyful first dance.
- Q&A – Kishi Bashi: For acoustic indie lovers, “Q&A” by Kishi Bashi is an exquisitely unique and charming choice, unlikely to be heard at any other wedding.
- The Luckiest – Ben Folds: “The Luckiest” is a tear-jerker in the best way, a poignant and beautiful song about finding your soulmate and cherishing every moment.
- Heaven’s Knife – Josh Garrels: With its poetic lyrics and soulful melody, “Heaven’s Knife” offers a spiritually rich and deeply romantic option for your first dance.
- Honeymoon – Johnny Stimson: “Honeymoon” is upbeat and full of promise, capturing the exciting beginning of married life, perfect for a joyful and optimistic first dance.
- First Try – Johnnyswim: Another Johnnyswim track, “First Try” is rhythmically engaging and lyrically sweet, a unique and charming choice for your first dance.
- Wedding Song – The Well Pennies: Directly titled and sweetly sung, “Wedding Song” by The Well Pennies is a folksy and heartfelt ode to marriage, beautifully fitting for the occasion.
- I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future, Kinna Grannis: This duet is tender and devoted, promising a lifetime of love and commitment, ideal for a deeply romantic first dance.
- Grow As We Go – Ben Platt: “Grow As We Go” is about growing together through life’s journey, a beautifully symbolic and modern choice for a first dance.
- This Too Shall Last – Anderson East: Soulful and reassuring, “This Too Shall Last” offers comfort and strength, perfect for couples who appreciate depth and sincerity in their song choice.
- XO – John Mayer: John Mayer’s rendition of Beyoncé’s “XO” transforms it into a soulful and intimate acoustic track, making it a unique and heartfelt option.
- You’re Still The One – Shania Twain: A classic that perhaps deserves a resurgence, “You’re Still The One” is a powerful and enduring declaration of lasting love, perfect for a nostalgic yet timeless first dance.
- First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes: “First Day Of My Life” is raw and sincere, capturing the overwhelming joy of finding love, a deeply emotional and unique choice.
- Oh, It Is Love – Hellogoodbye: For a touch of youthful exuberance and nostalgic charm, “Oh, It Is Love” is upbeat and sweetly innocent, perfect for couples who are young at heart.
- Once In A Lifetime – Landon Austin: “Once In A Lifetime” is a modern ballad that speaks of rare and precious love, fitting for a first dance that celebrates a unique connection.
- The World Could End With You – Llunr: Intimate and atmospheric, “The World Could End With You” is perfect for a quiet, deeply connected first dance, focusing on the couple’s world together.
- Honeybee – The Head and the Heart: With its folksy charm and sweet harmonies, “Honeybee” is a delightful and unique choice, evoking warmth and natural affection.
We hope this guide has sparked inspiration and helped you narrow down your choices for first dance wedding songs! Remember, the perfect song is one that resonates with you both as a couple and sets the tone for your beautiful journey ahead. Explore our full playlist for even more ideas. If you have a favorite first dance song that we missed, let us know! We’re always looking to expand our list and help couples find their perfect soundtrack.
