A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception, bathed in soft lighting.
Choosing the first dance song is a significant decision for your wedding. As a wedding photographer with a passion for music, I’ve witnessed countless beautiful first dances, each with its own unique soundtrack. Often, this song becomes “your song” – a melody that will forever evoke cherished memories of your special day. Why not make it truly unforgettable?
I began compiling a list of first dance songs I’ve encountered at weddings and quickly realized the vast array of wonderful options, many of which are yet to be discovered by couples. This inspired me to create a comprehensive playlist, including both popular choices and hidden gems.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your search for that perfect song to share your first dance with your partner, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve curated a collection of over 100 songs guaranteed to evoke those warm, fuzzy feelings and perhaps even bring a tear to the eyes of your loved ones. Whether you envision yourselves swaying to a contemporary pop ballad, a timeless romantic classic, or something a little more unconventional to surprise your guests, you’ll find inspiration in these lists.
To help you navigate this musical journey, I’ve organized the songs into categories. Explore these suggestions and discover your dream first dance song! You can also listen to the complete playlist HERE! Happy listening and happy wedding planning! ✨
Top 15 Popular Wedding First Dance Songs
These are the songs you hear for good reason – they are universally loved and create magical first dance moments.
- You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne: A soulful and heartfelt track with a vintage vibe that speaks directly to the heart.
- Forever Like That – Ben Rector: Ben Rector’s music is wedding gold! This song, like many of his others, is filled with genuine emotion and warmth.
- Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes: An indie anthem of love and belonging, perfect for couples who want a joyful, free-spirited feel. Its sing-along quality is infectious.
- Photograph – Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheeran consistently delivers romantic ballads, and “Photograph” is a standout choice with its tender lyrics about lasting love.
- Take The World – Johnnyswim: This duo’s harmonies and uplifting melodies make “Take The World” an optimistic and beautiful first dance option.
- Lover – Taylor Swift: A modern classic from Taylor Swift, “Lover” encapsulates the feeling of deep, committed love with its poetic lyrics and sweet melody.
- Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat: A charming duet celebrating the luck of finding true love, “Lucky” is lighthearted and full of positive energy.
- Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version) – Iron and Wine: Made iconic by the movie “Twilight,” this version is soft, gentle, and undeniably romantic, creating an intimate atmosphere.
- Marry Me – Train: An earnest and direct proposal in song form, “Marry Me” is a popular choice for its clear message of commitment and love.
- Stuck With U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: A sweet and contemporary pop duet about being happily inseparable, perfect for a modern romance.
- All Of Me – John Legend: A piano ballad that’s become a modern standard, “All Of Me” is intensely romantic and expresses unconditional love.
- Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur: With its raw emotion and powerful vocals, “Say You Won’t Let Go” is a passionate declaration of enduring love.
- Forever After All – Luke Combs: A country love song that speaks of love that lasts beyond this life, “Forever After All” is both heartfelt and timeless.
- It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: A country classic duet that’s undeniably catchy and celebrates a powerful, all-encompassing love.
- Love Your Love The Most – Eric Church: Even for those who aren’t die-hard country fans, this song’s tender lyrics about cherishing love above all else are universally appealing.
A bride emotionally embraces her groom during their first dance, tears visible on her face.
Top 10 Classic First Dance Songs
For timeless elegance and romance, these classic songs provide a sophisticated and unforgettable ambiance.
Timeless Romantic Vibes That Never Fade.
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole: Pure charm and sophistication, this classic is instantly recognizable and evokes a sense of old Hollywood romance.
- At Last – Etta James: A soulful and powerful declaration of love finally found, “At Last” is an iconic song for a deeply emotional first dance.
- Come Away With Me – Norah Jones: Smooth, jazzy, and incredibly romantic, “Come Away With Me” creates an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra: Take your first dance to the stars with this dreamy and eternally romantic Sinatra classic.
- La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts: While many versions exist, Emily Watts’ rendition brings a fresh, modern acoustic feel to this timeless French love song.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley: Elvis’s gentle and heartfelt ballad is universally beloved and perfectly captures the feeling of falling deeply in love.
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra: Another Sinatra gem, this song is all about admiration and adoration, ideal for expressing how much you cherish your partner.
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald: Choose your favorite version of this dreamy and sentimental classic that speaks of love from the heart.
- Dancing In the Moonlight – King Harvest: For a slightly more upbeat classic, this song is joyful and romantic with a touch of retro fun.
- It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr. or Frank Sinatra: Whether you prefer Connick Jr.’s jazzy swing or Sinatra’s smooth rendition, this song is a playful and romantic choice about inevitable love.
A joyful newlywed couple laughs together during their first dance, captured in a candid moment.
Top 10 Unique Cover Songs for First Dances
Give a familiar song a fresh twist with these beautiful and unique cover versions, offering a special touch to your first dance.
- This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) – Iron and Wine: Iron & Wine’s cover transforms this Talking Heads song into a tender and folksy declaration of home being wherever your loved one is.
- Friday I’m In Love – Janet Devlin: Janet Devlin’s acoustic take on The Cure’s classic love song is beautifully delicate and romantic, perfect for an indie-inspired wedding.
- I Believe in a Thing Called Love – Branches: Branches turns The Darkness’s rock anthem into a soulful and passionate ballad that retains the song’s joyful spirit.
- Better Together – Us The Duo: Us The Duo’s harmonies elevate this Jack Johnson favorite, making it an even sweeter and more intimate choice for a first dance.
- Earth Angel – Death Cab For Cutie: Death Cab For Cutie’s melancholic yet sweet rendition of this classic doo-wop song adds a touch of indie charm to a timeless tune.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Haley Reinhart: Haley Reinhart’s jazzy and soulful take on the Elvis classic brings a modern vintage vibe to this beloved song.
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys: Arctic Monkeys’ cover is a surprisingly tender and romantic version of the original, adding a cool, indie edge to your first dance.
- Simply The Best – The Hound + The Fox: Made popular again by “Schitt’s Creek,” The Hound + The Fox’s folksy version brings a warm and heartfelt feel to this powerful anthem of love.
- Home – Edith Whiskers: Edith Whiskers’ ethereal and haunting cover, popularized on TikTok, transforms this Edward Sharpe song into a truly magical and intimate experience.
- I Like Me Better – Jonah Baker: Jonah Baker’s acoustic cover gives this Lauv pop song a warm and intimate feel, perfect for a contemporary and heartfelt first dance.
A newlywed couple shares their first dance under romantic lighting at their wedding venue.
Top 20 Unique & Unexpected First Dance Songs
For couples seeking something different, these unique songs will set your first dance apart and reflect your individual style.
Songs You Rarely Hear, Perfect for a Unique Wedding Vibe!
- You and I – Ingrid Michaelson: Sweet, sincere, and wonderfully understated, this was my own first dance song! Ingrid Michaelson’s voice is angelic, and the song’s message is pure love.
- I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne: Another gem from Ray LaMontagne, this song is soulful and passionate, yet not as widely used for first dances, making it unique.
- Green Eyes – Coldplay: A beautiful and underrated Coldplay song, “Green Eyes” is tender and emotional, perfect for a deeply heartfelt and slightly less mainstream choice.
- I Got You – Jack Johnson: Jack Johnson’s mellow and warm voice makes this song a comforting and loving choice, ideal for a relaxed and intimate first dance.
- Q&A – Kishi Bashi: For acoustic indie lovers, this song is a unique and whimsical choice, filled with beautiful instrumentation and a sweet, quirky charm.
- The Luckiest – Ben Folds: Prepare for tears! “The Luckiest” is a poignant and beautiful ballad about finding your soulmate and cherishing every moment.
- Heaven’s Knife – Josh Garrels: For a spiritually inclined couple, Josh Garrels’ music offers depth and beauty, and “Heaven’s Knife” is a uniquely touching love song.
- Honeymoon – Johnny Stimson: Upbeat and joyful, “Honeymoon” captures the excitement and bliss of starting your married life together.
- First Try – Johnnyswim: Another Johnnyswim song, “First Try” is soulful and romantic with a touch of vulnerability, perfect for a genuine and heartfelt moment.
- Wedding Song – The Well Pennies: With a title like “Wedding Song,” it’s surprisingly under the radar! This indie-folk tune is sweet, simple, and perfectly themed.
- I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future, Kinna Grannis: A delicate and heartfelt duet, this song is a beautiful promise of lifelong love in a gentle acoustic style.
- Grow As We Go – Ben Platt: Ben Platt’s powerful vocals and the song’s message of growing together through life make this a meaningful and modern choice.
- This Too Shall Last – Anderson East: A soulful and bluesy love song with a touch of vintage charm, “This Too Shall Last” is both comforting and passionate.
- XO – John Mayer: Originally by Beyoncé, John Mayer’s acoustic cover brings a raw and intimate feel to this powerful love song.
- You’re Still The One – Shania Twain: A country-pop classic that still holds up! “You’re Still The One” celebrates enduring love and is surprisingly underused for first dances today.
- First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes: A raw and emotional indie ballad, “First Day Of My Life” is incredibly moving and perfect for couples who want to embrace vulnerability.
- Oh, It Is Love – Hellogoodbye: Bring some joyful energy with this upbeat and catchy love song that’s full of youthful enthusiasm and charm.
- Once In A Lifetime – Landon Austin: A sweet and sincere pop ballad about finding once-in-a-lifetime love, perfect for a romantic and heartfelt first dance.
- The World Could End With You – Llunr: A dreamy and atmospheric indie-pop song that speaks of finding comfort and love even amidst chaos, a unique and modern choice.
- Honeybee – The Head and the Heart: With its folk-rock vibe and sweet lyrics, “Honeybee” is a joyful and heartwarming song that’s both unique and universally appealing.
To End… Your Perfect First Dance Awaits!
I hope these wedding first dance song ideas have inspired you! Every couple deserves a first dance song that resonates with their unique love story. Explore these lists and my playlist to discover the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day.
Did I miss any of your favorite first dance songs? Let me know what you think should be added to make this playlist even better! Reach out via email at [email protected] or contact me here! Happy dancing!
