Choosing the perfect first dance wedding song is a big decision for many couples. As content creators at ten-dance.com, we understand how important it is to find music that not only reflects your love story but also creates a memorable moment on your special day. Drawing inspiration from various sources and adding our expert touch, we’ve curated an expanded list of Top First Dance Wedding Songs to help you find the ideal soundtrack for your first dance as newlyweds.
A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception.
Selecting your first dance song is more than just picking a tune; it’s about choosing a melody that encapsulates your relationship and sets the tone for your married life together. This song will become “your song,” a cherished memory you’ll revisit for years to come. To make this selection process easier and more inspiring, we’ve expanded on popular choices and explored diverse genres to ensure you find a song that truly resonates with you and your partner.
Popular First Dance Songs That Always Impress
For couples who love contemporary hits and chart-toppers, these popular first dance songs are guaranteed to create a romantic and joyful atmosphere. These songs are widely loved for their heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies, making them perfect for sharing your first dance in the spotlight.
- “You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne: With its soulful rhythm and sincere lyrics, this song perfectly captures the feeling of finding ‘the one.’
- “Forever Like That” – Ben Rector: Ben Rector offers a plethora of beautiful songs, but “Forever Like That” stands out with its optimistic and loving message about lasting love.
- “Home” – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes: This indie anthem exudes warmth and togetherness, ideal for couples who want a bohemian or free-spirited vibe for their first dance.
- “Photograph” – Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheeran’s discography is filled with wedding-worthy songs, and “Photograph” with its poignant lyrics about cherishing moments is a popular choice for its emotional depth.
- “Take The World” – Johnnyswim: Johnnyswim’s harmonies and uplifting lyrics in “Take The World” make it a fantastic choice for a first dance that feels both intimate and expansive.
- “Lover” – Taylor Swift: A modern classic, “Lover” is Taylor Swift at her most romantic, offering a sweet and sincere declaration of love that resonates with many couples.
- “Lucky” – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat: This duet is all about feeling fortunate to be in love with your best friend, a sentiment perfectly suited for a wedding first dance.
- “Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)” – Iron & Wine: Made famous by the movie “Twilight,” this version is soft, gentle, and undeniably romantic, creating an intimate and dreamy atmosphere.
- “Marry Me” – Train: Direct and heartfelt, “Marry Me” is a beautiful ballad that speaks directly to the commitment and joy of marriage.
- “Stuck with U” – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: For a more contemporary pop feel, “Stuck with U” is a sweet and catchy song about wanting to be with your loved one through thick and thin.
- “All Of Me” – John Legend: An undeniably romantic ballad, “All Of Me” is a classic choice for its powerful vocals and heartfelt expression of unconditional love.
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur: With its raw emotion and promises of enduring love, “Say You Won’t Let Go” is a deeply moving song perfect for a tear-jerking first dance.
- “Forever After All” – Luke Combs: For country music fans, “Forever After All” offers a beautiful blend of modern country sound and timeless promises of forever love.
- “It’s Your Love” – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: A country classic duet, “It’s Your Love” is upbeat and full of joy, perfect for couples who want a fun and loving first dance.
- “Love Your Love The Most” – Eric Church: Even for those not deeply into country, “Love Your Love The Most” is undeniably sweet and sincere, celebrating a deep and cherished love.
A couple sharing their first dance as newlyweds, with the bride crying.
Timeless Classic First Dance Songs for a Touch of Elegance
If you envision a first dance filled with timeless romance and classic elegance, these songs are perfect. These selections evoke a sense of enduring love and sophistication, ensuring your first dance is both graceful and deeply touching.
- “L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole: An absolute classic, “L-O-V-E” is playful, romantic, and instantly recognizable, perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to your first dance.
- “At Last” – Etta James: Etta James’ powerful vocals and the song’s triumphant melody make “At Last” an iconic choice for celebrating finally finding true love.
- “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones: Norah Jones’ smooth voice and the song’s gentle rhythm create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a softly romantic first dance.
- “Fly Me To The Moon” – Frank Sinatra: This Sinatra classic is the epitome of romance and sophistication, inviting you to dance among the stars with your beloved.
- “La Vie En Rose” – Emily Watts: While the original is French, Emily Watts’ English version brings a fresh, acoustic feel to this timeless romantic ballad, perfect for a modern yet classic touch.
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Elvis Presley: Elvis’s tender ballad is a timeless declaration of love, simple, sincere, and universally romantic.
- “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra: Another Sinatra gem, “The Way You Look Tonight” is elegant and adoring, ideal for expressing admiration and love on your wedding day.
- “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” – Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald: Whether you choose Nat King Cole’s smooth rendition or Ella Fitzgerald’s jazzy version, this song is pure romance and tender emotion.
- “Dancing In the Moonlight” – King Harvest: For a slightly more upbeat classic, “Dancing In The Moonlight” is joyful and whimsical, perfect for a lighthearted and fun first dance.
- “It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jr. or Frank Sinatra: Another classic choice with versions by both Harry Connick Jr. and Frank Sinatra, this song is charming, a little playful, and utterly romantic.
A newlywed couple laughing as they share their first dance.
Unique Cover Songs for a First Dance with a Twist
For couples looking to add a unique and personal touch to their first dance, cover songs offer a fantastic option. These renditions bring a fresh perspective to familiar tunes, allowing you to choose a song that’s both recognizable and uniquely yours.
- “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” – Iron & Wine: Iron & Wine’s folksy cover transforms this Talking Heads classic into a beautiful and heartfelt acoustic ballad.
- “Friday I’m In Love” – Janet Devlin: Janet Devlin’s softer, acoustic take on The Cure’s hit song is surprisingly romantic and charming for a first dance.
- “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” – Branches: Branches turns The Darkness’s rock anthem into a soulful and passionate love song, perfect for a fun and energetic first dance.
- “Better Together” – Us The Duo: Us The Duo’s acoustic cover of Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” highlights the song’s sweet lyrics and inherent romance, making it ideal for a tender moment.
- “Earth Angel” – Death Cab For Cutie: Death Cab For Cutie’s rendition of this classic doo-wop song adds an indie-rock twist, making it a cool and nostalgic choice.
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Haley Reinhart: Haley Reinhart’s jazzy and soulful cover of this Elvis classic brings a modern and sultry vibe to a timeless love song.
- “Baby I’m Yours” – Arctic Monkeys: Arctic Monkeys’ retro-inspired cover is both cool and romantic, offering a vintage yet modern feel for your first dance.
- “Simply The Best” – The Hound + The Fox: Made popular again by “Schitt’s Creek,” The Hound + The Fox’s acoustic version is warm, heartfelt, and utterly charming.
- “Home” – Edith Whiskers: Edith Whiskers’ hauntingly beautiful cover of “Home” is perfect for couples who want a deeply emotional and contemporary feel.
- “I Like Me Better” – Jonah Baker: Jonah Baker’s acoustic version of Lauv’s pop hit brings out the heartfelt lyrics, making it a sweet and modern choice for a first dance.
A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception.
Uniquely Romantic First Dance Songs to Stand Out
For couples aiming for a truly distinctive first dance, these unique songs are perfect. Often overlooked in wedding playlists, these songs offer a chance to showcase your individual style and musical taste, ensuring your first dance is memorably different.
- “You and I” – Ingrid Michaelson: Sweet, short, and incredibly charming, “You and I” is perfect for an intimate and heartfelt first dance.
- “I Was Born To Love You” – Ray LaMontagne: Another gem from Ray LaMontagne, this song is soulful and passionate, a less common but equally beautiful choice.
- “Green Eyes” – Coldplay: “Green Eyes” is a tender and emotional Coldplay ballad, ideal for creating a deeply moving and intimate moment on the dance floor.
- “I Got You” – Jack Johnson: Jack Johnson’s laid-back vibe and sweet lyrics in “I Got You” make it a wonderfully relaxed and loving choice.
- “Q&A” – Kishi Bashi: For indie and acoustic lovers, “Q&A” is unique and whimsical, offering a distinctive and charming option.
- “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds: Emotionally resonant and beautifully written, “The Luckiest” is a song that speaks to the profound joy of finding lasting love.
- “Heaven’s Knife” – Josh Garrels: Josh Garrels’ soulful voice and the song’s gentle melody create a unique and spiritually-tinged romantic atmosphere.
- “Honeymoon” – Johnny Stimson: “Honeymoon” is upbeat and joyful, capturing the excitement and bliss of starting your married life together.
- “First Try” – Johnnyswim: Another Johnnyswim song, “First Try” is full of heart and soul, perfect for couples who appreciate genuine and emotive music.
- “Wedding Song” – The Well Pennies: With a title like “Wedding Song,” it’s directly on theme, offering sweet harmonies and lyrics about building a life together.
- “I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You” – Imaginary Future, Kinna Grannis: This duet is tender and heartfelt, promising a lifetime of love and devotion.
- “Grow As We Go” – Ben Platt: Ben Platt’s powerful vocals and the song’s message of growing together make it a meaningful and contemporary choice.
- “This Too Shall Last” – Anderson East: Soulful and reassuring, “This Too Shall Last” offers comfort and a promise of enduring love through all of life’s challenges.
- “XO” – John Mayer: John Mayer’s cover of Beyoncé’s “XO” is acoustic and heartfelt, highlighting the song’s romantic core.
- “You’re Still The One” – Shania Twain: A country-pop classic, “You’re Still The One” is a nostalgic and joyful celebration of lasting love, perfect for a fun and heartwarming first dance.
- “First Day Of My Life” – Bright Eyes: Bright Eyes’ raw emotion and the song’s hopeful lyrics make it a deeply touching and sincere choice.
- “Oh, It Is Love” – Hellogoodbye: Upbeat and catchy, “Oh, It Is Love” brings a youthful and joyful energy to your first dance.
- “Once In A Lifetime” – Landon Austin: “Once In A Lifetime” is a beautifully melodic and romantic song, perfect for capturing the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of your wedding day.
- “The World Could End With You” – Llunr: Llunr’s ethereal vocals and the song’s dreamy atmosphere create a unique and otherworldly romantic vibe.
- “Honeybee” – The Head and the Heart: “Honeybee” is folksy and sweet, with charming lyrics and a warm, inviting melody, perfect for a cozy and intimate first dance.
Choosing the perfect first dance wedding song is a deeply personal journey. We hope this expanded list of top first dance wedding songs inspires you to discover the ideal melody that reflects your unique love story. For more musical inspiration and wedding dance tips, explore ten-dance.com – your ultimate guide to wedding dances and beyond. Let the music begin and create a first dance that you and your guests will cherish forever!
