Choosing the first dance song is a deeply personal and memorable part of wedding planning. As a wedding photographer passionate about music, I’ve had the joy of witnessing countless first dances, each with its own unique soundtrack. Your first dance song often becomes “your song” – a melody that forever echoes your love story. Making this choice special is key to creating a moment you’ll both cherish for a lifetime.
Inspired by the beautiful first dances I’ve photographed, and fueled by my love for music, I started compiling a list of first dance songs. This list quickly grew beyond just the songs I’ve heard at weddings, encompassing a wide range of tunes perfect for that magical moment.
If you’re searching for the perfect song to sway to with your partner, your search ends here! I’ve curated over 100 wedding dance songs perfect for a first dance that are guaranteed to evoke those heartwarming, tear-jerking moments. Whether you envision a popular love ballad, a timeless classic, or something uniquely ‘you’, this list offers a diverse collection to inspire your choice.
Explore the categories below to spark ideas, and dive into the complete playlist HERE! Happy listening and happy wedding planning! 🎉
A newlywed couple sharing their first dance at their wedding reception.
Alt text: Joyful newlywed couple commencing their wedding dance songs first dance at their reception, bathed in soft lighting.
Top 15 Popular Wedding Dance Songs First Dance
These popular choices are consistently loved for their romantic lyrics and beautiful melodies, making them perfect wedding dance songs for your first dance.
- You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
- Forever Like That – Ben Rector (Ben Rector’s entire discography is filled with amazing wedding dance song options!)
- Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (A timeless indie love anthem that remains a favorite wedding dance song.)
- Photograph – Ed Sheeran (Many Ed Sheeran songs are ideal wedding dance songs due to their heartfelt lyrics.)
- Take The World – Johnnyswim
- Lover – Taylor Swift (A modern classic perfect for couples in love looking for popular wedding dance songs.)
- Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
- Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron and Wine (The “wedding version” from Twilight is a beautifully gentle wedding dance song.)
- Marry Me – Train
- Stuck With U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber
- All Of Me – John Legend
- Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
- Forever After All – Luke Combs
- It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (A country classic that’s always a hit as a wedding dance song!)
- Love Your Love The Most – Eric Church (A sweet country option, even for those less inclined to the genre, perfect as wedding dance songs.)
A couple sharing their first dance as newlyweds, with the bride crying tears of joy.
Alt text: Emotional bride shedding happy tears during her first dance with her groom, a deeply touching moment captured as wedding dance songs play.
Top 10 Classic Wedding Dance Songs First Dance
For a timeless and elegant feel, these classic wedding dance songs for your first dance offer romance and sophistication that never goes out of style.
Romantic, classy vibes for wedding dance songs that are eternally elegant.
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole (An absolute classic wedding dance song, instantly evoking a sense of timeless romance.)
- At Last – Etta James
- Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
- Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
- La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts (This modern version brings a fresh take to a classic romantic wedding dance song.)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald (Both versions are dreamy and perfect as classic wedding dance songs.)
- Dancing In the Moonlight – King Harvest
- It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr., or Frank Sinatra
A newlywed couple laughing joyfully during their first dance at their wedding reception.
Alt text: Joyful bride and groom sharing laughter and smiles during their wedding dance songs first dance, creating a lighthearted and happy atmosphere.
Top 10 Cover Songs Perfect for Wedding Dance Songs First Dance
Looking for a unique twist on a familiar tune? These cover songs offer a fresh perspective and can be beautiful and unexpected wedding dance songs for your first dance.
- This Must Be The Place – Iron and Wine (A beautifully unique cover, making for a wonderful and distinctive wedding dance song.)
- Friday I’m In Love – Janet Devlin
- I Believe in a Thing Called Love – Branches
- Better Together – Us The Duo (A fantastic cover that brings a new feel to an already beloved song, ideal for wedding dance songs.)
- Earth Angel – Death Cab For Cutie (A unique and indie cover choice for wedding dance songs, perfect for alternative couples.)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Haley Reinhart
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- Simply The Best – The Hound + The Fox (For a touch of Schitt’s Creek charm in your Wedding Dance Songs First Dance.)
- Home – Edith Whiskers (A TikTok-popular cover that has become a beloved and modern wedding dance song.)
- I Like Me Better – Jonah Baker
Alt text: Romantic ambiance as newlyweds intimately share their wedding dance songs first dance at their wedding reception, highlighted by warm, soft lighting.
Top 20 Unique Wedding Dance Songs First Dance
For couples wanting to step away from the mainstream, these unique wedding dance songs for your first dance are less commonly heard and offer a chance to truly personalize your moment.
Unique and memorable wedding dance songs first dance that will make your celebration stand out.
- You and I – Ingrid Michaelson (My personal first dance song! Sweet, short, and sung by an angel, perfect for intimate wedding dance songs.)
- I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne
- Green Eyes – Coldplay (A deeply emotional and moving choice for wedding dance songs, guaranteed to bring tears.)
- I Got You – Jack Johnson (Jack Johnson’s soothing voice makes any song a romantic contender for wedding dance songs.)
- Q&A – Kishi Bashi (For acoustic indie lovers seeking truly unique wedding dance songs, this is an exceptional choice.)
- The Luckiest – Ben Folds (An incredibly touching song that’s sure to resonate as wedding dance songs.)
- Heaven’s Knife – Josh Garrels
- Honeymoon – Johnny Stimson
- First Try – Johnnyswim
- Wedding Song – The Well Pennies
- I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future, Kinna Grannis
- Grow As We Go – Ben Platt
- This Too Shall Last – Anderson East
- XO – John Mayer
- You’re Still The One – Shania Twain (A classic that deserves a resurgence as a popular wedding dance song!)
- First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes (An emotionally charged song that promises a tearful, heartfelt first dance with wedding dance songs.)
- Oh, It Is Love – Hellogoodbye (A nostalgic and joyful option for wedding dance songs, bringing youthful energy.)
- Once In A Lifetime – Landon Austin
- The World Could End With You – Llunr
- Honeybee – The Head and the Heart
In Conclusion
Finding the perfect wedding dance song for your first dance is a special journey. I hope this curated list and playlist inspires you to discover a song that truly reflects your love story. If you feel I’ve missed any gems, please let me know! I’m always looking to expand this playlist and make it even better for couples like you. Reach out via email at [email protected] or contact me here to share your suggestions!
