Your first dance is one of the first most special moments you share as a married couple. You’ve just committed to eternity, and finding a song that encapsulates that feeling is no joke. You want a track that reflects you as a couple, one that is evergreen and that you connect with. Whether it’s from a movie you watched together or one that played on your first date, make a choice that you’ll keep going back to, years to come. And we’re here to help! With an endless list of tunes, slow or fast, contemporary or classic, we’ve rounded up the best tunes for an unforgettable first dance.
Most Popular First Dance Songs
Pictures Courtesy: @joekathrina & @avonnephotography
When it comes to romantic first dance songs, you immediately think of songs like Perfect, All of Me, and Thinking Out Loud. You think of the timeless classics like Can’t Help Falling In Love, Unchained Melodies, and Wonderful Tonight. And although these songs can never get old, the wedding playlist goes beyond Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and Eric Clapton. Here are some more traditionally popular songs you can select that are equally as sweet and impactful.
From The Ground Up – Dan+Shay
“And we’ll build this love from the ground up
Now ’til forever it’s all of me, all of you”
Truly, Madly, Deeply – Savage Garden
“I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy
I’ll be your hope, I’ll be your love, be everything that you need
I’ll love you more with every breath truly, madly, deeply do”
Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith
“I feel we’re close enough
I wanna lock in your love
I think we’re close enough
Could I lock in your love, baby?”
Amazed – Lonestar
“I don’t know how you do what you do
I’m so in love with you
It just keeps getting better”
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
“When I look into your eyes
It’s like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
Well there’s so much they hold”
You Are – Lionel Richie
“You are the sun
You are the rain
That makes my life this foolish game
You need to know
I love you so
And I’d do it all again and again”
That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding
“If I was the sun way up there
I’d go with love most everywhere
I’ll be the moon when the sun goes down
Just to let you know that I’m still around”
Eternal Flame – The Bangles
“Close your eyes, give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand? Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Or is this burning an eternal flame?”
Conversations In The Dark – John Legend
“I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me”
Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor ft John Legend
“So I’m gonna love you like I’m gonna lose you
I’m gonna hold you like I’m saying goodbye
Wherever we’re standing, I won’t take you for granted”
Everything – Michael Buble
“And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything”
Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
“Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it’s enough for me
‘Cause all that you are is all that I’ll ever need”
The Luckiest – Ben Folds
“And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it every day”
Indie Folk & Alternative
Pictures Courtesy: @rachelantiguaphotos
Looking for a track that isn’t mostly pop? Try expanding into genres that are not typically browsed for weddings. With these numbers, you may discover your ideal song and a new music taste. You might also be surprised to find more than just a few great picks that make it to your perfect wedding playlist!
Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
“Can you hear me calling
Out your name?
You know that I’m falling
And I don’t know what to say”
Better Together – Jack Johnson
“Sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing,
it’s always better when we’re together”
Such Great Heights – The Postal Service/Iron & Wine
“And I have to speculate
That God Himself did make
Us into corresponding shapes
Like puzzle pieces from the clay”
Forever – Ben Harper
“So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do, from you”
First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes
“Yours was the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
And I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve been
But I know where I want to go”
Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
“Two hearts
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun”
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
“I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more
You know it’s true
Everything I do
I do it for you”
“The book of love is long and boring
No one can lift the damn thing
It’s full of charts and facts, and figures
And instructions for dancing
I love it when you read to me.
And you
You can read me anything”
Soulful Rock
Picture Courtesy: @philipthomasphotography
We love the idea of making your own tradition with an edgier tune. Soulful rock songs are soft and romantic with the classic touch of a quirky element that makes them instantly recognizable. And if you’re trying to move away from the beautiful but overplayed songs of Ed Sheeran or John Legend, we recommend spending some time with artists like Paul McCartney or U2.
She’s Got A Way – Billy Joel
“She’s got a way about her
I don’t know what it is
But I know that I can’t live without her”
You Make Loving Fun – Fleetwood Mac
“Don’t, don’t break the spell
It would be different and you know it will
You, you make loving fun
And I don’t have to tell you but you’re the only one”
Best Friend – Queen
“Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It’s you you’re all I see
Ooh, you make me live now, honey
Ooh, you make me live”
Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N’ Roses
“She’s got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I’d hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain”
Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney
“Maybe I’m amazed at the way you help me sing my song
Right me when I’m wrong
Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you”
All I Want Is You – U2
“But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you”
More Than Words – Extreme
“More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn’t have to say
That you love me
‘Cause I’d already know”
In My Life – The Beatles
“Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more”
I Will – The Beatles
“Who knows how long I’ve loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely lifetime
If you want me to, I will”
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen/Elvis Presley
“This thing (this thing) called love (called love)
It cries (like a baby), in a cradle all night
It swings (woo), it jives (woo)
Shakes all over like a jellyfish
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called love”
Country Lovin’
Pictures Courtesy: @westimagery & @ellenandandyy
Country music is a popular trend, especially in recent weddings. As they should, because there is no way you could go wrong with a heartfelt country song for your first dance. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites that are fit for the modern couple that loves a hint of classic.
Speechless – Dan+Shay
“It’s always on a night like tonight
I thank God you can read my mind
‘Cause when you look at me with those eyes
I’m speechless”
Late To The Party – Kacey Musgrave
“And who needs a crowd
When you’re happy at a party for two?
The world can wait
‘Cause I’m never late to the party
If I’m late to the party with you”
Blessed – Thomas Rhett
“And I know I’m blessed
Watching you spin in that dress
Making my heart beat out my chest”
You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean
“You’re my sunshine in the darkest days
My better half, my savin’ grace
You make me who I wanna be
You make it easy”
Grow Old With Me – Mary Chapin Carpenter
“Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true”
When You Say Nothing At All – Alison Krauss
“The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all”
It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
“It’s your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can’t get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I’m under
Oh it’s your love”
Then – Brad Paisley
“And now you’re my whole life
Now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you”
Jazz & R&B
Pictures Courtesy: @ashley_posthuma
Jazz can immediately set the tone of your wedding reception with an unmatched atmosphere and style. The same goes for Soul and R&B. The unique sounds that often don’t feature in pop or country music easily wraps you in a warmth that instantly has you in your feels. Here are a few numbers from these timeless and uplifting genres for your first dance.
Cheek To Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
“Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together, dancing cheek to cheek”
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
“That’s why, darling, it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too”
My One and Only Love – John Coltrane
“The touch of your hand is like heaven
A heaven that I’ve never known
The blush on your cheek whenever I speak
Tells me that you are my own”
L.O.V.E – Frank Sinatra/Nat King Cole
“L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore”
By Your Side – Sade
“You think I’d leave your side, baby
You know me better than that
You think I’d leave you down
When you’re down on your knees
I wouldn’t do that”
Our Love Is Here To Stay – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
“It’s very clear
Our love is here to stay
Not for a year
But ever and a day”
Crazy Love – Michael Buble
“I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open up every time she smiles
And when I come to her that’s just where I belong
Yet I’m running to her like a rivers song
She gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love”
It Had To Be You – Ray Charles/ Tony Bennett/ Frank Sinatra
“For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults I love you still
It had to be you
Wonderful you”
Look of Love – Diana Krall
“You’ve got that look of love
Is on your face
The look that time can’t erase”
Upbeat First Dance Songs
Pictures Courtesy: @indiaearl & @d_leilani
Not too keen on a slow number? That’s alright! Plenty of couples may find slow dances boring, but the good news is, it’s your wedding, and you can choose a song that perfectly reflects your personality as a couple. So if you’re the kind of couple that loves to have fun with a little choreography and would love to show off your moves, these exciting tunes may be just right for you.
Sway – Michael Buble
“When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more”
What A Man Gotta Do – Jonas Brothers
“I’d move the Earth or lose a fight just to see you smile
‘Cause you got no flaws, no flaws
Sign me up for that full-time, I’m yours
All yours”
Put It All On Me – Ed Sheeran ft Ella Mai
“Hey baby, we can dance slowly
My darlin’, I’ll be all you need (you need)
I know it hasn’t been your day, your week, your week, your week
So put it all on me”
Lights Down Low – Max
“Can I stop the flow of time?
Oh can I swim in your divine?
‘Cause I don’t I think I’d ever leave this place”
Classic – MKTO
“Woo girl, you’re shinin’
Like a 5th Avenue diamond
And they don’t make you like they used to
You’re never goin’ out of style”
I Got Lucky – Elvis Presley
“Got no rainbow around my shoulder, no horseshoe on my door
But I got you to hold me tight and who could ask for more
Oh I got lucky, yes I got lucky
When I found you”
Save The Last Dance For Me – Michael Buble
“You can dance every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight
You can smile every smile for the man
Who held your hand beneath the pale moonlight
And in whose arms you’re gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me”
Dreams become a screamer
When they’re messing with the dreamer
I can laugh it in the face
Twist and shout my way out
And wrap yourself around me
‘Cause a-I ain’t the way you found me
And I’ll never be the same”
Shut Up and Dance With Me – Walk The Moon
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you’re holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me”
Dancing In The Moonlight – Thin Lizzy
It’s caught me in its spotlight
(It’s alright, alright)
Dancing in the moonlight
On this long, hot summer night”
Modern Songs
Picture Courtesy: @rachelhavel
For the couple that loves to stay in the current times and groove to the music of younger artists compared to the classics of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, here are some modern songs to share your first dance to. With these sweet tracks of modern times, you’ll be dancing every time they play for the rest of your life.
Stuck With You – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber
“So go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth
I still wouldn’t change being stuck with you”
Lover – Taylor Swift ft Shawn Mendez/ First Dance Remix
“We could light a bunch of candles
And dance around the kitchen, baby
Pictures of when we were young would hang on the wall
We would sit on the stoop
I’ll sing love songs to you when we’re eighty
See, I finally got you now, honey, I won’t let you fall”
At My Worst – Pink Sweats
“I need somebody who can love me at my worst
No, I’m not perfect, but I hope you see my worth
‘Cause it’s only you, nobody new, I put you first
And for you, girl, I swear I’ll do the worst”
Off My Face – Justin Bieber
” ‘Cause I’m off my face, in love with you
I’m out my head, so into you
And I don’t know how you do it
But I’m forever ruined by you”
If I Could Dance – Quinn Lewis
Effortless like you’ve rehearsed it
Right now all I’m thinkin’ is
All I’m thinkin’ is
‘Til the lights all burn out
And my feet have turned blue
‘Til the fat lady sings
Better than I can
If I could dance, if I could dance”
2 Much – Justin Bieber
Take on all your friends problems
Still somehow stop the world for us, oh-oh
I still relive that second
I made my biggest blessing
Prayed for you, look what God has done”
No Judgement – Niall Horan
“When you’re with me, no judgment
You can get that from anyone else
You don’t have to prove nothin’
You can just be yourself”
Little Things – One Direction
“Your hand fits in mine like it’s made just for me
But bear this mind, it was meant to be
And I’m joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks
And it all makes sense to me”
Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
“Aren’t you somethin’ to admire?
‘Cause your shine is somethin’ like a mirror
And I can’t help but notice
You reflect in this heart of mine”
Everything Has Changed – Taylor Swift ft Ed Sheeran
” ‘Cause all I know is we said, “Hello”
And your eyes look like comin’ home
All I know is a simple name
And everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours
All I know since yesterday
Is everything has changed”
I Wanna Write You A Song – One Direction
“I want to write you a song
One that’s beautiful as you are sweet
With just a hint of pain
For the feeling that I get when you are gone
I want to write you a song”
Butterflies – Alie Gatie, Max Schneider
“I still fall in love with you
Every time I see your eyes
It takes me back to the first time
I saw you smile”
Bonus Romantic Tracks
Picture Courtesy: @piotr_glodzik_photographer
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
“But oh, how it feels so real
Lying here, with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly
Close Your Eyes – Michael Buble
“Close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why
Think you’re one of a kind
Here’s to you
The one that always pulls us through
Always do what you gotta do
You’re one of a kind
Thank God you’re mine”
XO – John Mayer
“Your heart is glowing
And I’m crashing into you
Baby, kiss me kiss me
Before they turn the lights out”
September – James Arthur
“Sometimes I get a little bit jaded
Too much pressure just to make it
You smile when I’m angry and I hate it
But I’ll still love you for the rest of my life”
Better Half of Me – Tom Walker
“That I’d have all I need
If you were standing right in front of me
I’ll finally see what it means to be complete
Don’t need to spend our lives chasing gold
Anywhere with you, I’ll call my home”
The One – Kodaline
“Tell me, tell me that you want me
And I’ll be yours completely
For better or for worse
I know we’ll have our disagreements
Be fighting for no reason
I wouldn’t change it for the world”
Beyond – Leon Bridges
“Don’t wanna get ahead of myself
Feeling things I’ve never felt
It’s kinda hard for me to explain
Her personality and everything
Brings me to my knees, ooh”
Love Someone – Lukas Graham
” ‘Cause you still look perfect as days go by
Even the worst ones, you make me smile
I’d stop the world if it gave us time”
Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler
“I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
Oh all I wanna do is grow old with you”
Loving You – Seafret
“Everywhere I go all I ever see
Are all the little ways that it used to be
People that I know only ever speak
Like everything is heading for catastrophe
There’s nothing I can do, I don’t get to choose
Even if I could rewrite the history
It’s clear to see, that I’d still be
Loving you”
Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
“Baby, I’m yours (baby, I’m yours)
And I’ll be yours (yours) until the sun no longer shines
Yours (yours) until the poets run out of rhyme
In other words, until the end of time”
I’m Lost Without You – Blink 182
“I swear that I can go on forever again
Please let me know that my one bad day will end
I will go down as your lover, your friend
Give me your lips and with one kiss we begin”
The Vow – RuthAnne
“When I’m oh so old and I lose my mind
I’ll still look at you, like it’s the first time
So many say it, and it’s all a lie
But I will love you”
Touching Heaven – Johnnyswim
“All I see are angels
All these streets are gold
That lead to you
If touching love is touching God
No wonder I’m in heaven, when I’m holding you”
So here is our list of first dance songs that we absolutely love! We hope you have as much fun browsing through them as we did putting this list together. And if you are looking for songs for your Mother Son Dance or Father-Daughter Dance, be sure to check those curated lists as well!
