Top 100 First Dance Songs For Your Wedding

You and your partner just tied the knot and you’re preparing for your first appearance together as newlyweds, but out of all the first dance wedding songs out there, which one will you pick? Selecting your first dance songs can be a fun way for you and your future spouse to express your feelings and excitement as you begin this new chapter together. 

When it comes to how you should choose this pivotal song, consider the type of genre you’re looking for. What song matches your relationship and personality? Do you want to rock out or slow dance? Is the song’s beat easy to dance to? Do you and your partner find the lyrics meaningful?

To help you find that perfect song that speaks to your relationship, here are 100 first dance wedding songs to consider!

Top 100 First Dance Wedding Songs For Your Wedding

100. Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Start your reception off with the sweet and calming vocals of Adele. The song exudes confidence in knowing you’ve found your perfect match. Plus, its beat is great for slow dancing.

99. I Was Made For Loving You – Kiss

If you’re looking for a more upbeat rock song, Kiss is a great band to start your search. This tune’s lyrics are all about capturing the moment, not just any day, but tonight specifically.

98. Thank You – Dido

Lyrics of this pop tune include, “And I want to thank you; For giving me the best day of my life.” If that’s not the perfect sentiment for a wedding day, we’re not sure what is.

97. Wonderful World – Sam Cooke

When it comes to choosing from the list of first dance wedding songs, you’ll want to pick a song that captures your feelings of love and happiness. This 1960s song makes it clear that you know how wonderful life is when you’re with your love.

96. At Last – Etta James 

The powerful and iconic vocals of Etta James can certainly set the tone of your wedding dance songs. This soulful tune is especially meaningful if you’ve waited quite some time to be with your partner.

95. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys were in a league of their own. This song not only has sweet lyrics perfect for a wedding, but its dreamy rock beat is sure to get you swaying.

94. I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

The tradition of the first dance is all about dancing with somebody who loves you, making this an incredibly fitting song to accompany that special moment.

93. Marry Me – Bruno Mars

For wedding-themed first dance wedding songs, give this Bruno Mars track a try for your “beautiful night.”

92. Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

If you’re more interested in classic first dance songs, you can’t go wrong with the jazzy, swinging nature of this romantic Frank Sinatra tune.

91. Loving You – Minnie Riperton

Enjoy this soulful love song during your first dance with its fitting lyrics such as, “Lovin’ you is more than just a dream come true.”

90. All I Want is You – Barry Louis Polisar

Embrace the wholesome folk vibe of this song as you coordinate your dance moves to the strums of the banjo.

89. You Give Me Something – James Morrison

This pop-rock tune has a bit of an R&B edge. The beat keeps building but never gets too overpowering, making it ideal for a wedding dance.

88. I Belong to You – Lenny Kravitz

Feel like your souls just belong together? That’s the exact vibe you’ll get from this progressive soul Lenny Kravitz song.

87. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

If you’re searching for first dance wedding songs with a bit of country twang to them, this song might be for you. The Rascal Flatts sing this beautiful track about being thankful for the journey that led to love.

86. Something About The Way You Look Tonight – Elton John

Soft rock can be an excellent genre when it comes to the danceability of first dance wedding songs. Sway along to the calming yet powerful voice of the iconic Elton John.

85. Real Love – Regina Spektor

This powerful piano ballad is a cover of John Lennon’s original, but does an amazing job of conveying how wonderful it feels when you discover authentic love.

84. Growing Up Beside You – Paolo Nutini

In a relationship, two individuals are constantly growing and changing. This folk tune centers around that feeling of growing with and beside another person.

83. Hey Soul Sister – Train 

If you’re looking for first dance wedding songs that all your guests will know and also dance along to, this Train tune will have the whole venue singing along.

82. Lifetime – Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber takes a slower and more sentimental approach to this song about finding the one you want to spend your life with.

81. nobody else – LANY

This soothing love song features wholesome lyrics perfect for first dance wedding songs, such as the line, “Life ain’t about what you do; It’s who you do it with.”

80. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding sings about creative ways to measure the length of time a relationship will last. The song’s lyrics are sweet and the beat is consistent to easily dance to.

79. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

This romantic tune expresses how love knows no bounds as a thousand years could go by and the love would still be strong.

78. Dance With Me – Johnny Reid

What better song to dance to than one that commands another to dance with you? This soft song will surely get you living in the moment of the dance as the rest of the world fades away.

77. Who I Am – Wade Bowen

This sweet country song’s message is all about knowing exactly who you are thanks to that special someone who completes your soul.

76. 10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Looking for first dance wedding songs that express your commitment to your partner? This fun country-pop song talks about putting in the work into a relationship to make it last forever.

75. When I Found You – Jasmine Rae

This piano-driven piece tells the story of a wedding day as a couple realizes they found a lot more in life after they found each other.

74. I Melt – Rascal Flatts

Does your partner still take your breath away? If you find yourself both melting over the other, this country song is the song for you.

73. For the Rest of My Life – Phil Socci

Weddings are a beautiful lifetime commitment. This charming song emphasizes that commitment through lyrics of promises that’ll be kept throughout a lifetime.

72. (There Is) No Greater Love – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse puts her pop-genre style into this beautiful 1930s song to create a delightful jazzy cover for you and your partner to sway to on your wedding day.

71. Moon River – Frank Sinatra

This orchestral piece will transport you to a different time as you dance away to the soothing range of Frank Sinatra’s iconic and charming vocals.

70. Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is known for his songwriting skills, so why not have the soundtrack of your first dance be from his well-written lyrics about finding your person and capturing simple moments together?

69. Crash Into Me – Dave Matthews Band

This soft rock song speaks of a youthful time of when you first discovered love and how it feels like jumping into a wave and being fully submerged with emotion.

68. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

What’s a more classic tune for first dance wedding songs than this Cyndi Lauper hit? If you’d wait for and search for your partner time after time, this one’s for you.

67. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

Another Frank Sinatra classic makes our list of wedding dance songs as it captures the idea of finding your perfect soulmate and bottling up the feeling of a particular night.

66. Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Capture the moment with this folk song about dancing with the love of your life under the light of the harvest moon.

65. Pure Imagination – Stephanie Tarling

This song of course was popularized by Gene Wilder from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but Stephanie Tarling’s version adds a more modern and cinematic feel to the dreamy tune.

64. We are Man And Wife – Michelle Featherstone

With a chorus that begins with the lyrics, “‘Cause you are the love of my life,” this folk song would make an excellent addition to your list of first dance songs.

63. You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Hall & Oates

Take it back to the ‘80s with this upbeat rock song about finding a partner who checks all your boxes and truly makes your dreams come true.

62. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye

Jazzy songs from the ‘60s just never fail to make you wanna get up and dance. Plus, this classic song is complete with lyrics that’ll sweeten your day, making it a great choice for a first dance.

61. Happy – Pharrell Williams

It’s your big day. You’ve likely imagined this day all your life and now it’s here. Showcase your excitement and emotions with an energetic, feel-good song like “Happy.”

60. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer

If you’re looking for a tune with lyrics that detail a picture-perfect scene that’ll transport you down memory lane, “Kiss Me” is a song that can surely do just that.

59. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

If you and your partner are more interested in showcasing some dance moves rather than slow dancing, “Uptown Funk” could be the perfect tune.

58. Everything – Michael Bublé

For easy-listening modern jazz, Michael Bublé is your guy. This romantic song is about recognizing your partner to be everything you could’ve hoped or dreamed for.

57. Boogie Wonderland – Earth Wind and Fire

For a bit of funk to your first dance, consider this Earth Wind and Fire song. This disco tune straight from the ‘70s will have you twisting about as you enjoy this moment with your official spouse.

56. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap

This sweet and soothing track is all about capturing a simple moment and bottling up that feeling of youth. Its beat is a lovely one to dance to on your wedding day.

55. Swept Away – Avett Brothers

This acoustic-forward tune could easily become your wedding day soundtrack as it describes the beauty of being in love and swept up in it all.

54. Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers

This more modern pop song features a steady and consistent beat that makes the track easy to dance to all while vibing to the sentiment of being in love with your partner for a long, long time.

53. Dancing In The Moonlight –Thin Lizzy

Think late-night summer vibes as you and your partner dance in the moonlight with not a care in the world other than your love for each other.

52. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton

For country first dance wedding songs, Blake Shelton has this catchy track where he expresses how thankful he is for having his partner be his destiny.

51. Making Memories Of Us – Keith Urban

Another country song to consider would be from Keith Urban. This soft and slow song speaks to a sense of commitment and the excitement of making lifelong memories with a partner.

50. History in the Making – Darius Rucker

A wedding day commemorates the excitement for the future as you embark on a new journey together. This charming country song captures that sentiment. 

49. Friday I’m In Love – The Cure

This iconic tune is easy to dance to and will be especially relevant in terms of first dance songs if you’re planning a Friday wedding.

48. All I Want Is You – U2

U2 writes this love song with the sentiment that material things in life mean so little when love means so much.

47. Brand New Day – Kodaline

This indie-rock tune is all about waiting for that perfect partner with who you can take on the world with each new day. Let your wedding day be the start of a brand new day and a brand new chapter in your lives.

46. La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf

Maybe you or your partner have French roots or you simply love to embrace different cultures. This classic French song has beautiful instrumentals that were made to be danced to.

45. When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole is one of the kings of romantic songs. This one in particular is sure to top your list of wedding dance songs. The fitting opening lyrics are, “When I fall in love; It will be forever.”

44. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Interested in some jazzy first dance wedding songs? This well-known tune will surely do the trick with its romantic lyrics and steady percussion track you can easily dance to.

43. Skinny Love – Bon Iver

This tune has an indie-folk vibe to it. Its tinny guitar sound can truly be fitting for a unique wedding.

42. Need Your Love So Bad – Fleetwood Mac

For a soft rock tune with powerful vocals, look no further than this Fleetwood Mac track.

41. All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

The Beatles, of course, are iconic artists that dominated the music industry for decades. It should come as no surprise that “All You Need is Love” makes the list as it’s fitting for a wedding and has a danceable beat.

40. Happy Together – The Turtles

This upbeat tune has an underlying marching rhythm to it that without a doubt makes you want to get up and move, making it a fun and happy song for dancing.

39. Can’t Smile Without You – Barry Manilow

Does your partner complete you? Do they always make you laugh? Do you feel as if you can’t smile without them? If so, this song is for you.

38. Opposites Attract – Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul is an entertainer known for her singing and dancing. She, of course, would create tracks that one can easily groove to. This dance-pop song is perfect for the couple that feels as if they’re complete opposites of one another.

37. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

This Marvin Gaye song is known for its sultry nature, so if that’s the type of vibe you’re looking for in first dance songs, look no further.

36. By Your Side – Sade

While this tune may be on the softer side, the underlying R&B beat to back up the vocals provides a consistent rhythm for dancing.

35. XO – Beyoncé

This Queen Bey song truly encapsulates the feelings of a relationship. It may be a wild ride, but you just got a promise to “love [them] lights out.”

34. All I Ask – Adele

Consider having a power ballad be your first dance song? Adele has got you covered with this powerful song about embracing a moment.

33. They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Transport your wedding venue to the 1950s with this sweet, jazzy tune featuring the icon raspy voice of Louis Armstrong and the soothing vocals of Ella Fitzgerald.

32. Forever – The Beach Boys

When it comes to wedding dance songs, what’s a better sentiment to have than a song about wanting to be with another “forever.”

31. Come And Get Your Love – Redbone

For a funkier and groovier vibe, choose this hit song from the 1970s that’ll have everyone on their feet for the first dance.

30. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys

This iconic tune starts off soft then grows into the powerful refrain with the lyrics, “Some people want it all; But I don’t want nothing at all; If it ain’t you.”

29. It Had to Be You – Ray Charles

Ray Charles sings this fitting song about finding “the one.” The lyrics admit to flaws the other may have, but those are just the reason you love them even more. 

28. That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding

How strong is your love? Well, this soulful song explains it all. Just listen to the drums, guitar, and trumpet and sway to the beat.

27. You Are My Sunshine – Jasmine Thompson

Looking for wedding dance songs that speak directly to your partner? Tell them they’re your sunshine with this sweet acoustic lullaby.

26. You & Me – Dave Matthews Band

This fun tune revolves around escaping the world with your soulmate by your side. After all, “You and me together, we could do anything.”

25. You’ve Got A Friend In Me – Randy Newman

Popularized by the Pixar movie, Toy Story, this sweet song may take you back to your childhood and be exactly the type of wedding dance song you need for a Disney-themed wedding.

24. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers

This classic tune will bring a bit of the 1960s to your special day. As a notable romantic slow song, this tune will without a doubt become a memorable first dance.

23. Have You Ever Been in Love – Celine Dion

Celine Dion’s song details what it feels like to be in love. It could make for a beautiful soundtrack to your first dance as you reflect on your own relationship.

22. I’m Gonna Make You My Wife – The Whispers

This soulful R&B group sings this soft and slow song about committing to a partner forever. Lyrics include, “From here to eternity; Be my world eternally.”

21. Who Would Have Thought – Dylan Dunlap

For more current first dance songs from this decade, look no further than this soft and soothing pop song about the small moments that make you realize you have someone special in your life.

20. This Kiss – Faith Hill

As we’ve had a lot of soft and slow songs on this list of first dance wedding songs, here’s a more upbeat one for a more energetic dance.

19. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

For another one of the classic wedding dance songs, you can’t go wrong with this jazzy love song with lyrics such as, “You’re like Heaven to touch; I want to hold you so much; At long last love has arrived.”

18. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll takes on a slower approach to this romantic tune about falling in love with your partner.

17. My Best Friend – Tim McGraw

When it comes to country first dance songs, this one is more upbeat as the lyrics reflect on how your significant other is your best friend who’s always there for you.

16. Escapade – Janet Jackson

This upbeat pop song from the late 80s will deliver a fun energetic vibe to your first dance wedding song.

15. Stand By Me – Ben E. King

This legendary song is both soothing and romantic. It’s a wonderful 1960s tune that you and your partner are sure to hear many times after your big day and then be pleasantly reminded of your very special first dance.

14. When A Man Loves A Woman – Percy Sledge

For more classic first dance wedding songs from the 1960s, here’s another one featuring the powerful and compelling vocals of Percy Sledge as he sings about love.

13. I Loved Her First – Heartland

Going back to the country genre, this acoustic-focused song can be a fitting style for a countryside or rustic wedding.

12. A Million Love Songs – Take That

Looking for some pop and jazzy wedding dance songs? This sweet and soft tune features a memorable saxophone part that’ll surely help create the vibe you’re looking for.

11. Only Wanna Be With You – Hootie and the Blowfish

This rock song has a faster beat to it to help keep the energy up for your first dance. 

10. Love Is All Around – Wet Wet Wet

This soft rock song has a bit of a folk twang to it making for a unique tune to play. Lyrics include, “I feel it in my fingers; I feel it in my toes. Love that’s all around me; And so the feeling grows.”

9. You’re Still The One – Shania Twain

The Queen of Country Pop sings this tune about still feeling the love and knowing that person is the one no matter how many years go by. It’s a sweet sentiment to have as your first dance.

8. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – Sting

This fun, upbeat song features both slower sections then a more energetic chorus. If you and your partner are up to the challenge of matching the beat, this tune could be a fun one to dance to.

7. Budapest – George Ezra

The unique tone of George Ezra’s voice adds a charming element to this alternative rock song about leaving everything behind for a special someone.

6. Love – Lana Del Rey

This indie-rock tune is soft, slow, yet compelling as it captures the feeling of being young and being in love.

5. I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden

This soft rock song includes charming lyrics such as, “And in your eyes; I see the missing pieces I’m searching for; I think I’ve found my way home.”

4. Marry Me – Train

What’s a more fitting song title for your wedding day than one called “Marry Me”? This sweet song is all about taking that step to make that lifetime promise to each other.

3. Islands In The Stream – Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

This country duet can be a lovely song that allows both you and your partner to tell your love story through its lyrics. 

2. My Universe – Coldplay X BTS

Get your wedding reception bumping to the beat with this more contemporary pop song about finding the person who doesn’t just become your whole world, but your whole universe.

1. Levitating – Dua Lipa

As far as wedding trends go, having this popular Dua Lipa song play is sure to make your wedding day trendy. Dance your heart out to this upbeat tune about how love can make you feel weightless.

Significance Of A Wedding First Dance

Now that we’ve covered a list of potential first dance wedding songs to choose from, let’s talk more about the significance and the history of the first dance.

When it comes to traditional wedding ceremonies, many receptions specifically make time for the couple’s first dance. This represents a sweet and sentimental moment as the newlyweds dance for the first time as official spouses. This dance typically starts a string of traditional wedding dances as the Father-Daughter dance and the Mother-Son dance usually follows after.

The Origin Of The First Dance

The concept of “first dances” began in royal traditions in which Kings and Queens would perform a first dance as a way to commemorate the start of a ball. Just as a first dance would open up a ball, the first dance at a wedding is typically the way to kick off the wedding reception. 

Celebrity First Dance Wedding Songs

Perhaps you’d like to model your song selection after the first dance wedding songs celebrities have chosen for their own weddings. Well, here are a few songs your favorite stars picked as their first dance songs:

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle danced to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” 
• Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa danced to Keith Urban’s “Only You Can Love Me This Way”
• Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth danced to Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love”
• Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo danced to Steve Tyrell’s “A Kiss to Build a Dream On”
• David and Victoria Beckham danced to The Starlight Orchestra’s “It Had to Be You”

Showcase Your Song Selection In A Wedding Hashtag

You might have picked out your first dance wedding songs, but have you picked out your wedding hashtag yet? The best wedding hashtags are the ones completely personalized to you and your partner’s relationship.

These hashtags could be a punny phrase that incorporates you and your fiancé’s names, wedding theme, wedding date, hobbies, or even your wedding dance songs into the tag.

Here are three examples of fun ways to create a wedding hashtag inspired by first dance wedding songs:

• #YoureStillTheJuan
• #AtLastLewis
• #CantTakeMyEyesOffOfLou

How To Choose The Perfect First Dance Wedding Song

Brainstorm Together

Deciding on your first dance song will involve a serious brainstorming session. It’s best to sit down with your partner and truly start thinking about the style and type of song you’re both looking for. 

To begin, both of you should start writing down some tracks that you and your future spouse enjoy dancing to together. Write down songs that never fail to make you want to get up and dance or sing along. Make sure the beat is relatively consistent and easy to move to throughout its duration,

Once you and your partner create the list of songs, be sure to note why each song made it to your list, such as by including memories that surround the tune or its lyrics that you find meaningful for your relationship.

Ask Around

If you’re both struggling to populate a decent song list, remember to ask your friends and family for recommendations. They likely know your relationship well and may have helpful suggestions to consider.

Search Online To Expand Your Musical Library

Remember, you only get one first dance so you’ll want to be sure you use every resource available to you before narrowing down your list of first dance wedding songs and choosing “the one.”

As you continue with your search, don’t limit it strictly to songs you currently know or songs of the modern day. Search for a healthy mix of classic tracks of old along with newer songs from today. You’ll also want to be open to listening to songs of different genres until you discover the exact vibe you wish to dance to.

Ultimately, you may never know when inspiration may strike, so keep your ears open as you browse through tracks on YouTube, Spotify, or other streaming services. 

Hire A Professional Choreographer

Once you and your significant other have decided on a meaningful first dance tune that you both vibe with, you may want to seek out the help of a professional choreographer. 

While this step isn’t a necessity, if you have any uncertainty about your dancing skills, it may be extremely helpful to take a dancing lesson or two from someone with years of experience. 

Share Your First Dance

Now, at the wedding reception, it’s time to impress your guests with your fitting first dance wedding songs and corresponding dance moves. Be sure to share this special moment together as newlyweds on your social media accounts using your very own personalized wedding hashtag.

Found Your Song?

We hope that out of these 100 first dance wedding songs listed above, you and your partner have discovered a tune that’ll work perfectly for your special day. Once you’ve selected your first dance song, you might also want to look into some wedding ceremony exit songs while music is still on your mind.

Choosing your wedding dance songs can be a fun process. The songs that play at your wedding will take on a new meaning every time you hear them thereafter. Just be sure to consider the genre, instrumentation, and style of song you’re looking for. Then listen to the lyrics and if they match up with your relationship, you’ve likely found a winner!