129 First Dance Songs for Your Wedding For Every Style

Your first dance is one of the highlights of your wedding. This is your chance to have a special moment with your partner before the craziness of the partying descends again. But what song should you choose for your first dance wedding song?? With so many songs out there we know the options sometimes seem overwhelming….whether you are looking for a song that is more of a love letter to each other or a power ballad or just a fun song to dance too – there are so many great options out there! And maybe the song you choose seems a bit random but if it fits the two of you, then it’s perfect!! To help with the process,  we’ve curated our favorite songs – from timeless classics to the unique songs you won’t hear at every wedding – so hopefully there will be a song for the two of you on this list!

When is the first dance at my wedding?

We recommend scheduling the first dance for after dinner, as the first song of your wedding band’s first set. This is a great way to start the dancing and getting all your guests to congregate around the dancefloor to make the most of this special moment.

When should you choose your first dance wedding song?

You and your partner should have fun with this! No rush picking your song if you aren’t sure of what song. Talk about whether you want to enjoy a slow first dance or have a more upbeat first dance song – and then comes the fun part of choosing the song! You should have your song selected at least a month before your wedding – really just since you don’t want to be stressed with this decision the month before, you’ll have lots of other things to think about and this shouldn’t be one more thing to stress over!

How do you make your first dance special?

Some couples decide to choreograph a first dance number, some just take this time to really spend it with each other and soak up the day – there is no right or wrong answer! Whatever makes the two of you most comfortable. In fact, you don’t need a first dance if that isn’t your jam. Like we say, the only rule at your wedding is there are no rules. :)

How do you pick your first dance wedding song?

You might already have “your song” – whether it’s when you first met, a song from your first date, or when you first said I love You, many couples often already have a song. But if not, no worries! That’s what we are here for! We’ve been sharing weddings since 2008 and have collected couples’ first dance songs so we know a bit about what’s trending and what’s truly unique. Check out our list of songs to help find the best first dance song for your wedding…

Ready to hear our picks? Scroll through for some popular First Dance songs as well as some under-the-radar songs we’ll think you’ll love as well! We have a Spotify playlist at the end as well so you can listen to all the songs to find that perfect song! Put on the playlist, grab a glass of wine, and find that song!

Romantic First Dance Wedding Songs

A romantic song sets the tone for your first dance as a married couple. It creates an atmosphere of love and intimacy that’ll make the moment all the more memorable. Imagine slow dancing to a song that perfectly captures the essence of your relationship – it’ll be a moment you’ll cherish forever. These are some of our favorite romantic songs for your first dance…

1. Luckiest – Ben Folds Five
2. (There Is) No Greater Love – Amy Winehouse
3. I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
4. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
5. Rewrite the Stars – Zac Efron, Zendaya
6. Only Love – Ben Howard
7. Find Someone Like You – Snoh Aalegra
8. All of Me – John Legend
9. Your Precious Love – Erykah Badu
10. La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts
11. Into My Arms – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
12. Crystal – Stevie Nicks

Slow First Dance Songs

A slow song allows you to really connect with your partner on the dance floor. It’s an opportunity to slow down and focus on each other, forget about the rest of the world and just be in the moment. With a slow song, you can gaze into each other’s eyes, hold each other close, and feel the love between you. If this sounds like the two of you, here are some of our favorite, unique first dance songs for a slow first dance.

1. Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
2. Crash Into Me – Dave Mathews Band
3. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
4. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
5. Beyond – Leon Bridges
6. Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
7. Harvest Moon – Neil Young
8. She Chose Me – Bruno Major
9. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
10. Coming Home – Leon Bridges
11. Your Song – Elton John
12. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
13. Pure Imagination – Stephanie Tarling
14. I Get To Love You – Ruelle
15. Touching Heaven – Johnnyswim
16. We are Man And Wife – Michelle Featherstone
17. The Way I Love You – Michal Leah

Upbeat First Dance Songs

Who says your first dance has to be a slow dance? Not us! An upbeat song is a fantastic choice if you want to get the party started! Plus, it’s FUN and unexpected! While slow, romantic songs are the traditional choice for first dances, choosing something a bit more upbeat and lively will surprise your guests and make your first dance truly memorable. We love that this really lets you show off your personality as a couple. Whether you choose a fun pop song, a lively rock anthem, or an upbeat country hit, your choice of music will say a lot about you and your relationship.

1. You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Hall & Oates
2. Fell in Love With a Girl – The White Stripes
3. Lovesong – The Cure
4. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
5. Here Comes Your Man – Pixies
6. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer
7. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
8. Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON
9. You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine
10. Happy – Pharrell Williams
11. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
12. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
13. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye
14. Better Together – Jack Johnson
15. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
16. We Found Love – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna
17. Is This Love – Bob Marley & The Wailers
18. Marry You – Bruno Mars
19. Symphony – Clean Bandit ft Zara Larsson
20. Everything – Michael Bublé
21. Boogie Wonderland – Earth Wind and Fire

Indie First Dance Wedding Songs

Indie songs are known for their emotional lyrics and soft melodies, which make them perfect for a first dance. They often have a more personal and intimate feel, which can help create a romantic and memorable atmosphere. We love our indie bands here at GWS so it was hard to narrow down our favorite options for a first dance song, but we did it! So many unique and gorgeous options here…

1. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
2. Re:stacks – Bon Iver
3. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
4. Do You Realize?? – The Flaming Lips
5. Tonight, Tonight – The Smashing Pumpkins
6. I Found You – Alabama Shakes
7. Loving You – Paolo Nutini
8. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
9. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
10. The One – Kodaline
11. January Wedding – The Avett Brothers
12. Happy Accidents – Saint Motel
13. As Lovers Go _ Dashboard Confessional
14. First Try – Johnnyswim
15. Toothpaste Kisses – The Maccabees
16. I’ll Wait – The Strumbellas
17. Highs & Lows – Alexander Jean
18. Swept Away – Avett Brothers

Oldies First Dance Songs

The classics are classics for a reason…While there are countless modern love songs out there that can make your heart skip a beat, there’s something special about opting for an oldies song for your first dance. These classic tunes have stood the test of time and have a timeless quality that will never go out of style. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance that is perfect for a wedding. Plus, they have beautiful lyrics that capture the essence of true love and commitment. Another reason why we love them? Choosing an oldies song for your first dance can also be a way to pay homage to your parents or grandparents, who may have danced to the same song on their wedding day. It’s a beautiful way to honor the traditions and legacies of your family.

1. Moon River – Frank Sinatra
2. The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield
3. I’ll Be Seeing You – Billie Holiday
4. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
5. Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney
6. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

Pop and Rock First Dance Songs

Ready to add some extra sparkle to your first dance? Well, let me tell you, using a pop or rock song for your first dance is one of the most exciting ways to elevate your wedding experience! Gone are the days when traditional slow dance tunes were the only option for your first dance. Now, we have so many incredible pop songs that can really set the tone for a romantic and unforgettable moment. From Coldplay to Justin Timberlake, Maggie Rogers to Jason Mraz, there are endless options that can capture the essence of your love story and make your first dance a truly magical moment.

1. Us Against the World – Coldplay
2. You & Me – Dave Matthews Band
3. Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
4. Hold You in My Arms – Ray LaMontagne
5. Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
6. Walls – Tom Petty
7. Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers
8. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
9. In Your Arms – illenium, X Ambassadors
10. Thank You – Led Zepplin
11. A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
12. Dancing in the Moonlight –Thin Lizzy
13. Clear – NEEDTOBREATHE
14. Party of Two – Jesse McCartney

R&B and Hip Hop First Dance Songs

There’s something so magical about the smooth, soulful sounds of R&B that just make you want to sway with your partner. It’s a genre that’s all about love, romance, and passion – all the things that make for a perfect first dance.

1. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
2. At Last – Etta James
3. Love on Top – Beyoncé
4. Purple Rain – Prince
5. By Your Side – Sade
6. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
7. You’re My First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White
8. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
9. Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan
10. LOVE. – Kendrick Lamar, Zacari

Unique First Dance Songs

Looking to make your first dance truly special and unforgettable? Choosing a unique song can be a great way to do just that. First and foremost, a unique song can be a great way to show off your personalities as a couple. Whether you’re into indie rock, electronic dance music, or something in between, there’s a song out there that reflects your unique tastes and interests. By choosing a less mainstream song, you can make your first dance feel more personalized and intimate. There are also so many amazing cover versions of popular songs which is a great way to put a unique spin on song your guests might know.

1. XO – John Mayer
2. Lovesong – Adele
3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Ben Rector
4. Imagine – Jack Johnson
5. Cinema – Jason Evigan
6. First Date – Taylor Acorn (Blink-182 cover)
7. How Deep is Your Love – the bird and the bee
8. Your Song – Ellie Goulding
9. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Taken by Trees
10.  I Kissed a Girl – William Fitzsimmons
11. Lover – Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)
12. May I Have This Dance (Remix) – Francis and the Lights featuring Chance the Rapper
13. Run Away With Me – San Fermin
14. L-O-V-E – Imaginary Future
15. We Found Love – Tyler Ward
16. Stay With Me – Angus & Julia Stone
17. Friday I’m in Love – Janet Devlin
18. Infinity – Jaymes Young (piano version)

Country First Dance Songs

Country music is all about storytelling and romance, which makes it an ideal genre for a first dance. Whether you’re dancing to a classic love ballad or a modern country hit, you can be sure that the lyrics will be heartfelt and meaningful.

1. Speechless – Dan + Shay featuring Tori Kelly
2. More of You – Chris Stapleton
3. I Am Yours – Andy Grammar
4. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
5. Better Together – Luke Combs
6. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
7. Yours – Russell Dickerson
8. Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban
9. Last Shot – Kip Moore
10. To June This Morning – Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves
11. History in the Making – Darius Rucker
12. Blessed – Thomas Rhett
13. Darlin’ Companion – Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

Listen to our Ultimate First Dance Wedding Song Playlist on Spotify

What song are you planning to use for your First Dance? We’d love to hear in the comments!!

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!