129 First Dance Songs for Your Wedding For Every Style

first dance wedding song
photo by Briana Mary with planning by Tessa Lyn Events

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!

couple dancing at wedding reception to unique best first dance songs on roof
photo by Drzazga Photography from this Modern Rooftop Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to romantic best first dance songs
photo by Sarah Brookhart from this Baltimore Boho Wedding

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

photo by Tews Visual

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to upbeat best first dance songs
photo by Faith Deutsch from this Whimsical Fairytale Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to indie best first dance songs
photo by Lauren Marie Photo from this Funky Fairytale Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to oldies best first dance songs
photo by Megan Kuhn Photography from this Minimalistic Baby’s Breath Wedding

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

photo by Katee Caroline Photography from this Bohemian 1970s Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to r&b best first dance songs
photo by Avonne Photography from this Moody Modern Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to unique best first dance songs
photo by Brooke Couch from this Colorful California Wedding

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

couple dancing at wedding reception to country best first dance songs
photo by Silver Seas Weddings from this California Psychedelic Rodeo Wedding

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!

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