Whether you decide to do a simple slow dance or an elaborate choreographed number, your wedding first dance marks your debut as a married couple. You and your new spouse will be in the spotlight for this one, so be sure to listen carefully to the lyrics of the song to make sure they’re wedding-appropriate and really resonate with you. (You might also want to consider dance lessons!) Whether you start with a list of favorite songs and narrow it down from there, or you already have a special song you both love, find a first dance song for your wedding that’s meaningful to you as a couple and captures your relationship.
From country to R&B music, Frank Sinatra to Ed Sheeran, we’ve put together this list of unique and popular first dance songs to help you find the one.
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“Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra
This Sinatra song is considered to be an all-time classic, and it has a timeless quality that makes it especially perfect for a vintage-themed wedding. Fun fact: Sinatra’s recording of this song was played on the Apollo 10 mission which orbited the Moon and also on Apollo 11 before the first landing on the Moon.
Sweetest lyric: “Fill my heart with song and let me sing forevermore / You are all I long for / All I worship and adore / In other words, please be true / In other words, I love you”
“I'm Yours” by Jason Mraz
“I’m Yours” is all about being surrounded by an overwhelming feeling of love, making it a sweet bride and groom dance song. It features a simple arrangement that’s heavy on the ukulele sound, making it an especially perfect fit for destination weddings in tropical locales.
Sweetest lyric: “Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing / We're just one big family / And it's our God-forsaken right to be loved, loved, loved”
“Lost in This Moment” by Big & Rich
One of the most popular first dance songs for country fans is this Big & Rich hit. Sung from the perspective of a groom at his wedding, it’s the perfect tribute to your love and your new life together as a married couple. The music video for this song features a montage of wedding videos in the background. You could play to this theme and feature a montage of your own memories as a couple.
Sweetest lyric: “Sealing our love with a kiss / Waited my whole life for this / Watching all my dreams come true / Lost in this moment with you”
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“The Heart of Life” by John Mayer
This John Mayer wedding song mirrors some of the principles and themes behind the vows you most likely recited at your ceremony, making it an especially meaningful choice. “The Heart of Life” is all about sticking together through good times and bad and relying on your love to see you through.
Sweetest lyric: “Pain throws your heart to the ground / Love turns the whole thing around / Fear is a friend who's misunderstood / But I know the heart of life is good”
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
This modern ballad is perfect for true romantics who want a dreamy love song to dance to at their reception. The lyrics about growing old together and everlasting love hit just the right tone for your wedding first dance. There are a few other songs from this English songwriter (who has won four Grammys to date) that could have made our list too!
Sweetest lyric: “And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70 / And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23”
“Kiss” by Prince
Looking for an unexpected first dance song? This upbeat dance track is a fun pick for couples that prefer something lighthearted and upbeat rather than overly sentimental. It’s also an excellent choice for leading into opening up the dance floor to the rest of your guests after your first dance. Finish your dancing duet with a kiss that your guests are sure to applaud.
Sweetest lyric: “You don't have to be rich to be my girl / You don't have to be cool to rule my world / Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with / I just want your extra time and your / Kiss”
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“Better Together” by Jack Johnson
This romantic first dance song by Jack Johnson is full of sweet sentiments and imagery you’ll fondly remember for years to come. It has a laid-back, easy vibe that will feel particularly romantic for an outdoor reception close to the beach. Did you know that Jack Johnson was a world-class surfer in his early years, having grown up in Hawaii?
Sweetest lyric: “Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together / Well, it's always better when we're together”
“At Last” by Etta James
This classic first dance song is sure to stand the test of time. It’s one of the all-time top love songs, especially with its moving orchestral music and passionate delivery. If you’re looking for a modern take on this tune, check out Beyoncé’s cover on the Cadillac Records soundtrack.
Sweetest lyric: “At last my love has come along / My lonely days are over and life is like a song”
“Your Song” by Elton John
Noted by Rolling Stone as one of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” this blissful tune is a favorite of romantic brides and grooms. Additional versions by Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga are also available. For a truly memorable first dance, look into hiring a musician to perform this song live on a piano!
Sweetest lyric: “I hope you don't mind / That I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you're in the world”
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli
This is one of the top first dance wedding songs for couples who love throwback hits. The song has a wonderful mix of soft, tender verses and choruses that are bursting with emotion and joy. Your guests won’t be able to hold back from singing the catchy “I love you, baby” chorus.
Sweetest lyric: “At long last, love has arrived / And I thank God I'm alive / You're just too good to be true / Can't take my eyes off you”
“Love Is Here to Stay” by Ella Fitzgerald
This lovely jazz standard holds a special place in music history. It was the last musical composition George Gershwin completed before his death in 1937. Though it was popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, you can find versions by many other famous artists, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Ross.
Sweetest lyric: “It's very clear our love is here to stay / Not for a year but ever and a day”
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“How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s version of this beautiful song (originally by folk-rock band The Waterboys) is a simple but sweet ode to everlasting love. Its slow pace is perfect for the groom who may be a little nervous to have all eyes on his dance moves.
Sweetest lyric: “How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you / And longer, if I can”
“Everlasting Light” by The Black Keys
Not interested in a traditional slow dance song? Fans of rock music will love this modern track with its thumping beat and growling guitars. Despite the gritty sound, it features lovely lyrics that express true love and devotion. It’s hard to believe this band is made up of just two musicians!
Sweetest lyric: “Let me be your everlasting light / Your sun when there is none / I'm a shepherd for you / And I'll guide you through / Let me be your everlasting light”
“Halo” by Beyoncé
When you find your true love, it’s like an angel has come into your life. That’s exactly what Beyoncé expresses in this powerful ballad, which features a gospel sound and stirring lyrics. Maintain a Beyonce song-theme when it comes time to throw your bouquet and blast “Single Ladies” to round up the bachelorettes.
Sweetest lyric: “Everywhere I'm looking now / I'm surrounded by your embrace / Baby, I can see your halo / You know you're my saving grace”
Photo credit: Michael and Carina Photography
“All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo
“All My Life” is one of the best wedding first dance songs for a classic slow dance. The R&B track also features lyrics about feeling as close to your special someone as you are to a parent or sibling, which is especially fitting on the day when two officially become one.
Sweetest lyric: “All my life I prayed for someone like you / And I thank God that I / That I finally found you”
“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Crocker
This classic first dance wedding song features Joe Cocker’s famous gravelly voice along with a gorgeous arrangement on a piano. It’s another great song to slow dance to, especially since you’ll always remember just the way your new husband or wife looked on this momentous day. There are rumors that Beach Boys member Dennis Wilson helped with the original writing of this song back in 1974, which is why the Beach Boys often covered the song in concerts.
Sweetest lyric: “You're everything I hoped for / You're everything I need / You are so beautiful to me”
“Ho Hey” by Lumineers
Looking for the perfect tune to complement your rustic/farmhouse wedding? This folk-rock song has an upbeat tempo, making it great for those who prefer something a little livelier for their first dance. It’s punctuated by fun shouts of “Ho! Hey!” and steady clapping in the background which might even earn you a little participation from your guests.
Sweetest lyric: “I belong with you / You belong with me / You're my sweetheart”
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor
This song’s title is actually inspired by a line that comedian Jackie Gleason would often say: “How sweet it is!” The version by James Taylor has a soft and gentle sound, but fans of R&B might prefer the original recording by Marvin Gaye.
Sweetest lyric: “But you brighten up for me all of my days / With a love so sweet, so many ways / I wanna stop, thank you, baby”
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“Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
Jetting off on a romantic honeymoon after the wedding? If so, this unique wedding first dance song is the perfect fit. It has a slow, lilting melody that you and your spouse will want to replay again and again in the years to come.
Sweetest lyric: “Come away with me and we'll kiss / On a mountaintop / Come away with me / And I'll never stop loving you”
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
The first dance is a chance for the newlyweds to stop and take in the moment. This song brings to mind just how wonderful life can be, especially with your one true love by your side. This is one of those songs that took some time to become a household favorite. Originally released in 1968, it wasn’t until about 20 years later when the song was re-released in the movie Good Morning Vietnam did it start to dominate the airwaves.
Sweetest lyric: “I see trees of green, red roses too / I see them bloom, for me and you / And I think to myself / What a wonderful world”
