110 First Dance Wedding Songs 2023

If you’re reading this, obviously you haven’t found The One yet and you need a little help. Read on for first dance songs ideas that are sure to inspire.

Great Oldies Songs For First Dance

You should make your first dance wedding song inspiration by breaking down your options into genres. Find the style you are most comfortable with in each section. Once you’ve chosen a style, consider all of the lyrics and rhythm formats you need to narrow down.

You aren’t dancing alone. Make the most of the moment by sitting down as a couple and talking about what you want, what you don’t want, and what you’re willing to compromise on.

Many of the songs from this list hold a special place in your heart, but perhaps they aren’t quite perfect for your first dance as a husband and wife. Keep them in mind when you are planning a father-daughter or mother-son dance. The first time you heard any of these songs probably happened in your parents’ car back seat. The memory of that is certainly worth remembering.

Some examples of these songs are as follows:

1. “Always and Forever”  by Heatwave
2. “We’ve Only Just Begun”  by The Carpenters
3. “To the Aisle”  by The Five Satins
4. “Chapel of Love”  by The Dixie Cups
5. “At Last”  by Etta James
6. “A Lover’s Concerto”  by The Toys
7. “Unchained Melody”  by The Righteous Brothers
8. “When a Man Loves a Woman”  by Percy Sledge
9. “Cherish”  by The Association
10. “The Way You Look Tonight”  by Frank Sinatra

Popular First Dance Song Ideas

Try to start with a popular first dance song or two. Many pop songs are found on Top 40s lists, but there are plenty of other pop song sources these days, and hidden gems are what you’ll find at your wedding first dance.

It’s harder to choose the best wedding first dance songs today due to the huge variety of sources and subcultures of music. There are YouTube stars, Top 40s, Indie stars, Spotify stars, and so much more. Each of these categories can be accurately called “pop songs”, but if they are not within your musical bubble, you (or your audience) will have difficulty connecting to them. Use songs that are extremely personal, but make sure that your guests are familiar with them.

A few examples of this specific genre of songs are:

1. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
2. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
3. “Delicate” by Taylor Swift
4. “Deeper” by Tamia
5. “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott, Leona Lewis
6. “This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)”  by Natalie Cole
7. “A Thousand Years”  by Christina Perri
8. “Amazed”  by Lonestar
9. “All of Me”  by John Legend
10. “At Last”  by Etta James
11. “Can’t Help Falling in Love”  by Elvis Presley
12. “Everything I Do I Do It for You”  by Bryan Adams
13. “God Only Knows”  by The Beach Boys
14. “You Are the Best Thing”  by Ray LaMontagne
15. “Your Song”  by Elton John

Best Country First Dance Songs

The criteria you need to choose the perfect first dance song don’t stop there. You should also consider your wedding theme. Country music may seem out of place at a traditional wedding, however, a country wedding song first dance would feel right at home in a barn.

A few years ago, country music was strictly for specific tastes. However, as Lil Nas (mashups and crossovers are great country first dance tracks), country has expanded into all genres. Country music is defined by a passion for love and for living, so it’s a very practical genre to choose from.

Some examples of great country wedding songs are:

1. “Johnny Cash Heart” by Caleb Lee Hutchinson
2. “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
3. “I Swear”  by John Michael Montgomery
4. “Lost in This Moment”  by Big & Rich
5. “Johnny And June”  by Heidi Newfield
6. “Amazed”  by Lonestar
7. “When I Said I Do”  by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black
8. “It’s Your Love”  by Tim McGraw
9. “Bless the Broken Road”  by Rascal Flatts
10. “I Cross My Heart”  by George Strait
11. “Come A Little Closer”  by Dierks Bentley
12. “Love Your Love the Most”  by Eric Church

Top First Dance Songs

If you’re really stuck, why not choose from a list of proven songs? A few of the best first dance songs by generous gone by have stood the test of time and are uniquely able to resonate with the entire audience.

They’ve been done before, but people love these good first dance songs! As much as you’re compromising on originality, you’ll make it in depth and meaning, just like a wedding ring. Yes, you can wear the most modern custom engagement ring on your finger. However, if you were to accept a simple gold ring with a solitaire diamond that has been passed down the family tree since the time of Cleopatra, you would probably jump when it came.

1. “You Are So Beautiful”  by Joe Cocker
2. “Only One”  by James Taylor
3. “My Girl”  by The Temptations
4. “Unchained Melody”  by The Righteous Brothers
5. “I’ll Be There”  by Jackson 5
6. “Somebody Like You”  by Keith Urban
7. “Make You Feel My Love”  by Adele
8. “Whatever It Is”  by Zac Brown Band
9. “I Choose You”  by Sara Bareilles
10. “Thinking Out Loud”  by Ed Sheeran

Modern First Dance Songs

Since tastes and trends come and go so quickly, it is sometimes risky to choose modern first dance songs. But, choose the right one and you will have the entire guest list tapping their toes. If you choose a song that is centered around Love, your audience will hold back tears.

It’s also important to consider physical dance abilities, as well as musical styling. Pop songs tend to be more upbeat. You will have to be comfortable on your dance floor to enjoy a song from this category, which is often accompanied by choreographed moves. You should choose a song that you can keep up with.

1. “Xo” by Beyoncé
2. “She keeps me warm” by Mary Lambert
3. “My House”  by Kacey Musgraves
4. “I found you” by Alabama Shakes
5. “Marry me” by Train
6. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
7. “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam
8. “I Have Always Loved You” by Enrique Iglesias
9. “Marry you” by Bruno Mars
10. “All of me” by John Legend
11. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
12. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
13. “Delicate” by Taylor Swift

Unique First Dance Wedding Songs

The first dance at your wedding will be the most important and memorable one you will remember forever. You’ll want to enjoy your time with your partner and savor it, but you’ll also want your guests to enjoy it. Choosing your first dance song is not a simple task.

1. “Wonderwall” by Ryan Adams
2. “God Only Knows” by She & Him
3. “Higher Love” by James Vincent McMorrow
4. “That’s What’s Up” by Lennon & Maisy
5. “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
6. “When You’re Smiling” by Louis Armstrong
7. “The Very Thought Of You” by Nat King Cole
8. “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Frank Sinatra
9. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke

Some couples want the classics of popular music, which we all know and recognize, but others prefer unique first dance songs. We have everything you’re looking for, whether it’s a first dance wedding song or a song that speaks to your relationship.

1. Try to decide on the genre you want, country, pop, rock, classical, or R&B. The type of dance you have in mind can help you decide this too.
2. Once you’ve determined the style of song and dance, you can then consider the lyrics of the songs in this genre and find which best fits your situation. We offer you our list of unique wedding songs to help make this easier.

 

Best First Dance Wedding Songs

1. hinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
2. You Are The Best Thing – Ray Montagne
3. At Last – Etta James
4. All of Me – John Legend
5. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
6. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
7. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
8. Everything – Michael Buble
9. Better Together – Jack Johnson
10. Amazed – Lonestar
11. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
12. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
13. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
14. Lucky – Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat
15. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
16. Marry Me – Train
17. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
18. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
19. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
20. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
21. The Luckiest – Ben Folds
22. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
23. Your Song – Elton John
24. Marry You – Bruno Mars
25. The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett
26. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
27. Then – Brad Paisley
28. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
29. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
30. Ho Hey – The Lumineers
31. You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
32. Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls
33. My Girl – The Temptations
34. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
35. Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
36. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
37. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
38. Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran
39. You and Me – Lifehouse
40. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
41. My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
42. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Andy Williams
43. When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
44. Your Song – Ellie Goulding
45. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
46. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
47. Stay With You – John Legend
48. I Loved Her First – Heartland
49. That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding
50. You & Me Song – The Wannadies