40 First Dance Wedding Songs: Wonderful, Soulful Melodies

There are a few things about your wedding day that are unforgettable—and your first dance wedding song is definitely one of them!

Your wedding music should reflect both of you, whether it’s a slow, romantic Ray LaMontagne tune as your personal favorite first dance and then upbeat songs to keep the dancefloor hopping until the party’s over!

We’d love to help you choose from among the 40 best first-dance wedding songs.

Key Takeaways

  • Our team has listened to first dance wedding songs ranging from classics to modern hits
  • if you want even more inspiration, check out our catalog of wedding songs that includes legendary singers like Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, and Marvin Gaye
  • Melody is what you’ll remember, but we also chose the best lyrics in these first dance wedding songs that reinforce your vows and celebrate your love story
  • The list includes popular songs like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.

“You Are the Reason,” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis

“You Are the Reason” is a song about perseverance, forgiveness, and unconditional love, despite the flaws that are present in any couple’s relationship.

“A Moment Like This,” by Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis has a striking voice, and wedding couples can share a happy tear with “A Moment Like This” as their first dance wedding song.

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” by Sleeping At Last

Maybe you’ve heard the party anthem, “I’m Gonna Be…” by The Proclaimers. You won’t believe how soulful and romantic the Sleeping At Last version is—a perfect first dance song!

“Amazed,” by Lonestar

Lonestar was a popular new country group in the 90s, and “Amazed” remains their best-known song.

“Amazed” still sounds contemporary and heartfelt, and it’s a good tempo for a first dance.

“Your Song,” by Lady Gaga

Your Song” was co-written by Elton John and is one of his best-known love songs.

Lady Gaga is one of Elton’s closest friends, as well as the godmother to Elton’s sons, Zachary and Elijah, and her version of “Your Song” is ideal for wedding couples who are “little monsters!”

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Music Travel Love ft. Felix Irwan

Music Travel Love does a stunning acoustic cover of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” With perfect harmonies and a feeling of deep affection, this version of a glam-rock classic is a surprisingly good first wedding song.

“All of Me,” by Michael Bublé

If you’re looking to add a bit of groove to your first wedding song, “All of Me” by Michael Bublé is the perfect song for you.

“All of Me,” by John Legend

John Legend wrote “All of Me” after he met his future wife, Chrissy Teigen, making it a deeply intimate song with a melody and lyrics that speak to any couple in love.

“At Last,” by Etta James

One of the most popular first dance wedding songs of the 20th and 21st centuries, “At Last” was re-arranged with violins to back up the powerful vocals of Etta James, creating a timeless love ballad and a gorgeous first dance wedding song.

“Yours,” by Russell Dickerson (Wedding Edition)

Country singer Russell Dickerson’s meaning is conveyed clearly and profoundly through simple yet heartfelt lyrics.

Slow-dancing to the lyric, “I came to life when I first kissed you,” will surely make you feel all warm and giddy inside. And isn’t that the whole point of weddings?

“Kiss Me,” by The Macarons Project (Live Acoustic)

Most notable lyrics: “Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance / Silvermoon’s sparkling / So kiss me”

Regardless of how your first kiss went, “Kiss Me” by The Macarons Project promises hundreds, if not thousands, of kisses to come.

“A Thousand Years,” by Jonah Baker (Cover)

We heard Christina Perri’s version of “A Thousand Years” during a wedding processional, and it was gorgeous.

Jonah Baker’s cover version is equally romantic, and his soulful voice is a great backdrop for your first dance as newlyweds.

“Marry Me,” by Train

Train released a wedding classic with the song “Marry Me.”

The lyrics are easy to hear, and the gentle melody will have your wedding guests swaying along as you enjoy your first dance.

“I Am Yours,” by Andy Grammer

Andy Grammer is best known for his party song, “Honey I’m Good,” and we love his romantic song, “I Am Yours,” because we imagine him singing these lyrics to his “somebody at home.”

 “That’s When I Knew,” by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a powerful yet sensitive singer who writes heartfelt lyrics. Her lyrics to “That’s When I Knew” are perfect for any couple who found love in the smallest and quietest moments.

“Falling Like the Stars,” by James Arthur

The unique and special lyrics found in “Falling Like the Stars” can mean different things to different couples. Take a listen and see if it’s the perfect first dance wedding song for you!

“Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran

One of Ed Sheeran’s most popular love songs, “Thinking Out Loud” became an instant wedding classic when it was released. The original version is still a beautiful first dance song, and it’s equally stunning when performed by a singer on guitar.

“Rewrite the Stars,” by James Arthur and Anne-Marie

We love the unforgettable lyrics in “Rewrite the Stars.”

“You are the one I was meant to find… Why don’t we rewrite the stars and change the world to be ours?” Is just one line in this song that will fill your heart as you dance at your wedding reception.

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” by Shawn Mendes (BBC Live Version)

Shawn Mendes performed this live version of an American songbook classic while accompanying himself on piano, and the results are truly amazing.

Enjoy Shawn’s version as your first dance wedding song, or have a live performer recreate the magic!

“XO,” by John Mayer

Unlike some of the other songs on this list, “XO” is fairly playful. John Mayer’s wonderful baritone voice is a great backdrop to your first dance, and the flirty lyrics will make you smile.

“Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele

Adele’s cover version of a Bob Dylan classic is as outstanding as the original. The lyrics will move you, and people truly love listening to Adele’s one-of-a-kind voice.

“I Won’t Give Up,” by Jason Mraz

“I Won’t Give Up” is a song that deeply resonates in our hearts. It’s so gentle and fond, lovingly describing the ebb and flow of the relationship with love running deeply between two people meant for each other.

“How Long Will I Love You,” by Ellie Goulding (Bonus Track)

“How Long Will I Love You” is a slow song about unconditional love and loyalty, making it the perfect choice for a first wedding song!

“Halo,” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé did a brilliant job with this popular song, her voice vividly painting the aching love she has for her significant other.

“Come Away With Me,” by Norah Jones

“Come Away With Me” pretty much speaks for itself. In this song, the speaker asks her lover to “come away” with her and escape the chaos of everyday life.

“Lucky,” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

If you’ve fallen for your best friend, this is the first dance song for you. Who better to love than someone you trust with your life?

“We Have All The Time in the World,” by Louis Armstrong

“We Have All the Time” in the World is a wonderful song to slow dance to, especially while looking at the eyes of your partner. It’s difficult to not fall in love all over again with this song!

“She,” by Elvis Costello

In this song, the speaker recognizes that his lover brings out the best of him. He’s awed, grateful, and blessed that he has such a wonderful woman by his side.

“Dream a Little Dream of Me,” by Doris Day, Paul Weston And His Orchestra

“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is a song about trust, friendship, and endless devotion. It’s about connecting with someone without even talking.

“You Make My Dreams,” by Alex Francis (Acoustic)

The title, “You Make My Dreams” explains it all. The song is about adoration, devotion, and tenderness.

“Lover,” by Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)

Taylor Swift wrote the song “Lover” specifically for wedding first dances—do you think Travis loves this song too?

It’s immensely romantic, gentle, and filled with emotion. Combined with its hauntingly beautiful melody, it’s no wonder why it’s such an iconic love song.

“(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons,” by Nat King Cole Trio

Nat King Cole Trio’s “I Love You For Sentimental Reasons” hits home as a new wedding classic, describing the speaker’s growing affection for his lover.

Our favorite lyric is: “I love you / For sentimental reasons / I hope you do believe me / I’ve given you my heart.”

“Have I Told You Lately,” by Rod Stewart (2008 Remaster)

Van Morrison wrote and recorded the original version of “Have I Told You Lately,” and Rod Stewart put his own unique spin on a wonderful love song with lovely lyrics.

“Have I Told You Lately” is a memorable first dance song that will appeal to everyone at your wedding.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Michael Bublé

Originally sung by Elvis Presley, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Michael Bublé has a timeless quality that’s especially ideal for vintage-themed weddings.

Its slow-moving instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect first dance song.

“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” by Bryan Adams

Released in 1991, “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” is one of the best-selling singles of all time, and Bryan Adams wrote, recorded, and released this original classic.

It’s been covered by multiple singers and artists across the globe and was used as a soundtrack in a ton of movies. To this day, it’s dubbed as one of the greatest love songs of all time.

“In Case You Didn’t Know,” by Brett Young

Current country singer Brett Young doesn’t make headlines every day, but his baritone voice is incredibly romantic, and his hit song, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” is a worthy choice for your first dance song.

We love how Brett sings: “Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you / And I would be lyin’ if I said / That I could live this life without you.”

“Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” by Bryan Adams

Another Bryan Adams original, “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” is a gorgeous song on flamenco guitar.

Bryan’s lyrics are always simple but profoundly meaningful, and we love the line: “When you love a woman / You tell her that she’s the one.”

“Have You Ever Been In Love,” by Céline Dion

Céline has been through health challenges recently, and we certainly hope that she’s on the mend.

That’s why her love songs are so meaningful and important, and a song like “Have You Ever Been In Love” is a fantastic choice for your first dance as a married couple.

Take a listen to Céline’s gorgeous voice singing: “The time I spent / Waiting for something that was heaven-sent / When you find it, don’t let go.”

“From This Moment On,” by Shania Twain and Bryan White

Shania has released a few versions of her classic country love song, “From This Moment On.”

While we love her solo version, this version with Bryan White is a great selection for your first dance wedding song. The line: “My dreams came true because of you” gets us every time!

“You Are So Beautiful, by Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker’s unmistakably raspy voice on “You Are So Beautiful” makes it a timeless classic. The song is as popular today as it was over 50 years ago!

Thanks to its soulful lyrics, it’s often used in Instagram reels and TikTok clips focusing on love stories. Our favorite line is: “You’re everything I hoped for / You’re everything I need / You are so beautiful / To me.”

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