Of all the songs played on your wedding day, the first dance song is arguably the most important. It reinforces the newlyweds’ wedding vows through romantic lyrics and gorgeous instrumentals.
With millions of tracks to choose from, finding the right tune to mark such an important event is far from easy!
To help you with your search, we’ve compiled some of the world’s best first dance wedding songs, ranging from nostalgic classics to modern chart-toppers. Let’s dive right in!
“You Are the Reason,” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis
Most notable lyrics: “I’d climb every mountain / And swim every ocean / Just to be with you”
“You Are the Reason” is a song about perseverance, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Despite the flaws and the “broken” parts of the relationship, both partners remain loyal and would do anything just to be with the other person, even if they had to metaphorically “climb every mountain” and “swim every ocean.”
“A Moment Like This,” by Leona Lewis
Most notable lyrics: “Some people wait a lifetime / For a moment like this”
Paired with sweet lyrics, this song is sure to bring a tear or two from your eyes while dancing with your partner.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” by Sleeping At Last
Most notable lyrics: “But I would walk 500 miles / And I would walk 500 more / Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles”
Soulful but casual, this Sleeping At Last hit has lyrics like, “I’m gonna be the man who’s lonely without you,” that perfectly suits a wedding setting.
“Amazed,” by Lonestar
Most notable lyrics: “I wanna spend the rest of my life / With you by my side”
“Amazed” is among our most favorite first dance songs, simply because of how sweet it is! From the first lyric to the last, it’s filled to the brim with adoration, reverence, and tender affection.
“Your Song,” by Lady Gaga
Most notable lyrics: “How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world”
Originally sung by Elton John, “Your Song” is a 1970s classic that’ll bring about a feeling of nostalgia for anyone listening. Lady Gaga’s rendition breathes new life to the track with her deeply powerful voice.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Music Travel Love ft. Felix Irwan
Most notable lyrics: ” I don’t want to fall asleep / ‘Cause I’d miss you baby”
The cover by Music Travel Love ft. Felix Irwan turned the original hard-rock, glam metal track into a heart-thumping acoustic ballad! They sang the song in perfect harmony and with such obvious affection that we just had to add it to our list!
“All of Me,” by Michael Bublé
Most notable lyrics: “You took the part that used to be my heart / So why not take all of me?”
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
Most notable lyrics: “‘Cause all of me / Loves all of you”
John Legend’s “All of Me” is a song describing fervent, passionate love. “You’re my end and my beginning,” Legend sings in between piano verses, silently stating that he can’t imagine living his life without his partner in any way, shape, or form. “Even when I lose, I’m winning.”
“At Last,” by Etta James
Most notable lyrics: “I found a dream that I could speak to / A dream that I can call my own”
The emotions conveyed in this song’s verse are enough to thaw the heart of the toughest individual; a perfect first dance choice.
“Yours,” by Russell Dickerson (Wedding Edition)
Most notable lyrics: “I came to life when I first kissed you”
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)
Most notable lyrics: “Time has brought your heart to me”
Christina Perri originally performed “A Thousand Years.”
However, we chose Jonah Baker’s cover not because it was better than the original, but because we felt like it’s more suited to a wedding setting. His rendition has a heart-melting quality that the original doesn’t have.
“Marry Me,” by Train
Most notable lyrics: “Marry me / Today and every day”
According to many, “Marry Me” is one of the most beautiful love songs ever created. We’re inclined to agree.
With lyrics like, “Forever can never be long enough for me,” and ” Together can never be close enough for me,” how could anyone not fall in love with their partner all over again? It’s simply magical!
“I Am Yours,” by Andy Grammer
Most notable lyrics: “I been lost, I been found / But I know I am now, I am yours”
In this ageless love song, the speaker surrenders himself to the inevitability of falling to his significant other.
“That’s When I Knew,” by Alicia Keys
Most notable lyrics: “That’s when I knew you were the one”
In most cases, falling in love starts with something small. In the song, “That’s When I Knew,” the speaker realized she was in love in the middle of a conversation.
“Falling Like the Stars,” by James Arthur
Most notable lyrics: “With you I’m safe, we’re fallin’ like the stars, fallin’ in love”
“Falling Like the Stars” is a song with different meanings. When used in weddings, it turns into a heart-warming song detailing the love between the married couple.
“Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran
Most notable lyrics: “‘Cause honey your soul can never grow old, it’s evergreen”
“Thinking Out Loud” epitomizes what it means to be so fiercely and endlessly in love. When you’re in love, your partner’s flaws are merely “perfect imperfections” rather than deal-breakers.
“Rewrite the Stars,” by James Arthur and Anne-Marie
Most notable lyrics: “What if we rewrite the stars? / Say you were made to be mine / Nothing could keep us apart / You’ll be the one I was meant to find”
“Rewrite the Stars” is the story of two lovers who are seemingly at odds with each other.
One believes in freedom, while the other respects the power of destiny. “You are the one I was meant to find,” the beautiful lyrics say, “Why don’t we rewrite the stars and change the world to be ours?”
Regardless of the differences, both parties still love and respect each other, continuing on as a couple.
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” by Shawn Mendes (BBC Live Version)
Most notable lyrics: “The sight of you leaves me weak / There are no words left to speak”
This sweet song is simple but meaningful. The speaker emphasizes how beautiful his lover is; so much so that he can’t help but stare every time she’s around.
“XO,” by John Mayer
Most notable lyrics: “Nobody sees what we see / They’re just hopelessly gazing / Baby, take me, take me / Before they turn the lights out”
Unlike some of the other songs on this list, “XO” is fairly playful. Perhaps this is because of John Mayer’s wonderful baritone voice; he makes the song seem playful and almost flirty despite the lyrics it contains.
“Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele
Most notable lyrics: “No, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do / To make you feel my love”
In a nutshell, “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele is a song that expresses the sincerity of the singer’s love for her significant other.
As the title implies, the singer states she would do anything to make her partner realize just how much she loves him.
“I Won’t Give Up,” by Jason Mraz
Most notable lyrics: “When I look into your eyes / It’s like watching the night sky”
“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)
Most notable lyrics: “How long will I need you? / As long as the seasons need to”
“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
Most notable lyrics: “Baby, I can feel your halo / Pray it won’t fade away”
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
Most notable lyrics: “Come away with me / And I’ll never stop loving you”
“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
Most notable lyrics: “Lucky I’m in love with my best friend”
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
Most notable lyrics: “We have all the time in the world / Just for love”
“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
Most notable lyrics: “She may be the reason I survive / The why and wherefore I’m alive”
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
Most notable lyrics: “Stars fading but I linger on, dear / Still craving your kiss”
“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)
Most notable lyrics: “You make my dreams come true”
The title, “You Make My Dreams” explains it all. The song is about adoration, devotion, and tenderness.
“Lover,” by Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)
Most notable lyrics: “Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand? / With every guitar string scar on my hand / I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover”
Taylor Swift wrote the song “Lover” specifically for wedding first dances. 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
Most notable lyrics: “I love you / For sentimental reasons / I hope you do believe me / I’ve given you my heart”
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.
“Have I Told You Lately,” by Rod Stewart (2008 Remaster)
Most notable lyrics: “There’s a love that’s divine / And it’s yours and it’s mine”
“Have I Told You Lately” is simple yet memorable. The lyrics are filled with reverence and long-lasting love.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Michael Bublé
Most notable lyrics: “Take my hand / Take my whole life too / For I can’t help falling in love with you”
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
Most notable lyrics: “Don’t tell me it’s not worth fightin’ for / I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more”
Released in 1991, “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
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
Most notable lyrics: “Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you / And I would be lyin’ if I said / That I could live this life without you”
“In Case You Didn’t Know” is a sweet and playful tune; a popular choice that’ll certainly make you blush while dancing with your partner!
“Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” by Bryan Adams
Most notable lyrics: “When you love a woman / You tell her that she’s the one”
“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” is a classic love song. Here, the singer instructs listeners how to properly love a woman. It’s a playful but sweet little tune!
“Have You Ever Been In Love,” by Céline Dion
Most notable lyrics: “The time I spent / Waiting for something that was heaven-sent / When you find it don’t let go”
This song is about the simplicity of love and the level of comfort you feel when you’re around the person you love. It’s certainly fitting for a special moment like a first dance!
“From This Moment On,” by Shania Twain and Bryan White
Most notable lyrics: “My dreams came true because of you”
“From This Moment On” is about the journey of finding love and marrying that person you love; similar to a chaptered story with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
“You Are So Beautiful, by Joe Cocker
Most notable lyrics: “You’re everything I hoped for / You’re everything I need / You are so beautiful / To me”
“You Are So Beautiful” is an oldie but a goodie. Although written over 50 years ago, it’s still a classic song and one of the most well-known in pop culture today.
Thanks to its soulful lyrics, it’s often used in Instagram reels and TikTok clips centering on relationships.
