Significant events at your wedding, like a father-child dance, can get complicated when you’re part of a blended family, but the good news is, it’s far more common these days.

We focused on the best stepdad wedding songs and selected the top 20 stepdad wedding songs to celebrate your “bonus dad!”

When you’re looking for the father (or stepfather) of the bride style tips, our “What Does the Father of the Bride Wear?” style guide will also come in handy.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrate your blended family with our top 20 stepdad wedding songs for walking down the aisle, lighting a unity candle, or sharing a dance at your reception.
• These songs include pop ballads like “Hero,” timeless country classics like “I Hope You Dance,” and uptempo soul music like “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.”
• Consider songs that speak of unconditional love, like “Never Alone” and “Roots and Wings.”

“My Boy” or “My Girl” by Elvie Shane

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I’m holding on to every moment, God knows I’ve missed a few/The day we met, I knew I had some catching up to do.”

This song describes a beautiful relationship between a stepparent and stepson or stepdaughter.

Elvie Shane reached the first round when he competed on season 15 of American Idol, and he was inspired to write this song after he adopted a child.

“Humble and Kind,” by Tim McGraw

Lyrics You’ll Love: “When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you/When the work you put in is realized/Let yourself feel the pride but/Always stay humble and kind.”

“Humble and Kind” is a popular song for any parent-child wedding dance with beautiful lyrics and a lovely waltz tempo that’s easy to dance to.

“Hero,” by Mariah Carey

Lyrics You’ll Love: “And then a hero comes along/With the strength to carry on/And you cast your fears aside/And you know you can survive.”

“Hero” is a signature ballad by Mariah Carey, and this emotional song is suitable for a parent-child dance or when a blended family lights a unity candle at a wedding.

“Kind and Generous,” by Natalie Merchant

Lyrics You’ll Love: “You’ve been so kind, and generous/I don’t know how you keep on giving/For your kindness I’m in debt to you/And I never could have come this far without you.”

We would love to hear the free-spirited song “Kind and Generous” at an outdoor wedding when your stepparent is walking you down the aisle.

“Lost Stars,” by Adam Levine

Lyrics You’ll Love: “Searching for meaning/But are we all lost stars/Trying to light up the dark? Who are we?”

Adam Levine (Maroon 5, The Voice) searches for life’s big meaning in “Lost Stars,” it’s a great song to honor a stepparent who helped you find the answers!

“I Turn To You,” by Christina Aguilera

Lyrics You’ll Love: “For a shield from the storm, for a friend for a love to keep me safe and warm/I turn to you.”

This early song from Christina Aguilera’s career can honor a stepdad who’s been there for you from the beginning, and the two-step rhythm is perfect for a slow dance.

“The Best Day,” by Taylor Swift

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I run and run/Past the pumpkin patch/And the tractor rides/Look now, the sky is gold/I hug your legs/And fall asleep on the way home.”

In “The Best Day,” Taylor Swift sings about the beauty of ordinary moments, and it’s perfect when your stepdad makes everyday life special for you!

This song is a great addition to pre-ceremony music or a special parent-child dance.

“Here For You,” by Neil Young

Lyrics You’ll Love: “Just close your eyes and I’ll be there/Listen to the sound/Of this old heart beating for you.”

“Here For You” is a sweet stepdad wedding song with a good mid-tempo rhythm, and Neil Young’s harmonica solo is beautiful!

“When You Need Me,” by Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics You’ll Love: “When you need me, call my name/’Cause without you, my life just isn’t the same.”

Bruce Springsteen’s tender ballad, “When You Need Me,” makes a beautiful statement about the promise of unconditional love, reminding you of the times your stepdad was there when you needed him.

“I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance/Never settle for the path of least resistance/Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth taking.”

I Hope You Dance” is a crossover country song that’s been a wedding favorite for decades, and this is a significant way to honor the stepdad in your life.

“My Wish,” by Rascal Flatts

Lyrics You’ll Love: “My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to/Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small/You never need to carry more than you can hold.”

“My Wish” is similar in sentiment and sound to “I Hope You Dance,” a contemporary country song that can represent a stepdad who truly wishes the best for you.

“Just Fishin’,” by Trace Adkins

Lyrics You’ll Love: “She ain’t even thinkin’ about/What’s really goin’ on right now/But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in/And she thinks we’re just fishin’.”

“Just Fishin'” earned Trace Adkins a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song, and it describes the love between a parent and child as they enjoy a sweet fishing trip.

This song would sound great at your outdoor wedding!

“Roots and Wings,” by Miranda Lambert

Lyrics You’ll Love: “He said, run on love/And run on life/And plant some seeds/Until you’re tired/Don’t take anything at all for granted.”

Country star Miranda Lambert sings about parents being your roots and allowing you to chase your dreams. With stirring lyrics and a nice rhythm, this is an excellent choice for a slow dance.

“Footprints in the Sand,” by Leona Lewis

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I promise you, I’m always there/When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair/And I’ll carry you when you need a friend/You’ll find my footprints in the sand.”

Leona Lewis is an outstanding vocalist, and many consider “Footprints in the Sand” a lesser-known but equally stunning song comparable to Mariah Carey’s “Hero.

It would be a perfect song for your stepdad to walk you down the aisle!

“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” by Marvin Gaye

Lyrics You’ll Love: “To find a love like ours is rare these days/’Cause you’ve shown me what happiness is in so many ways/I look in the mirror, and I’m glad to see/Laughter in the eyes where tears used to be.”

How Sweet It Is” is an uplifting song by the late Marvin Gaye, and it’s a great, toe-tapping stepdad wedding song to dance to at your reception.

“One Call Away,” by Charlie Puth

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I’m only one call away/I’ll be there to save the day/Superman got nothing on me/I’m only one call away.”

Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away” is an upbeat pop hit reminding many of us that our parents are always there when we need them.

It’s a fun stepdad wedding song, especially when you both love to freestyle on the dance floor!

“That’s How Strong My Love Is,” by Otis Redding

Lyrics You’ll Love: “And I’ll be the rainbow after the tears are gone/Wrap you in my colors and keep you warm.”

The legendary Otis Redding recorded this timeless song in the 60s, and it’s all about unconditional love. We think it’s a great stepdad wedding dance!

“Constellations,” by Jack Johnson

Lyrics You’ll Love:” To lay down underneath the stars/Listen to Papa’s translations/Of the stories across the sky/We drew our own constellations.”

Jack Johnson’s “Constellations” is autobiographical, with beautiful lyrics and melody describing special moments between kids and any parent.

“Never Alone,” by Jim Brickman

Lyrics You’ll Love: “Never alone, never alone/I’ll be in every beat of your heart/When you face the unknown/Wherever you fly this isn’t goodbye/My love will follow you.”

“Never Alone” is an emotional song about parents who only wish the best for a child.

“Better Place,” by Rachel Platten

Lyrics You’ll Love: “I’ll tell the world, I’ll sing the song/It’s a better place since you came along.”

Rachel Platten’s “Better Place” has a sweet piano melody and a message that perfectly describes your relationship with your stepparent. This would be a lovely song for walking down the aisle.