When planning a wedding, many couples like to recognize all of the special people in their lives who have been there for them. This can be complicated when you are a part of a blended family!
When you have a stepparent, it can be challenging to express how much this bonus person in your life means to you.
But as they say, when words fail, music speaks, so consider our top 20 stepdad wedding songs for your big day!
“My Boy,” 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 sentimental country song, available in both “My Boy” and “My Girl” versions, is ideal to recognize an exceptional stepparent and stepchild relationship.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt parent-child dance with your stepparent, you can’t go wrong with this Elvie Shane song. This singer made it to one of the advanced rounds of American Idol and was inspired to write this song about his own adopted 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.”
This wholesome song from the legendary country singer Tim McGraw strikes the right tone to celebrate the contributions of a stepparent. It is also conveniently in a waltz tempo, making it a naturally stirring song for the parent-child dance during the reception.
“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.”
As the name implies, this song recognizes a significant relationship with a stepparent.
One of Mariah Carey’s dramatic and signature ballads, this mid-tempo song will provide an emotional moment for a first dance, processional, or the lighting of a unity candle.
“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.”
“Kind and Generous” has a distinctly free and folksy vibe. We can picture this song accompanying an outdoor wedding or if a stepparent is walking a stepchild down the aisle.
If your stepparent has made a difference in your life, recognize them by including this free-spirited song on your wedding day.
“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?”
If you want your ambient music to remind you of your special stepparent relationship, this mid-tempo ballad will do the job.
“Lost Stars,” performed by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, is about searching for meaning and asking the big questions in life. If your stepparent has helped you do that, this song will express the special bond you two have.
“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 sweet ballad from early in Christina Aguilera’s career is a great song to highlight a stepparent who has perhaps been there from the beginning.
It’s a slow song that is ideally suited to a two-step dance; a less intimidating choice for stepparents who are hesitant to get out on the dance floor!
“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.”
This sentimental song from country-pop crossover megastar Taylor Swift is a sweet tune detailing the ordinary moments that make up a great parent and child relationship. It’s a great choice for the stepparent who made the everyday tasks special.
We think this would make an excellent addition to pre-ceremony music, as background music for a unity ceremony, 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.”
If a long harmonica solo sounds more like your stepparent’s vibe, this folksy mid-tempo song would be a great option for your wedding ceremony or reception dinner.
A sweet and vulnerable song, this would also create a lovely moment for a father-daughter dance.
“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.”
This tender, country ballad from American icon Bruce Springsteen plainly states the promise of unconditional love: when you need me, I’ll be there.
This emotional song is a great way to express your appreciation for a stepparent in a more subdued manner than other songs listed.
“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.”
This country song has inspired listeners with its message and beautiful melody for many years. “I Hope You Dance” encourages us to live life to the fullest and stay true to our values. If your stepparent inspires the same feelings in you, this is a significant song choice!
“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 very similar to the previous song, “I Hope You Dance.” Both are contemporary country songs that celebrate humble values and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.
This wholesome song represents a relationship with a parent who truly wishes the best for their child. It lends itself wonderfully to a simple slow dance or the unity candle portion of the ceremony.
“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’.”
The third straight country song on this list, Trace Adkins recorded this song in 2011, and it went on to be nominated for a Grammy!
“Just Fishin’” beautifully illustrates the relationship built between a daughter and stepfather during seemingly simple fishing trips. For the outdoorsy parent-child duos out there, this song may be a perfect fit for your ceremony.
“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.”
There’s yet another country song on this list; Miranda Lambert’s 2015 ballad about recognizing where you come from.
For Lambert, parents provide a foundation of roots and the freedom to achieve their dreams. If this sounds like your relationship with your stepparent, this song is a great tune with an easy rhythm that anyone can dance to.
If you have a stepparent in your life who has dispensed great advice and is supportive of your dreams, there are many great country songs to choose from. “Roots and Wings,” along with “I Hope You Dance” and “My Wish,” would make a great medley of songs!
“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.”
This power ballad represents a strong bond between a stepparent and a stepchild. This song would be an excellent fit for a big, dramatic moment like your stepdad walking you down the aisle!
Many compare this song to “Hero” by Mariah Carey, mentioned above in this list.
“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.”
This classic Marvin Gaye tune is heartwarming and easy to dance to, an excellent combination for a dance with your stepdad.
This instantly recognizable song has a warm, funky sound and of course, Marvin Gaye’s captivating vocals!
“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.”
If this sounds like your relationship with your stepparent, this upbeat pop hit is a great way to celebrate your bond.
This song recognizes the relationship and its enduring power during a transitional time of life. “One Call Away” is a great choice for a fun parent-child dance at a wedding reception, for a stepparent who isn’t afraid of a little freestyle!
“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.”
This timeless song from the 1960s delivers bluesy sentimentality. As the name implies, “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is about unconditional love.
Choose this song on your wedding day to celebrate all the people in your life who have gotten you to this point, including your loving stepparent. We think it would be appropriate during your wedding reception dance, or cocktail hour.
“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.”
Similar to the Taylor Swift song above, this song is a tightly autobiographical story about the special moments parents and stepparents create for their kids.
“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.”
Like the other country songs on this list, “Never Alone” illustrates a parent figure who wishes only the best for their child, and for them to maintain their integrity.
Combine it with other selections on this list to make a great medley of wholesome country songs.
“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.”
For the final song on our list, Rachel Platten has delivered a song that could describe the stepparent and stepchild relationship for many.
This song is driven by a sweet piano melody and would be a great choice to accompany a bride walking down the aisle.
