Top 20 First Dance Wedding Songs

Choosing your first dance song is a defining moment, one that’ll stay with you forever.

For many, there’s an obvious pick, a tune that echoes your journey together – the one that resonates with your shared story. But if you’re on the hunt for inspiration, fear not. We’ve put together a splendid selection of first-rate first dance tracks to help you find that perfect melody.

Fast or Slow?

Typically, you’ll see couples swaying slowly to a very romantic, heartfelt song as guests slowly couple up and join them on the dance floor. However, if this doesn’t speak to you as a couple, a more upbeat/rockier song could be the one.

Over the years, we’ve had some fantastic (not so obvious) choices picked by real couples for their first dance. For example, if you’re the kind of couple who love a good mosh pit, why not choose a great pop-punk or indie-rock song for guests to set the floor alight? You may have a specific dance routine you want to show off as newlyweds to help bring some lighthearted fun and laughter.

Below, we’ve picked a variety of songs that could match some of these ideas, so why not take a peek at what we’ve selected below!

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Let’s start off with the big hitters, and you can’t get much bigger than Ed Sheeran.

Regardless of Perfect being one of the most popular first dance choices, he also has a whole string of first dance hits, so don’t forget to look through his back catalogue to find something a bit more niche!

Adore You by Harry Styles

After his split from One Direction, Harry Styles has arguably had the best solo career out of all the other Directioners’ – and there’s good reason for that.

Released in 2019, Harry’s sophomore album Fine Line catapulted him into solo stardom. With global hits like ‘Golden’ & ‘Watermelon Sugar’ there was no surprise that Adore You became a first dance staple for many couples over the past few years.

Still Into You by Paramore

Described as ‘sweet’ and ‘sugary’, Paramore’s shift of embracing a stronger pop/rock sound on their fourth album led them to write this classic love song.

Still Into You is insanely catchy, and Hayley’s strong vocal delivery drives home the lyrics’ sweet sentiments. Its rock-heavy chorus could easily get a post-first-dance moshpit started; as Hayley stated in an interview with Spin, ‘it’s not a sappy love song’ but ‘it is definitely a love song’.

Lifetime by SG Lewis

Reading Born SG Lewis is a deep house, synth pop extraordinaire – and we’d be pleasantly surprised if you’ve not heard of at least one of his tracks over the past few years.

If you’re into feel-good dance music, we strongly urge you to check out his debut album Time which features bangers such as ‘Chemicals’ and ‘One More’. If you enjoy them, then Lifetime could be a strong contender for your first dance; a strong beat, catchy guitar licks, dreamy chorus and sentimental lyrics – what more could you want?

I’m In Love With You by The 1975

Matt Healy is not your average frontman – highly talented and often mixed up in controversies that have painted him with this ‘bad boy’ aura you can’t help but be drawn to.

However, The 1975 have carved their unique sound over the years, making their songs instantly recognisable and adored. I’m In Love With You is easily one of their catchiest songs released to date, and it bridges the gap perfectly for a first dance that’s quick but also not too uptempo.

Crazy In Love by Beyoncé

The most successful female songwriter? Check. Artists with the most Grammy awards? Check. They don’t call her Queen B for nothing.

Crazy In Love is the perfect song for a bombastic couple looking to throw down the gauntlet for a memorable first dance routine. Need help with ideas? A quick YouTube search is all that’s needed, and you’ll find a tonne of examples of couples showing off their dancing prowess.

Your Song by Elton John

The revival of Elton John in the past few years has seen him collaborate with the likes of Dua Lipa, Rina Sawayama, Lady Gaga, Years & Years and Taron Egerton (for the release of his biographical jukebox musical film Rocket Man).

However, Your Song is considered his magnum opus to many young romantics. Ellie Goulding’s cover is often a popular second choice, but you can’t beat the original, with its uplifting melody and striking lyrics.

Everlong by Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl is one of the last real living rockstars of our time and a behemoth in the music industry. It’s no shock to see Everlong featured as one of the most popular first dance songs, specifically, this acoustic version.

Soon after the divorce of his first wife, Dave wrote The Color and the Shape, the album which features Everlong. The lyrics were supposedly inspired by his new partner, Louise Post, and his love for her, not just physically & spiritually, but how when they sang together, they harmonised perfectly.

At Last By Etta James

How do you spot a classic love song? Easy, take a look at whose covered it, ready? Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchel, Cyndi Lauper, Celine Dion, Randy Crawford, Leela James, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and the list goes on.

However, few have managed to top Etta’s rendition in 1960. From the luscious string arrangement at the start to her nonchalant yet exquisite vocal delivery of the first word, your attention is immediately drawn to the magic of this song. The perfect ‘slow dance’ song.

Happy by Pharrell Williams

It might seem crazy that this song is on here, but you’d be surprised how many couples opt for this upbeat, fun-loving song for their first dance.

It may have been a single off of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album, but it’s carved its own legacy as one of the, well.. happiest songs out there!

All Of Me by John Legend

The smoothest singer pianist this side of the 21st century, John Legend is not only an incredible song writer, but a master of writing love songs.

All Of Me stands apart from the rest, though, and is arguably one of the all-time favourites for wedding couples. Dedicated to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, Legend’s lyrics are honest, heartfelt and all-encompassing of how we feel towards our chosen one.

Songbird by Fleetwood Mac

Written by Christine McVie around midnight, it took her all of 30 minutes to complete. You often hear of artists having a flash of inspiration, where a song presents itself to you and cannot be ignored. Without any recording equipment, she stayed up all night to show her producer the next day so as not to forget it – and thank the heavens she did!

It featured on their infamous album, Rumours, and to say it’s a masterpiece would be an understatement. Couples choose this not only for a first dance but for their bridal entrance, exit, reception – you name it!

In My Life by The Beatles

With The Beatles, you’ll always be spoilt for choice with love songs. Any of the following would fit perfectly: I Will, All You Need Is Love, Something, And I Love Her, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Real Love, Here, There & Everywhere, If I Fell – it can all be a little bit overwhelming if you’re a big Beatles fan.

So why have we chosen In My Life? Well, it was John Lennon’s first song where he felt like a real songwriter. Taken from the album Rubber Soul, they were leaving behind their old roots and drastically changing their sound, but this song showed them they could still write love songs, but in the style of their new vision for the band.

It’s melancholic but full of love at the same time. Simple, but still otherwordly and lucid enough to be a true showstopper.

You’re My Best Friend by Queen

British rock legends Queen never did anything by halves, and their songs reflect this. Often full of folly sounds, big guitar licks, and carefully woven harmonies, each member had strong ideas, and that passion is still felt in their songs to this day.

For example, Freddie was unhappy with the electric piano in this song, which Deacon wrote for his wife on his Wurlitzer. Luckily, Deacon got his way in the end because the bass notes played on the piano gave it its iconic sound.

Ho Hey by The Lumineers

Now, the following two songs are not only popular amongst modern couples, but they’ve also hugely influenced a particular wedding style/theme – the rustic barn wedding.

This American folk rock band released this catchy number back in 2011, and it was a huge hit straight off the bat. Mumford & Sons had just released their debut album a year earlier, and the Americana folk revival was in fashion.

Hey Ho was their breakthrough song, and it’s hard not to notice the patterns because it wasn’t long after this that rustic barns were getting booked up like hotcakes. Even local function bands mimicked this folk sound and look, swapping electric bass for the upright, guitar for banjo and adorning tweed suits with braces.

I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons popularised the folk revival in Britain with their critically acclaimed debut album Sign No More. The release was successful when it hit the stores and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.

I Will Wait became a staple first dance for couples wanting a rustic barn wedding. Naked bulbs hanging from wooden beams, hay bails, fedora hats and bohemian dresses became quickly associated with this wedding style.

God Only Knows by The Beach Boys

The song Paul McCartney wishes he had written. Not a bad accolade, right?

God Only Knows is a beautiful record; putting aside the harmonies and superb musical arrangements, the lyrics written by Brian are almost ethereal. As mentioned earlier, a great song sometimes comes in a flurry of inspiration and, Brian spent a considerable amount more time tweaking the instrumental parts than he did on writing the lyrics.

Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

Any metal heads in the audience? You may be interested to know that this song gets picked time and time again for a first dance, and there is a good reason for this – it’s a fantastic love song!

Nothing Else Matters opens up with a beautiful acoustic guitar motif and sees Hetfield at his most vulnerable and introspective lyrically. Initially unsure whether this would fit well with the band’s image, Metallica’s drummer managed to persuade him to record it, so we have Lars Ulrich to thank for the release of this masterpiece!

You & Me Song by The Wannadies

The soundtrack for many kids who grew up on 90s music, You & Me Song is still a stunning track, full of optimism and enthusiasm.

Picked for Baz Luhrmann’s film Romeo & Juliet (featuring Leonardo Dicaprio & Claire Danes), the popularity of this love song is unfathomable. The fact it still feels exciting and fresh circa today is a testament to how great this song is!

You’ve Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman

It’s slightly anti-climatic, but we wouldn’t be staying true to ourselves if we didn’t include this great song. You’d be surprised at how many adults out there are huge fans of Disney Pixar movies, and why not? They are masterpieces!

These movies tug on our heartstrings so effectively because a masterful score always accompanies them, and you don’t get much better than Randy Newman’s You’ve Got A Friend In Me featured in Toy Story. Personally, I think it’s the perfect end to a perfect list.

Our Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, the top 20 first dance wedding songs to marvel at, and perhaps carefully consider for yourself?

At the end of the day, it’s about what that particular song means to you as a couple, so don’t be put off choosing a classic; the meaning is often far greater than the score when it comes down to it – so choose with your heart!