Top Wedding First Dance Songs for 2023
Looking for the perfect wedding first dance song for your big day? Don’t miss this epic list of modern hits, plus some old faithful classic song choices for your first dance.
Your first dance… there’s just something so special and memorable about it. It’s safe to say that this time with your spouse will rival your first look or the moment you say “I do.” The first dance as a married couple is a special one, so choosing the wedding song that perfectly describes your feelings or relationship can really make the moment magical.
Not planning on having a dance floor at your wedding? You can still have a first dance! Even if it means swaying in the middle of your tiny venue or in the wide-open of a national park, please consider the first dance. It’s a moment that can never be replicated!
Choosing the Perfect First Dance Song for Your Wedding
Last year was a great year for music, and it introduced some new romantic tunes onto our list of modern music to use for a wedding first dance. Of course, there are always the classics like Frank Sinatra and Etta James, but we wanted to share some more current stuff for those of you who want a more modern vibe for your big day.
There are thousands of playlists out there featuring wedding first dance songs. Most of them are very similar, featuring some of the most romantic, classic love songs of our time. But what about something new? What about a song that no one has ever heard played for a first dance?
We’ve compiled a list of over twenty wedding first dance songs released within the last few years that are absolutely lovely. Some you may have heard of or may even own, while others might be new to you. Take some time to listen to each, and you might be surprised to find your new favorite love song.
For you traditionalists, we haven’t forgotten about you. We listed the top classic wedding first dance songs at the bottom of the article. So if the bride and groom want a timeless choice, scroll to the end for a list of old faithful options.
2023 Wedding First Dance Songs
Whether you’re hiring a professional or going the DIY DJ route, these modern song selections are sure to make a statement for your first dance at your wedding reception. These aren’t just the most popular first dance songs, they’re the untapped hits, the hidden gems, the diamonds in the rough! Check out the list below and consider dancing to them on your wedding day!
Stuck With U by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber
Most Romantic Lyric:
“I could stay here for a lifetime
So lock the door
And throw out the key
Can’t fight this no more
It’s just you and me
And there’s nothing I, nothing I, I can do
I’m stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you”
Conversations in the Dark by John Legend
Most Romantic Lyric:
“I will never try to change you
I will always want the same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart”
Black And White by Niall Horan
Most Romantic Lyric:
“See you standing in your dress
Swear in front of all our friends
There’ll never be another
I promise that I’ll love you for the rest of my life”
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Wherever You Are by Kodaline
Most Romantic Lyric:
“When the world’s getting hard
I will go to wherever you are
Running blind in the dark
I will go to wherever you are”
The Bones by Maren Morris (with Hozier)
Most Romantic Lyric:
“When there ain’t a crack in the foundation
Baby, I know any storm we’re facing
Will blow right over while we stay put
The house don’t fall when the bones are good”
Lover by Taylor Swift
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home
You’re my, my, my, my
Lover”
Consider Me by Allen Stone
Most Romantic Lyric:
“And any time of day
I’ll be there right away
Swear it on my grave
If you consider me”
In Case You Don’t Live Forever by Ben Platt
Most Romantic Lyric:
“In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you now
I love you more than you’ll ever wrap your head around
In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you the truth
I’m everything that I am because of you”
Crazy Days by The Shires
Most Romantic Lyric:
“When I close my eyes
I see you and forever
Growing old
Somewhere in the country, together
I can see my coat hanging by the front door
Won’t be locking it from outside no more
No, I’ll be sleeping by your side every night at home”
Never Worn White by Katy Perry
Most Romantic Lyric:
“No, I’ve never worn white
But I really wanna try with you
Yeah, I’ve never worn white
But I wanna get it right
‘Cause I really wanna say, I do
I do”
Gentle Heart by Joshua Hyslop
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Should the dawn refuse to rise
Should the darkness close outside
May you still find your heart
Next to mine
For we found hope
In a hopeless time”
Finally // beautiful stranger by Halsey
Most Romantic Lyric:
“I’ve never recognized a purer face
You stopped me in my tracks and put me right in my place
Used to think that lovin’ meant a painful chase
But you’re right here now and I think you’ll stay”
Take It Slowly by Garrett Kato
Most Romantic Lyric:
“So we can take it slowly
Through the nights I’m growing in life
You can be my always, one and always and we can be just fine
Just fine”
Speechless by Dan + Shay
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Starin’ at you, standin’ there, in that dress
What it’s doin’ to me, ain’t a secret
‘Cause watchin’ you is all that I can do
And I’m speechless”
29 #Strafford APTS by Bon Iver
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Nor the snow shoe light or the autumns
Threw the meaning out the door
Now could you be a friend
There ain’t no meaning anymore
Come and kiss me here again”
(Bon Iver has a very unique sound and their lyrics are incredibly poetic. Be sure to listen to a few of their songs. They’re out of this world.)
My Love Won’t Let You Down by Little Mix
Most Romantic Lyric:
“I’ll be there with you
Anytime that you need me to
When there’s no one else around
On your last breath, calling out
Trust me, my love won’t let you down”
The Only Way to Love by Vanessa Carlton
Most Romantic Lyric:
“For you, the coast is clear
Bury my fear, you’re the edge of the ocean
The tide follows what’s right
And so have I”
Minefields by Faouzia and John Legend
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Ooh-ooh, maybe I’m just a fool
I still belong with you
Anywhere you, anywhere you are”
Ease My Mind by Ben Platt
Most Romantic Lyric:
“You came out of nowhere
And you cut through all the noise
I make sense of the madness
When I listen to your voice”
Catch Fire by Canyon City
Most Romantic Lyric:
“Contagious blaze in time
This whole place might burn
But if you stay, I’m safe inside like
Blind hurricane’s eyes swirl
Tonight
I’ll face your world”
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
XO by John Mayer (Beyoncé cover)
Romantic Songs for Your First Dance
In case you haven’t had enough, here is a list of honorable mentions and popular first dance song choices from the last decade.
- “A Sky Full of Stars,” Boyce Avenue
- “A Thousand Years,” Christina Perri
- “Adore You,” Miley Cyrus
- “All of Me,” John Legend
- “Better Together,” Jack Johnson
- “Bless the Broken Road,” Rascal Flatts
- “Come Away with Me,” Norah Jones
- “Cowboy Take Me Away,’ Dixie Chicks
- “Everything,” Michael Bublé
- “First Day of My Life,” Bright Eyes
- “God Gave Me You,” Dave Barnes
- “I Choose You,” Sara Bareilles
- “I Won’t Give Up on Us,” Jason Mraz
- “If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys
- “Lucky,” Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz
- “Make You Feel My Love,” Adele
- “Marry Me,” Train
- “Marry You,” Bruno Mars
- “My Dear,” Kina Grannis
- “Shallow,” Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga
- “Then,” Brad Paisley
- “The Luckiest,” Ben Folds
- “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran
- “Wanted,” Hunter Hayes
- “We Got a Love,” Lennon & Maisy Stella
- “Worth It,” Ryan Cabrera
- “You Are the Best Thing,” Ray Lamontagne
Classic Top Wedding First Dance Songs
As promised, here is a quick rundown of some of the most popular and timeless first dance wedding song options if you’re planning on a classic slow dance:
- “At Last,” Etta James
- The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra
- “Your Song,” Elton John
- “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You),” James Taylor
- “Songbird,” Fleetwood Mac
- “Crazy Love,” Van Morrison
- “It’s Your Love,” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” Aerosmith
- “Wonderful Tonight,” Eric Clapton
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” Elvis Presley
- “Faithfully,” Journey
- “Unchained Melody,” The Righteous Brothers
- “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong
- “L-O-V-E,” Nat King Cole
- “God Only Knows,” Beach Boys
- “You’re My Best Friend,” Queen
Tips for choosing your wedding first dance song:
One of the things we recommend putting a lot of thought into is your first dance song selection. The first dance as a married couple is a special one, so choosing the song that perfectly describes your feelings or relationship can really make the moment magical. Check out these tips:
Choose something that means something to you as a couple. Is it your favorite band? Is it a song that played on your first date? Anything meaningful will make the moment on the dancefloor more special.
Consider your audience. You wouldn’t want to dance to anything too crazy with your grandparents in plain sight, would you? Don’t be afraid to choose something upbeat if that’s more your style. Just remember to keep the song lyrics clean and not too risqué!
Be mindful of the length of the song. You don’t want your guests to doze off during your first dance! Try choosing a wedding first dance song under 3 minutes in length, or wrap up the dance with a fade out of the music if the song is much longer.
Additional Reading:
- 30 Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs of All Time
- Popular Wedding First Dance Songs
- Romantic Songs for your First Dance
- The Perfect Wedding Reception Playlist
- Episode 05: The Traditional Wedding Dances
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