125 Best First Dance Songs By Genre 2022

Updated on July 28, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

Methodology
We’ve talked to wedding couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide reception music. We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique first dance songs for your first dance as a married couple.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected first dance songs that include many different genres.

Should you choose to have the first dance as a newlywed couple, there are quite a few options. But the best advice is to select a first dance song that is something meaningful for you as a couple.

What dance is first at a wedding?

The first dance during a wedding reception is always the wedding couple. Depending on the format of your reception, the first dance typically comes immediately following the introductions of the wedding party and the wedding couple’s grand entrance. However, the first dance could also follow the meal.

 

 
Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Our Top 10 First Dance Songs

1. “The Joker And The Queen” by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
2. “Growing Old With You (First Dance Version)” by Restless Road
3. “Love of My Life” by Sentury
4. “‘Never Til Now” by Ashley Cooke, Brett Young
5. “Luckiest Man” by Chris Brown
6. “If I Didn’t Love You” by Ben Abraham
7. “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton
8. “First Date (Acoustic)” by Taylor Acorn
9. “Made to Love You” by Drew Angus
10. “Amazing” by Teddy Swims

What is the number 1 first dance wedding song?

The most popular first dance song of all time is “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. There are many popular covers of the song to also include in the song’s popularity including Kina Grannis, Hailey Reinhardt, and Music Travel Love.

Listen to First Dance Songs

First Dance Couple Songs: The List of Love Songs

We cannot name all the great first dance songs. This is why we have listed the most popular and unique wedding first dance songs around the United States.

My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases.

Pop First Dance Songs

Hold My Hand – Lady Gaga
2022, Pop

Heaven – Calum Scott
2022, Bridges

The Joker And The Queen – Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
2022, Pop

With a single word
And a gentle touch
You turned a moment
Into forever

Amazing – Teddy Swims
2022, Pop

You make me wanna pick a handful of wildflowers
They remind me of you
Natural beauty don’t come from you spending hours
God just gave it to you

Lifetime – Justin Bieber
2021, Pop

Some people come in your life for a reason
Others they come in your life for a season
But baby, you are a lifetime

Butterflies – MAX, Ali Gatie
2021, Pop

You won’t stop runnin’ through my mind
For the rest of both our lives
You give me butterflies

Imagine (Acoustic) – Ben Platt
2021, Pop

I can’t imagine my life without you
I can’t imagine one night without you
If something happened, don’t know what I’d do

The Rest of Our Lives – Drew Green
2021, Pop

Whatever it is, it’ll be alright
As long as you love me and I love you
Girl, here’s to the rest of our lives

Our Song (Acoustic) – Ron Pope
2021, Pop

So won’t you take my hand
Take my heart
Promise to never stop dancing once we start
‘Cause this is our song

Love Songs Ain’t for Us – Amy Shark, Keith Urban
2021, Pop

Perfect nights, it’s open doors
It’s feeling safe, it’s being sure
It’s a deep cut, crazy rush
To feel like us

this is how you fall in love – Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler
2021, Pop

Wherever we go, what glitters is gold
You’ll be my best friend until we grow old

Luckiest Man – Clark Beckham
2020, Pop

Black And White (Stripped) – Niall Horan
2020, Pop

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

Forever Aint Enough – Ronan Keating
2020, Pop

I see a future in your eyes
The second I saw it, I knew
Forever ain’t enough with you

If You Love Her – Forest Blakk
2020, Pop

Stand side by side
And you’ll make it
She’s the best thing that you’ll ever have
She’ll love you If you love her like that

I Am Yours – Andy Grammer
2019, Pop

You take my breath away every night
Still can’t believe it when you say your mine and
I am yours

Best Part Of Me – Ed Sheeran feat. YEBBA
2019, Pop

Yeah, he loves me, he loves me
And I bet he never lets me go
And shows me how to love myself

Could I Love You Any More – Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz
2019, Pop

But what we have I know is different
‘Cause when I’m with you the world stops turning
Could I love you any more?

Incredible – James TW
2019, Pop

In your embrace, this crowded room doesn’t matter
But dancing like it’s our own stage
My love, I just wanna say that you look incredible tonight

Falling like the Stars – James Arthur
2019, Pop

And I need you to know that we’re
Fallin’ so fast, we’re fallin’ like the stars
fallin’ in love

Lover (First Dance Remix) – Taylor Swift
2019, Pop

Forever and ever
Take me out, and take me home
You’re my, my, my, my lover

You – A Great Big World
2018, Pop

I spent my whole life running
Then one day all of a sudden
There was you

You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
2018, Pop

I’d climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you

Moon River – Frank Ocean
2018, Pop

My dream maker
Heartbreaker
Wherever you’re going I’m going the same

Love Someone – Lukas Graham
2018, Pop

I thought it’d be hard to find
The one ’til I found you
And I find it bittersweet
‘Cause you gave me something to lose

Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
2016, Pop

I know I needed you
But I never showed
But I wanna stay with you until we’re grey and old

Can’t Help Falling in Love With You – Haley Reinhart
2015, Pop

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
Oh, for I can’t help
Fallin’ in love with you

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
2013, Pop

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may

Forever Like That – Ben Rector
2013, Pop

I wanna spend all of my days with you
Carry your burden and be the wind at your back
Well, I wanna spend my forever

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
2011, Pop

I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
2008, Pop

But I won’t hesitate no more
No more it cannot wait, I’m yours

Country First Dance Songs

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
2022, Country

Growing Old With You (First Dance Version) – Restless Road
2022, Country

Take My Life – Austin Burke
2022, Country

Never Til Now – Ashley Cooke, Brett Young
2022, Never Til Now

That’s Why – Troy Cartwright
2022, Country

So when you ask me why I love you, babe
‘Cause the sky’s blue
‘Cause the world moves
Around the Sun and one plus one
Still makes two

I Choose You – Amanda Jordan
2022, Country

From now on this moment is more than enough
Until my days are through
I choose you

What If I Do – Hunter Hayes
2021, Country

What if all I wanna be is the one you’re running to
I love you in so many ways I’m told I’m not supposed to
But what if I do

You – Dan + Shay
2021, Country

I got you
For the rest of my life
And if all else goes wrong, baby
I’ll be alright, ’cause I got you

This Room – Matt Cooper
2021, Country

Girl take my hand
We’ll paint this thing
With memories

Forever After All – Luke Combs
2021, Country

Other things that I could look at my whole life
A love like that makes a man have second thoughts
Maybe some things last forever after all

Another (Wedding Version) – Adam Doleac
2021, Country

Yeah, from the second that we f?ll into each other
Knew I was never gonna ever wanna
Never ever gonna want another

My Person (Wedding Version) – Spencer Crandall
2021, Country

My reason for speedin’ home from work
My saving grace, my everything
I’ve never been more sure that you’re my person

That’s You – Drew Baldridge
2021, Country

My sweetest sin, my do me in, my heaven-sent Hail Mary prayer
Yeah, my one I’d rather be down deep six feet than have to lose, that’s you

Always Gonna Love You (First Dance Version) – Alana Springsteen
2020, Country

I will always be in love with who you are
Right here, right now, with me tonight

Cover Me Up – Morgan Wallen
2020, Country

So cover me up and know you’re enough
To use me for good

Who I Am – Wade Bowen
2020, Country

I love that I’m your man
Now that you’re in my life, baby, I know
Exactly who I am

So in Love With You – Jonny Houlihan
2020, Country

Make me a happy man
By wear my ring on your hand

Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton
2020, Country

She takes me by the hand
I am the luckiest man alive
Did I tell you, baby
You are the joy of my life

Nobody But You – Blake Shelton Duet with Gwen Stefani
2019, Country

Wanna wake up with you next to me
I don’t wanna go down any other road now
I don’t wanna love nobody but you

One Man Band – Old Dominion
2019, Country

Baby, take my hand
I don’t wanna be a one man band

10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
2019, Country

If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life
I’m gonna love you

Got What I Got – Jason Aldean
2019, Country

I said, “You know and I know
You’re perfect for me
Everything I’ll ever need”

Prayed For You – Matt Stell
2019, Country

It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom
I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you

When I Found You – Jasmine Rae
2018, Country

We’ll dance for the first time
As husband and wife
And my heart will keep dancing
For the rest of my life

This Is It – Scotty McCreery
2018, Country

Take my hand, just take it in
This is a moment we won’t forget
On top of the world here together

Speechless – Dan + Shay
2018, Country

I thank God you can read my mind
‘Cause when you look at me with those eyes
I’m speechless

Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves
2018, Country

I was hiding in doubt ’til you brought me out of my chrysalis
And I came out new
All because of you

Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
2018, Country

Yeah, she’s crazy
But her crazy’s beautiful to me

Heaven – Kane Brown
2017, Country

‘Cause, I don’t know how, I don’t know how heaven, heaven
Could be better than this

In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young
2017, Country

I don’t tell you all the time
You had my heart a long, long time ago
In case you didn’t know

Promise to Love Her – Blane Howard
2017, Country

I promise to love her
With all that I have
I’ll put nothing above her
And I won’t turn my back

Millionaire – Chris Stapleton
2017, Country

Down deep as a diamond mine
She’s my treasure so very rare
She’s made me a millionaire

Yours – Russell Dickerson
2016, Country

You make me better than I was before
Thank God I’m yours

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
2015, Country

Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand
Baby, I could die a happy man

Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
2004, Country

This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Indie First Dance Songs

One Day Less – Anson Seabra
2022, Indie

I GUESS I’M IN LOVE – Clinton Kane
2021, Indie

You’re everything that I want, but I didn’t think I’d find
Someone who is worth the wait of all the years of my heartbreak
But I know now I found the one I love

Made to Love You – Drew Angus
2021, Indie

Hearts were made to beat
hands were made to hold
now with you in front of me

Crowded Room – Conor Maynard
2021, Indie

I don’t deserve this night with you
But I’d love to
Spend my life with you

For the Rest of My Life – Phil Socci
2021, Indie

Through the ups and downs
And for the rest of my life
I choose you

Amen – John Adams
2021, Indie

Oh darling I’ve stopped praying for someone
Since you came along, so
Amen

Beginning Middle End – Leah Nobel
2021, Indie

Will you be my beginning, my middle, my end?
Will you be mine?

Slow Dancing – Aly & AJ
2020, Indie

Hell’s bending keeping me captive
Heaven’s here it’s right where you’re standing
Slow dancing

Evermore – Hollow Coves
2020, Indie

That day I came to find
That you are all
I was hoping for
It’s you I’ll call
My evermore

Just You and I (Acoustic) – Tom Walker
2019, Indie

‘Cause you’re the only one
Who brings light just like the sun
One step at a time
Just you and I

I Found You – Samantha Durnan
2019, Indie

The One – Kodaline
2015, Indie

You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong
That’s how I know you are the one

Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit
2012, Indie

And with this love song to you
It’s not a momentary phase
You are my life, I don’t deserve you

Folk First Dance Songs

If I Didn’t Love You – Ben Abraham
2022, Folk

Would I be drifting
With nowhere to land?
I don’t know what I’d do
If I didn’t love you

The Best Thing – Paper Planes
2021, Folk

Home – Josh Beeman
2021, Folk

You’re the One (Acoustic) – Luca Fogale
2021, Folk

So bend the rules
Or break them all
You and I
The same old cloth

I Chose You – Caleb Edens
2019, Folk

Romanticize life in 60 years
Singing we’ll grow young together, die in love together

No Place Like You – Joy Williams
2019, Folk

There ain’t nothing I can do
‘Cause there’s no place
No place like you

Forever From Now – Sheffield
2019, Folk

I will love you forever from now
And I will hold you like no one’s around
Forever from now

Before You – Fortunate Ones
2018, Folk

And you can doubt every word I’ve ever said
Most of them are true
Like I can’t remember my life before you

I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis
2017, Folk

Oh believe me
I’ve been counting my stars
Cause I will spend my whole life
Loving you

Touching Heaven – Johnnyswim
2016, Folk

You’ve been my glimpse of Kingdom right from the start
And you got me touching heaven

You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne
2008, Folk

You please me, you don’t even have to try
Oh, because
You are the best thing

We Are Man And Wife – Michelle Featherstone
2007, Folk

There is no doubt that
You are the one for me
Cause you are the love of my life

R&B First Dance Songs

Luckiest Man – Chris Brown
2022, R&B

So Into You (Darkchild Main Version) – Jac Ross
2022, R&B

Love of My Life – Sentury
2021, R&B

Incomplete – Jay Sean
2021, R&B

Never know when it could be different
If there was no you, I’d be, I’d be incomplete

Without You – Otis Kane
2021, R&B

I don’t want to spend a day
Without you

Live Out Your Love – Kem, Toni Braxton
2020, R&B

I’m in love again
I’ll do whatever you want me to do
I’m in love again
With you

Anything For You (The Duet) – Ledisi & PJ Morton
2020, R&B

You are my life (my life), one means us two
(I’ll do) anything, anything for you

17 – Pink Sweat$
2020, R&B

I wanna love you as strong
When we’re ninety-two, the same as seventeen

Stars In The Sky – Phora feat. Jhené Aiko
2020, R&B

You know I love you
I see a halo above you
Planets align when I touch you

Collide – Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG
2019, R&B

And I love you religiously
With everything inside of me
As long as I’m
As long as I’m alive

Perfect – Johnny Gill feat. Ralph Tresvant
2019, R&B

Ooh, girl I’m telling you you’re perfect
Girl, you’re so damn perfect
You’re perfect for me

Sent From Heaven – Rahsaan Patterson
2019, R&B

A beautiful expression
An expression of love so glorious
eah, yeah, you are
Sent from heaven

The Only One – Temmora feat. Karma
2019, R&B

Baby you’re the only one
Got exactly what I want

Find Someone Like You – Snoh Aalegra
2019, R&B

And even when it’s bad, I love you
I’ve been waitin’ my whole life, to find someone like you

My Word – Derran Day
2018, R&B

We’ll never grow apart
I won’t let it happen
You have my word

Today I Do – Tamia
2018, R&B

So here I stand, baby this isn’t pretend
Oh, today I do
Today I’m saying I do to you

Beyond – Leon Bridges
2018, R&B

Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife?
She might just be my everything and beyond

Best Part – H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar
2017, R&B

Where you go I follow
No matter how far
If life is a movie
Oh you’re the best part

Why I Love You – MAJOR.
2016, R&B

Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away
Forever and a while in my heart is where you’ll stay

Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
2015, R&B

I won’t take you for granted
‘Cause we’ll never know when, when we’ll run out of time
So I’m gonna love you like I’m gonna lose you

All Of Me – John Legend
2013, R&B

‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you

Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet & Tamia
2000, R&B

Can’t you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you

Rock First Dance Songs

First Date (Acoustic) – Taylor Acorn
2022, First Date (Acoustic)

Drift Together – Jax Hollow
2021, Rock

Welcome to my life
I’ve been waiting on you, waiting waiting for a long time

nobody else – LANY
2020, Rock

And if heaven doesn’t want us
Would you go with me to hell?
Hope you know I don’t want nobody else

All Because of You – O.A.R.
2019, Rock

I’ll be here forever
We’re so good when we’re together
Let me hold you ’til we’re older

Perfect – Ed Sheeran
2017, Rock

Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I’ll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
2014, Rock

Place your head on my beating heart
I’m thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

Marry Me – Train
2010, Rock

Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me

Better Together – Jack Johnson
2005, Rock

It’s not always easy and
Sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing
it’s always better when we’re together

Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
1994, Rock

You put your hands into your head
And then its smiles cover your heart
Fade into you

Christian First Dance Love Songs

Hundred More Years – Francesca Battistelli
2011, Christian

She’s spinnin’ like a little princess
Makin’ sure he’s gonna notice
He could watch her twirl for a hundred years

When I Say I Do – Matthew West
2010, Christian

And I pray every day will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say I Do
Yea, I mean what I say when I say

Love Never Fails – Brandon Heath
2009, Christian

When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this, Greater than this

When God Made You – Newsong featuring Natalie Grant
2004, Christian

I wonder if He knew everythin I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
When God made you

I Will Be Here – Steven Chapman Curtis
1989, Christian

As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I will be here

Other First Dance Love Songs

Love Music – Lil Yachty
2021, Hip Hop

Good things about you and your ways
All I ever do is think of you (yeah)
Think of you and me holding hands

CINDERELLA, Pt. 2 – CHIKA
2021, Hip Hop

Cinderella, you sound like me
I remember you from my dreams
When I’m with you, you make time freeze

Everything – Michael Buble
2007, Jazz

It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything

First Dance FAQs

Who has the first dance with the bride?

The first dance is the first dance as a married couple by the wedding couple. This could be between the bride and groom, the groom and groom, or the bride and bride. The first dance depends on who is getting married!

What is the most played first dance song?

The most popular song played as a first dance song depends on the age of the couple. If the wedding couple is aged between 25-34, then the most popular song played currently in modern music is “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.

What is a good song for the bride and groom?

Popular songs selected by wedding couples include classic songs by Frank Sinatra, Etta James, and Elvis Presley. Modern songs selected by wedding couples include songs by John Legend, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift.

The best first dance song as a couple is a subjective choice. BUT, if I had to choose just one song, it would be I Can’t Help Falling In Love. The original is by Elvis but many covers of this song are great like Kina Grannis, Haley Reinhart, and Music Travel Love. Many brides and grooms prepare for months for their first dance by attending dance lessons. You may want to learn a magnificent waltz, spicy tango, or a glamorous dance routine you saw on Dancing with the Stars.

It is a wonderful surprise for the guests if they are entertained by the couple’s dance number. If you plan on doing a special, professional dance for your first dance, contact a local dance studio and get lessons.

When Should You Choose Your First Dance Song?

Pick out your first dance song well in advance so you can practice that specific tune and your dance moves. The most important thing is to choose something memorable from the catalog of wedding songs. First dance songs are a symbol of your love and commitment, so take your time in choosing.

Also, if you use the recorded version of the song, then practice that version. If the band or musician will play it live, try to get a recording of their version ahead of time. This is important for practice. Again, talk about coordinating the first dance with your wedding planner.

Do you cut the wedding cake before the first dance?

If you decide to not have the first dance after the grand entrance, the first dance should follow the cutting of the cake. Guests will already be near the dance floor. Having the first dance immediately following the cutting of the cake will help with the flow of events.

When is the first dance at my wedding?

The wedding’s first dance is the first dance between newlyweds as a married couple. This should be the first dance at the wedding reception immediately following the grand entrance introduction.  The first dance can also start the formal dances following the meal.

The first dance is commonly followed by the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. The end of the ceremonial dances is marked by the entire wedding party dancing. The bridal party invites others to join.

It’s your wedding party. The timing of the bride and groom’s dance at the reception is based on your preferences. The first dance can be done immediately following the grand entrance. You can be surrounded by your wedding party if you wish. If being watched makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay, too. Talk to your wedding planner, coordinate with the DJ, and earn more by reading our suggestions on how to format your wedding reception.

The progression of the evening is up to you, the wedding couple. The most important thing is to have the couple agree on a song that is special to them. To inspire you, we’ve curated the best 125 first dance songs out of thousands to choose from.

How Do You Make Your First Dance Special?

Making your first dance special is as simple as choosing a song that has meaning to you, the wedding couple. Wedding first dance songs are remembered by the wedding couple for the rest of their lives. So, it’s important to pick a song that is significant to you. Some couples choose a funny song or an instrumental song. Those can be just as memorable as a touching ballad.

When the couple chooses the first song for a reason, it’s more special. Don’t be tricked into choosing a song because it was popular or traditional. Also, remember that though people are watching you, this dance is for you. Make eye contact. Chat with each other. Caress your partner. Enjoy the moment — it’s for you.

Does a First Dance Have to be Slow?

No. The first dance at your wedding reception does not have to be slow.  However, choosing slow dance songs sets the mood for the entire reception. If you don’t have a song, we suggest selecting a song where the lyrics mean something to you.

Why do you think that Sarah McLachlan’s song “Ice Cream” is on many first dance song lists? It’s because it has cool words like “your love is better than chocolate, better than anything else that I’ve tried.” Corny? Maybe. But who cares what everyone else thinks? Maybe you met at an ice cream parlor. If that were the case, then, the song would be awesome as a first dance song.

It’s okay to be creative. Choose a song that has meaningful lyrics. You don’t have to be like everyone else and dance to the overplayed Celine Dion love songs (not that there’s anything wrong with a classic love song).

Not only does the song not have to be slow, but it doesn’t have to adhere to any musical genre. Many wedding couples take dancing lessons to a jazz song, classical, or a rock ballad. That way, bridal couples don’t look goofy dancing in a circle through the whole song (like we did).

Couples who take dance lessons have a deeper connection to the song. It will have significant meaning to them for the rest of their lives since they spent so long practicing it. They will also have the memories of getting the lessons together — a great break from the stress of planning the wedding.

How do you pick your first dance song?

Wedding couples should choose a song that means something to them. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a slow song or of a specific music style. This will be the first song as a married couple you will dance to.

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About Matthew Campbell