100 Best Last Dance Songs Romantic to Fun

Updated on February 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Last dance songs close out the reception and signal that it’s time for your guests to leave.

They are a great way to bookend your wedding reception from the first dance to the last.

This will help everyone remember the night — especially the two of you.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique last dance songs to end your reception.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected the last dance songs that include many different eras and music styles.

 
Let’s start with the most popular right now.

My Top 10 Last Dance Songs

1. “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes 
2. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
3. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
4. “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” by Elle King & Miranda Lambert
5. “Bye Bye Bye” by N’Sync
6. “Never Let You Go” Jason Derulo, Shouse
7. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
8. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
9. “One Last Dance” by John Legend
10. “The Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite

Play Last Dance Songs Playlist

What are popular last dance songs by genre?

Rock

Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) – Elle King & Miranda Lambert

Released in 2021, Genre: Alt. Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

So don’t you wait up tonight
Don’t worry, I’ll be fine
Baby, I’m drunk, and I don’t wanna go home, yeah

Dance Real Close – Jessie Payo

Released in 2019, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Shut up and kiss me, I’m talking too much
Dance to the record like they wrote it for us

Best Day Of My Life – American Authors

Released in 2013, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

I’m never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, just don’t wake me now
This is gonna be the best day of my life

Marry Me – Train

Released in 2010, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you

Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Released in 2003, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

But it’s just the price I pay, destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes, ’cause I’m Mr. Brightside

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

Released in 1998, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

I don’t want to close my eyes
I don’t want to fall asleep
‘Cause I’d miss you, babe
And I don’t want to miss a thing

Closing Time – Semisonic

Released in 1998, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from
I know who I want to take me home

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day

Released in 1997, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root

Released in 1992, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

I would like to hold my little hand
And we will run, we will, we will crawl
Send me on my way

Love Of A Lifetime – Firehouse

Released in 1991, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

I finally found the love of a lifetime
A love to last my whole life through

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It – R.E.M.

Released in 1987, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s the end of the world as we know it
It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine

Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

Released in 1986, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money

Released in 1986, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Take me home tonight
I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light
Take me home tonight

Africa – Toto

Released in 1982, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Released in 1981, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’

You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC

Released in 1980, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

And you shook me all night long
Yeah, you shook me all night long

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Released in 1978, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause I’m having a good time
(Don’t stop me now)
Yes, I’m havin’ a good time
I don’t want to stop at all

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

Released in 1977, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
Then the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize
How much I love you

Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac

Released in 1977, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here
It’ll be better than before

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Released in 1975, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Goodbye, everybody, I’ve got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth

Piano Man – Billy Joel

Released in 1973, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Sing us the song you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright

American Pie – Don McLean

Released in 1971, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

Released in 1969, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline
I believe they never could

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

Released in 1967, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

Released in 1961, Genre: Rock

Lovable Lyrics:

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can”t help falling in love with you

This list is all about the last dance. Be sure to pick your first dance song as a married couple.

Pop

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Teddy Swims

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time

Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

You’ve got a smile
Takes me to another planet
Every move you make everything you say is right
Today was a fairytale

Bang! – AJR

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Everybody come hang (come hang)
Let’s go out with a bang
Bang! Bang! Bang!

Incredible – James TW

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s getting late, wish we could stay like this forever
Dancing ’till both our feet ache
My love, nothing can break these arms

Memories – Maroon 5

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2017, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur

Released in 2016, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

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

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don’t believe me just watch (come on)

A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause you’re a sky, you’re a sky full of stars
Such a heavenly view
You’re such a heavenly view

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I’m thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Released in 2011, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Darling, don’t be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

Marry You – Bruno Mars

Released in 2010, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you

Save The Last Dance For Me – Michael Buble

Released in 2006, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

And don’t forget who’s takin’ you home
And in whose arms you’re gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Released in 2002, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you

Bye Bye Bye – N Sync

Released in 2000, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

I know that I can’t take no more
It ain’t no lie
I want to see you out that door
Baby bye bye bye

The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite

Released in 1990, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

That’s the way it’s gonna be, little darlin’
We’ll be riding on the horses, yeah
Way up in the sky, little darlin’
And if you fall I’ll pick you up

(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Released in 1987, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Now I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt like this before
Yes I swear, it’s the truth
And I owe it all to you

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley

Released in 1987, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

New York, New York – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1977, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

If I can make it there
I’ll make it practically anywhere
It’s up to you
New York, New York

Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam

Released in 1969, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

So dog-gone willin’, so kiss him
(I wanna see you kiss him, I wanna see you kiss him)
Go on and kiss him goodbye

My Way – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1969, Genre: Pop

Lovable Lyrics:

Each careful step along the byway
And more, much, much more
I did it, I did it my way

The last dance can be a romantic moment. If you want to end on a high note, there are many songs to choose from here. You can also see our list of party songs for singing and dancing too.

Country

The Best Is Yet To Come – Drake White

Released in 2018, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

But we’re just gettin’ started
It’s gonna be a long, long run
Oh, the best is yet to come

In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young

Released in 2017, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

In case you didn’t know
Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you
And I would be lyin’ if I said
That I could live this life without you

From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay

Released in 2016, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

Beside you I’ll stand through the good and the bad
We’ll give all that we have
And we’ll build this love from the ground up

Today – Brad Paisley

Released in 2016, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

Bring on tomorrow
Because the memory of a day like today
Can get your through the rest of your life

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

Released in 2015, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

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

I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice

Released in 2014, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

Spinnin’ you ’round and ’round in circles
It ain’t my style, but I don’t care
I’d do anything with you anywhere

I Don’t Want This Night To End – Luke Bryan

Released in 2011, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

And I don’t know what road we’re on
Or where we’ve been
From starin’ at you, girl
All I know is I don’t want this night to end

Then – Brad Paisley

Released in 2009, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

We’ll look back someday, at this moment that we’re in
And I’ll look at you and say
And I thought I loved you then

Makin’ Plans – Miranda Lambert

Released in 2009, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

But you know me like the back of your hand
I’m your girl and you’re my man
And we’re makin’ plans

You’re Still The One – Shania Twain

Released in 1998, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

They said, “I bet they’ll never make it”
But just look at us holding on
We’re still together, still going strong

Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks

Released in 1990, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause I’ve got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns
And the beer chases my blues away
And I’ll be okay

Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray

Released in 1980, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

Could I have this dance, for the rest of my life
Could you be my partner, every night

Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

Released in 1971, Genre: Country

Lovable Lyrics:

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong

The last dance song ends the reception. The high note that begins the reception is the introduction of the newlyweds. See a list of wedding grand entrance and introduction songs.

R&B

One Last Dance – John Legend

Released in 2022, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, this moment gave us one more chance
Why don’t we hold it before the bar closes?
One last dance

Love On Top – Beyoncé

Released in 2011, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re the one I can always call
When I need to make everything stop
Finally you put my love on top

All My Life – K-Ci & Jojo

Released in 1997, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

All my life
I prayed for someone like you
And I thank God
That I
That I finally found you

Save The Best For Last – Vanessa Williams

Released in 1992, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Isn’t this world a crazy place?
Just when I thought our chance had passed
You go and save the best for last

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston

Released in 1987, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

Just The Two Of Us – Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr.

Released in 1981, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Just the two of us
Building them castles in the sky
Just the two of us
You and I

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

Released in 1978, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Found the love we shared in September
Only blue talk and love
Remember
True love we share today

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Released in 1975, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime
And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare, oh!
This will be an everlasting love
Oh, yes it will now!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles

Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more

My Girl – The Temptations

Released in 1964, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

I’ve got a sweeter song
Than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way
My girl

Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Released in 1961, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

At Last – Etta James

Released in 1960, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Shout – The Isley Brothers

Released in 1959, Genre: R&B

Lovable Lyrics:

You’ve been good to me, baby
Better than I’ve been to myself
Hey hey, and if you ever leave me
I don’t want nobody else

If you want to have a private moment at the end of the reception, see a list of popular slow dance songs too.

Folk

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Ron Pope, The National Parks

Released in 2022, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s something unpredictable
But in the end, it’s right
I hope you had the time of your life

Simply the Best – Noah Reid

Released in 2018, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met

Ho Hey – The Lumineers

Released in 2013, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweetheart

Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Released in 2010, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you

You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne

Released in 2008, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

We’ve come a long way, baby
You know, I hope and I pray that you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away

Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

Released in 2004, Genre: Folk

Lovable Lyrics:

So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Rock me mama anyway you feel
Hey mama rock me

Other moments to set to music include the wedding cake cutting song, bride’s bouquet toss songs, and groom’s garter toss songs.

EDM & Dance

Never Let You Go – Jason Derulo, Shouse

Released in 2022, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

How am I supposed to go and live it
Comparing everybody to you?
No, I won’t forget you
Won’t forget you

Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake

Released in 2016, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance

Stole the Show – Kygo and Parson James

Released in 2022, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

So hold for the applause, oh
And wave out to the crowd, and take our final bow
Oh, it’s our time to go, but at least we stole the show

Get Lucky – Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams

Released in 2022, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

We’re up all night to get some
We’re up all night for good fun
We’re up all night to get lucky

Glad You Came – The Wanted

Released in 2011, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

The sun goes down, the stars come out
And all that counts is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I’m glad you came

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Released in 2009, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

Let’s paint the town, we’ll shut it down
Let’s burn the roof and then we’ll do it again

Forever – Chris Brown

Released in 2008, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun
And dance forever ever ever

One More Time – Daft Punk

Released in 2000, Genre: Dance

Lovable Lyrics:

One more time, we’re gonna celebrate
Oh yeah, alright, don’t stop the dancing

Disco

Celebration – Kool & the Gang

Released in 1980, Genre: Disco

Lovable Lyrics:

There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We’re gonna celebrate your party wlth you

We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Released in 1979, Genre: Disco

Lovable Lyrics:

We are family (hey, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family (oh, I can hear you now)
Get up everybody and sing

Last Dance – Donna Summer

Released in 1978, Genre: Disco

Lovable Lyrics:

So let’s dance, the Last Dance
Let’s dance, the Last Dance
Let’s dance, this Last Dance tonight

Other

The Best Is Yet to Come – Tom Walker

Released in 2022, Genre: Singer-Songwriter

Lovable Lyrics:

The best is yet to come
In life, I’ve made a few mistakes
But you were never one, my love

Closing Time – The Chardon Polka Band

Released in 2020, Genre: Polka

Lovable Lyrics:

Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from

Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper

Released in 2017, Genre: Hip Hop

Lovable Lyrics:

Left foot, let’s stomp
Cha cha now y’all
Now it’s time to get funky

Our Love – Judah & the Lion

Released in 2013, Genre: Singer-Songwriter

Lovable Lyrics:

As I wait for you
And we’ll find the love
We’ve wanted so
And all come true

Young Forever – Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson

Released in 2010, Genre: Hip Hop

Lovable Lyrics:

Forever young
I wanna be forever young (yes)
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever and ever

Cupid Shuffle – Cupid

Released in 2007, Genre: Hip Hop

Lovable Lyrics:

To the left, to the left, to the left, to the left
Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick
Now walk it by yourself, now walk it by yourself

Lose Yourself – Eminem

Released in 2002, Genre: Hip Hop

Lovable Lyrics:

You better lose yourself in the music
The moment, you own it, you better never let it go (Go)
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo

One Love / People Get Ready – Bob Marley

Released in 1977, Genre: Reggae

Lovable Lyrics:

So shall it be in the end (one heart)
All right! Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Let’s get together and feel all right

It Had To Be You – Tony Bennett

Released in 1956, Genre: Jazz

Lovable Lyrics:

For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults I love you still
It had to be you

What should the last dance song of the wedding be?

The last dance song is a closing element to the perfect night. You basically have two choices for the tone of the last dance: slow or upbeat.

A slow song will help the guests key down from their sugar highs (cake, right?). It also signals that the party is over. (Please, leave, thanks for the presents.)

On the other hand, finishing the night with the last dance surrounded by your friends can be fun, too.

You can choose to end your wedding reception on a high note with an upbeat song that everyone will remember (and feel good about that gift they bought).

What is a good last song for a wedding?

There are two ways to end the night. One is with a bang with an upbeat party song like “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” or with the dance floor full of couples playing a romantic song like “At Last,” a classic by Etta James.

Remember, it’s your wedding so the choice is yours. Just be sure to pay attention to the lyrics.

Avoid breakup songs — even if they’re upbeat. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy or “Mambo No 5” by Lou Bega maybe aren’t the best choices for the last dance.

Can we have a private last dance (secret last dance)?

Your last dance can be a private dance. The private last dance is when the DJ gently nudges guests out the door for an official send-off. The empty room only has the wedding couple, DJ, and photographer to capture the moment.

A private last dance is a good way to refocus on yourselves — the wedding couple. Talk to your professional wedding coordinator and DJ to choose a song that will set the tone for the night, the honeymoon, and the rest of your lives.

What music is played at the end of a wedding ceremony?

The song played at the end of a wedding is the recessional – the song that is playing as the wedding couple walks out after the first kiss. Your recessional could incorporate a few songs as the wedding party and guests leave. See our list of recessional songs to help guide you.

Should the last dance at a wedding be slow?

The last dance should include 2 songs. The first is a slow song to get all of the couples on the dance floor. Then, kick the music in high gear with a party song that will have everyone singing and dancing to end on a high note and be excited about the send-off.

How do you end a wedding reception?

Couples typically end their wedding reception with the last dance, slow song, or on a high note. Then, guests proceed outside the reception venue for a final send-off with bubbles, sparklers, or fireworks.

So, how do you end a perfect wedding reception? With the last dance, of course.

About Matthew Campbell