16 Modern Waltz Wedding Songs

What is the Waltz? The Waltz is ballroom dance in triple time with a strong accent on the first beat. The waltz is primarily danced in the closed position. It is believed to have started in the 16th century. Waltz wedding songs are incorporated into many of today’s weddings.

A typical song is about 3-4 minutes in length. Therefore, plan for a minimum of 12 hours of practice to perfect your dance. If you choose to make your first dance a waltz, contact your local dance studio and they will help with a choreographed routine.  

If you select your wedding reception’s first dance like a waltz, it is also commonly known as the Bridal Waltz.

Please keep song tempo in mind when selecting your song. Listen to the song and picture your steps to the beat of the music. A slower tempo is recommended for those not too sure on your dance feet.

Modern Waltz Wedding Songs

Updated June 23, 2019

16. Is It You (I Have Loved) – Becky Taylor (Featured in Shrek originally sung by Dana Glover in Little Mermaid)
2005 (Classical)

15. Kiss From A Rose – Seal
1994 (R&B)

14. Satellite – Dave Matthews Band
1993 (Rock)

13. Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
1998 (Rock)

12. No Ordinary Love – Sade
1992 (R&B)

11. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
1991 (Hard Rock)

10. Open Arms – Journey
1981 (Rock)

9. I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
1997 (Rock)

8. Heart Like A Wheel – Eric Church
2018 (Country)

7. Caribbean Blue – Enya
1991 (New Age)

6. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
2012 (Pop)

5. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
2001 (Jazz)

4. Waltz in the Dark – Matt Nakoa
2019 (Pop)

3. From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay
2016 (Country)

2. You and Me – Lifehouse
2005 (Rock)

1. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
2017 (Pop)

If you are the bride and groom dancing a waltz for your first dance, be sure to practice with the bride wearing her wedding dress (even if it is in private without the groom). This way you can test the length of the dress and the weight so all the turns can be performed as expected.

If you would like to see a waltz danced, view past shows of Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. Some of the songs listed below were danced to on past episodes. For your convenience, we also listed the music genre and release date of each song.