What is the Waltz? The Waltz is a 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 are the bride and groom dancing the 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.
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 July 31, 2020
I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You – Bob Dylan
2020, Rough and Rowdy Ways
Folk
No one ever told me, it’s just something I knew
I’ve made up my mind to give myself to you
Kiss From A Rose – Seal
1994, Seal
R&B
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels
Rockin’ Years – Porter Union
2018, Rockin’ Years
Country
And if you’ll hold me tight when you love me
That’s all I’ll ask of you
And I’ll stand by you through our rockin’ years
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
1998, Dizzy Up the Girl
Rock
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
No Ordinary Love – Sade
1992, Love Deluxe
R&B
I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give
I gave you love
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
2013, Halcyon Days
Pop
How long will I give to you
As long as I live through you
However long you say
The Only Exception – Paramore
2010, Brand New Eyes
Indie
And that was the day that I promised
I’d never sing of love if it does not exist
But, darling
You are the only exception
I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
1997, Misguided Roses
Rock
I’ll be your cryin’ shoulder
I’ll be love suicide
I’ll be better when I’m older
I’ll be the greatest fan of your life
Heart Like A Wheel – Eric Church
2018, Desperate Man
Country
I got a heart like a wheel, baby, let’s go
Get in this heart like a wheel and baby, let’s roll
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott
2017, Only Human
Pop
I’d climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
2012, Love Is a Four Letter Word
Pop
I won’t give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I’m giving you all my love
I’m still looking up
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
2001, Come Away with Me
Jazz
Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you
Waltz in the Dark – Matt Nakoa
2019, Casting Shadows
Pop
And I want you so
But let’s take it slow
‘Cause there’s nothing I’d rather do
Than waltz in the dark with you
From The Ground Up – Dan + Shay
2016, Obsessed
Country
And we’ll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
You and Me – Lifehouse
2005, Lifehouse
Rock
And it’s you and me and all of the people
And I don’t know why I can’t keep my eyes off of you
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
2017, Divide
Pop
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
Listen to our waltz songs playlist on Spotify.
Other related song lists to read:
Wedding Song Ideas Delivered Monthly!
I was looking up Waltz songs, and came across your site.
You need to look carefully at some of these songs, as they’re NOT all waltzes. A Waltz is strictly in 3/4 tempo, which some of them indeed are, but others are 12/8 or 4/4 so definitely not suitable as a waltz!!!
Just thought I’d let you know, so you can research further!!!
Thanks Rick. I will review the list again. Do you have any favorites you would add?