Slow Dance Songs for Your Wedding Reception: Trending Hits
Slow dance songs are what many couples wait for to dance. People who don’t feel comfortable dancing, will typically at least dance to a slow song.
As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of songs for the first dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples.
Trending Dance Ballads
- “All I Really Wanna Do” by Devon Gilfillian (R&B – 2023)
- “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera (Rock – 1986)
- “It’s A Wrap” by Mariah Carey (R&B – 2009)
- “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor, John Legend (Pop – 2015)
- “Nightshift” by The Commodores (R&B – 1985)
- “Sure Thing” by Miguel (R&B – 2010)
- “Touching Heaven” by JOHNNYSWIM (Singer-Songwriter – 2016)
- “Under The Influence” by Chris Brown (R&B – 2019)
- “Waterfalls” by TLC (R&B – 1994)
- “Weak” by SWV (R&B – 1992)
Trending Wedding Slow Dance Songs
- “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Stream Slow Dance Playlist
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Listen to your favorite songs on streaming services!
Popular Slow Dance Songs
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
Released in 2019 as a single 10,000 Hours
A blend of country and pop to let someone know you will love them forever.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life
I’m gonna love you
Lover – Taylor Swift
Released in 2019 on the album Lover
Swifties can dance with their lovers while serenading them.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever)
Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
Released in 2018 on the album This One’s for You Too (Deluxe Edition)
A very popular first dance song that you can let someone know you love them.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Yeah, she’s crazy
But her crazy’s beautiful to me
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
Released in 2018 as a single You Are The Reason
A duet love song you can sing to each other while holding in each other’s arms.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’d climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
Speechless – Dan + Shay
Released in 2018 on the album Dan + Shay
A popular song for brides to walk down the aisle but a very popular love song everyone will recognize.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You already know that you’re my weakness
After all this time I’m just as nervous
Every time you walk into the room
Beyond – Leon Bridges
Released in 2018 on the album Good Thing
My favorite on the list. Period. So much soul and emotion in the song that will pack the dance floor.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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
Released in 2017 on the album Freudian
Who wouldn’t want to dance to a song that lets others know that they are the best part of your life?
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I know you’re a star
Where you go I follow
No matter how far
If life is a movie
Oh you’re the best part
Tip
If you want a slow song for your first dance, see a list of first dance songs to add to your wedding playlist.
In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young
Released in 2017 on the album Brett Young
A very romantic love song to get couples onto the dance floor.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
In case you didn’t know
Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you
Heaven – Kane Brown
Released in 2016 on the album Kane Brown
Brown’s breakthrough love song will have couples swaying to the music.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I swear you’re an angel
Sent to this world
What did I do right to deserve you, girl?
Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Released in 2015 on the album Traveller
One of the greatest country singers of all time puts his heart on the line on this love track.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Released in 2014 on the album X
One of the most popular modern pop artists hit the mark with this love tune.
Most Meaningful 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
All Of Me – John Legend
Released in 2013 on the album Love in the Future
Even though the song has been played at many weddings, it is truly a modern love classic.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Released in 2011 on the album The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 Soundtrack
Because the song was played in the wedding scene in the movie, this song will have everyone gushing with love.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I have died every day, waiting for you
Darling, don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
Released in 2011 on the album Red River Blue
What better than going through life with the one you love and being thankful for them?
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
Tip
If you are good dancers, then see a waltz playlist.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Released in 2008 on the album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
A pop love song couples will appreciate and dance to.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours
You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Released in 2008 on the album Gossip in the Grain
A mid-tempo love song that many guests will love with the raspiness and soul in his voice.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You know I hope and I pray
That you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away
Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Released in 2004 on the album Feels Like Today
Many couples have incorporated this song over the years into their wedding playlists and it will bring back lots of fond memories.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
The Luckiest – Ben Folds
Released in 2001 on the album Rockin’ the Suburbs
For couples wanting unique love songs, play this one as it appreciates being lucky to find the one you love.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I love you more then have
Ever found the way to say
To you
Amazed – Lonestar
Released in 1999 on the album Lonely Grill
Another country classic that will fill the dance floor with couples young and old.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’m so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
Released in 1998 on the album Armageddon Soundtrack
One of the greatest rock love songs of all time. You cannot go wrong with this gem.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I don’t want to fall asleep
‘Cause I’d miss you, babe
And I don’t want to miss a thing
All My Life – K-Ci & Jojo
Released in 1998 on the album Love Always
For R&B lovers, this tune will set the dance floor on fire with romance.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And all my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
Tip
The 90s has some of the best slow songs! See our list of 1990s R&B slow dance love songs.
Kiss From A Rose – Seal
Released in 1994 on the album Seal
A throwback that many will recognize and was even included in the Batman Forever movie.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain
To me you’re like a growing addiction that I can’t deny, yeah
Won’t you tell me is that healthy, baby?
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Released in 1977 on the album Slowhand
A classic rock love song that any rock fan will get out of their seat and dance with their significant other.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And then she asks me, Do you feel all right?
And I say, “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Released in 1971 on the album Let’s Stay Together
A song you can play as an anniversary dance song for the longest-married couple.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Cause you make me feel so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you
Your Song – Elton John
Released in 1970 on the album Elton John
Elton crosses generations and this timeless classic will have every couple singing along and dancing.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one’s for you
Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
Released in 1965 on the album Just Once in My Life
The song transcends generations because of its inclusion in the movie Ghost.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
My Girl – The Temptations
Released in 1964 on the album The Temptations Sing Smokey
Even though it is a father-and-daughter song, this one is a great dance starter.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Released in 1964
Most people love the crooning sound of Sinatra and this is one of his most famous slow songs.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
‘Cause I love you
A-just the way you look tonight
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Released in 1961 on the album Blue Hawaii
I consider this the greatest wedding song of all time. Everyone will dance to this slow song!
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can’t help falling in love with you
At Last – Etta James
Released in 1960 on the album At Last!
Now that you are finally married, dance this slow dance with your new husband or wife.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over and life is like a song
FAQs
Of course, there could be thousands of songs we could have on this list. That being said, if you have a favorite slow song, please share your song below and why you love it so much to play at your wedding! We do read and respond to all comments.
