36 First Dance Songs to Inspire Your Perfect Wedding Song Choice

Your First Dance Should Be All About You. Not About Following The Rules.

The first dance. It’s one of those moments at your wedding that everyone watches—so it has to be perfect, right? Well, not exactly. Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all for a great first dance song. 

It doesn’t have to be a slow, orchestral ballad or something so iconic that everyone already knows the lyrics. The best first dance songs are the ones that mean something to you.

Maybe it’s a track that played on your first date, or just a weird and wonderful song that for some reasons reminds you of one another. Whether it’s a throwback R&B hit, a dreamy indie tune, or an emotional house anthem, the right song is the one that captures your story.

Let’s at least explore this idea: toss aside the traditional wedding playlist and lean into something that’s personal and actually you.

Here’s a curated list of songs that are anything but average and chosen to inspire your final decision. Get ready to find the perfect tune that’ll have you grinning and swaying on the dancefloor, feeling all the love.

💖 Modern Romance

1. “All of Me” – John Legend A classic, yes—but it’s a classic for a reason. It’s pure love, laid out in perfect harmony. If you want your first dance to feel like an emotional hug, this one’s for you.

2. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran You can’t go wrong with this one if you’re after something swoon-worthy and easy to dance to. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and guarantees a room full of smiles.

3. “You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis This one’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Emotional and moving—ideal for couples who want a truly powerful moment.

4. “Forever Like That” – Ben Rector Upbeat and sweet, it’s got that feel-good energy that makes you think of home. It’s light-hearted, personal, and packed with love.

5. “Conversations in the Dark” – John Legend For a quiet, intimate moment. This one is pure magic—subtle and powerful all at once. A beautiful choice if you’re looking for something to really connect to.

6. “Tenerife Sea” – Ed Sheeran Slightly understated, but undeniably beautiful. A perfect choice for couples who want to keep things personal and intimate, yet still have the romance dialed up to 11.

7. “Yours” – Ella Henderson or Russell Dickerson Whether you’re leaning pop or country, this track is full of heartfelt, swoon-worthy lyrics. It’s simple, real, and everything you want in a first dance.

🎸 Gorgeous Indie & Unexpected Gems

8. “Baby I’m Yours” – Arctic Monkeys (or Breakbot original) Retro, smooth, and effortlessly cool. It’s got just the right amount of swagger and romance—perfect for couples who don’t want a cookie-cutter moment.

9. “You’ve Got the Love” – Florence + The Machine (or Candi Staton original) Epic. Emotional. And perfect for a crowd moment. Whether you go soft or full-on anthem, this track delivers pure, raw energy.

10. “Only Love” – Ben Howard This one’s got that quiet, raw honesty that makes you feel all kinds of things. If you’re after something a bit more stripped-back, this one’s your go-to.

11. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers Full of folk-pop joy, this one’s great for a couple who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the moment.

12. “Grow Old with Me” – Tom Odell Tender, cinematic, and completely heartfelt. If you want to say “forever” without saying a word, this one’s the perfect fit.

13. “Heartbeats” – José González Minimal but deeply emotional. If you’re looking for something simple yet powerful, this track’s got you covered.

14. “Falling Like the Stars” – James Arthur It’s dramatic, it’s emotional, and it’s absolutely beautiful. A perfect first dance song for couples who want something deep, romantic, and full of feels.

🖤 Them Good Good R&B Hits – Throwbacks & Modern

15. “Sweet Lady” – Tyrese Pure 90s R&B magic. Smooth, sexy, and full of that nostalgic soul. A slow jam that will never go out of style.

16. “Spend My Life with You” – Eric Benét ft. Tamia A timeless duet that makes you feel like you’re the only two people in the room. Tender and sweet, it’s a true R&B classic.

17. “Differences” – Ginuwine Soft, emotional, and dripping with nostalgia. It’s one of those songs that instantly takes you back to the moments that matter.

18. “Let’s Get Married (Remix)” – Jagged Edge ft. Run DMC A little playful, a little iconic. This remix will bring some serious energy to your first dance while still keeping it romantic.

19. “So Into You” – Tamia / Fabolous Remix Silky smooth and totally swoon-worthy. If you want a modern twist on classic R&B, this one’s a winner.

20. “Fortunate” – Maxwell Deep, soulful, and completely sensual. This is a track that wraps you up in a warm embrace every time.

21. “Back at One” – Brian McKnight A true wedding staple. Emotional, smooth, and guaranteed to make everyone around you feel the love.

22. “No One” – Alicia Keys Bold, emotional, and perfect for a slow, powerful dance. This track is a declaration of love in the purest form.

23. “If I Ain’t Got You” – Alicia Keys Still one of the most beautiful love declarations in R&B. If you want something that makes a statement, this one’s perfect.

🔥 Sultry Neo Soul Tracks

24. “Get You” – Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis Smooth and sultry. This one’s got that dreamy vibe that makes you feel like you’re floating in the moment.

25. “Best Part” – Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R. Soft, intimate, and full of feeling. A perfect choice for couples who want something simple but incredibly romantic.

26. “Die With You” – Beyoncé A personal, raw love anthem. If you want to go deep, this song will definitely speak to your soul.

27. “Love” – Musiq Soulchild Classic R&B, soulful and rich. It’s all about the depths of love—perfect for a meaningful, emotional first dance.

28. “Hours and Hours” – Muni Long Sensual, modern, and full of heart. A stunning choice for couples who want a romantic moment with a modern twist.

29. “Ready for Love” – India.Arie Spiritual, grounded, and incredibly sincere. This one’s for couples who want to feel that deeper connection.

30. “Come Through” – H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown Sultry, cool, and smooth as silk. If you want to keep it modern with a touch of sexy, this track is everything.

🎛️ Lovely House & Soulful Dance Picks

31. “Latch (Acoustic)” – Sam Smith & Disclosure Stripped back, emotional, and intimate, this version of “Latch” will make you feel the love in a way that’s pure and real.

32. “My Love” – Route 94 ft. Jess Glynne A house track with real emotion behind it. It’s got energy, depth, and is a perfect dancefloor-ready pick.

33. “I Wanna Be Your Lover” – Prince Flirty, funky, and full of charisma. If you’re looking for a song with swagger, this one’s the ultimate first dance choice.

34. “Love Generation” – Bob Sinclar Upbeat, fun, and positive. If you want something a bit unconventional that’s still full of joy, this is a brilliant option.

35. “Promises” – Calvin Harris & Sam Smith Lush and emotional, with a steady house beat that will have you swaying and smiling.

36. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa Fresh, feel-good, and absolutely timeless. It’s the modern classic that feels like a celebration from the moment it starts.

Listen to all 36 tracks here on Spotify

No Right or Wrong—Just You

At the end of the day, your first dance should be yours—it’s not about following the crowd or sticking to tradition. It’s about picking something that feels like you two as a couple. Whether you go for a throwback R&B anthem, an indie gem, or a soulful house track, your first dance should capture the magic of your relationship in the best way possible.

So, take the pressure off getting it “perfect.”

Simply pick a song that makes you smile, makes you feel, and makes your heart skip a beat every time you hear it. After all, it’s your moment—dance however you want!