25 classic first dance wedding songs for your special day

classic first dance wedding songs

Looking through first dance songs, there’s no doubt you’ll want to pick one that perfectly captures your wedding day. The first dance is one of the monumental spotlight moments on the bride and groom on their wedding day. The song they choose has to reflect their personality and the theme of their marriage. Let’s find the best classical first dance wedding songs that are out-of-the-box!

Want to take a trip back in time for your big moment in the spotlight? Here are 25 Amazing unique first dance wedding songs that you probably haven’t heard at a wedding.

 

Classic first dance wedding songs

 

1- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

The most popular classic wedding song is Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” Sheeran’s list includes two other songs: “Tenerife Sea” (which features Taylor Swift) and “Kiss Me.”

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud [Official Video]
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud [Official Video]
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud [Official Video]

 

2- Al green wedding song “Let’s Stay Together”

Al Green’s most successful selling song and most well known Let’s Stay Together is one of the best classic first dance wedding songs.

Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Al Green - Let's Stay Together

 

3- “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker

This classic hit song is definitely one way to make your wedding day memorable.

Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful
Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful
Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful

 

4- “Our Love Is Here To Stay” by Billie Holiday
If you are a jazz lover, this song will be one of your best jazz classic wedding dance songs.

Billie Holiday - (Our) Love Is Here To Stay (Verve Records 1957)
Billie Holiday - (Our) Love Is Here To Stay (Verve Records 1957)
Billie Holiday - (Our) Love Is Here To Stay (Verve Records 1957)

 

5- “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

This emotive song has gained traction as a matrimonial favourite since it featured in the 2009 rom-com I Love You, Man.

Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing

 

6- “I Believe in You” by Mel Tillis

Your wedding day should reflect happy sentiments with inspiring songs about finding your special someone. This song is a good choice.

Mel Tillis - I Believe In You
Mel Tillis - I Believe In You
Mel Tillis - I Believe In You

 

Read also: 9 Amazing Celine Dion duets

7- “As Time Goes By” Dooley Wilson

When you’re choosing love songs, look for upbeat ditties that offer special, unique and one-of-a-kind. “As Time Goes By” will reflect what you want to say perfectly.

Casablanca - As Time Goes By - Original Song by Sam (Dooley Wilson)
Casablanca - As Time Goes By - Original Song by Sam (Dooley Wilson)
Casablanca - As Time Goes By - Original Song by Sam (Dooley Wilson)

 

8-“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King

There are thousands (okay, millions?) of wedding songs to choose from, That’s right, but we recommend this song to add to your list.

Stand By Me, Ben E King, 1961
Stand By Me, Ben E King, 1961
Stand By Me, Ben E King, 1961

 

9- “Your Song” by Elton John

Countless couples have danced to Elton John’s songs at their weddings, this John’s song “Your Song” is a great choice.

Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971)
Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971)
Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971)

 

10- “There is Love”  by Noel Paul Stookey

This lovely song can also make it into the setlist for your wedding band or on the must-play list for your DJ.

Noel Paul Stookey - Wedding Song (There is Love)
Noel Paul Stookey - Wedding Song (There is Love)
Noel Paul Stookey - Wedding Song (There is Love)

 

11- Eric Clapton first dance song “Wonderful Tonight” by 

This song, whose lyric (“I feel wonderful because I see , The love light in your eyes”) seems especially resonant on any wedding day.

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (Official Live Video)
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (Official Live Video)
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (Official Live Video)

 

12- “At Last” by Etta James

According to Spotify, newlyweds across the globe are huge fans of  Etta James song “At Last” as their first dance song.

Etta James - At Last - Lyrics
Etta James - At Last - Lyrics
Etta James - At Last - Lyrics

 

13- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Who wouldn’t want to include some epic slow dances to must-play songs list on his wedding day? This song should be on your list.

Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight

 

14- “one moment in time” by Whitney Houston

This glorious song is regularly soundtracks weddings around the globe.

Whitney Houston- one moment in time lyrics
Whitney Houston- one moment in time lyrics
Whitney Houston- one moment in time lyrics

 

15- “Could I have this dance” by Anne Murray

This beautiful song continues to melt hearts worldwide.

ANNE MURRAY - Could I Have This Dance 1980
ANNE MURRAY - Could I Have This Dance 1980
ANNE MURRAY - Could I Have This Dance 1980

 

16-  “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis

“Chances Are” is a popular song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman, used as classic first dance song by many couples around the world.

Johnny Mathis - Chances Are
Johnny Mathis - Chances Are
Johnny Mathis - Chances Are

 

17- “Embraceable You” The Nat King Cole Trio

The right music can make your big day all the more memorable. Check this masterpiece.

'Embraceable You'   The Nat King Cole Trio
'Embraceable You' The Nat King Cole Trio
'Embraceable You' The Nat King Cole Trio

 

18-  “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Another great choice on our list of the best classic first dance songs of all-time.

Marvin Gaye with Tammi Terrell   You're all I need to get by
Marvin Gaye with Tammi Terrell You're all I need to get by
Marvin Gaye with Tammi Terrell You're all I need to get by

 

19- “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by The Mamas & The Papas

One of songs that are widely played regularly as classic 1st dance wedding song right now.

Dream A Little Dream Of Me - The Mamas & The Papas
Dream A Little Dream Of Me - The Mamas & The Papas
Dream A Little Dream Of Me - The Mamas & The Papas

 

20- “Everything” by Michael Bublé

This song will bring out all the feels and make the reception feel like a giant love fest.

Everything-Michael Buble Lyrics.
Everything-Michael Buble Lyrics.
Everything-Michael Buble Lyrics.

 

21- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

“Make You Feel My Love,” by love song queen Adele are also on our list.

Adele - Make You Feel My Love (w/ lyrics)
Adele - Make You Feel My Love (w/ lyrics)
Adele - Make You Feel My Love (w/ lyrics)

 

22- “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain & Brian Adams

When a couple dances as husband and wife for first time, it is a magical moment, usually capped off by a wonderful song such as this song “That’s How Strong My Love Is”.

From This moment (Shania Twain/Bryan Adams)-
From This moment (Shania Twain/Bryan Adams)-
From This moment (Shania Twain/Bryan Adams)-

 

23- “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones

The titular song from Norah’s 2002 multi-platinum debut album has since gone on to shine at weddings the world over.

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (Official Video)
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (Official Video)
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (Official Video)

 

24- “Besame Mucho” by Cesaria Evora

As much as you’d like for your first dances to be special, unique and one-of-a-kind, this song will be your perfect choice. It is One of the most romantic wedding songs of all time.

Besame Mucho Cesaria Evora
Besame Mucho Cesaria Evora
Besame Mucho Cesaria Evora

 

25- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri 

Some of the most romantic songs come from recent memory, Check this song.

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]
Christina Perri - A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]
Christina Perri - A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]




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