Your first dance as a married couple is more than just a charming tradition—it’s a moment that encapsulates your unique love story in front of your closest friends and family. Selecting the perfect wedding song can feel like a momentous decision, as it serves as the soundtrack to one of life’s most memorable experiences. Whether you lean toward timeless classics or have something more contemporary in mind, the right song should resonate like it was written for you. To make this choice a little easier, we’ve curated a list of 10 popular first wedding dance selections and paired them with some of our unexpected favorites. These unforgettable first wedding dance songs are sure to create the perfect atmosphere. So, grab your partner, hit play, and get ready to dance into forever!

1. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” is the coziest of first wedding dance songs for a couple who is romantic, sentimental, and nostalgic. They’re the type who value timeless love over flashy trends, preferring heartfelt moments over grand gestures. They probably enjoy cozy nights in, binge-watching Netflix, and slow dancing in the kitchen. This couple appreciates the beauty in their day-to-day routines together. They might not be flashy dancers, but they know that the real magic is in the connection, not the choreography. If you’re all about meaningful lyrics, tender moments, and building a love that ages gracefully, “Thinking Out Loud” is your wedding song.

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing twist on the same cozy, romantic vibes of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” look no further than Ben Rector’s “Forever Like That.” It captures that same warm, romantic essence but presents it in a sentimental package that’s sure to charm.

2. Chris Stapleton’s “Joy of My Life” is the musical equivalent of a deep breath of fresh, country air—a little rugged, super soulful, and all heart. This is an excellent pick for the couple that values the simple joys in life, like long drives with the windows rolled down, quiet nights under the stars, and the charm of a small town – the kind of couple that sees each other as their greatest gift and keeps it real in love and in life.

While we trust in Stapleton and his soulful sound, Stoney LaRue’s “Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” is another fantastic choice that captures a similarly rugged authenticity with a unique flair. “This is my favorite first dance song,” says Lost Wax’s Music Director, Marc Houser. “It’s unique. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet song that’s great in its simplicity.  Its slightly subdued nature keeps the focus on the couple, and the band doesn’t accidentally steal the spotlight.  Every time we do it, people smile and sing along if they know it,” he says. “It’s also nostalgic for anyone that’s been to a country dancehall in the last decade.” It’s the perfect anthem for couples who embrace love with a down-to-earth vibe and a spirit of adventure.

3. Choosing Etta James “At Last” as a first wedding dance song is a timeless decision that encapsulates the profound emotions of love and commitment. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this classic ballad consistently tops the charts for first dance songs—and for good reason! It’s Lost Wax’s most-played first wedding dance song because it resonates with couples who have waited for their perfect match and captures the essence of classic love. Etta’s rich, velvety vocals evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia and classic romance, making it the ideal backdrop for those who want to celebrate their journey together with elegance and sincerity.

Audrey Hepburn’s “Moon River” is a stunning choice for couples seeking to infuse their wedding with elegance and nostalgia. Like “At Last,” it has a timeless quality but with more cinematic, understated grace. The song’s soft, dreamy melody and classic charm make it perfect for a first wedding dance that feels both intimate and sophisticated.

4. John Legend’s “All of Me” has earned its place as a beloved staple for weddings and intimate occasions, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics that beautifully express unconditional love. This ballad features a gentle piano melody, perfectly capturing the essence of vulnerability and devotion. Legend’s lyrics celebrate the beauty of loving someone wholly, flaws and all. Whether played during a first dance or a quiet moment together, “All of Me” invites couples to reflect on their unique journey and the deep connection that makes love extraordinary. It’s the perfect pick for a couple committed to supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

In the same vein as “All of Me,” Leon Bridge’s “Beyond” makes for a stunningly unforgettable first wedding dance choice. Bridges’ velvety lyrics capture the essence of deep affection and the desire for an everlasting connection. “Beyond” is beyond a song—it’s a soundtrack to a lifetime filled with laughter, adventures, and the kind of love that knows no bounds.

5. When a couple picks Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as their first dance song, you know they’re embracing timeless romance with a dash of classic charm. This is for the couple who believes in fate and that some things are simply meant to be. They’re probably old souls at heart, drawn to the idea that love is an effortless, magnetic pull to one another, a feeling you can’t resist—just like the iconic melody of this song. The couple that chooses “Can’t Help Falling in Love” appreciates vintage, and they know that some things, like love and Elvis, never go out of style.

With a similarly vintage feel, The Beatles’ “Something” makes a statement. Something isn’t a swoony ballad—it’s a song for a wedding couple who appreciates the indescribable things that draw them to each other. George Harrison’s soulful lyrics create a tender and introspective vibe. It’s a perfect choice for a creative couple who might be a little bit unconventional and feel their connection on a cosmic level—they want their first dance to showcase the magic that is their love. 

6. When Taylor Swift’s “Lover” is chosen for a first dance song, not only does Lost Wax swoon, but so does all of Kansas City. A couple that chooses “Lover” is a couple celebrating their love in modern poetry form. Swift delivers the lyrics like they’re handwritten notes folded into paper airplanes, soaring through the whirlwind of life. “‘Lover’ is perfect because of its timeless feel,” says Lost Wax vocalist Julie Pope. “Obviously, it’s a newer song, but the walking baseline and time signature give it a vintage feel that transcends time and space— so romantic! Also, the bridge switches to a “wedding march” underscore, which is perfect!” says Julie, making “Lover” an excellent choice for a wedding grand entrance song as well. Lines like “Can I go where you go?” are a testament to choosing each other every day, forever. “Lover” is an intimate, understated choice for the modern-day romantic.

You won’t find Paper Kite’s “Bloom” on just any Top 10 list. “Bloom” is a unique choice for a deeply connected couple. It’s a song that feels private yet expansive, much like love. This song is an unforgettable choice for a couple that is rooted but also blossoming and always growing.

7. If a couple chooses Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up,” they’ve navigated rough seas together and have come out on the other side with an unbreakable bond. This is a song choice for a couple with a story of redemption to tell—a couple that celebrates the fact that they are each other’s safety. “Cover Me Up” is no sugary wedding ballad. Isbell’s lyrics are raw and unflinchingly honest. “There’s a lot you can say about ‘Cover Me Up,’” says Lost Wax band leader Patrick Woolam, “it’s very intimate and sentimental. Stripping this one down to a solo wedding musician with an acoustic guitar can really enhance the intimacy of this song. It’s a great pick, not only lyrically, but also because of its versatility.”

Similar in its gritty nature, Tyler Childers’ “All Your’n” has a vibe that speaks to a couple uninterested in a cookie-cutter romance. “All Your’n” is for a couple who is spontaneous, adventurous and full of life. Its twangy groove and playful lyrics will have your guests singing along to the soundtrack of your love story.

8. Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” is the first dance song choice for a joyful kind of couple who brightens every room they walk into. “You Are the Best Thing” is all about feel-good vibes and infectious energy while maintaining a retro-soul feel. It’s perfect for the easy-going romantic who wants to make their first wedding dance less about formality and more about celebration.

If you’re a couple choosing Bright Eyes’ “First Day of My Life,” you might be giving major elder-emo millennial vibes—but you’d be totally right to do it! The acoustic simplicity of this tender song perfectly captures the no-frills, sincere, and maybe a little quirky nature of your relationship. It’s the kind of first dance song that turns a room full of guests into silent, captivated onlookers as they witness a love story that feels raw, heartfelt, and beautifully genuine.

9. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King is the first wedding dance song for a grounded, loyal couple who offer a partnership to each other through thick and thin. Its familiar vintage feel takes on a level of classic elegance when chosen as a first dance.

Elton John’s “Your Song” is one of the most genuinely heartfelt love songs ever written, with lyrics that radiate sincerity and sweetness. Lost Wax vocalist Julie Pope highlights the line, “How wonderful life is now that you’re in the world,” as truly unmatched. “It’s also a classic that even grandparents can sing along to,” she adds, making it a song that bridges generations with its timeless charm and universal message of love.

10. Whether you choose Bob Dylan’s original or Adele’s powerful rendition, “Make You Feel My Love” carries an emotional depth that resonates beautifully in the intimate setting of a wedding. With various renditions available, couples can easily put a modern twist on this classic, allowing them to personalize their moment while still embracing the song’s profound sentiment.

Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is another of Pope’s favorites. “I recently had a couple do a little foxtrot to ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ and it was really sweet,” Pope shared. “The bride was a professional dancer, and the groom wasn’t, but they had such a fun spirit about it! Sometimes, choreography can get stressful and take away from the fun, but they were having a blast!” The smooth melody and timeless vibe of this wedding song makes a perfect pairing with playful choreography and can create an unexpected charm that makes the moment truly special.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the perfect first wedding dance song is an essential part of setting the right atmosphere for your big day. Whether you’re all about those heartfelt classics or vibing with modern romantic anthems, the right track is what truly speaks to your unique love story. Want to find the song that will make your first dance unforgettable? Let Lost Wax be your guide as you dance into forever!