Your first dance at your wedding is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. For the bride and groom, it can somehow feel both public and personal at the same time. The lights soften, the room quiets down, the music starts, and suddenly it’s just the two of you, on a night you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Raleigh, our dance instructors work with couples attending wedding dance lessons to choose the best song that fits the mood and style of their special day. Join us as we explore some of the best wedding first dance songs, and how our Raleigh dance studio can help you turn your favorite love song into a confident, unforgettable first dance.
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Ideas for First Dance Songs for Your Wedding
Every couple’s taste is different, so instead of one giant list, here are grouped first dance songs that match real wedding moods. Use these dance songs as your “short list” builder to determine the best first dance songs for your unique event.
Timeless Wedding First Dance Songs
If you want the perfect first dance song that never feels dated, timeless wedding songs are the safest (and most romantic) route. These classics typically have clear rhythm, well-paced tempos, and heartfelt lyrics that feel meaningful without being over the top. They also photograph beautifully—especially for couples who want their first dance to look smooth and natural, not rushed or overly choreographed.
- Can’t Help Falling in Love” — Elvis Presley
- “Unchained Melody” — The Righteous Brothers
- “L-O-V-E” — Nat King Cole
- “The Way You Look Tonight” — Frank Sinatra
- “Fly Me to the Moon” — Frank Sinatra
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” — Frankie Valli
- “Unforgettable” — Nat King Cole
- At Last” — Etta James
Best Modern First Dance Songs
Modern first dance songs are perfect for couples who want something current that still feels wedding-appropriate. These songs usually have a cleaner sound, more relatable lyrics, and a tempo that works well for beginner dance steps. If you want your first dance to feel like “you” (not like you borrowed it from your parents’ wedding video), this category is a great place to start.
- “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran
- “All of Me” — John Legend
- "Love Story" — Taylor Swift
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” — James Arthur
- “A Thousand Years” — Christina Perri
- “Better Together” — Jack Johnson
- "Make You Feel My Love" – Adele
- “I’m Yours (Wedding Version)” — Jason Mraz
Several of these are modern classics because they blend romantic lyrics with steady tempo—ideal for a relaxed first dance.
Best Acoustic Ballad First Dance Songs
Acoustic ballads are ideal if you want your first dance to feel calm, emotional, and intimate. With fewer instruments and softer pacing, these songs give couples space to breathe, connect, and move naturally on the dance floor. They’re also a great choice if you’re nervous—acoustic music tends to make the moment feel gentler and less “performative.”
- “Better Together” — Jack Johnson
- “Perfect (Acoustic Version)” — Ed Sheeran
- “Lover (Acoustic)” — Taylor Swift
- “Bloom” — The Paper Kites
- “First Day of My Life” — Bright Eyes
- “Heartbeats” — José González
- “Come Away With Me” — Norah Jones
- “The Book of Love” — Peter Gabriel
Best Country-Style First Dance Songs
Country-style first dance songs are often chosen for one big reason: storytelling. The lyrics are usually direct, heartfelt, and packed with meaning—which makes them perfect for couples who want their first dance to feel personal and sincere. If you want romantic lyrics that sound like vows without actually being vows, these wedding songs tend to hit the mark.
- “When I Said I Do” — Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black
- “Look at Us” — Vince Gill
- “Then” — Brad Paisley
- “I Cross My Heart” — George Strait
- “You Are” — Jimmy Wayne
- “Tennessee Orange” — Megan Moroney
- “Made for You” — Jake Owen
- “Bless the Broken Road” — Rascal Flatts
Best Rock First Dance Songs
Not every couple wants a traditionally slow wedding first dance song—and that’s totally fine. Rock songs are a great choice for couples who want their first dance to feel a little more personal, a little less “scripted,” and more like the music they actually listen to on a normal night at home. Many rock love songs have a strong emotional build, meaningful lyrics, and a steady beat that works surprisingly well for a first dance.
- “Thank You” — Led Zeppelin
- “Wonderful Tonight” — Eric Clapton
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” — Aerosmith
- “Something” — The Beatles
- “I’ll Be There for You” — Bon Jovi
- “Just Like Heaven” — The Cure
- “Chasing Cars” — Snow Patrol
- “Nothing Else Matters” — Metallica
How to Match Your Wedding Song to Your Dance Style
If you’re worried you’ll feel awkward during your first dance, you’re not alone. Most couples walk into our Raleigh dance studio with the primary worry that, since they are not dancers, they don’t want to look awkward in front of their family and friends on their wedding day.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Raleigh, we don’t teach one “generic” first dance. We help you find the right feel based on your song choice, your comfort level, and how you want that moment to look on the dance floor.
Ballroom Dance for Weddings
Ballroom dancing is the go-to choice for couples who want their first dance to feel smooth, timeless, and romantic. Ballroom movement looks polished on camera, photographs beautifully, and creates that “wow” factor without anything flashy.
These first dance songs pair well with a classic ballroom vibe:
- “Moon River” — Andy Williams
- “The Nearness of You” — Ella Fitzgerald
- “Always” — Irving Berlin
- “Come Rain or Come Shine” — Ray Charles
- “You Make Me Feel So Young” — Frank Sinatra
- “Someone to Watch Over Me” — Louis Armstrong
- “Your Song” — Elton John
- “When I Fall in Love” — Nat King Cole
Latin Dance for Weddings
Latin dancing is a great choice for couples who want their first dance to feel confident, romantic, and full of chemistry. It adds personality and rhythm to the moment, and it’s ideal for couples who want something a little more energetic than a traditional slow sway—without making it feel like a performance.
These first dance songs pair well with a Latin-inspired vibe:
- “Sway” — Michael Bublé
- “Besame Mucho” — Andrea Bocelli
- “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” — Nat King Cole
- “La Vie En Rose” — Louis Armstrong
- “Love You Like a Love Song” — Selena Gomez
- “Hero” — Enrique Iglesias
- “I Like It” — Enrique Iglesias
- “I Won’t Give Up” — Jason Mraz
Swing Dance for Weddings
Swing dancing is perfect for couples who want their first dance to feel joyful, lighthearted, and memorable. This style is a favorite for couples who want guests smiling, cameras flashing, and a little extra “fun” built into the night. It can still feel romantic—just with a playful edge that keeps the energy up.
These wedding first dance songs pair well with a swing-style vibe:
- “Cheek to Cheek” — Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me” — Ella Fitzgerald
- “Beyond the Sea” — Bobby Darin
- “That’s Amore” — Dean Martin
- “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” — Frank Sinatra
- “All of You” — Ella Fitzgerald
- “It Had to Be You” — Harry Connick, Jr.
- “My Baby Just Cares for Me” — Nina Simone
Get Wedding-Ready with Couples Dance Lessons In Raleigh
Your wedding day comes fast, and the first dance is a special moment you deserve to enjoy. If you’re picturing a confident first dance, we’d love to help you make it happen with couples dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Raleigh.
New students can get started with our introductory wedding offer: your first 2 dance classes at the reduced price of only $59. You’ll learn real dance skills, build a routine that fits your first dance song choice, and walk onto the dance floor feeling prepared. Schedule your wedding dance lessons today by calling 919-872-0111 or filling out our contact form to get started.