11 Broadway Love Songs for Your First Dance

Consider dancing to a tune from your favorite musical.

There are plenty of marvelous love songs from both classic and obscure musical theater shows, which means there’s sure to be one that fits you and your beloved.

By Emily Lasnier

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Photo: Images by Berit, Inc.

Did you and your beloved meet in drama class or theater camp? Do you just have a shared love of musicals? Or maybe your future spouse has given you free reign on picking the song for your first dance and you just can’t get enough of show tunes. If any of these scenarios are true for you, then picking a Broadway number for your opening dance as newlyweds may be the right choice for you.

There are plenty of marvelous love songs from both classic and obscure musical theater shows, which means there’s sure to be one that fits you and your beloved. Choosing a tune associated with a production provides further opportunity for sentimentality. If the timing is right, you may be able to see a revival, touring company, or even a small community theater company perform the musical that features your song. What a wonderful way to remind you of your wedding day!

first dance songs from broadway musicals

Photo by Tec Petaja; Bridal Salon: Carine's Bridal Atelier; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; Planning & Design by SoCo Events

Below are a few of our favorites to help you get started on the decision of your first dance song. 

"Shall We Dance?" from The King and I

"I'll Cover You" from Rent

"Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King

"Till There Was You" from The Music Man (or even the cover by The Beatles)

"Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific

"Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast

"Love Song" from Pippin

"You Matter to Me" from Waitress

"What About Love?" from The Color Purple

"Falling Slowly" from Once

"Before and After You" from Bridges of Madison County

Watch a groom surprise his bride with a performance inspired by Hamilton, discover Ingrid Michaelson's favorite love songs for your first dance, and listen to instrumental versions of pop songs for your ceremony.

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