50 First Dance Songs Chosen by Real Brides & Grooms

Be inspired by these popular and unique tunes for your first dance.

For more ideas, take a look at 50 first dance songs chosen by real couples from the 1950s and on!

wedding photo by amy anaiz
Photo: Amy Anaiz Photography

While the musical taste of brides and grooms across the country differs immensely, when it comes to the music selected for the first dance, a few things are true. The song typically has a romantic theme, is a shared favorite, or is special to the couple for a certain reason – whether it played on their first date or while their proposal was occuring. In fact, many pairs have their first dance song picked out months before the big day; however, others spend hours searching for the perfect tune to sway to at the reception in the weeks leading up to the celebration. 

While Ed Sheeran's music typically makes the list of top first dance songs, there are a number of tunes by other artists spanning the past decades that have become favorites for the brides and grooms featured in Inside Weddings. To gather some first dance song ideas, we looked to the tunes chosen by couples featured in Inside Weddings magazine.

More than one duo chose the 1990s hit “Amazed” by Lonestar for their first dance, as well as “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne from the 2000s and the recent hit “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. While most of the choices from this year's couples were released in the 2000s and 2010s, many pairs decided to dance to favorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as popular melodies by crooners of the 1950s and 1960s.

Bride and groom swaying to first dance first dance song ideas from real couples

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

For more ideas, take a look at 50 first dance songs chosen by real couples from the 1950s and on, below:

First Dance Songs from the 1950s

“You Send Me” by Sam Cooke

First Dance Songs from the 1960s

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

First Dance Songs from the 1970s

“If It’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder

First Dance Songs from the 1980s

“You Are” by Lionel Richie

First Dance Songs from the 1990s

“Amazed” by Lonestar

First Dance Songs from the 2000s

“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

First Dance Songs from the 2010s

“All of Me” by John Legend

For more ideas, discover first dance song ideas for fans of alternative rock, take a look at Ingrid Michaelson's favorite first dance song ideas, discover instrumental versions of pop songs perfect for the ceremony, and gather ideas for an upbeat father-daughter dance song.

Opening photo by Amy Anaiz Photography