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2025 Wedding Songs for First Dance & Reception

March 25, 2025 by jenni 3 Comments

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Seeking the ideal tune for traversing the dance floor after tying the knot? Look no further! Here is a selection of top hits mixed with old classics to choose from for your First Dance wedding song in 2025. Bonus tracks for your reception playlist are also mentioned below!

Couple in wedding attire dancing under a clear tent with party lights above atop a wood dance floor, with overlay text reading "wedding songs first dance & reception".

Listen to the Playlist

All songs can be found on this Spotify Playlist: 2025 First Dance Songs & 2025 Wedding Dance Music. There are more songs on the playlist than are listed in this article. Below are the songs voted as top wedding songs for first dances from various wedding Facebook groups. Also included are some top tunes for receptions and other special dances.


First Dance Wedding Songs

Beautiful Things by Benson Boone (Voted #1)

Pop – Guitar Background w/ Full Band at Chorus – Masculine Voice
The singer reflects on how things have been improving in their life, finding happiness in love and stability. Despite this, they feel anxious about the possibility of losing it all, especially the person they love, and they pray for everything to remain intact.

What’s Mine Is Yours by Kane Brown (My First Dance Song)

Country – Piano Background w/ Drums & Guitar – Masculine Voice
The lyrics describe a transformative love that changes the narrator’s life completely. They express a deep emotional connection, surrendering their heart and life to the person they love. The phrase “What’s mine is yours” reflects a vow of lifelong devotion, symbolized by a ring and a promise of forever.
Real First Dance: Jenni & Erik’s Wedding

Bride and groom dancing under chandelier surrounded by guests and forest.
Forest wedding reception first dance with bride and groom.

Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran feat. Beyoncé

Pop – Guitar Background – Masculine & Feminine Voices
A young couple falls deeply in love, not fully understanding what it means at first, but growing together and building a future. Their connection remains strong as they share dreams of a life together, raising a family, and facing challenges hand in hand. The narrator admires their partner’s beauty and feels incredibly fortunate, believing their love is perfect and that they’ve found someone extraordinary.

Carry You Home by Alex Warren

Pop – Guitar Background w/ Chorus Accompaniments – Masculine Voice
The lyrics express a deep, unwavering commitment to a loved one, vowing to support and stay with them no matter what the future holds. The narrator reflects on the journey they’ve shared, filled with dreams and challenges, but always choosing to be together.

Steady Heart by Kameron Marlowe (Wedding Version)

Country – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
The song describes the contrast between two people, one wild and rough, the other calm and steady, but highlighting how they complement each other perfectly. The “wedding version” is slightly altered and romanticized to fit a wedding setting. Although the bpm is the same for both, the wedding version feels lighter and a tad faster.

Woman in a white lace gown and man in a dark blue suit dance on a wood dance floor before a group of people seated at dining tables.

May I Have This Dance (Remix) by Francis and the Lights Feat. Chance the Rapper

Pop/Hip-Hop – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
The singer expresses a desire to make amends and show love, asking for a chance to dance and make things right. They reflect on the generational impact of their past, acknowledging the mistakes of their parents and the people they’ve encountered. Despite the challenges, they offer their love and ask for one more chance to prove their commitment.
Real First Dance: Beth & Scott’s Wedding

Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

Pop/Electronic – Synthesizer Background w/ Drums & Piano – Feminine Voice
The song expresses intense passion and longing, with the narrator describing how deeply they are affected by their partner. The narrator is consumed by desire, asking for their love to be shown with urgency and intensity.

Wasn’t Expecting That by Jamie Lawson

Pop – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
A surprising and unexpected love develops gradually, starting with small, seemingly insignificant moments like a smile, a kiss, and holding hands. As their relationship grows, leading to marriage and children, the narrator reflects on how their life has been unexpectedly changed by love. The song ends with the bittersweet moment of losing their partner, still shocked by the depth of their bond and the life they shared.

Life With You by Kelsey Hart

Country – Piano Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
The narrator expresses deep love and devotion, pledging to be there for their partner through both good times and challenges. The song highlights a commitment to be there not only during the joyful moments but also through life’s difficulties, offering unconditional support and love. Ultimately, they emphasize how much they love sharing their life with the person they adore.

Bride and groom dancing at their wedding.

Beyond by Leon Bridges

Soul – Guitar Background w/ Percussion – Masculine Voice
A person is deeply in love but hesitant to rush into the relationship, unsure if they’re ready to fully commit. They are overwhelmed by the depth of their feelings, believing this person could be their everything—someone to build a life with and possibly start a family. Despite their fear, they can’t help but feel that this love might be real and lasting.
Real First Dance: Cathy & Matt’s Wedding

Amazing by Teddy Swims

Pop – Piano Background – Masculine Voice
The strings version of this song is also, pardon the pun, amazing! The narrator expresses admiration for their partner, emphasizing that their natural beauty shines through regardless of makeup or attire. They are constantly amazed by how stunning the partner looks, and repeatedly reassure them that they don’t need to change anything.  

Flaws by Calum Scott

Pop – Piano Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
The narrator expresses deep love and acceptance for their partner, emphasizing that they cherish every aspect of them, including their flaws. They reassure their partner that they are perfect just the way they are and encourage them to embrace their true self.

Bride and groom dancing at their wedding while sharing a kiss.
Bride and groom gaze into each other's eyes.

Take Forever (Hally’s Song) by Cooper Alan

Country – Piano Background w/ Drums & Guitar – Masculine or Feminine Voice
The song captures a willingness to give everything—time, heart, and memories—to their partner, emphasizing the depth of their connection. The narrator pledges to love their partner for a lifetime, encouraging them to “take forever” together, valuing the lasting nature of their bond despite life’s challenges.

Afterglow by Ed Sheeran

Pop – Guitar Background – Masculine Voice
A couple experiences a deep, passionate love that feels almost magical, especially as they share a quiet moment together on a cold winter day. Despite the world changing around them, they remain lost in each other, holding onto their connection as a bright, comforting force. The narrator expresses a strong determination to keep holding onto the warmth and glow of their love, even as time passes and the world moves on.

Wondering Why by Red Clay Strays

Country – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
A man reflects on his relationship with a woman from a very different background, wondering how they ended up together despite their contrasting lives. She loves him unconditionally and supports him through everything, making him feel fortunate and grateful. Even though their connection doesn’t make logical sense, he cherishes their love and the peace it brings him.

Bride and groom dancing in a ballroom.
Photo courtesy of Anastasia Cherie Photography

Thinking out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Pop – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
A person reflects on the lasting nature of love, wondering if their partner will continue to love them as they grow older and face physical changes. Despite the challenges of aging, they believe that their love will remain strong and constant. They cherish every moment of their relationship, feeling that they’ve found love in each other, right where they are, and that their connection is timeless and unwavering.

Speechless by Dan + Shay

Country – Piano Background w/ Drums & Guitar – Masculine Voices
These lyrics describe the overwhelming feeling of admiration and love the narrator experiences whenever they see their partner. Every time their partner enters the room, it feels as powerful as it was from the very first meeting. It’s a celebration of the awe and excitement love can bring, even after a long time together.

Rewrite The Stars by Zac Efron & Zendaya

Show Tune – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine & Feminine Voices
Two people express their deep feelings for each other and dream of being together despite the obstacles that fate has placed between them. They question whether they can rewrite their destiny and defy the forces keeping them apart, believing that their love is worth fighting for. However, reality sets in as they realize that circumstances beyond their control may prevent them from being together, leaving them with the hope that, somehow, they might change their stars.

Dance With Me by Niko Moon

Country – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Masculine Voice
A man is drawn to a woman he meets in Nevada, feeling an instant connection with her. Despite the uncertainty of the moment, he’s willing to take a chance on love, asking her to dance and enjoy the night together. The excitement and energy of the city mirror his feelings, as he hopes she will take a chance on him and they can create a memorable experience together.

Bride, wearing a white wedding dress and denim jacket, and groom, wearing a three piece tweed suit with cowboy boots, dancing in a meadow.
Bride and groom dance in a meadow surround by forest. The bride is wearing a denim jacket atop her wedding gown and the jacket reads "Leave Her Wild", lyrics from a Tyler Rich country song.

I Get to Love You by Ruelle

Alternative/Indie – Piano Background – Feminine Voice
It is a personal favorite and the song I (Jenni) walked down the aisle to in 2020. These lyrics express deep gratitude and commitment in a relationship. The repeating phrase “I get to love you” signifies a sense of privilege in being able to love one’s partner forever. The song highlights a deep emotional connection between two people who now feel complete and thankful.

Kiss the Girl by Brent Morgan

Pop – Piano Background w/ Chorus Accompaniments – Masculine Voice
Originally from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, this piano cover is beautiful. A young man is captivated by a girl sitting across from him, feeling an undeniable urge to kiss her. The song encourages him to seize the moment and make his move, suggesting that the girl might feel the same but is waiting for him to act. Despite his shyness, the playful song urges him to stop hesitating and kiss the girl before the opportunity passes.

Joy Of My Life by Chris Stapleton

Country – Guitar Background w/ Drums – Masculine Voice
A man expresses his deep love and gratitude for his partner, feeling incredibly lucky to have her by his side. He reflects on the powerful impact she has had on his life, describing how she brings him joy and makes him feel like the luckiest man alive. He values their relationship more than anything, cherishing every moment with her.

Work Song by Hozier

Alternative/Indie – Piano Background w/ Drums & A Cappella – Masculine Voice
These lyrics describe a deep, passionate love and a sense of redemption. The narrator reflects on his intense feelings for his lover, who brings him so much joy and sweetness that he can barely contain it. Despite his past mistakes and struggles, including his time spent in drunken sin, the love he shares with her offers him healing. He expresses that even when his time comes, no grave can keep him from returning to her. The love he feels is so powerful that it overcomes his past and gives him a renewed sense of purpose and devotion.

Tennessee Orange by Megan Moroney

Country – Guitar Background w/ Drums & Steel Guitar – Feminine Voice
A woman confesses to her mother that she’s fallen for someone from a different place, causing her to do things she never thought she would, like wearing Tennessee orange instead of supporting her home team’s colors. Despite the cultural differences, this man makes her feel at home and brings her happiness, making her realize that love sometimes leads us to unexpected places. She embraces the change and admits she’s deeply in love with him, even though it’s a bit of a “sin” back home.

A man in a grey suit and a woman in a white dress enjoying a dance on a wood floor.

I See the Light by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi

Folk-Pop – Guitar Background w/ Orchestra Accompaniments – Masculine & Feminine Voices
From Disney’s animated film “Tangled”, this song is truly enchanting. A person reflects on the time they spent unaware of what they were missing, feeling lost and blind to the truth. Upon realizing their feelings for someone, everything becomes clear and vibrant, as if a fog has lifted and the world has transformed. They finally understand their purpose and the significance of the person they are with, making everything feel right and new.
Real First Dance: Violet & Andrew’s Wedding

Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

Synth-Pop – Soft Electronic Background – Feminine Voice
Always choosing “Taylor’s Version” for her songs, Swift reflects on a passionate, fleeting romance, filled with excitement and intensity. Despite knowing that nothing lasts forever, she hopes the person will remember her in vivid, beautiful moments, even when they’re apart. She imagines that even if their time together ends, the memories and feelings will linger in their wildest dreams.


Wedding Reception Classics & Dance Songs

Classics & Sing Alongs

  • Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
  • Respect by Aretha Franklin
  • Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
  • Y.M.C.A. by Village People
  • Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
  • September by Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey
  • Dancing Queen by ABBA
  • Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON
  • Mr. Brightside by The Killers
  • All Star by Smash Mouth
  • Hey Ya! by Outkast
  • Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega
Forest wedding reception guests dancing under clear tent upon a wood dance floor.

Coordinated Group & Line Dances

  • Macarena by Los Del Rio
  • Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
  • Cha Cha Slide by Mr. C The Slide Man
  • Wobble by V.I.C.
  • Men In Black by Will Smith
  • Watermelon Crawl by Tracy Byrd
  • Copperhead Road by Steve Earle
  • Fake ID by Big & Rich feat. Gretchen Wilson
  • Whiskey Drinkin by Mikel Knight
  • Man! I Feel Like A Woman! by Shania Twain
  • Timber by Pitbull & Kesha
  • Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex
  • The Chicken Dance by Chicken Dance

Garter & Bouquet Toss

  • Pony by Ginuwine
  • Bad Boys by Inner Circle
  • Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top
  • Who Let The Dogs Out by Baha Men
  • Death of a Bachelor by Panic! At The Disco
  • All My Single Ladies by Beyoncé
  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
  • That’s My Girl by Fifth Harmony
  • Wannabe by Spice Girls
  • Party In The U.S.A by Miley Cyrus
Man in a dark blue suit prepares to slipshod a garter to a group of men behind him.
Woman in a white lace gown tosses a bouquet over her shoulder to a group of ladies behind her.

Fun for the Dance Floor

  • Shots by Lil Jon & LMFAO
  • Raise Your Glass by P!nk
  • Fireball by Pitbull (feat. John Ryan)
  • SexyBack by Justin Timberlake feat. Timberland
  • Levels – Radio Edit by Avicii
  • Fancy Like by Walker Hayes
  • Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran
  • Uptown Fun by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
  • Despacito – Remix by Justin Bieber w/ Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee
  • Turn Down for What by Lil Jon & DJ Snake
  • I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
  • Feel So Close – Radio Edit by Calvin Harris
  • A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey
Bride and guests line dancing at her wedding.

Other Signature Wedding Songs

Wedding Songs for Walking Down the Aisle
Wedding Recessional Songs (After I Do)


Conclusion

Again, here is the link to these songs on Spotify: 2025 First Dance Songs & 2025 Wedding Dance Music.

I hope there is something you were able to take away from this selection of 2025 Wedding Songs. Remember to Pin this post for when you are ready for next steps.

Four photos of people in wedding attire holding hands and dancing, with overlay text reading "wedding songs first dance & reception".
Couple in wedding attire dancing under a white pavilion, with overlay text reading "wedding songs first dance & reception".
Two photos of different groups of people dancing at a wedding, with overlay text reading "wedding songs first dance & reception".
Couple in wedding attire dancing in front of people seated at wood tables, with overlay text reading "wedding songs first dance & reception".

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Rust colored text reading "xoxo Jenni" with light Tiffany blue background.

Filed Under: Wedding Advice Tagged With: diy wedding, wedding advice, wedding planning, wedding songs

Previous Post: « 2025 Wedding Recessional Songs (After I Do)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emily

    April 4, 2025 at 2:47 pm

    These songs are so fun! They make me reminiscent of planning my own wedding and falling in love with my husband.

    Reply
  2. Heidi

    April 5, 2025 at 4:47 am

    What a cool selection of wedding music! It’s so great to have a resource like this available for planning everything. This is very helpful and so fun!

    Reply
  3. Hayley

    May 5, 2025 at 9:07 pm

    This list is great!

    Reply

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Today is an exciting day!  So glad you found our blog.  I’m Jenni, wife and mama, events professional and lover of all things wedding.  Follow along for stories on real weddings, event tips, diy projects, and more!  Read more about me here.

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