9 Perfect First-Dance Wedding Songs (That Haven’t Yet Been Overplayed)

Getting married is one of a couple’s happiest times.  However, celebrating a new chapter together with family, friends and those they hold dear can put a lot of “pressure to be perfect” on the special day.

One of the hardest decisions my husband and I had to make was choosing our first dance song. Here, everyone’s eyes are on you and while I tried to convince him to perform the “Dirty Dancing” scene, he politely declined…multiple times.

But what makes a first dance song special? To some, they like to boogey and wow their guests. For others, maybe it’s a song from their favorite band or has sentimental value because their grandparents danced to it at their wedding.

Ultimately, the tone, pace and lyrics should match the couple’s personality, spirit and how they feel for each other. Here are nine songs (that haven’t been overplayed) and could be well-suited for your wedding.

1. Latch, by Sam Smith (acoustic version)

Sam Smith’s lyrics speak true to finding the love of your life, wanting to support their hopes dream and fears, and never wanting to let go. This was the song my husband and I chose for our first dance song; it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

“You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down / You, you enchant me even when you’re not around / If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down / I’m latching on, babe, now I know what I have found.”

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2. Never Stop, by SafetySuit (wedding version)

This is a sweet melody of how a husband promises to dedicate his life to his new bride.

“This is my love song to you / Let every woman know I’m yours / So you can fall asleep each night, babe / And know I’m dreaming of you more.”

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3. From The Ground Up, by Dan + Shay

The lyrics in this song speak to building a family and giving everything you have to make it work together.

“The clouds are gonna roll / The earth’s gonna shake / But I’ll be your shelter through the wind and the rain.”

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4. Lighthouse, by Ernie Halter

Honest and true lyrics about how a couple promises to guide and support each other, through the good times and the bad.

“Let me be your lighthouse / Let me guide your hand / Let me be your shelter / For you, for you I stand.”

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5. Crazy Love, Van Morrison

Crazy love is a little more upbeat, perfect for the couple that loves to laugh through life.

“Yes I need her in the daytime / Yes I need her in the night / Yes I want to throw my arms around her / Kiss her hug her kiss her hug her tight.”

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6. Steady As We Go, by Dave Matthews

Simple and sweet, a classic DMB song.

“I walk half way around the world / Just to sit down by your side / And I would do most anything girl / To be the apple of your eye.”

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7. Love Me Tender, by Norah Jones

Norah’s raspy but soft voice accompanied only by a guitar at the opening make make listeners focus on the touching lyrics.

“Love me tender, love me sweet / Never let me go / You have made my life complete / And I love you so.”

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8. Bright, by Echosmith

If you’re a couple that wants to add a little pep to your step and wow your guests with a few twirls in your first dance, this song is perfect.

“I think the universe is on my side / Heaven and Earth have finally aligned / Days are good and that’s the way it should be.”

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9. Swept Away, By The Avett Brothers

This song is an addition from one of our awesome readers. This story originally had 8 songs, but when I listened to this one, I just had to add it. It’s very beautiful, and I can’t believe I’ve never heard it before.

“With your heart my soul is bound / And as we dance I know that heaven can be found”

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