Last Updated: June 22, 2023

The top twenty most popular first dance songs

The Top 20 Most Popular First Dance Songs

Choosing the right first dance song is one of the most important parts of getting married.

Choosing the right first dance song is one of the most important parts of getting married and is right up there alongside choosing the right engagement ring, the right wedding rings and finding the perfect venue.

Depending on your musical tastes, sense of style and dancing ability there are a whole host of options to choose from. Classics such as ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ by Stevie Wonder right through to more modern renditions such as Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ have to be considered. The wonderful thing about choosing a first dance song is that there is so much choice and it can be the perfect way to stamp your personality on the big day.

There are several routes that newlyweds can go down. Do you opt for a personal song that has deep personal meaning, an upbeat tune with a dance routine or maybe a well-known song that everyone can join in with?

It turns out that the most popular type of first dance song is the ballad. No real surprises there then! But which make up the top twenty choices? Find the full list below. 

Top twenty first dance songs

  1. 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri

  2. 'Amazed' by Lonestar

  3. 'All of Me' by John Legend

  4. 'Marry Me' by Train

  5. 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele

  6. 'At Last' by Etta James

  7. 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran

  8. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley

  9. 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran

  10. 'You Are The Best Thing' by Ray LaMontagne

  11. 'First Day of My Life' by Bright Eyes

  12. 'I Won't Give Up' by Jason Mraz

  13. 'Better Together' by Jack Johnson

  14. 'Everything' by Michael Buble

  15. ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ by James Arthur

  16. ‘How Long Will I Love You’ by Ellie Goulding

  17. ‘Wonderful Tonight’ by Eric Clapton

  18. ‘Your Song’ by Elton John

  19. ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green

  20. ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars

There you have the top twenty most popular first dance songs. Some great choices for you to think about as you put the final touches together for your wedding day.

But what if you’re looking for something a little less popular? We’ve put together another couple of lists that are perfect for those who want something a little different for their first dance. 

Top ten alternative first dance songs

  1. ‘I’m Sticking With You’ by The Velvet Underground

  2. ‘All I Want is You’ by Barry Louise Harper

  3. ‘Nothing Else Matters’ by Metallica

  4. ‘She Bangs The Drums’ by The Stone Roses

  5. ‘Five Years Time’ by Noah and the Whale 

  6. ‘Only Love’ by Ben Howard

  7. ‘Is This Love’ by Bob Marley and the Wailers

  8. ‘All You Need is Love’ by The Beatles

  9. ‘There She Goes’ by The La’s

  10. ‘Angel’ by Shaggy ft. Rayvon

These alternative first dance songs are ideal for couples who are looking for something more upbeat and a bit different from those you may have heard at other weddings. Some of them also provide a great opportunity to put together some dance routines with your new spouse, if you can find the time to practise!

Top ten classic first dance songs

Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. For some, this means that their first dance as newlyweds has to be soundtracked by a tried and trusted song from one of the biggest names in music. If this sounds like you, here are our top ten classic first dance songs. 

  1. ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations

  2. ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ by Frankie Valli

  3. ‘Just The Way You Are’ by Billy Joel

  4. ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis 

  5. ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys

  6. ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ by Elton John

  7. ‘Come Away With Me’ by Norah Jones

  8. ‘And I Love Her’ by The Beatles

  9. ‘Higher Love’ by James Vincent McMorrow (the most romantic version in our opinion!)

  10. ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’ by Elvis Presley 

Whilst you’re taking care of which song you’ll be dancing to first, let Diamond Heaven take care of the rings for your big day. We have a whole host of wedding ring styles available, from classic 18ct yellow gold options to more modern styles like our designer range.

For more information on how Diamond Heaven can help you have the perfect wedding day, get in touch with our team today. Alternatively, you can visit us in person at any of our stores located in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.