First Dance Songs: 100+ UK Favourites
Key Takeaways
- Choose a song that means something to you as a couple — not just what's popular
- The first dance is 2-3 minutes, not the full song — most DJs fade it out or invite guests to join
- You don't need to be good dancers — a slow sway with eye contact is more moving than choreography
- If you're nervous, invite guests onto the floor after 30-60 seconds to take the pressure off
- Test the song at full volume before the wedding — some lyrics that sound romantic quietly become awkward loud
The first dance is one of the most photographed and filmed moments of the reception. It’s also one of the most anxiety-inducing. The song choice matters — not because guests will judge it, but because it sets the tone for the entire evening party.
This guide has 100+ songs across every style, plus practical advice on choosing, dancing, and surviving the spotlight.
How to choose your song
Start with your story. Do you have a song? The one that was playing when you met, on your first date, when you got engaged, or on a holiday that changed everything? That song — even if it’s obscure or unusual — will always mean more than a popular wedding hit.
If you don’t have a song, choose based on:
- Tempo: Slow (swaying) or mid-tempo (some movement) or upbeat (high energy)
- Mood: Romantic, fun, emotional, or celebratory
- Lyrics: Listen to every word. Some love songs have verses about breakups, heartache, or death that don’t land well at a wedding
- Length: Ideally 2.5-3.5 minutes. Anything over 4 minutes needs an early fade
Top 50 first dance songs (UK)
Classic and timeless
| Song | Artist | Tempo | Mood |
|---|---|---|---|
| At Last | Etta James | Slow | Romantic, elegant |
| Can’t Help Falling in Love | Elvis Presley | Slow | Classic romance |
| The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra | Mid | Timeless, joyful |
| Wonderful Tonight | Eric Clapton | Slow | Gentle, intimate |
| You Are the Best Thing | Ray LaMontagne | Mid | Warm, celebratory |
| Stand By Me | Ben E. King | Mid | Comforting, loyal |
| L-O-V-E | Nat King Cole | Mid | Fun, classic |
| Moon River | Andy Williams | Slow | Dreamy, elegant |
| What a Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong | Slow | Warm, contented |
| Unchained Melody | The Righteous Brothers | Slow | Intense, romantic |
Modern favourites
| Song | Artist | Tempo | Mood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect | Ed Sheeran | Slow | The UK’s #1 first dance song |
| Thinking Out Loud | Ed Sheeran | Mid | Romantic, easy to dance to |
| A Thousand Years | Christina Perri | Slow | Sweeping, emotional |
| All of Me | John Legend | Slow | Heartfelt, powerful |
| Make You Feel My Love | Adele | Slow | Sincere, gentle |
| Yours | Ella Henderson | Slow | Beautiful, modern |
| You Are the Reason | Calum Scott | Slow | Emotional, cinematic |
| Lover | Taylor Swift | Mid | Sweet, playful |
| Say You Won’t Let Go | James Arthur | Mid | Narrative, emotional |
| Better Together | Jack Johnson | Mid | Relaxed, happy |
Upbeat and fun
| Song | Artist | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| You Make My Dreams | Hall & Oates | Upbeat |
| I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) | The Proclaimers | Upbeat |
| Shut Up and Dance | Walk the Moon | Upbeat |
| Signed, Sealed, Delivered | Stevie Wonder | Upbeat |
| I Wanna Dance with Somebody | Whitney Houston | Upbeat |
| You’re My Best Friend | Queen | Mid-upbeat |
| Happy | Pharrell Williams | Upbeat |
| Dancing in the Moonlight | Toploader | Mid-upbeat |
| Mr. Brightside | The Killers | Upbeat |
| Don’t Stop Me Now | Queen | Upbeat |
Indie and alternative
| Song | Artist | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Such Great Heights | The Postal Service | Mid |
| First Day of My Life | Bright Eyes | Slow |
| Home | Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros | Mid |
| Yellow | Coldplay | Mid |
| Chasing Cars | Snow Patrol | Slow |
| I Will Follow You into the Dark | Death Cab for Cutie | Slow |
| Sweet Disposition | The Temper Trap | Mid |
| Sea of Love | Cat Power | Slow |
| Digital Love | Daft Punk | Mid |
| Latch (Acoustic) | Sam Smith | Slow |
Country and folk
| Song | Artist | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest Moon | Neil Young | Slow |
| To Make You Feel My Love | Garth Brooks / Bob Dylan | Slow |
| Amazed | Lonestar | Slow |
| Die a Happy Man | Thomas Rhett | Slow |
| From the Ground Up | Dan + Shay | Mid |
| Ho Hey | The Lumineers | Mid |
| I Choose You | Sara Bareilles | Mid |
| Marry Me | Train | Slow |
R&B and soul
| Song | Artist | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy in Love (slowed) | Beyoncé | Slow version |
| Just the Two of Us | Grover Washington Jr | Mid |
| Let’s Stay Together | Al Green | Mid |
| Adorn | Miguel | Mid |
| Golden | Jill Scott | Mid |
| Best Part | Daniel Caesar & H.E.R. | Slow |
| If I Ain’t Got You | Alicia Keys | Slow |
| On & On | Erykah Badu | Mid |
Songs to avoid (listen to the lyrics)
Some songs sound romantic but have troubling lyrics. Listen to every word before choosing:
- Every Breath You Take (The Police) — about stalking, not love
- I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston) — about saying goodbye
- Love the Way You Lie (Eminem ft. Rihanna) — about an abusive relationship
- Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler) — about heartbreak
- Angels (Robbie Williams) — about someone who has died
First dance tips
If you can’t dance
You’re not expected to tango. A slow sway — arms around each other, moving gently side to side — is all you need. Look at each other, not at the crowd. Smile. Talk to each other. The audience watches your emotion, not your footwork.
If you’re nervous
- Ask the DJ to invite guests onto the floor after 30-60 seconds
- Practise at home — even 10 minutes of swaying to the song builds confidence
- Have a drink (one, not four) beforehand
- Remember: everyone in the room wants you to enjoy it
If you want choreography
Book 3-5 dance lessons (£30-60 per session) starting 6-8 weeks before the wedding. A teacher will create a simple routine that looks polished without being difficult. Popular choices: a simple waltz, a guided slow dance with a spin, or a surprise upbeat switch partway through.
Live band or recording?
A live version of your first dance song adds a special touch — but only if the band can perform it well. Ask to hear their version before the wedding. A bad live cover is worse than the original recording. Some couples walk on to the recorded version, then the band takes over for the second song.
The logistics
When: Immediately after the evening guests arrive and everyone is gathered (typically 7:30-8pm). Before the first dance, the MC should introduce the couple and name the song.
How long: 1.5-3 minutes. Not the full song unless it’s under 3 minutes. The DJ fades it out or says “everybody join the dance floor!” after the first verse and chorus.
What follows: The DJ should have a high-energy floor-filler ready as the second song. The transition from first dance to full dance floor should be seamless. Popular second songs: “Mr Brightside,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Dancing Queen.”
Photography: Brief your photographer to capture: the couple walking onto the floor, the first moment together, the emotional peak, guests’ reactions, and guests joining the floor.
Further reading
- Father-Daughter Dance Songs — the dance after the first dance
- Wedding Entrance Songs — make an impact when you arrive
- Wedding Music Guide — music for every part of the day
- Wedding DJ Cost UK — booking and pricing
- Wedding Day Timeline — when the first dance happens
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular first dance song in the UK?
Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' has been the most popular UK first dance song since 2017. Other consistently popular choices include 'Thinking Out Loud' (Ed Sheeran), 'A Thousand Years' (Christina Perri), 'At Last' (Etta James), and 'Can't Help Falling in Love' (Elvis Presley). However, the best first dance song is one with personal meaning to the couple.
How long should a first dance be?
1.5-3 minutes is ideal. Most first dances last for one verse and one chorus before the DJ invites other guests to join. A full 4-5 minute song with just the couple on the floor feels very long and puts enormous pressure on the dancers. Ask your DJ to fade it or bring guests in after 60-90 seconds.
Do we have to do a first dance?
No. The first dance is a tradition, not a requirement. If both of you hate dancing or feel uncomfortable being watched, skip it entirely. Alternatives: go straight to an open dance floor, do a group dance (everyone joins from the start), or have a 'first song' playing while you circulate and greet evening guests.
Should we take dance lessons before the wedding?
If you want to feel confident rather than panicked, yes — even 2-3 lessons helps enormously. A dance teacher will teach you a simple routine or just help you feel comfortable holding each other and moving to the beat. Lessons cost £30-60 per session. You don't need to learn a choreographed routine — just enough to look relaxed.