100 Best First Dance Songs for UK Weddings in 2025 (Plus How to Pick “Your” Song)

First Dance Trends in the UK Right Now

Before we hit play on the song list, it helps to know what everyone else is actually doing.

The big hitters (still) running the show

The most popular first dance songs have remained relatively consistent over the past few years, with the same names topping the charts:

• All of Me – John Legend
• Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
• At Last – Etta James
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran
• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Classic soul and modern ballads are still very much a thing.

What’s trending for 2025 couples

Whilst most are choosing a traditional ballad, there’s an increasing trend towards unexpected first dance songs and alternative choices. Indie and alternative tracks like Baby I’m Yours (Arctic Monkeys), Sweet Disposition (The Temper Trap) and Only Love (Ben Howard). Modern country ballads have continued to grow in popularity (Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson). Also TikTok-famous covers and film soundtracks - acoustic reworks, movie songs and slowed-down versions of pop tracks.

Couples in 2025 are much braver about bending the “rules”.

How to Choose Your Perfect First Dance Song

As a couple - you need to choose a song that speaks to your personality and your story.

Is there a song you had on repeat on your first weekend away, a song from the first gig you went to together, from a film you both love, or a song that always finds you on the dancefloor? Write a shortlist of ideas between you and see what feels right. If you’re finding it hard to pick just one, toss a coin or draw names out of a hat!

If nothing stands out, then this article includes plenty of great ideas, so look for a song where the lyrics convey the kind of story and emotion that feels right to you.

Whichever song you chose - it’s always worth doing a quick lyric check. Some “romantic” songs are secretly a heartbreak story! Also - think about how you actually want to dance - and for how long. Anyone can slow dance, so it’s a safe bet for shy dancers. If you’re not keen on the idea of everyone watching you dance for the full four minutes - then a song with a slow intro that picks up into a bigger chorus, gives you an opportunity to pull everyone onto the dancefloor.

Finally, would you like your band to perform your first dance live - or would you prefer the original version played by your DJ? A great live band can reshape the song around you - even change the arrangement so it fits your vibe - or medley from a slow dance into the first party tune. If you want your band to play your first dance, then make sure you check this when you book, and give them plenty of notice in case they need to learn it from scratch.

There’s no need to be nervous. Although a little nerves are natural when all eyes are going to be on you - as you’ve read - by choosing the right song and having a plan - you can make this special moment fit within your comfort zone - and turn it into one of the highlights of your day.

The 100 Best First Dance Songs for UK Weddings in 2025

These are the most popular songs, as voted by thousands of UK wedding couples.

Current UK favourites & timeless slow dances

1. At Last – Etta James (classic, soul, timeless)
   “At last, my love has come along…”

2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley (classic, romantic, timeless)
   “I can’t help falling in love with you…”

3. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (modern, romantic, popular)
   “Darling, you look perfect tonight…”

4. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (modern, romantic, slow dance)
   “Darling, I will be loving you ’til we’re 70…”

5. All of Me – John Legend (modern, piano-led, emotional)
   “All of me loves all of you…”

6. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (cinematic, emotional, romantic)
   “I have loved you for a thousand years…”

7. Lover – Taylor Swift (modern, romantic, intimate)
   “Can we always be this close forever and ever?”

8. Amazed – Lonestar (country, classic, heartfelt)
   “I don’t know how you do what you do…”

9. Stand by Me – Ben E. King (classic, soulful, timeless)
   “Darling, darling, stand by me…”

10. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys (indie, alternative, understated)
    “Baby, I’m yours…”

11. The One – Kodaline (indie, emotional, modern)
    “You’re the one I want…”

12. Pointless – Lewis Capaldi (modern, emotional, UK favourite)
    “I bring her coffee in the morning…”

13. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding (acoustic, gentle, romantic)
    “How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you…”

14. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne (soulful, warm, upbeat-slow)
    “You are the best thing that’s ever been mine…”

15. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (classic, soul, smooth)
    “Let’s stay together…”

16. Make You Feel My Love – Adele (piano, emotional, romantic)
    “I could make you happy, make your dreams come true…”

17. Just You and I – Tom Walker (modern, heartfelt, simple)
    “Just you and I…”

18. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur (modern, narrative, emotional)
    “Say you won’t let go…”

19. Better Half of Me – Tom Walker (modern, romantic, warm)
    “You’re the better half of me…”

20. I Get to Love You – Ruelle (cinematic, vow-style, emotional)
    “I get to love you…”

21. Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell (piano-led, romantic, British)
    “Grow old with me…”

22. Everything – Michael Bublé (classic, swing, romantic)
    “You’re every line, you’re every word…”

23. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli (classic, upbeat-slow)
    “You’re just too good to be true…”

24. Better Together – Jack Johnson (acoustic, laid-back, feel-good)
    “It’s always better when we’re together…”

    
    

    Modern, cinematic & country-flavoured picks

25. One Day Like This – Elbow (anthemic, British, emotional)
    “Throw those curtains wide…”

26. Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton (country, soulful, heartfelt)
    “You’re the joy of my life…”

27. Life With You – Kelsey Hart (modern country, romantic)
    “I can’t wait to spend my life with you…”

28. Speechless – Dan + Shay (modern country, emotional)
    “I’m speechless…”

29. From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay (country, storytelling, romantic)
    “We built this love from the ground up…”

30. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett (country, slow, heartfelt)
    “If I never get to see the Northern Lights…”

31. Adore You – Harry Styles (modern, romantic, cool)
    “Just let me adore you…”

32. Late Night Talking – Harry Styles (modern, upbeat, relaxed)
    “You got me all messed up…”

33. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran (acoustic, romantic, gentle)
    “Should this be the last thing I see…”

34. Photograph – Ed Sheeran (modern, nostalgic, emotional)
    “We keep this love in a photograph…”

35. Yellow – Coldplay (anthemic, romantic, timeless)
    “Look how they shine for you…”

36. Magic – Coldplay (modern, light, romantic)
    “And yes, I do…”

37. Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga (cinematic, emotional)
    “Always remember us this way…”

38. Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez (retro, romantic, modern)
    “I would never fall in love again until I found you…”

39. Falling Like the Stars – James Arthur (modern, emotional)
    “We’re falling like the stars…”

40. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz (acoustic, vow-style, gentle)
    “I won’t give up on us…”

41. Turning Page – Sleeping At Last (cinematic, emotional, slow)
    “I’ve waited a hundred years…”

42. Yours – Russell Dickerson (country-pop, romantic)
    “I’m yours…”

43. Heaven – Bryan Adams (classic, power ballad)
    “Baby, you’re all that I want…”

44. Heaven (Candlelight Mix) – DJ Sammy (piano-led, romantic)
    “Heaven is a place on earth…”

45. You’re Still the One – Shania Twain (country-pop, enduring love)
    “You’re still the one…”

46. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith (power ballad, dramatic)
    “I don’t want to miss a thing…”

47. Rule the World – Take That (cinematic, British, big moment)
    “You light the skies up above me…”

48. Greatest Day – Take That (upbeat, celebratory)
    “Today this could be the greatest day…”

49. Real Love – Tom Odell (modern, emotional, piano)
    “I know when I’ve found real love…”

50. All of Me (Acoustic/Strings) – John Legend (acoustic, romantic)
    “You’re my end and my beginning…”

    
    Indie, alternative & laid-back romantic

51. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes (indie, alternative, intimate)
    “This is the first day of my life…”

52. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac (classic, dreamy, laid-back)
    “Thunder only happens when it’s raining…”

53. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol (emotional, British, slow build)
    “If I lay here…”

54. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane (piano-led, British, nostalgic)
    “This could be the end of everything…”

55. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap (indie, euphoric, alternative)
    “A moment, a love, a dream…”

56. Lovesong – The Cure (alternative, romantic, iconic)
    “I will always love you…”

57. Only Love – Ben Howard (acoustic, indie, gentle)
    “Oh love…”

58. Ho Hey – The Lumineers (folk, upbeat, feel-good)
    “I belong with you…”

59. You and Me Song – The Wannadies (indie-pop, fun)
    “You and me…”

60. I Wanna Be Yours – Arctic Monkeys (indie, poetic, modern)
    “I wanna be yours…”

61. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths (alternative, iconic)
    “There is a light…”

62. At My Most Beautiful – R.E.M. (gentle, romantic, alternative)
    “I count your eyelashes…”

63. Better Man – Paolo Nutini (soulful, emotional)
    “She deserves a better man…”

64. Last Request – Paolo Nutini (acoustic, emotional)
    “This is my last request…”

65. Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard (acoustic, cinematic)
    “Take this sinking boat…”

66. Simply the Best – Noah Reid (acoustic cover, modern)
    “You’re simply the best…”

67. Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay (anthemic, emotional)
    “You’re a sky full of stars…”

68. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (jazz, intimate)
    “Come away with me…”

69. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper (classic, emotional)
    “If you fall, I will catch you…”

70. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer (romantic, nostalgic)
    “Kiss me…”

71. Your Song – Elton John (classic, piano, British)
    “How wonderful life is…”

72. Is This Love – Bob Marley (laid-back, romantic)
    “Is this love that I’m feeling?”

73. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles (optimistic, classic)
    “Here comes the sun…”

74. Something – The Beatles (romantic, timeless)
    “Something in the way she moves…”

75. Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden (90s, romantic)
    “I wanna stand with you…”

    
    Upbeat, short, vintage & feel-good first dances

    These tracks are perfect as “everyone pile onto the dancefloor” first dances.

76. Marry You – Bruno Mars (upbeat, fun)
    “It’s a beautiful night…”

77. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen (rock ’n’ roll, fun)
    “This thing called love…”

78. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates (upbeat, feel-good)
    “You make my dreams come true…”

79. How Sweet It Is – Marvin Gaye (classic, joyful)
    “How sweet it is…”

80. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (upbeat, iconic)
    “I wanna dance with somebody…”

81. Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader (feel-good, British)
    “Everybody here is out of sight…”

82. Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON (party-starter, upbeat)
    “Oh don’t you dare look back…”

83. Let’s Dance – David Bowie (upbeat, stylish)
    “Let’s dance…”

84. This Will Be – Natalie Cole (joyful, vintage)
    “This will be an everlasting love…”

85. Love on Top – Beyoncé (upbeat, joyful)
    “Baby, it’s you…”

86. My Girl – The Temptations (classic, soul)
    “I’ve got sunshine…”

87. For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder (uplifting, soulful)
    “For once in my life…”

88. You Send Me – Sam Cooke (vintage, romantic)
    “You send me…”

89. Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra (swing, classic)
    “Fly me to the moon…”

90. You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine (anthemic, emotional)
    “You’ve got the love…”

91. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kina Grannis (acoustic cover, gentle)
    “Take my hand…”

92. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman (playful, warm)
    “You’ve got a friend in me…”

93. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles (modern, joyful)
    “I choose you…”

94. XO – Beyoncé (romantic, modern)
    “Your love is bright as ever…”

95. You’re My Best Friend – Queen (fun, heartfelt)
    “You’re my best friend…”

96. Love Is in the Air – John Paul Young (retro, upbeat)
    “Love is in the air…”

97. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (power ballad, emotional)
    “Because you loved me…”

98. Grow Old With You – The Wedding Singer (fun, vow-style)
    “I wanna grow old with you…”

99. Mr Brightside (Acoustic) – The Killers (indie, alternative)
    “Coming out of my cage…”

100. Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton (country, soulful)
     “You’re the joy of my life…”

More First Dance Ideas by Theme and Vibe

• Alternative / non-cheesy
  • Sweet Disposition, Lovesong, Only Love, I Wanna Be Yours, Falling Slowly, At My Most Beautiful, Mr Brightside (slow cover).
• Upbeat first dance (no awkward slow bit)
  • Marry You, You Make My Dreams, Love on Top, Shut Up and Dance, Dancing in the Moonlight, This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).
• Short first dance songs
  • How Long Will I Love You, Stand by Me, Because You Loved Me, You Send Me, My Girl, You’re My Best Friend, Fly Me to the Moon.
• Indie/festival vibe
  • Baby I’m Yours, Sweet Disposition, Chasing Cars, You and Me Song, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, Dreams, Sky Full of Stars (acoustic).
• Country-leaning first dances (for UK couples who love Nashville)
  • Speechless, From the Ground Up, Die a Happy Man, Yours, You’re Still the One, Joy of My Life, Life With You.
• Acoustic & stripped-back covers
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love (Kina Grannis), Simply the Best (Noah Reid), Sky Full of Stars (piano), XO (acoustic), All of Me (string quartet).
• Film, TV & TikTok-inspired
  • Always Remember Us This Way, Grow Old With You, Falling Slowly, movie-soundtrack versions of classics like Heaven (Candlelight Mix).

How to Choreograph (or Cheat!) Your First Dance

If you’re natural performers, this is your moment. If you’re not, you absolutely don’t need a Strictly-level routine.

Three approaches that work brilliantly:

• The “elevated sway”
  • One or two spins, a simple dip and a couple of turns is plenty for most couples! Your band or DJ can keep the song to a couple of minutes max - so it never drags.
• Slow intro into party chorus
  • Start with the verse of a ballad, then your band kicks into a full up-tempo chorus and invites everyone onto the dancefloor. Example 1: Can’t Help Falling in Love into I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Example 2: At Last into You Make My Dreams.
• Group first dance
  • Ask your Band or DJ to invite your wedding party, then your families, onto the floor 30–60 seconds in. Perfect if you’re shy or your crowd loves a big “all in” moment.

If you do want help, plenty of UK dance teachers like First Dance Studios offer in-person first dance lessons - or you can follow online videos on channels like @WeddingDanceOnline.

Working With Your Band or DJ on the First Dance

From our side of the stage, live music does a few magical things: guests watch and feel a unique one-time-only performance of your special song, not just a recording of the original, and live musicians can flex the song around what’s actually happening - pausing, extending or medleying into another song if needed.

A few practical tips:

• Share your choice early so your band/DJ can learn or source the right version. Be clear on which version of the song you want - and by which artist.
• Be clear about your plan - are guests joining halfway through? Do you want a fade-out or a big finish?
• Talk about length - if you’re not dancers, aim for 90-150 seconds max.
• Decide what comes next - straight into a banger, or a short break for speeches/photos?

Many Alive Network wedding bands offer to learn first dance songs, usually for a small additional cost - or they will offer a choice of first dance songs from their existing repertoire. If it’s not possible for them to perform your song live - they will be able to play it through their PA system before launching into the first live song of their set.

Finding A Band That Plays Your Special Song

Did you know that by clicking the Show All Filters option on our Wedding Band and Wedding Singer rosters, you can search for artists who already have your favourite songs in their repertoire?

Look for the ‘Search By Song’ filter - and enter your favourite song title or artist name!

Try these searches to get your started

• Bands who play “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
• Bands who play “All Of Me” by John Legend
• Bands who play “At Last” by Etta James
• Bands who play “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
• Bands who play “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley

First Dance FAQs

We don’t have a song – is that weird?

Not at all. Most couples we speak to don’t have an obvious “our song”. Use this guide as a tasting menu, shortlist 5–10, then do a quick “kitchen-floor dance test” one evening. You’ll feel the right one.

Do we have to do a first dance?

No. Some couples skip it entirely, others do a super-short version or a group dance. Tradition is only useful if it feels good to you.

Can we have more than one first dance?

Absolutely. Some couples do a “just us” first dance earlier in the evening, then a fun, upbeat second song once the room is full.

What about the second song?

Worth planning! That “everyone join in” track right after your first dance sets the tone for the whole night - think I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Dancing in the Moonlight, Twist and Shout - something guests of all ages are definitely going to love!

Final Thoughts

Your first dance doesn’t have to be choreographed or technically perfect - it just has to feel right for the two of you, in that moment, surrounded by your favourite people.

Pick the song that makes you grin, cry, or breathe a little easier when it comes on. Then let your band, DJ and photographer wrap some magic around it.

If you're ready to start choosing the perfect musicians to bring your first dance to life, click here to explore the UK's best wedding bands, wedding DJs and wedding entertainment ideas.