50 Unexpected First Dance Songs That Aren’t Overplayed (2025 Edition)
Choosing a first dance song can feel like a lot of pressure. You want something that reflects your vibe and tells your story, but also feels unique. On a day that’s already deeply personal, you want every detail, including the music, to feel like you.
The tricky part? So many first dance songs have been used so often that they’ve started to lose their magic.
If you’re looking for a first dance song to add to your wedding playlist that’s heartfelt, meaningful, and a little more “you,” we’ve got some ideas. Whether you’re into vintage classics, moody indie ballads, string quartet covers of classics, or something a little off-the-wall and unexpected, this list is for you.
These 50 first dance songs may not be topping the wedding charts, but they’ll hit all the right notes on your big day.
Indie & Acoustic Vibes
If you’re the kind of couple who vibes with moody lyrics, cozy sounds, or anything that feels a little off the beaten path, these picks are for you. Think campfire love songs, poetic slow dances, and indie gems that haven’t been played at every other wedding.
“Grow Old with You” by Adam Sandler
Sweet, simple, and full of charm, this song is basically a love letter wrapped in an acoustic guitar. It’s a millennial classic from the movie The Wedding Singer and great for couples who want something heartfelt but a little playful, too.
“Words” by Gregory Alan Isakov
Soft, haunting, and beautifully written. This one feels like a warm hug and is perfect if you want something low-key and emotional without being melodramatic.
“House of My Soul (You Light the Rooms)” by Langhorne Slim
This one’s for the fun-loving couples. It’s upbeat, romantic, and would be amazing with a choreographed dance or just lots of twirling and smiling.
“We Found Each Other in the Dark” by City and Colour
If your love story involves weathering some storms together, this one will hit in all the right ways. The lyrics are raw, emotional, and quite moving.
“Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty
Laid-back and a little cheeky, this one feels like summer nights and lazy Sundays. A great pick if you’re going for something cool and effortless.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
Dreamy, slow, and just a little mysterious. It’s a great choice for couples who want their first dance to feel more like a movie scene than a spotlight moment.
“Bloom” by The Paper Kites
Soft and romantic, this one feels like the musical version of swaying together under string lights with a sunset background. Gentle, but full of emotion.
“To Someone From a Warm Climate” by Hozier
This one’s for the lyric lovers. It’s soulful, poetic, and a little bit moody in the best way. It feels like a deep breath and a quiet, intimate moment together.
“Strawberries” by Caamp
Folky, indie, beautifully understated. It’s like a Sunday morning in song form and great if you want something that feels cozy and honest.
“Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song)” by Oscar Isaac and Marcus Mumford
A soulful, stripped-down acoustic pick with raw emotion. This is great for couples who want something that feels earthy and honest.
Country Lovers
Whether you’re a full-on country aficionado or just love the sound of a steel guitar with a good lyric, these songs are sweet, sentimental, and totally dance-floor worthy. They range from classic to modern and even a little tongue-in-cheek, because not every country love story takes itself too seriously.
“Amazed” by Lonestar
A forever classic. You might have heard this one before, and for good reason. It’s big, heartfelt, and made for swaying in each other’s arms while everyone else grabs a tissue.
“I Hate Love Songs” by Kelsea Ballerini
Don’t let the title fool you. This one is actually a super cute pick for couples who aren’t into overly romantic stuff but still want to mark the moment with something meaningful and fun.
“Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
A true country gem: simple, sincere, and timeless. If you’re after that sweet old-school charm, this one’s a winner.
“Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
Modern country romance at its finest. This one’s all about loving the little things, and it’s an easy pick if you want your first dance to feel personal and heartfelt.
“Then” by Brad Paisley
Whether you go with the original or a piano cover, this is a total tearjerker in the best way. It’s about how love keeps growing, and isn’t that exactly what your first dance is about?
“Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray
Soft, romantic, and straight out of a classic country wedding. This one’s great if you’re looking for something simple and sincere without being over-the-top.
Disney & Movie Magic
For the couples who bonded over Disney, grew up on fairytales, or just love a cinematic moment, these picks are full of nostalgia, whimsy, and charm. Bonus: a lot of these are short and sweet, perfect for couples who are uncomfortable with being the center of attention for four full minutes.
“So This is Love” from Cinderella
This dreamy waltz is as romantic as it gets, and it’s only 1:20 long! It’s perfect for couples who want a classic feel without a long spotlight moment. Simple, elegant, and totally timeless.
“Le Festin” from Ratatouille
A hidden gem: soft, French, and absolutely beautiful. If you want something unique and cinematic, this one sets the perfect tone.
“Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle
This instrumental from Studio Ghibli is whimsical and full of emotion. Perfect for anime fans or anyone looking for something a little different and deeply romantic.
“Across the Stars” from Star Wars
Epic and emotional. This one’s ideal if you’re going for full-on drama, especially if you have a live musician at your wedding.
“I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” from The Muppet Movie
Our favorite is the Diana Panton cover. This song is soft and sentimental with a nostalgic twist. It’s surprisingly touching, and we promise your guests will cry.
“Rainbow Connection” — the Vitamin String Quartet cover
Sweet, magical, and a total heart-melter, this version has all the emotion of the original, but adds a classy instrumental vibe that works beautifully for weddings.
Alt & Emo Romance
For the couples who had “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” on repeat back in 2006, or just love music that hits a little deeper, this list is for you. Moody, nostalgic, and a little unexpected in the best way.
“I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
We had to include this one. It’s a hauntingly beautiful love song about sticking together through it all. It’s intimate, powerful, and somehow feels even more romantic because of its raw honesty.
“Nine in the Afternoon” by Panic! At the Disco (Midnite String Quartet cover)
For emo kids with elegant taste. This instrumental version lets you keep your scene roots while still sounding wedding-appropriate.
“Scene One—James Dean & Audrey Hepburn” by Sleeping with Sirens
Melodic, emotional, and full of early-2010s feels. Great for couples who want to honor their emo days with something heartfelt.
“First Date” by Blink-182 (Midnite String Quartet cover)
We love the Midnite String Quartet for wedding-worthy emo songs. This one’s playful, nostalgic, and fun, especially if your love story started with pop-punk and Vans.
“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica (a shorter, string cover)
Heavy metal meets soft romance. A string version transforms this iconic track into a slow, cinematic dance that feels both intense and intimate. (And cuts down the 6-minute original running time—because who wants to dance that long?)
Vintage Vibes
Old-school romance, retro energy, and songs that make you feel like you’re dancing in a black and white film. These picks are sweet, smooth, and totally timeless.
“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
Silky, soulful, and effortlessly cool. This one never goes out of style and always gets people swaying right along with you.
“Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin
A classic doo-wop vibe with a fun beat and sweet lyrics. It’s light, catchy, and perfect for couples who prefer a first dance that feels more flirty and less sappy.
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher
Campy, fun, and full of charm. It’s a great pick if you want something vintage with a wink.
“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” by Jackie Wilson
Joyful and high-energy, this one is great if you want your first dance to turn into a dance party. Try starting with just the two of you, then invite the wedding party and guests to join in!
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
Often lauded as one of the most beautifully written love songs ever, this one hits whether you go with the original or the Bryan Adams cover. It’s emotional without being heavy and sentimental in all the right ways.
“Thank You” by Chris Cornell
A stunning acoustic cover of the Led Zeppelin classic, full of emotion and grit. It’s a great choice if you want something stripped down but still powerful.
“The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel
Strange and beautiful. This one walks a line between quirky and profound, and it’s a great choice if you want something unexpected but deeply moving.
“Follow You Follow Me” by Genesis
It’s got that sweet balance of upbeat and sentimental, with a little ‘70s charm. Great for couples who want to keep their first dance classic without going cliche.
“Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr.
Smooth jazz energy and sweet lyrics, this one’s perfect if you want a classic song with some groove.
“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
Uplifting, lighthearted, and pure joy. This song is sweet without being sappy and a perfect tribute when you’re marrying your best friend.
Modern Pop, Indie, and R&B
These songs are soulful, emotional, and modern in all the right ways. Whether you’re a Swiftie, an R&B lover, or you are looking for song ideas that feel like you, these picks strike a perfect balance between sweet and stylish.
“Lover” by Taylor Swift
Okay, everyone’s heard this one. But we had to include it because it’s romantic, dreamy, and already a modern wedding classic. If you’re a Swiftie, this one’s probably already on your list.
“Best Part” (feat H.E.R.) by Daniel Caesar
Smooth, sultry, and deeply romantic. It’s intimate without being slow, and perfect for a late-night, low-light moment on the dance floor.
“Coming Home” by Leon Bridges
A retro soul vibe with a modern twist. It’s warm, heartfelt, and simple, making it great for couples who want something with a timeless feel.
“Happy Accidents” by Saint Motel
Upbeat, quirky, full of joy. If you want your first dance to feel different and fun, this one nails it.
“Heartbeats” by José González
Minimalist and emotional, this acoustic cover is slow and hypnotic. It’s the kind of song that makes time feel like it’s standing still.
“Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley & Ms. Lauryn Hill
Smooth, groovy, and full of feeling, this one’s a laid-back romance with soul and sway.
Honorable Mention
“That One Night” by Hunter from The Office
Yes... it’s that song. If you know, you know. Iconic, hilarious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser if you’re a millennial.
Your First Dance, Your Rules
Ultimately, your first dance isn’t about what’s trending or what guests expect—it’s about you. Your story. Your vibe. Your weird inside jokes as a couple, your favorite songs, your shared playlists that you always listen to on roadtrips.
So, whether you pick a soft, sentimental ballad or surprise everyone with a two-part dance that starts slow and transitions into a high-energy banger (yes, your wedding DJ can make that happen!), the most important thing is that it feels like you.
Your first dance is the moment to celebrate your connection, so lean into it, get creative, and choose whatever song or mashup makes you feel the most like yourselves!
