Popular First Dance Wedding Songs from Real Brides & Grooms

While you won't find some popular songs on the list – such as love songs by John Legend, Alicia Keys, Frank Sinatra, and Ed Sheeran, as well as "At Last" by Etta James, "Your Song" by Elton John, "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, "You're My Best Friend" by Queen, and "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes – you will find some popular first dance song ideas selected by real brides and grooms.

Some are classics, some are more unique, but they all offer great inspiration for the love songs you'll play on your wedding day. These first dance songs range from Motown hits to modern-day favorites, along with 1980s jams to classics from the 1960s. The romantic song lyrics are also fun and sweet – so take your pick at last!

Take a listen to these beautiful first dance songs by clicking the song titles, and be sure to read more about each couple's wedding by clicking on the photo of their first dance.

Popular First Dance Songs from Real Brides and Grooms

"Someone Like You" by Van Morrison

Saved by the Bell and NYPD Blue actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his beautiful wife, Catriona McGinn, shared their first dance to "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison . The bride remembers their first spin as husband and wife as the moment when she finally breathed and took it all in. “It was sunset and the Santa Ynez hills surrounded us, along with our family and friends,” she shares. “It was magical.” Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Saved By the Bell Star Mark-Paul Gosselaar's California Wedding

"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

This loving couple was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the pair celebrated with loved ones beneath a gorgeous white tent. They shared loving looks and laughs during their first dance to "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion, who has a song for wedding events on nearly every album. Photo by Kortnee Kate; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated Outdoor Wedding Celebration in Cincinnati, Ohio

"I Have and I Always Will by Dave Barnes

When former Miss Arizona USA Brittany Brannon and her beloved celebrated their wedding in Phoenix, Arizona, they shared a memorable first dance to "I Have and I Always Will" by Dave Barnes. This tune likely won't make many most-popular lists, but we love the wedding-related lyrics, "Underneath all you're white, my lady, my love, my bride, in your darkest hours, will I love you still? I have and I always will." Photo by Kimberly Jarman Photography; From Real Wedding: Former Miss Arizona's Wedding at the Historic Arizona Biltmore

"The One" by Elton John

Actress Melissa Claire Egan – who has appeared as a bride in famous soap operas All My Children and The Young and the Restless – said "I do" herself at a gorgeous rustic wedding in California. She and her new husband danced to "The One" by Elton John, whose other popular tune "Your Song" frequently makes the list of popular options for first dance songs. Photo by Next Exit Photography; From Real Wedding: Actress Melissa Claire Egan's Rustic-Chic Wedding in Santa Barbara

"And I Love Her" by The Beatles

Brittany and Parker chose "And I Love Her" by The Beatles, a classic song, for their first spin as husband and wife at a gorgeous private venue. “Enjoying such a special evening with my husband by my side, the whole night was absolute perfection,” the bride gushes about her big day. Photo by Dalal Photography; Planning & Design by International Event Company; From Real Wedding: A Romantic Neutral-Hued Wedding in Los Angeles, California 

"Love" by Matt White

The Bachelorette's Ashley Hebert said "I do" to J.P. Rosenbaum in front of loved ones and their officiant – The Bachelor host Chris Harrison – at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. The duo chose a sweet song, "Love" by Matt White. The last lyrics ring especially true, especially for the pair who met on a reality television show: "What is love, what is love? I just want you to be love." Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: The Bachelorette's Ashley Hebert & J.P. Rosenbaum Say "I Do" 

"For You" by Kenny Lattimore

Seattle Seahawks football player Brandon Mebane met his beloved bride in middle school, but it wasn't until years later when they reconnected and began a romance. They were married in Los Angeles and shared their first dance to "For You" by Kenny Lattimore. We love the lyrics: "For you, I make a promise of fidelity, now and for eternity. No one could replace this love. For you, I take your hand and heart and everything, and add to them a wedding ring 'cause this life is no good alone, since we've become one, you're all I know." Photo by Callaway Gable; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Sterling Engagements; From Real Wedding: NFL Super Bowl Winner Brandon Mebane's Los Angeles Wedding

"The Magic Moment" by The Drifters

In addition to having a memorable father-daughter dance and a special dance with her sisters, Susan also shared a beautiful first dance at her parents' estate to "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters during the magical outdoor reception. Photo by KT Merry Photography; From Real Wedding: A Gorgeous and Elegant Outdoor Florida Wedding 

"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

This is a classic song – wedding or not! Not only did Molly and Patrick have a gorgeous destination-wedding in Rome, Italy, but they shared their first dance to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong complete with a live musician playing the trumpet. Photo by Amy & Stuart Photography; From Real Wedding: Classic Summer Wedding in Rome, Italy with Rustic Elements

"Endless Love" by Lionel Richie

Jaime and Bryan took to the dance floor when "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie began. The bride also had a special surprise for her new husband: she serenaded him with "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts onstage for a sweet performance they'll both never forget. Photo by KingenSmith; From Real Wedding: Elegant Ballroom Ceremony & Reception in Chicago, Illinois

"You Showed Me" by The Turtles

Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter sang sweetly to his beautiful bride on the dance floor as they danced to "You Showed Me" by The Turtles during their rustic wedding reception in Santa Barbara, California. Notable lyrics include: "You showed me how to do exactly what you do, how I fell in love with you. Oh, oh, oh, it's true. Oh, oh, I love you." Photo by Kris Kan; Bridal Salon: Panache Bridals of Beverly Hills; From Real Wedding: Backstreet Boys Nick Carter's Santa Barbara, California Wedding

"This Year's Love" by David Gray

Model Elaine Alden and Toronto Raptors player Landry Fields shared their first dance to "This Year's Love" by David Gray. “The first dance with Elaine was [a] memorable moment,” says Landry. “The Lord had shown us so much grace in all aspects of our lives, so it was nice to take a moment during the celebration to thank Him and enjoy the moment with my wife.” Photo by Christian Oth Studio; From Real Wedding: Model Elaine Alden and Basketball Player Landry Fields' NYC Affair

"I Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley

Ashley and Robert were married in Chicago and shared a special first dance to "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You". However, instead of the classic tune popularized by Elvis, they chose the version sung by Fernando Varela. Other popular covers of this perfect song include the one by Haley Reinhart of American Idol fame. Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Vibrant Fall Wedding with Lush Flowers in Chicago, Illinois

"These Arms of Mine" by Otis Redding

Courtney Mazza and popular television host Mario Lopez were married at a destination wedding in Mexico. They enjoyed a romantic first dance to the classic love song, "These Arms of Mine" by Otis Redding, before taking to the dance floor for a joyous celebration with guests including actress Eva Longoria. Photo by Kevin Weinstein Photography; From Real Wedding: Mario Lopez & Courtney Mazza's Destination Wedding in Mexico

"Faithfully" by Journey

NHL star Brandon Dubinsky and model Brenna McGuire celebrated their wedding at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Their chosen first dance song was "Faithfully" by Journey. Photo by Donna Newman Photography; Planning & Design by Posh Parties; Venue: The Breakers; From Real Wedding: NHL Star Brandon Dubinsky's Wedding at The Breakers in Palm Beach

"Stand By Me" (Spanglish Version) by Prince Royce - original Ben E. King

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Barney and Edward Judge performed a sultry cha cha to "Stand By Me" for their first dance. Instead of the original by Ben E. King, they chose the Spanglish version of the popular song by Prince Royce. Photo by Christine Bentley Photography; From Real Wedding: Real Housewives of Orange County: Tamra Barney's California Wedding

"Moon River" by Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer

Jessica and Jack celebrated their wedding at an art museum in Savannah, Georgia, in the same square where the dashing groom proposed. Staying true to their Southern roots, the couple selected "Moon River" by Henry Mancini and Savannah-born Johnny Mercer as their first dance song. Photo by 6 of Four Photography; From Real Wedding: Black Tie Southern Wedding at an Art Museum in Savannah, Georgia

"When the World Ends" by Dave Matthews Band

In addition to having incredible performers and entertainers during their wedding reception – including a performance by a contestant on The Voice – Traci and David shared their first dance on a beautifully lit dance floor to "When the World Ends" by Dave Matthews Band. Photo by KingenSmith; From Real Wedding: Opulent Chicago Wedding with Elaborate Décor & Entertainment

"Marry Me" by Train

"Marry Me" by Train has become one of the most popular first dance songs since it was released in 2009, so of course it made this list! Brianna and Jordan shared their lovely moment to this romantic tune at an outdoor celebration in Santa Barbara. Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic Ocean-View Wedding in Santa Barbara, California

"La Bomba" by Ricky Martin

Hedieh and Farid knew their families loved a good party, so instead of a classic love song, they made sure to take every entertainment detail into account – including their first dance. In lieu of a romantic ballad, the duo chose the festive song "La Bomba" by Ricky Martin. Photo by Nadia D. Photography; From Real Wedding: Historic Ballroom Wedding Celebration in Atlanta, Georgia

"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri

"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri quickly climbed the charts, and the lists of the top first dance songs with its romantic sound. This jet-setting couple who became engaged on a plane to London shared their first dance to the popular song. Photo by Troy Grover Photographers; From Real Wedding: A Jet Setter Couple's Modern Wedding with Travel-Inspired Elements

"Something" by The Beatles

Here's another wedding song by The Beatles to consider for your first dance! This cute couple was married in Washington, D.C. and started out the evening's dancing festivities to "Something" by The Beatles. Following their first dance, loved ones stayed on the dance floor the entire night. “We split the dance floor right down the middle because we were dancing so hard!” shares the groom. Photo by Justine Ungaro; From Real Wedding: Modern Wedding at Historic Washington, DC Ballroom

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Ashleigh and Saul took to the iconic checkered ballroom floor at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, to perform their first dance to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Photo by KT Merry Photography; Planning & Design by Posh Parties; Venue: The Breakers; From Real Wedding: Soft-Hued Spring Wedding at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida

"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

Staying true to the classic version, Renee and Kevin had their first dance to "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. Their Chicago wedding was truly meant to be, as the couple quickly learned once they met that they had mutual friends, went to the same birthday parties, and even had the same pediatrician as kids. Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Modern Purple, Blue & White Wedding at a Contemporary Chicago Venue 

"A Million Years" by Alexander

Entertainment host Adrianna Costa and her new husband impressed guests with their dance moves to "A Million Years" by Alexander. The bride loved the song so much that she requested the band play it at the end of the night. “It was so romantic and the band nailed our song.” The fun lyrics include: "Like exploding sun, let the light unfurl. Been a million years full of fears, but I found my girl." Photo by Mi Belle Photographers; From Real Wedding: Entertainment Host Adrianna Costa's Desert Chic Wedding

"Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

Melissa and Joe were married in Newport Beach, California, and a live band performed their first dance song, "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts. Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; From Real Wedding: Dreamy Newport Beach, California Wedding with Breathtaking Décor

"Everything" by Michael Bublé

Following their traditional Indian wedding in Houston, Texas, Neha and Manish performed their wedding first dance to "Everything" by Michael Bublé in front of 800 wedding guests. Photo by Tomas Ramos Photographers; From Real Wedding: Houston Indian Wedding Celebration with 800-Person Guest List

"Home" by Phillip Phillips

Karen and Fraser were married at a gorgeous shabby chic wedding planned by Linda Howard Events in Malibu, California. They had their first dance to "Home" by Phillip Phillips. Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Linda Howard Events; From Real Wedding: Shabby Chic Garden-Inspired Malibu, California Wedding

"Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show

Bonnie and Gabriel danced to "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show – also performed by Darius Rucker – at their San Diego, California wedding held at The Grand Del Mar. Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated Celebration at The Grand Del Mar in San Diego

"You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson

David and Illana shared their first spin to "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson and agree that it was the best part of the whole wedding. “[It] was an experience you never forget,” the groom confides. “All of our guests began singing along and clapping around us,” adds the bride. “It was the warmest, most special moment that we will remember always.” (See this exclusive collection of Ingrid Michaelson's favorite first dance songs!) Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer; From Real Wedding: Oceanfront Ceremony & Sunset Reception in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

"Better Together" by Jack Johnson

The calming and romantic Jack Johnson hit "Better Together" was the soundtrack to this Texas couple's first dance, which was held in front of large marquee-style lights that fittingly spelled out "dance." Photo by Robert Evans Studios; From Real Wedding: An Austin, Texas Lake House Wedding with a Natural Color Palette

For more wedding song ideas, see the 50 most popular wedding songs named by Spotify, discover these non-traditional songs for your walk down the aisle and some of our favorite heart-melting tunes for your father-daughter dance, and see BET cofounder Sheila Johnson's wedding.