The Timeless Appeal of 2025's Top First Dance Wedding Songs

Posted on May 1, 2025 | Wedding Planning, Music, First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most cherished moments of your wedding day. As the spotlight shines on you both, the song you choose sets the tone for this intimate moment and often becomes "your song" for years to come. In 2025, while new hits continue to emerge, it's fascinating to see how certain classics maintain their stronghold as the most beloved first dance selections. Let's explore the top five wedding first dance songs of 2025 and what makes them so enduringly popular.

1. "All of Me" by John Legend

Since its release in 2013, John Legend's "All of Me" has remained a fixture at weddings worldwide, and 2025 is no exception. Written for his wife Chrissy Teigen, this heartfelt piano ballad captures the essence of unconditional love with lyrics like "All of me loves all of you, love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections."

What makes this song so special is its raw honesty. Legend doesn't idealize love as perfect; instead, he celebrates the beautiful reality of loving someone completely—flaws and all. The simple piano accompaniment allows the profound lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for that first dance moment.

The song's moderate tempo also makes it accessible for couples regardless of their dancing abilities, allowing them to sway comfortably while maintaining eye contact and sharing whispered words during this precious moment.

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2. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" continues to be, well, perfect for first dances. Released in 2017, this romantic ballad has proven to have remarkable staying power. Sheeran wrote it about his now-wife Cherry Seaborn, giving it an authentic emotional foundation that resonates with couples everywhere.

The waltz-time signature of "Perfect" provides a natural rhythm for couples who want to incorporate more traditional dance elements. The imagery of dancing "in the dark, with you between my arms" paints the exact picture many couples envision for their first dance.

The song received additional boosts in popularity through duet versions with Beyoncé and Andrea Bocelli, offering couples different stylistic options while maintaining the same beautiful core melody and lyrics. The orchestral elements add a cinematic quality that makes any first dance feel like a scene from a romantic film.

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3. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

Some songs truly are timeless, and Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" proves this point beautifully. Originally released in 1961, this gentle ballad continues to be a top first dance choice in 2025, more than six decades later.

The song's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and universality. The memorable melody and straightforward declaration of inevitable love speaks to couples across generations. With lyrics like "Take my hand, take my whole life too," it encapsulates the commitment being celebrated on a wedding day.

While Elvis's original version remains popular, the song has been covered by countless artists over the decades, from UB40's reggae-influenced take to more recent interpretations by Haley Reinhart and Twenty One Pilots. This versatility allows couples to choose a version that matches their personal style while still connecting to the song's rich history.

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4. "At Last" by Etta James

Etta James's "At Last" continues to be a first dance favorite, bringing its classic, soulful energy to weddings in 2025. First recorded in 1941 and made famous by James in 1960, this song carries a sense of history and emotional weight that few others can match.

The opening string arrangement creates an immediate sense of occasion, while James's powerful vocals convey the profound relief and joy of finding true love after a long wait. For many couples who have journeyed through challenges to reach their wedding day, the sentiment of "at last, my love has come along" resonates deeply.

The jazz-influenced style also provides a sophisticated atmosphere that elevates the moment. While the song allows for simple swaying, its rich musical texture also accommodates couples who want to showcase more elaborate dance moves, making it versatile for dancers of all skill levels.

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5. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran makes a second appearance on our list with "Thinking Out Loud," which continues to be a wedding staple in 2025. Released in 2014, this soulful love song speaks to lasting love with its promise of "loving you 'til we're 70."

The song's gentle R&B influence creates a groove that's easy to dance to, while its references to enduring love through aging together aligns perfectly with the lifelong commitment being made at a wedding. The lyrics recognize that physical beauty may fade, but real love persists—a meaningful message for a wedding day.

Sheeran's authentic delivery makes these sentiments feel genuine rather than clichéd. The song's music video, featuring Sheeran himself performing a choreographed ballroom dance, has also inspired many couples to incorporate similar dance elements into their first dance, adding a memorable performance aspect to their wedding reception.

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Why These Songs Endure

What's remarkable about 2025's top first dance songs is how they've maintained their popularity despite constant new music releases. This staying power can be attributed to several factors:

1. Emotional Authenticity: Each of these songs was written from a place of genuine emotion, often about the artists' real partners, giving them an authenticity that connects with couples.
   
   
2. Lyrical Universality: While specific and detailed enough to feel personal, the lyrics are universal enough that any couple can see their own relationship reflected in them.
   
   
3. Dance-Friendly Tempos: All five songs feature moderate tempos that work well for couples with varying dance abilities, making them practical choices for the spotlight moment.
   
   
4. Timeless Production: Rather than following fleeting trends, these songs feature classic production elements that don't sound dated as years pass.
   
   
5. Multigenerational Appeal: These selections tend to appeal to both the couple and their guests across age groups, creating moments that everyone can appreciate.
   
   

Choosing Your Perfect First Dance Song

While these five songs top the charts in 2025, the perfect first dance song is ultimately the one that feels right for you as a couple. Whether it's one of these popular choices or something completely unexpected, the most important factor is that it resonates with your relationship and the commitment you're celebrating.

Consider songs that have been meaningful throughout your relationship, lyrics that reflect your journey together, or simply melodies that move you emotionally. Your first dance song will forever be linked to one of your most precious memories, so choose one that makes your heart sing.

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What's your favourite wedding first dance song?

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