30 Wedding Slow Dance Songs to Set a Romantic Vibe

One of the most important parts of wedding planning is selecting the right music that suits your—and your future spouse's—individual preferences, along with those of your guests. As you compile the perfect wedding reception song playlist, choosing the right wedding slow dance songs is essential for setting a scene that's equal parts romantic and memorable.

Fortunately, options abound when selecting the best wedding songs for slow dancing, from timeless classics by Frank Sinatra and Etta James to contemporary hits by Taylor Swift and Adele. Not sure where to start? Don't fret. We've compiled a curated list of the best slow dance songs for weddings across various genres, including pop, jazz, rock, folk and more. But that's not all: We've also included expert insight from a wedding DJ on how many slow dance songs to play throughout your big day, which you can read more about below.

In this article:

• How Many Slow Dance Songs Should You Play at a Wedding?
• The Best Wedding Slow Dance Songs for Your Reception

How Many Slow Dance Songs Should You Play at a Wedding?

To determine how many slow dance songs to play at a wedding, we decided to ask a wedding DJ for expert insight. "If you're looking to have a high-energy party, one to two slow songs, maximum, is ideal," explains Michael Coombs, owner and DJ of Michael Coombs Entertainment in Toronto, Canada. "As much as some guests may want them, they can kill the vibe quickly, and it's best to limit them to keep the party going strong."

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Alternatively, if you're envisioning an elegant sit-down soiree as opposed to a high-energy dance party, feel free to increase the quantity of slow dance songs. For more assistance and inspiration, you can also visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a wedding DJ or live band to help create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding

The Best Wedding Slow Dance Songs for Your Reception

From country hits to sentimental soft rock ballads, here are some of our favorite romantic slow dance songs for a wedding that are sure to wow, featuring artists like Adele, Aerosmith and Frank Sinatra.

1. "Make You Feel My Love," Adele

Lyrics you'll love: "When the rain is blowing in your face/And the whole world is on your case/I could offer you a warm embrace/To make you feel my love"

This romantic slow dance song, which was originally written by Bob Dylan, features Adele's signature pipes. The poetic lyrics about unconditional love and devotion make it a timeless choice for a first dance song.

2. "Say You Won't Let Go," James Arthur

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm so in love with you/And I hope you know/Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold/We've come so far, my dear/Look how we've grown/And I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old/Just say you won't let go"

This James Arthur hit is one of the more modern slow love songs on the list, but that doesn't make it any less sentimental. Its heartfelt lyrics about growing old together make it an ideal choice for couples looking for a contemporary tune to sway to.

3. "Conversations in the Dark," John Legend

Lyrics you'll love: "I will never try to change you, change you/I will always want the same you, same you/Swear on everything I pray to/That I won't break your heart/I'll be there when you get lonely, lonely/Keep the secrets that you told me, told me/And your love is all you owe me/And I won't break your heart"

John Legend has written a slew of incredible love songs over the decades, but this one, released in 2020, stands out for its beautiful lyrics, making it especially appropriate for slow dancing at weddings. The soothing melody is just the icing on the (wedding) cake.

4. "The Way You Look Tonight," Frank Sinatra

Lyrics you'll love: "Lovely, Never, ever change/Keep that breathless charm"

This classic Frank Sinatra song has withstood the test of time, and for good reason: Just take a look at the lyrics and prepare to swoon! It beautifully captures the magic of love and admiration, making it one of the most popular slow dance songs for weddings.

5. "At Last," Etta James

Lyrics you'll love: "At last/My love has come along/My lonely days are over/And life is like a song"

Another time-honored choice, "At Last" is an absolute must-play for your ceremony or wedding reception. Clocking in at just under three minutes, it's a short and sweet declaration of love that feels both grand and intimate.

6. "Your Song," Elton John

Lyrics you'll love: "I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind/That I put down in words/How wonderful life is/While you're in the world"

This catchy '70s pop song from Elton John is a magnificent masterpiece. Its slow, heartfelt melody makes it an excellent pick for a meaningful moment with your partner.

7. "Amazed," Lonestar

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm so in love with you/It just keeps gettin' better/I wanna spend the rest of my life/With you by my side/Forever and ever"

Throw it back to the late '90s and have your live band or DJ play this country wedding song. "Amazed" perfectly captures the feeling of being head-over-heels in love, making it a prime pick for slow dancing.

8. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Aerosmith

Lyrics you'll love: "I don't wanna close my eyes/I don't wanna fall asleep/'Cause I'd miss you baby/And I don't wanna miss a thing"

Rock lovers, rejoice: Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" is a fantastic option for slow dances. We guarantee happy tears will flow once your wedding band or DJ begins to play this iconic rock wedding song.

9. "If I Ain't Got You," Alicia Keys

Lyrics you'll love: "Some people want it all/But I don't want nothin' at all/If it ain't you, baby/If I ain't got you, baby/Some people want diamond rings/Some just want everything/But everything means nothin'/If I ain't got you, yeah"

Millennials will especially appreciate this 2003 hit, which first put Alicia Keys on the map. Not only does this love song show off the singer's stunning vocals, but its heartfelt message about love being more important than material things makes it a special and sentimental song to sway to.

10. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green

Lyrics you'll love: "I, I'm I'm so in love with you/Whatever you want to do/Is all right with me/'Cause you make me feel so brand new/And I want to spend my life with you"

You—and your wedding guests—can't help but groove along to this R&B wedding song, which boasts an oh-so-catchy rhythm. It's an excellent pick for to-be-weds wanting a blend of romantic and upbeat energy.

11. "I Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis Presley

Lyrics you'll love: "Take my hand/Take my whole life, too/For I can't help falling in love with you"

What's not to love about the King of Rock' n' Roll's 1961 love song? (Spoiler alert: nothing.) That's because it strikes the perfect chord between timeless romance and soulful melody.

12. "Thinking Out Loud," Ed Sheeran

Lyrics you'll love: "Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/Place your head on my beating heart/I'm thinking out loud/Maybe we found love right where we are"

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" is one of the best love songs of modern times. Its heart-tugging lyrics and slow, steady melody evoke the essence of everlasting love.

13. "A Thousand Years," Christina Perri

Lyrics you'll love: "I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more"

Made famous by the Twilight movie franchise, this 2011 love song is a fan-favorite for its fairy-tale-worthy lyrics. This, coupled with Christina Perri's emotive vocals and delicate piano arrangement, make it an ideal choice for couples to slow dance to on their wedding day.

14. "Everything," Michael Bublé

Lyrics you'll love: "And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times/It's you, it's you, you make me sing/You're every line, you're every word, you're everything"

With hints of both pop and jazz, "Everything" is a feel-good love song that will have every single one of your wedding guests smiling. Bublé's ever-so-smooth vocals only add to the charm.

15. "Lover," Taylor Swift

Lyrics you'll love: "Can we always be this close forever and ever?/And ah, take me out, and take me home/You're my, my, my, my lover"

Swifties will especially love swaying along to "Lover," which shines the spotlight on Taylor Swift's delicate vocals. The soft, romantic melody only adds to the intimate atmosphere.

16. "Until I Found You," Stephen Sanchez

Lyrics you'll love: "I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her/I found you"

This poetic pop song features soft instrumentals and soulful vocals. Prepare to be dazzled by its sentimental messaging and emotional depth.

17. "Better Together," Jack Johnson

Lyrics you'll love: "Sometimes life can be deceiving/I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together"

The lovely lyrics to the bouncy acoustic wedding song seem to slide off the tongue as you sway with your better half. Additionally, the upbeat yet heartfelt rhythm creates a flawless atmosphere for an intimate slow dance.

18. "How Sweet It Is," James Taylor

Lyrics you'll love: "How sweet it is to be loved by you"

For a fun folk option, look no further than this James Taylor tune. Its warm, feel-good vibe, coupled with Taylor's smooth vocals, makes it the perfect choice for a lighthearted and loving slow dance.

19. "Unforgettable," Nat King Cole

Lyrics you'll love: "Unforgettable/In every way/And forevermore/That's how you'll stay/That's why, darling/It's incredible/That someone so unforgettable/Thinks that I am/Unforgettable too"

This classic Nat King Cole ballad is renowned for its slow tempo and soothing vocals. Its lyrics, which express deep affection and timeless love, are inherently romantic.

20. "Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton

Lyrics you'll love: "I feel wonderful/Because I see the love light in your eyes/And the wonder of it all/Is that you just don't realize how much I love you"

This song's gorgeous guitar instrumentals beautifully complement the heartfelt lyrics, making it a good slow dance song. The tender emotion in Eric Clapton's voice only elevates the romantic element.

21. "XO," John Mayer

Lyrics you'll love: "In the darkest night/I'll search through the crowd,/Your face is all that I see/I'll give you everything/Baby, love me lights out"

John Mayer's tender, slowed-down cover of Beyoncé's iconic hit was practically made for slow-dance wedding music. Beyond his soothing voice, it's the unique instrumentals—a mix of guitar, piano and harmonica—that truly make this song a standout.

22. "Three Times a Lady," Commodores

Lyrics you'll love: "When we are together, the moments I cherish/With every beat of my heart/To touch you, to hold you, to feel you, to need you/There's nothing to keep us apart"

Written by none other than Lionel Richie, "Three Times a Lady" perfectly captures the essence of the deep emotional connection shared with your beloved. This, of course, makes it easy to get lost in the rhythm—but that's a good thing!

23. "Faithfully," Journey

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm forever yours/Faithfully"

With themes of loyalty and devotion, "Faithfully" captures the everlasting bond and strength of a special, once-in-a-lifetime love. Of course, we'd also be remiss not to mention the soaring vocals and powerful instrumentation—featuring a mix of primarily piano, guitar and drums—a musical masterpiece!

24. "Stand By Me," Ben E. King

Lyrics you'll love: "Whenever you're in trouble, won't you stand by me?/Oh, stand by me/Woah, just stand now/Oh, stand, stand by me"

Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" is one of the most famous love songs, and it's been covered dozens of times by renowned artists like John Legend, John Lennon and Seal. However, we keep coming back to this original version for its raw emotion and timeless appeal courtesy of its simple yet powerful lyrics.

25. "I'm Yours," Jason Mraz

Lyrics you'll love: "There's no need to complicate/Our time is short/This is our fate, I'm yours"

This cozy Jason Mraz number feels like a hug in song form with its relaxed, feel-good vibe. The catchy melody and soft vocals create an idyllic backdrop for memorable moments on the dance floor.

26. "Marry Me," Train

Lyrics you'll love: "Forever can never be long enough for me/To feel like I've had long enough with you"

As you can tell by the title, this track is tailor-made for weddings. Its romantic sentiment and gentle rhythm set the scene for a special slow dance.

27. "The Book of Love," Peter Gabriel

Lyrics you'll love: "The book of love is long and boring/And written very long ago/It's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes/And things we're all too young to know/But I/I love it when you give me things/And you/You ought to give me wedding rings"

Peter Gabriel's emotional rendition of "The Book of Love" poignantly captures the profound, enduring nature of love—and the promises made on a wedding day. As soon as this song starts playing and people begin swaying, there won't be a dry eye in the house!

28. "How Long Will I Love You," Ben Coleman, Jon Boden and Sam Sweeney

Lyrics you'll love: "How long will I love you?/As long as stars are above you/And longer if I can"

The stunning string instrumentals on this song aren't the only thing that makes it so special. The heartfelt lyrics and the delicate, flowy melody make it the perfect slow-dancing wedding song.

29. "I'll Be There," The Jackson 5

Lyrics you'll love: "Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)/I'll be there to protect you (Yeah, baby)/With an unselfish love that respects you/Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)"

This nostalgia-inducing soul song radiates warmth, and it works well for couples, mothers and sons and fathers and daughters—and, well, just about anyone looking for a meaningful song to slow dance to. The stunning harmonies take this tune to the next level.

30. "Just The Way You Are," Bruno Mars

Lyrics you'll love: "When I see your face/There's not a thing that I would change/'Cause you're amazing/Just the way you are"

The opening harmonies in this sentimental song set the stage for a heartfelt slow dance. Bruno Mars' tender lyrics express unconditional love and admiration, making it the prime choice for couples who want to celebrate their partner precisely as they are.