The 10 Most Popular First Dance Songs, Based on Real Couples

When choosing first dance music, it's essential to select a song that's meaningful to you and your partner. However, if you're stumped on what to play, you should check out our list of popular first dance songs to help make your decision. We used The Knot Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 10,000 married couples, to find the 10 best first dance songs. You'll be surprised to know that the same tune that has topped the list since 2017 was kicked off its throne in 2023. If you're wondering "What are the most popular first dance wedding songs?" and which track is the new number one, keep reading.

Use one of these top jams as your first dance song or include them in with your wedding reception songs playlist. And if you need more help choosing tunes for your big day (and knowing how to dance to them), ask your wedding DJ or live band, and consider taking wedding dance lessons, too.

Bonus: Listen to our picks with The Knot's Top 10 First Dance Songs playlist on Spotify.

1. "Can't Help Falling In Love," by Elvis Presley

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

This song finally took the top spot from Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" most likely because of the recent Elvis-related films like "Elvis" starring Austin Butler and "Priscilla" starring Cailee Spaeny. But it's clear why this 1961 love song, made to complement Elvis' movie "Blue Hawaii," has been the most popular first dance wedding song for decades. It's easy to dance to, features swoon-worthy lyrics and who doesn't love Elvis' rich, deep voice? There are numerous modern covers of this classic wedding song, performed by Haley Reinhart, U2, Britney Spears, twenty one pilots and Michael Bublé.

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You may also like: "Love Me Tender" and "Sentimental Me," by Elvis Presley.

2. "Perfect," by Ed Sheeran

Lyrics you'll love: "Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms / Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song / When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful / I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight"

Yes, this Ed Sheeran love tune has been one of the most popular first dance songs for weddings for the past seven years, and it's easy to see why. This song has tear-jerking romantic lyrics and a great tempo for dancing (check out the music video for proof). If you're looking for a twist on this often-played tune, try the "Perfect Duet" version featuring Beyoncé.

You may also like: "Thinking Out Loud" and "Photograph," by Ed Sheeran.

3. "Lover," by Taylor Swift

Lyrics you'll love: "Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand? / With every guitar string scar on my hand / I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover / My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue / All's well that ends well to end up with you"

Taylor Swift has a lot of great first dance song options, but this song definitely is a top pick. "Lover" is the title track of the 2019 album and is a dedication to Swift's now ex-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. Swifties will want to play this most popular wedding first dance song at some point during the reception, whether it's for the first dance or later in the evening.

You may also like: "You Are in Love" and "Begin Again," by Taylor Swift.

4. "Growing Old With You," by Restless Road

Lyrics you'll love: "Every day I love you better / Than the day before / Watching sunsets fading / From the front porch / We'll build this home together / Weather any storm / And as the years keep rolling on / You'll be right where I belong"

This country music trio came in fourth on "The X Factor," an American singing competition series, in 2013 and hasn't stopped putting out beautiful love songs since then. This country first dance song speaks to how a special person can come into your life, change it for the better and leave you wanting to "put down some roots" and start a family together.

You may also like: "You Don't Have to Love Me" and "Most Nights," by Restless Road.

5. "Thank God," by Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown

Lyrics you'll love: "So thank God I get to wake up by your side / And thank God your hand fits perfectly in mine / And thank God you loved me when you didn't have to / But you did and you do and He knew / Thank God for giving me you"

What's more romantic than a husband and wife duo snagging the fifth most popular wedding song first dance spot? This tune reached number two on the "Hot Country Songs" Billboards chart and is the perfect duet to sing with your boo while performing your first dance. Bonus: The sweet lyrics are very descriptive, so getting a pro to choreograph your dance to match the words is a must.

You may also like: "Heaven" and "Nothin' I'd Change," by Kane Brown.

6. "Joy of My Life," by Chris Stapleton

Lyrics you'll love: "She's sweet to me / Must be the luckiest man alive / Did I tell you, baby / You are the joy of my life?"

If you're looking for a newer country wedding song to play at your reception, this is the one. This Kentucky-born singer, who performed the national anthem for Super Bowl LVII, has powerful vocals that'll put anyone in the mood for love. And we love the message of this sixth most popular first dance song: The only thing that matters is being together.

You may also like: "More Of You" and "Parachute," by Chris Stapleton.

7. "At Last," by Etta James

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

This song has been a mainstay at weddings for years, but we never tire of hearing it. This 1961 tune is considered Etta James' signature song and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. From the gorgeous lyrics to James' stunning voice, the tune provides a sweeping and dramatic ambiance to your reception. It also makes a beautiful processional or recessional song for a wedding ceremony.

You may also like: "Something's Got a Hold On Me" and "My Dearest Darling," by Etta James.

8. "You," by Dan + Shay

Lyrics you'll love: "I got you, ooh, ooh (You, you, and only you) / For the rest of my days / In the sun of Sunday morning / Or the pouring rain (Pouring rain) / I got you, ooh, ooh (You, you, and only you) / For the rest of my life (My life)"

This upbeat tune with a gospel-like feel has heartwarming lyrics that are perfect for every Dan + Shay fan. The song has on-point vocals from the three-time Grammy-winning pair and a powerful accompanying choir, which means it would sound phenomenal performed by a live wedding band.

You may also like: "Speechless" and "Glad You Exist," by Dan + Shay.

9. "All Your'n," by Tyler Childers

Lyrics you'll love: "So I'll love you 'til my lungs give out, I ain't lyin' / I'm all your'n and you're all mine / There ain't two ways around it / There ain't no tryin' 'bout it / I'm all your'n and you're all mine"

The Kentucky native put his heart and soul into this popular first dance song. It's rumored that the tune's lyrics are about Childers' wife, Senora May, which highlights the hardships of being on the road and missing who you love. If you and your partner want a song with a bluegrass/new-age country feel, this touching song is for you. (Psst. Even if you don't pick this as your first dance song, tell your wedding DJ it's a must-play for later on during the reception.)

You may also like: "In Your Love" and "Shake the Frost (Live)," by Tyler Childers.

10. "Better Together," by Luke Combs

Lyrics you'll love: "Your license in my wallet when we go out downtown / Your lipstick's stained every coffee cup that I got in this house / The way you say, 'I love you, too' is like rain on an old tin roof / And your hand fits right into mine like a needle in a groove"

Yes, the Jack Johnson song by the same name is another popular wedding song, but this country tune by Grammy Award-nominated Luke Combs made our most popular first dance songs list for a reason. The lyrics reference the simple, everyday things that make relationships special. In an interview, Combs said he had his wife, Nicole Hocking, in mind when he wrote this love song.

You may also like: "Beautiful Crazy" and "Forever After All," by Luke Combs.