Choosing an unique and meaningful first dance song can be hard! If you’re an avid wedding guest, you already know that many weddings have the same songs playing over and over. Unfortunately, that includes first dance songs too. And your wedding day shouldn’t feel like one that you’ve been to 5 times already. So today, I’m changing it up a bit with these unique indie first dance songs!
“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” by Sleeping At Last
This cover has a certain ethereal vibe to it that is perfect for weddings while still feeling upbeat for your first dance. We also have to mention Sleeping At Last’s cover of 500 miles. Who knew that they could make these past hits totally dreamy? Either is an amazing choice!
Love Lyrics:“Though I’ve tried before to tell her of the feelings I have for her in my heart / Every time that I come near her I just lose my nerve / As I’ve done from the start”
“January Wedding,” by The Avett Brothers
Any January couples at there? Given the title and lyrics, you know this definitely works for some January nuptials. However, it could also work for any other time of the year as well with its folksy tune.
Love Lyrics:“She’s talkin’ to me with her voice / Down so low I barely hear her / But I know what she’s sayin’ / I understand because my heart and hers are the same / And in January we’re gettin’ married”
“Sweetest Thing,” by Allman Brown
Such a sweet song for your sweetest thing. This song has a great combo for first dance songs: Allman Brown’s warm, soothing voice paired with that guitar. It’s both soft and strong at the same time!
Love Lyrics:“There’s magic in this memory / Like the shadows that dance up on the silver screen / And years from now, when I look back / I’m still under your spell somehow”
“I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You,” by Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis
Kina Grannis has been fueling love songs and covers for me ever since I heard her Valentine nearly a decade ago. And this song is no different! I’m telling you this song will definitely lift you up and make you want to twirl around with your love.
Love Lyrics:“I’ve been counting my stars / Cause I will spend my whole life / Loving you”
“Honeybee,” by The Head and The Heart
If you want something that has more of a beat to it but still has that indie singer-songwriter feel, Honeybee by The Head and The Heart is a must-hear! I added it to my playlist as soon as I heard it and have been jamming ever since.
Love Lyrics:“Look around / We made a garden of the love we found / So many reasons I would fight to stay / You’re the courage when I fade / Take a look at what we’ve made”
“Conversations in the Dark,” by John Legend
Okay this is more mainstream than others on this list, but we just had to include it! John Legend gets it perfectly right on what a true partnership is with this hit. One in which you don’t have to be anything other than yourself to be loved. Swooning? Definitely.
Love Lyrics:“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”
“Only You,” by Parson James
Everyday with your person and on your wedding day especially, you feel like they are the only one for you and vice versa. This jam by Parson James showcases that feeling wonderfully and is perfect for your first dance!
Love Lyrics:“When I’m feeling your love it’s like a wind that blows / I can’t give up and I can’t let go / I won’t give up, I won’t lose / When I’m broken down and I’m bruised / I’m gonna get myself back home to you, ooh”
“Could I Love You Any More,” by Reneé Dominique ft. Jason Mraz
Reneé and Jason’s dreamy voices together singing this chorus with a simple guitar has us drifting off into love song heaven. But be warned though, this song will get stuck in your head!
Love Lyrics:“Seven billion people in the world / Finding you is like a miracle / Only this wonder remains / Could I love you any more?”
“Consider Me,” by Allen Stone
Why should you consider this song by Allen Stone for your first dance? Well for one because it’s a straight jam! And also because the lyrics are what we all want in a relationship: “Someone that you’re obsessed with and that you feel blessed with.” Goals, right?!
Other Love Lyrics:“If you’re looking for somebody who / Will love you through the night / And be there in the morning with / The same look in their eyes / If you’re looking for somebody who /Will listen to your thoughts / And understand the way you feel /With no words at all”
“Just You and I,” by Tom Walker
If you’re looking for a true BOP for your first dance song, look no further than this one! It has an incredible fast tempo, but the lyrics are oh so sweet!
Love Lyrics:“And I know, I can tell you anything / You won’t judge, you’re just listening /’Cause you’re the best thing that ever happened to me”
“Born to Love You,” by Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne’s voice is the soundtrack to my dreams, so of course I had to include him on this list. “Born to Love You” is all about giving back to your partner in the many small, yet meaningful ways to repay your love.
Love Lyrics:“Could make you smile, could make you sing / Just want to give back a little bit of what you give me / I could sing you a song, play you a tune / I know it’s just a little thing, but it’s something I can do”
“Only to Be With You,” by Judah & the Lion
With a beautiful piano medley and heart-warming lyrics, this track is an easy choice for a first dance song! Falling in love yet?
Love Lyrics:“And all of the sunsets and days on the oceans / Reflections of stars on the top on the mountains / I’d give it all away / Only to be with you”
“Loving You for A Long Time,” by Maggie Rogers
This song is another one for you couples out there that want a little upbeat tempo for your first dance while still maintaining the essence of a true love song. I’ll be playing this one on repeat.
Love Lyrics:“And in the morning when you wake me up / I know that forever could never be enough / I feel it in my body, know it in my mind / Oh I, I’m gonna love you for a long time”
“The One,” by Kodaline
To all my 2020 (or maybe now 2021) couples out there, if you’re still getting married after months of quarantine and corona chaos, you’re in it for the long haul! This song’s lyrics represent that so well. I particularly love the below line and how true it is for the wild ride of life together.
Love Lyrics:“Life is easy to be scared of / With you I am prepared for what is yet to come /’Cause our two hearts will make it easy / Joining up the pieces, together making one”
“The Vow,” by RuthAnne
Wow, this song is first dance song material to a T. Romantic lyrics speaking on forever love, a beautiful voice, and a slow tempo perfect to sway along to with your new spouse. Checking yes on all those with this one!
Love Lyrics:“When I’m oh so old and I lose my mind / I’ll still look at you like it’s the first time / So many say it and it’s all a lie / But I will love you”
“You Send Me,” by Haley Reinhart
I am a sucker for old music, especially Sam Cooke. So when I heard this cover by soulful Haley Reinhart, I was over the moon! It’s a classic tune while still having a new modern feel perfect for a wedding!
Love Lyrics:“At first I thought it was infatuation / But, woo, it’s lasted so long / Now I find myself wanting /To marry you and take you home, whoa”
