Top 15 Slow Dance Songs for Wedding Receptions

What better way to complete your fairytale wedding than with a slow dance? Of course, you will need the perfect song to inspire the intimate moment. If you are preparing for an emotional scene during that romantic dance with your spouse, this list of the top fifteen wedding slow dance songs will have your guests tearing up at your wedding reception. 

You can choose from a wide range of different genres to fit your musical tastes. From soul to country to pop, these songs include all of the heartwrenching elements needed for your moment on the dance floor. Find your ideal slow dance wedding song in this list to make your reception dance magical. 

When creating a wedding playlist, your first priority is to search for the ultimate slow dance song for that moment that will make you remember your special day for the rest of your life. Although the decision is not easy, this list can aid you in your search for the right fit. 

Discover new music that will inspire you in your journey to the perfect song or rediscover a song you may have forgotten about. Whatever the case may be, your perfect wedding song can be found in this list of the top fifteen slow dance hits. 

“At Last” by Etta James

Starting off with a classic hit, Etta James puts the soul into her romantic song, “At Last.” With a relaxed rhythm and Blues inspired melody, this track will have you and your spouse falling in love all over again during your wedding slow dance. 

“My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw

Tidy up your boots for this wonderful example of a country love story. Tim McGraw’s lyrical sway in his song, “My Best Friend,” will have you and your guests tearing up at the blossoming romance on the dance floor at the wedding reception with a classic country love song. 

“All of Me” by John Legend

Simmering down into a modern pop ballad, John Legend provides a realistic twist to a typical love song with his hit, “All of Me.” He not only confesses his love with a beautiful voice, but he also reveals the true meaning of love by accepting all of your partner’s flaws and perfections.

What better song to sway to with your spouse than the one that speaks of true love?

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Another classical hit comes from one of the most recognized singers in the 20th century, Frank Sinatra. His song, “The Way You Look Tonight,” not only contains all of the heart-melting lyrics you will want to listen to as you look into your spouse’s eyes but it also provides enough swing to sway to on the dance floor at your beautiful wedding reception. 

“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

Have you ever wanted to imagine yourself in a romantic 80s movie? You can create that emotional scene at your very own wedding with Cyndi Lauper’s song, “Time After Time.”

With a slow pop beat, the classic hit gives just enough rhythms to keep your steps moving without taking away from the undisputed intimate moment between you and your beloved on the floor. 

“Marry Me” by Train

What’s a better way to express your feelings at a wedding than with a song called “Marry Me?” With the breathtaking vocals of Train and a soft guitar melody, this song sets the perfect scene for a candlelit reception dance floor for the happy couple to take the spotlight. 

“Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainer ft. John Legend

The two soulful voices of Meghan Trainer and John Legend come together in a united expression of passionate love for their song, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”

Just as the lyrics state, you and your newlywedd spouse will forget your surroundings as you hold each other for your wedding slow dance.

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

If you know any romantic music at all, you will know Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” This famous melody is definitely the tune that will make the couple and guests all cry out of happiness for the blooming love between the two. When in doubt, a ballad is always the way to go. 

“Your Song” by Elton John

When Elton John wears his famous heart-shaped shades, you know he’s going to play cupid with his charming glam-rock melodies.

In his classic hit, “Your Song,” the singer once again creates the perfect tune for any two lovebirds to sway to on their memorable night with the right amount of intriguing vocals and perfect piano accompaniment. 

“Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

Two of the biggest country icons, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, produced one of the greatest romantic hits for a wedding slow dance dream.

Their harmonized voices will have the happy couple feel as if it were them singing to each other at the reception. 

“Halo” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé is known for her angelic voice, especially in her hit song, “Halo.” This beautiful melody contains all of the passionate vocals that one would need for a slow dance at a wedding.

In addition, the lyrics will remind you and your partner of all of each other’s most admirable traits that have brought you together on the dance floor on your wedding day. 

“Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney

Bringing it back to the older times, Paul McCartney from the classic rock band The Beatles dropped this romantic hit called, “Maybe I’m Amazed.”

It was even covered in the popular movie, Joyful Noise, by Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan. Like many others, you and your spouse will love this choice almost as much as you love each other for your wedding slow dance. 

“Bound to You” by Christina Aguilera in Burlesque

Movie soundtracks can produce some of the most powerful music in the industry. For example, Christina Aguilera’s “Bound to You” from the movie, Burlesque, captivates the audience with enchanting vocals and heartwrenching lyrics. This romantic slow song will be sure to captivate your guests as the happy couple sway to the melody. 

“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

Another tear-jerking melody can be found in Adele’s song, “Make You Feel My Love.” Like Aguilera, Adele’s vocals are powerful enough to shake the hearts of an entire wedding audience at the reception.

If you are looking for the perfect song for an emotional moment, this hit is definitely one for the book. 

“Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton

Last but not least, you will fall in love with the unique voice of Minnie Riperton in her most famous hit, “Lovin’ You.” For a spring wedding, this song has just enough light energy and passionate lyrics to make any couple get lost in each other’s eyes as they are slow dancing the night away. 

Slow Dance FAQ

Learn more about wedding slow dance songs with these commonly asked questions!

What makes for a good slow dance song?

Your number one priority for a good slow dance song is to pick a melody that has a slow rhythm for you and your spouse to sway to. The lyrics also must be about romantic love between two people. It would be quite contradicting to have a song about rejection at a wedding reception. 

How do you pick your first dance song?

The first dance typically goes out to the newlyweds. Therefore, when deciding the music to play in the background, you must consider both partner’s tastes in music to really represent the core of their relationship.

First, decide on a genre you and your fiancé love and scroll through a list of songs until you both fall in love with that perfect match. 

What is the most popular first dance song at weddings?

Some of the most popular first dance songs at weddings are “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “All of Me” by John Legend, and “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Find our full list of first dance songs for more ideas!