Choosing the perfect song for your first dance is a big moment for any wedding. While classic wedding songs are always popular, many couples are now looking for something a bit different, something that truly reflects their personalities and tastes. If you’re drawn to indie and alternative music, and want to avoid the usual mainstream choices, you’ve come to the right place. This curated list is packed with unique and heartfelt Wedding Dance Songs that will set the perfect tone for your special moment.
Iron & Wine – “Such Great Heights”
While The Postal Service’s original version is undeniably catchy, Iron & Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights” brings a softer, more romantic acoustic feel that’s perfect for a wedding first dance. It’s recognizable enough to be familiar, but different enough to feel like a unique choice. The gentle melody and Sam Beam’s warm vocals create an intimate atmosphere, ideal for swaying together as newlyweds.
Bob Dylan – “I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You”
For couples who appreciate timeless songwriting and lyrical depth, Bob Dylan’s “I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You” is a hidden gem. Released relatively late in his career, this song showcases Dylan’s enduring ability to write profoundly moving love songs. Its understated beauty and heartfelt lyrics about commitment and devotion make it a truly special and unexpected first dance choice. You’ll be ahead of the curve with this one, choosing a song that’s both classic and refreshingly undiscovered by the mainstream wedding circuit.
Bright Eyes – “First Day of My Life”
“First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes is an indie folk anthem that perfectly captures the joyful and slightly quirky essence of falling in love. Conor Oberst’s distinctive vocals and the song’s simple, yet powerful lyrics resonate with genuine emotion. Lines like “I’d rather be working for a paycheck than waiting to win the lottery,” speak to the beauty of everyday love and commitment, making it a relatable and touching choice for a first dance. Its upbeat tempo also allows for a slightly more energetic, yet still intimate, dance.
Elbow – The Everthere
Elbow, known for their anthemic and soulful rock, offer a different kind of love song with “The Everthere.” This track has a gentle, “When I’m 64” vibe, reflecting on a lifetime of companionship and enduring love. Guy Garvey’s rich, comforting voice delivers heartfelt lyrics about aging together and relying on each other through life’s changes. The lines, “If I lose a sequin here and there / More salt than pepper in my hair / Can I rely on you when all the songs are through / To be for me the everthere?” beautifully encapsulate the promise of lifelong commitment, making it a deeply meaningful first dance song.
John Lennon – Oh My Love
You simply can’t go wrong with John Lennon when it comes to love songs. “Oh My Love” is a beautifully simple and sincere ballad that speaks directly to the heart. Its gentle melody and honest lyrics about finding true love create a timeless and romantic atmosphere. Choosing a Lennon classic adds a touch of iconic musical history to your first dance, while still maintaining an intimate and heartfelt feel.
The Paper Kites – Bloom
For a truly dreamy and ethereal first dance, look no further than “Bloom” by The Paper Kites. This Australian indie folk band crafts a delicate and atmospheric soundscape that’s perfect for creating a romantic and intimate moment. “Bloom” is a gentle, flowing love song that evokes feelings of tenderness and new beginnings, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a low-key and beautifully understated first dance.
Paramore – “The Only Exception”
If you want to inject a bit more energy and contemporary pop-rock into your first dance, Paramore’s “The Only Exception” is an excellent choice. While still romantic, it has a more upbeat feel than some of the other songs on this list, allowing for a slightly more dynamic dance. Hayley Williams’ powerful vocals and the song’s honest lyrics about overcoming reservations and embracing love resonate with a modern and relatable sensibility. The line, “And up until now I had sworn to myself / That I’m content with loneliness / Because none of it was ever worth the risk / But you are the only exception,” speaks to the transformative power of finding the right person.
Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
For couples who want something a bit quirky and undeniably cool, “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” by Talking Heads is a fantastic option. This song is a classic for a reason – its infectious rhythm, David Byrne’s unique vocals, and the song’s overall joyful and slightly offbeat energy make it incredibly uplifting. While it’s not a traditional ballad, its lyrics express a deep sense of comfort and belonging, making it a surprisingly romantic and fun choice for a first dance. And if you’re fans of covers, The Lumineers and Kishi Bashi have wonderful versions too.
Angel Olsen – Chance
Prepare for a truly emotional and captivating first dance with Angel Olsen’s “Chance.” This song is a slow-burning masterpiece that builds in intensity, showcasing Olsen’s incredible vocal range and raw emotional delivery. “Chance” is a deeply introspective and honest song about the vulnerability and risk involved in opening yourself up to love. The lyrics, “If we got to know each other / How rare is that? / All that space in between where we stand / Could be our chance,” are both poignant and hopeful, making it a powerful and unforgettable first dance choice for couples who appreciate depth and artistry. The live version especially amplifies the song’s emotional impact.
Fiona Apple – Cosmonauts
For the couple who appreciates unconventional honesty and a touch of edge, Fiona Apple’s “Cosmonauts” is a bold and intriguing first dance option. Opening with the line “Your face ignites a fuse to my patience,” it might seem like an unusual choice, but “Cosmonauts” is a fiercely intelligent and truthful exploration of the complexities of long-term relationships. It acknowledges the challenges and frustrations that can arise in love, while ultimately celebrating the enduring bond and co-existence that marriage represents. Choosing “Cosmonauts” is a statement – a testament to a relationship built on honesty and realness, not just fairytale romance.
M. Ward – Fool Says
After some of the more emotionally intense songs on this list, M. Ward’s “Fool Says” offers a welcome dose of lightheartedness and fun. This track is effortlessly cheesy, romantic, and undeniably catchy. It’s a short and sweet song that’s perfect for couples who want a joyful and uncomplicated first dance moment. “Fool Says” is a feel-good tune that will have you smiling and swaying, and it’s a great way to transition into a more upbeat dance party afterwards.
Wilco – You and I
Wilco, masters of American alternative rock, offer a tender and understated love song with “You and I.” While “I’m the Man Who Loves You” might be a more well-known Wilco love song, “You and I” is a more universally relatable and gently romantic choice for a first dance. Jeff Tweedy’s warm vocals and the song’s comforting melody create a sense of intimacy and quiet devotion. It’s a song that speaks to the simple joy of being together, making it a heartfelt and authentic first dance option.
Cigarettes After Sex – Apocalypse
“Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex is the epitome of dreamy, shoegaze romance. This song’s hazy, atmospheric sound and Greg Gonzalez’s androgynous vocals create a uniquely sensual and intimate vibe. “Apocalypse” is perfect for couples who want a slow, romantic dance that feels both timeless and utterly modern. Its hypnotic melody and lyrics about finding solace and love in a chaotic world make it a captivating and swoon-worthy first dance choice, especially for a dimly lit or outdoor setting.
The Replacements – Skyway
Rounding out this list with a touch of 80s college rock nostalgia is “Skyway” by The Replacements. This underrated gem from a highly influential band is simple, gorgeous, and full of heartfelt emotion. Paul Westerberg’s raw vocals and the song’s straightforward, yet poignant lyrics about longing and connection make it surprisingly romantic. Choosing The Replacements adds a touch of cool, indie cred to your wedding, while still providing a genuinely moving and danceable first dance song. If you’re fans of shows like The Bear or Guardians of the Galaxy, you might recognize The Replacements’ sound and appreciate their under-the-radar appeal.
