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Best Wedding Songs: The 10 Most Popular Wedding Songs in the UK

We reveal the most popular wedding songs according to real couples - you won't believe who has taken the top spot this year!

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Couple laughing together during their first dance at their wedding

When it comes to choosing the best wedding songs for your big day, it's so important to get it right. There's no better wedding guest entertainment than ensuring your day is filled with great wedding songs from start to finish.

To ensure you have the best wedding songs list for your wedding band or DJ to play, we analysed data from over 3,000 couples who got married in 2024 in our National Wedding Survey to discover the most popular wedding songs and artists - and we found some interesting first dance song choices!

We’ve rounded up the most popular first dance wedding songs in the UK, as well as the most popular artists when it comes to wedding music choices. 

The Best Wedding Songs & Artists in the UK

A graphic showing the top 10 first dance songs in the UK with the song name and artist detailed, as well as photos of the top three artists - Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Elvis Presley

Music plays a huge role in so many parts of a wedding day - it helps tell your story as a couple. It can add to those intimate moments throughout the day, create a warm ambiance and most importantly, get the party started! 

Struggling to create your ultimate wedding playlist or choose your first dance song? Don’t worry, we’ve got the most popular picks in the UK to inspire you when it comes to your first dance, and any other music moments you want the perfect soundtrack for.

With everything from last dance bangers and throwback tunes to first dance ballads and general floor-fillers, here is a list of the most popular wedding songs chosen by real couples.

The Top 10 Most Popular First Dance Songs

Let's take a look at the most popular first dance wedding songs, and the most popular artists that couples choose for that all-important moment.

The first dance is such a pinnacle moment in most weddings and choosing the right song is vital. Here are the top 10 most popular wedding first dance songs according to our survey data.

  • Lover - Taylor Swift
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
  • Perfect - Ed Sheeran
  • Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Frankie Valli
  • At Last - Etta James
  • Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkey
  • You're Still the One - Shania Twain
  • Biblical - Calum Scott
  • A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  • Still Into You - Paramore

1. Lover - Taylor Swift

2024 was Taylor's year! Her Eras tour (and her romance with Travis Kelce) captivated the world, and it looks like she's taken over in the world of weddings too. 'Lover' was the most popular choice in the UK when it came to first dance songs.

  • Most romantic lyric: "Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever?"

2. Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley

This was the most popular wedding song in the UK in 2023, but it’s dropped down to second place now! It's a timeless classic, and perfect for a slow and sentimental first dance that everyone will recognise.

  • Most romantic lyric: "Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you."

3. Perfect - Ed Sheeran

‘Perfect’ is the third most popular choice in the UK for a second year in a row. This modern love song celebrates finding the one and features tender imagery that feels tailor-made for a wedding day.

  • Most romantic lyric: "I found a love to carry more than just my secrets, to carry love, to carry children of our own."

4. Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli

A new entry for this year, this is a joyful and upbeat choice. This iconic tune adds an element of fun and spontaneity to a first dance while still being deeply romantic.

  • Most romantic lyric: "You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you."

5. At Last - Etta James

‘At Last’ by Etta James has maintained its position as a popular first dance song for weddings in the UK, but it has dropped from the second position down to number five! It's still a a go-to for couples who want a classic, elegant, and emotional first dance.

  • Most romantic lyric: "At last, my love has come along, my lonely days are over, and life is like a song."

6. Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys

The indie kids are growing up and getting married! This Arctic Monkeys cover of a classic 1960s ballad is in the top 10 of UK first dance songs for the second year in a row. It's ideal for couples who want a sentimental choice without betraying their indie roots.

  • Most romantic lyric: "And I'll be yours until the stars fall from the sky, yours until the rivers all run dry."

7. You're Still the One - Shania Twain

Another new entry! Country music is rising in popularity, and we see this with Shania entering the top 10 first dance songs list. This song celebrates couples who’ve overcome challenges to be together, making it deeply personal.

  • Most romantic lyric: "You're still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you're still the one I want for life."

8. Biblical - Calum Scott

This is also a new entry into our top 10. This emotional ballad brings a sense of grandeur and reverence to the moment, celebrating love that feels eternal and profound.

  • Most romantic lyric: "If you ever go, all the songs that we like will sound like bittersweet lullabies."

9. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

We talked about the indie kids growing up - but this song and the next show that the emo kids are also now getting married! Made famous by its association with the Twilight series, this song has become a wedding favourite for couples who want to express timeless devotion.

  • Most romantic lyric: "I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more."

10. Still Into You - Paramore

This is a fun, upbeat and unexpected first dance song - it's a pop-punk anthem and it celebrates love that remains exciting and fresh for all time. 

  • Most romantic lyric: "I should be over all the butterflies, but I'm into you."

Most Popular First Dance Songs 2024

Curious to know what the most popular wedding songs were in 2024? Here’s the list of the top 10 first dance songs for weddings in 2024. 

  • Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley 
  • At Last - Etta James
  • Perfect - Ed Sheeran
  • Amazed - Lonestar
  • Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys
  • The One - Kodaline
  • Stand by Me - Ben E. King
  • Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
  • All of Me - John Legend
  • Pointless - Lewis Capaldi

Best Wedding Music

A couple embracing during a first dance in front of all their guests in a marquee

What about the music for the rest of your wedding? We’ve got you covered! Here are the most popular bands and singers when it comes to wedding music, with more of their songs being chosen for wedding moments than any others.

1. Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has become a wedding staple, and his music featured at nearly 1 in 10 weddings in 2024. His ballads are perfect for lots of wedding moments, and are often a nostalgic favourite for millennials.

Three Best Ed Sheeran Songs for Weddings

  • Thinking Out Loud: A popular wedding song, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ conjures up the story of an everlasting love, with a simple, danceable melody.
  • Perfect: A top 10 choice for first dance songs, ‘Perfect’ describes a timeless love story, and the slow tempo makes it easy to move to.
  • Photograph: This song is a great choice for a slower wedding moment - whether that’s during the ceremony, the cake cutting or as background music. 

2. Taylor Swift

Are you in your Taylor Swift era? You’re not alone! Her world tour has had such an impact that she’s appeared in the top 10 list of most popular wedding songs.

Top Three Taylor Swift Songs for Weddings

  • Lover: We just can’t get enough of the lyric ‘Can we always be this close forever and ever?’ - it’s a perfect pick for weddings, and is the UK's most popular first dance song!
  • You Are In Love: This is a soft, gentle song that works perfectly during the meal or ceremony.
  • Enchanted: This song has such beautiful lyrics, it really suits a special wedding moment where they get a chance to shine!

3. Elvis Presley

His song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ was the most popular first dance song in the UK last year, but unfortunately the King couldn’t maintain his spot for two years in a row. However, lots of Elvis’s songs make for great wedding music!

Top Three Elvis Presley Songs for Weddings

  • Can’t Help Falling in Love: Obviously, this is a great pick. Whether it’s for your first dance, the signing of the register or any other sentimental wedding moment.
  • Love Me Tender: This is classic Elvis, and the romantic lyrics are perfect for weddings: ‘You have made my life complete, and I love you so.’ Swoon!
  • The Wonder of You: This is more of an unusual choice when it comes to Elvis’s music, but it’s quite upbeat whilst still being romantic, making it ideal for big entrance moments, or leaving your ceremony.

4. Arctic Monkeys

Their modern indie sound appeals to couples who want a mix of romance and a cool, contemporary vibe.

Three Best Arctic Monkeys Songs for Weddings

  • Baby I’m Yours: This romantic cover of the 1960s classic exudes sweetness and devotion, making it ideal for a first dance or intimate moment.
  • I Wanna Be Yours: A poetic and slightly unconventional choice, this song captures deep commitment and love in a way that feels personal and unique.
  • I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor: No one can resist getting on the dancefloor when this song plays! It's a banger that's perfect for the end of the night.

5. Calum Scott

Calum Scott’s emotional ballads and powerful vocals make his music a natural fit for weddings, and his music works for lots of special moments on your wedding day.

Top Three Calum Scott Songs for Weddings

  • Biblical: A top 10 first dance song in the UK, this song is deeply emotional.
  • You Are The Reason: The touching lyrics make this a great choice for ceremony music.
  • Dancing On My Own: The acoustic version of this song by Calum Scott makes for great background music. 

6. Coldplay

Coldplay specialise in beautiful lyrics, so it’s not surprising that they’ve become a really popular choice when it comes to wedding songs. 

Three Best Coldplay Wedding Songs

  • Yellow: ‘Look at the stars, look how they shine for you’ - do we need to say anything else? This song is super romantic and ideal for a first dance.
  • Fix You: Coldplay’s Chris Martin wrote this song for his then-wife Gwyneth Paltrow - it’s all about supporting your partner and committing to them. We’ll just gloss over the conscious uncoupling…
  • A Sky Full of Stars: This is such an upbeat song and is a great choice for big moments - use it to leave your ceremony, enter your reception, or even as your second dance song to get everyone on the floor with you!

7. John Legend

John Legend’s soulful voice and love-centric lyrics make him a favourite for weddings, particularly for first dances.

Top Three John Legend Wedding Songs

  • All of Me: It’s one of the most popular first dance songs of the modern age, and it’s dedicated to his own wife, Chrissy Teigen. Sweet!
  • You & I (Nobody in the World): This song is all about appreciating your partner and has a romantic feel to it, making it ideal for walking down the aisle or sharing a first dance to.
  • Stay with You: This song is all about everlasting love: ‘Through the ups and downs, I’ll be right there with you’. It’s a great choice for wedding ceremony music. 

8. Elton John

Elton John’s iconic ballads and joyful melodies bring timeless charm and energy to weddings.

Three Best Elton John Songs for Weddings

  • Your Song: Given the royal seal of approval, Kate Middleton and Prince William shared their first dance to this song!
  • Can You Feel the Love Tonight: Disney adults will love this one - it's ideal for a romantic ceremony moment.
  • I'm Still Standing: A floor-filler that's perfect for your wedding reception party playlist.

9. Etta James

Etta James will forever be a timeless choice when it comes to wedding music. Her music transcends times and traditions!

Three Best Etta James Songs for Weddings

  • At Last: This is a classic ballad and it’s just synonymous with weddings now - and everyone relates to the feeling of ‘at last!’ on their wedding day.
  • Sunday Kind of Love: This song has a jazzy, bluesy tone that works perfectly at a wedding - it’s great for setting the scene at dinnertime.
  • Trust in Me: This slow-tempo song has such a sophisticated feel to it - it’s great for a truly romantic first dance, or a walk down the aisle moment. 

10. Al Green

Al Green’s soulful, romantic tracks bring warmth and charm to any wedding. He rounds out our top 10 of the most popular wedding music artists in the UK. 

Top Three Al Green Songs for Weddings

  • Let's Stay Together: This is a perfect first dance song choice, as it symbolises commitment. 
  • Love and Happiness: A lively, feel-good track for the reception.
  • Here I Am (Come and Take Me): This upbeat and soulful track is perfect for energising the reception and getting guests on the dance floor. Its message of love and commitment makes it a joyful choice.

What is the Best First Dance Song?

A groom twirling the bride during a first dance surrounded by plants at kew gardens

According to our data, it’s ‘Lover' by Taylor Swift. This is the most popular choice in the UK for a number of reasons:

1. Romantic Lyrics 

The song's lyrics capture the essence of a lifelong commitment and deep connection, which aligns beautifully with the sentiment of a first dance. Lines like "Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever?" express an enduring, intimate love.

2. Timeless Appeal

"Lover" combines modern songwriting with a classic, almost vintage waltz-like rhythm, making it suitable for both contemporary and traditional wedding styles. Its universal message of love resonates across generations, appealing to a wide audience.

3. Dance-Friendly Tempo

With its gentle melody and slow tempo, "Lover" is perfect for a romantic, easy-to-follow first dance. Couples can sway naturally or add simple choreography without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Personal Feeling

The lyrics invite couples to reflect on their own love story and the promises they’re making on their wedding day.

5. Emotional Impact

'Lover' evokes genuine emotion, creating a memorable and sentimental moment for both the couple and their guests. Its sincerity and warmth ensure there’s not a dry eye in the room.

The lyrics perfectly encapsulate the hopes and dreams of newlyweds starting their journey together, making 'Lover' a standout choice for a first dance.

However, you don’t have to go for what’s most popular for it to be the best - think of a song you both love that holds special meaning for you, and if you’re really stuck, check out which songs were in the charts the year you met!

If you want something truly unique, check out our edit of the most unexpected first dance songs

Search wedding DJs 🎵
Request pricing and information from local Wedding Music and DJs suppliers