60 Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs for Your Wedding (and How to Choose)

What is the number one father-daughter dance song?

There is no official chart, but a handful of songs come up again and again in DJ request lists and wedding planning guides: "My Girl" by The Temptations, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle and "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw. They share three things: a slow, steady tempo that anyone can sway to, lyrics a dad can hear without blushing, and a length that fits the moment. If you want a safe pick, start there. If you want the room to remember it, keep reading.

Classic father-daughter dance songs

Timeless songs your dad already knows by heart, and your grandparents will hum along to.

1. "My Girl", The Temptations: sweet, recognizable from the first bass line, and easy to dance to.
2. "What a Wonderful World", Louis Armstrong: gentle and grateful, perfect for a dad of few words.
3. "Unforgettable", Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole: a real father-daughter duet, recorded by Natalie years after her father's death.
4. "The Way You Look Tonight", Frank Sinatra: classic crooner elegance for a black-tie reception.
5. "Isn't She Lovely", Stevie Wonder: written to celebrate the birth of his daughter, and joyful from start to finish.
6. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", Stevie Wonder: light, warm and a little bit playful.
7. "In My Life", The Beatles: a short, tender look back at the people who shaped you.
8. "Times of Your Life", Paul Anka: a nostalgic ballad about holding on to memories.
9. "Forever Young", Rod Stewart: a parent's wishes for a child, written with his own kids in mind.
10. "Have I Told You Lately", Rod Stewart: Van Morrison's love song in its most famous wedding version.
11. "Brown Eyed Girl", Van Morrison: upbeat enough for a dad who would rather bounce than sway.
12. "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", James Taylor: easygoing and full of gratitude.
13. "Your Song", Elton John: simple, honest and loved across generations.

Country father-daughter dance songs

Country music has more songs written about fathers and daughters than any other genre, and many of them were written for exactly this moment.

14. "I Loved Her First", Heartland: the father-of-the-bride song, told from dad's side of the aisle.
15. "My Little Girl", Tim McGraw: a promise from a father to always be there.
16. "Butterfly Kisses", Bob Carlisle: the classic tearjerker that follows a daughter from childhood to her wedding day.
17. "My Wish", Rascal Flatts: a list of everything a parent hopes for their child.
18. "I Hope You Dance", Lee Ann Womack: encouraging, warm and made for a slow dance.
19. "Daddy Dance with Me", Krystal Keith: written from the bride's point of view, by Toby Keith's daughter.
20. "Just Fishin'", Trace Adkins: about the small afternoons that turn out to be the big memories.
21. "Daddy's Hands", Holly Dunn: a tribute to a father's strength and gentleness.
22. "Ready, Set, Don't Go", Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus: a real father and daughter singing about letting go.
23. "Cinderella", Steven Curtis Chapman: a reminder to treasure every dance while it lasts.
24. "Walk with You", Edwin McCain: a gentle ballad about always being there.
25. "Father's Eyes", Amy Grant: a soft tribute to what a daughter inherits from her father.

Modern and pop father-daughter dance songs

26. "Daughters", John Mayer: a gentle acoustic song about what fathers pass on.
27. "Never Grow Up", Taylor Swift: a lullaby about wishing time would slow down.
28. "Count on Me", Bruno Mars: bright, simple and perfect for a dad who likes to keep things light.
29. "Constellations", Jack Johnson: soft and dreamy, for a laid-back outdoor wedding.
30. "Gracie", Ben Folds: written for his daughter, honest and touching.
31. "Somethin' Special", Colbie Caillat: upbeat acoustic pop with a big smile in it.
32. "Sweet Pea", Amos Lee: a short, sweet folk song with a nickname built in.
33. "Daddy", Beyoncé: a heartfelt thank-you from a daughter to her father.
34. "Father and Daughter", Paul Simon: a dad's promise that he will always be there.
35. "Daughter", Loudon Wainwright III: a quirky, loving portrait of a father watching his girl grow.

Upbeat and funny father-daughter dance songs

If neither of you wants to cry in front of 150 guests, pick something with a beat. Many couples start slow and then let the DJ cut to an upbeat track halfway through: guests love the surprise, and dads who are nervous about slow dancing relax immediately.

36. "Sweet Child O' Mine", Guns N' Roses: for the rock-and-roll dad.
37. "You're My Best Friend", Queen: cheerful and sincere at the same time.
38. "I'll Be There", The Jackson 5: Motown warmth that gets everyone smiling.
39. "Twist and Shout", The Beatles: the classic switch for a surprise mashup.
40. "Shout", The Isley Brothers: the song that pulls every guest onto the floor.
41. "Can't Stop the Feeling!", Justin Timberlake: easy to choreograph, even for a dad with two left feet.
42. "Uptown Funk", Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars: the go-to finale for a rehearsed routine.
43. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell: a duet that turns into a sing-along.

Tearjerker father-daughter dance songs

For the dad who will cry anyway, so you might as well give him a reason.

44. "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)", Billy Joel: written for his daughter, and almost impossible to hear dry-eyed.
45. "Wind Beneath My Wings", Bette Midler: a thank-you to the person who made everything possible.
46. "You Raise Me Up", Josh Groban: big, soaring and emotional.
47. "Because You Loved Me", Celine Dion: gratitude in its purest pop form.
48. "Hero", Mariah Carey: about the strength a parent helps you find in yourself.
49. "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: a ukulele medley that feels like a hug.

Disney songs for the father-daughter dance

50. "When You Wish Upon a Star", from Pinocchio: perfect if he read you bedtime stories.
51. "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes", from Cinderella: for the girl who always wanted the ball.
52. "You'll Be in My Heart", Phil Collins, from Tarzan: a parent's promise of protection.
53. "Baby Mine", from Dumbo: a gentle lullaby that brings back the earliest memories.

Songs for a stepdad or a father figure

54. "He Didn't Have to Be", Brad Paisley: the song about a stepfather who chose to love a child as his own.
55. "Stand by Me", Ben E. King: for the man who showed up when it mattered.
56. "Lean on Me", Bill Withers: simple, warm and easy to dance to.

Some brides dance with their dad and stepdad one after the other, or switch partners halfway through the same song. It is a lovely way to honor both men without making either feel like the runner-up.

Songs to honor a dad who has passed

57. "Dance with My Father", Luther Vandross: about wishing for one more dance.
58. "To Where You Are", Josh Groban: for feeling someone close even when they are gone.
59. "Go Rest High on That Mountain", Vince Gill: a country hymn of peace and farewell.
60. "I Will Remember You", Sarah McLachlan: quiet and full of love.

Many brides in this situation dance with a grandfather, brother or uncle, or ask the DJ to play their father's favorite song while photos of him appear on a screen. Others skip the dance and play a short tribute during dinner. There is no wrong answer. If you want words that are about your dad specifically, see our guide to a memorial song for dad.

How do you choose the right father-daughter dance song?

• Read the full lyrics. Some famous "dad songs" are really about divorce, regret or a father who was never there. Check the second verse before you commit.
• Match his comfort level. A dad who hates dancing will feel better with a mid-tempo song he can sway to, or a short slow section that switches to something upbeat.
• Think about his era. The music he loved at 20 says more about him than any list. If he grew up on Motown, Elvis or 80s rock, start there.
• Consider the meaning, not just the title. A song tied to a memory (the one he sang in the car, the one from your recitals) beats a "correct" choice every time.
• Listen together in advance. Some couples keep it a surprise, but most dads appreciate a heads-up so they do not tear up before the first chorus.

Who picks the father-daughter dance song?

Traditionally the bride picks it, but today most brides choose it with their dad, or at least run it past him. If the song has a story behind it (a lullaby he sang, the song from your first concert together), the choice often makes itself. If you are stuck, ask him for three songs he loves and pick the one that fits the moment best. It is also perfectly fine to keep it a secret and surprise him on the day: just tell the DJ and the photographer so they are ready.

How long should the father-daughter dance be?

Two to three minutes is the sweet spot. Most guests start to drift after about three minutes, and many dads feel the same. If your song runs four or five minutes, ask the DJ to fade it out after the second chorus, or invite the rest of the dads and daughters in the room to join you for the last minute. That turns a long song into a lovely group moment.

When does the father-daughter dance happen at the reception?

The usual order is: grand entrance, the couple's first dance, then the father-daughter dance, followed by the mother-son dance. Some couples combine the two parent dances into one song, with both pairs on the floor at the same time, which saves time and feels very inclusive. Others move the parent dances to after dinner, when everyone is relaxed and the light is better for photos. Looking for the groom's side? See our list of mother-son dance songs.

What about a song written about the two of you?

Every song on this list was written about someone else's father and someone else's daughter. A personalized song is written about yours: your names, the nickname he still uses, the bike he taught you to ride in the driveway, the terrible jokes, the way he waited up every night. When it plays at the reception, guests realize within a few seconds that the song is about the two of you, and the room goes quiet in a way no famous ballad can match. We explain the whole idea in our guide to a custom father-daughter dance song.

How to make a custom father-daughter dance song

1. Pick a style from 14 genres (country, acoustic, soul, pop, swing and more) and a male or female voice.
2. Add up to three names: you, your dad, and a stepdad or grandfather if you like.
3. Share two or three memories with one concrete detail each.
4. Read the lyrics, then edit them or regenerate them for free before any music is made. You can add pronunciation hints for unusual names.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full song runs 3 to 4 minutes and costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3 for your DJ, a gift page with cover art and the lyrics as a PDF, usually within minutes. If you are still deciding on your own first dance, our guide on choosing a first dance song can help.

Tips for the dance itself

• Practice once or twice. A simple sway and one twirl is plenty. Practice in the shoes you will wear.
• Send the exact file to the DJ. Avoid surprises like a live version, a radio edit or a long intro.
• Tell the photographer. The best shots happen in the first 30 seconds and in the final hug.
• Plan the ending. Decide whether the DJ fades out, invites others to join, or switches to an upbeat track.
• Keep tissues in his pocket. You will probably need them too.

Want a song that could only be about you and your dad? Create your father-daughter song and hear four previews for free.