Top 20 Best Father/Daughter Wedding Dance Songs
#20: “Unforgettable” (1991)
Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole
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While Nat King Cole’s 1951 version is unparalleled, choosing a version that features both father and daughter seems like the ideal choice here. Cole has her father’s vocals digitally combined with her own for her cover of his classic, bringing a whole new meaning to the number. The melody is so smooth, making it easy to sway and dance gracefully together. Meanwhile, the lyrics really speak to the bond between a father and his daughter. It’s all about love and creating those precious memories. The song perfectly captures that exceptional feeling of a father-daughter relationship. Needless to say, you’ll look back warmly on this “Unforgettable” moment for years to come.
#19: “Right By You (for Luna)” (2016)
John Legend
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John Legend wrote this song for his firstborn, Luna, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel incredibly personal and touching to whoever chooses it. If anything, the fact that it’s written from such an authentic and sincere place makes it all the more beautiful. Set to a tender and melodic tune, the lyrics voice a father promising his daughter to always be there for her from the innermost depth of his heart. Despite its modern appeal, it speaks to the timeless love between a father and his daughter as they reflect on their past and look forward to the future. It’s a beautiful choice that will do “Right By You” and your bond.
#18: “What a Wonderful World” (1967)
Louis Armstrong
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This classic’s optimistic message celebrates the beauty of life and the world around us. When you hear it, you can’t help but take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, remembering those incredible moments you’ve shared and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Dancing to this song would be a beautiful moment to cherish on this big day and a symbol of the strong connection you share. Just picture it: swaying gently to the music’s soothing rhythm, maybe throwing in the occasional spin, really just moving in harmony with the emotions the song stirs. This tune will hold a special place in your heart, just like your relationship.
#17: “Sweet Pea” (2006)
Amos Lee
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If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more pep, this is it. Perhaps you’re looking for something that demands more than just some gentle swaying. The lyrics feel tailor-made for this occasion, sweet and heartfelt, reflecting the love and happiness you share. Plus, the melody is so catchy it practically pulls you onto the dance floor. Can’t you just picture it? Totally caught up in the moment, laughing and dancing together? Maybe show everyone how in sync you are with some dance floor improv? It’s so full of joy and warmth and just a great way to inject some fun into an otherwise sentimental moment.
#16: “When You Need Me” (1998)
Bruce Springsteen
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Slowing things down again, this heartwarming number speaks to the unconditional love and support a father offers his daughter. When you listen to the lyrics, you might be reminded of the countless times your old man has been there for you, ready to offer guidance and comfort whenever you needed it. Or perhaps you are the father figure who wants his daughter to know that even as she takes this new step in her life, you’ll continue to be there for her no matter what. The music itself is so emotive, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of melody that wraps around you like a hug.
#15: “Daughter” (2007)
Loudon Wainwright III
If you want to get some tears flowing from your esteemed guests, this could be a great pick. It speaks to the journey of parenthood, both the joys and the challenges, as well as the love, pride, and protective instincts a parent feels for their child. The lyrics capture the essence of many father-daughter relationships—the ups, the downs, the shared moments, and the unbreakable bond that holds you together. It’s a great choice if you’re just the swaying-in-hold kind, but if you’re looking for something more choreographed, it makes for a charming waltz, too. What matters is that you both feel that love and connection through every step.
#14: “You’ll Be in My Heart” (1999)
Phil Collins
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Initially composed by Collins as a lullaby for his daughter, this song resonates deeply with both parents and children. Straight from the heart and utterly captivating, it ignites a fire in our souls while tugging at our emotions. The melody and lyrics blend beautifully, expressing a parent's incomparable love for their child. It’s more than just the Oscar award-winning song from “Tarzan”; it’s a celebration of family, in whatever form that may take for you. Its message speaks to everyone, and its heartrending melody makes it the perfect anthem to reaffirm that “This bond between [you] can’t be broken” and that you’ll be in each other’s hearts. Always.
#13: “Daughters” (2004)
John Mayer
This song speaks to a deeper truth about fatherhood. It’s not always about biology but about the people who shape us into who we are. The lyrics, reportedly inspired by a former partner who was profoundly impacted by an absentee father, highlight the importance of emotional support and guidance from parental figures. This song is perfect for honoring someone in your life with whom you may not share DNA but who nourished you and helped you become the best version of yourself. So if you want to celebrate that figure in your life, this could be a heartwarming choice that will probably leave not a dry eye among your guests.
#12: “It Won't Be Like This for Long” (2008)
Darius Rucker
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Picture this: you're a new parent, exhausted but filled with love, rocking your crying newborn in the wee hours, imagining the day you'll dance to this very song together. Or maybe you're an older parent, amazed that the little baby you once cradled is now about to walk down the aisle. In both cases, this song is all about celebrating your daughter and all the good times you've had together. It makes you want to stop time and enjoy every moment with her a little longer. Even though that's not possible, this song lets you hold her close and enjoy every second of your dance together.
#11: “My Wish” (2006)
Rascal Flatts
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There are fewer things in this world more precious than the father-daughter relationship, and this song encapsulates that perfectly. The steady yet sweet melody practically beckons you to take the spotlight on the dance floor, while the sincere lyrics are all about wishing the best for a loved one. Can’t you practically hear your father echoing that sentiment? Just imagine it: You and your dad gliding elegantly around the dance floor, both trying and failing to choke back tears as the song’s words pierce your soul deeply. We can all but guarantee you won’t be the only ones wiping away those tears. You’ll wish that this dance could go on forever.
#10: “Gracie” (2005)
Ben Folds
If you're a dad looking for a song that really captures what it's like to be a father to a daughter, we recommend this one. It's all about the parenthood journey, from the overwhelming love and protection felt from the first moment you clapped eyes on your child to the bittersweet realization of watching them grow up and letting them find their own way in the world. Yet, that explosion of love you felt from that very first day continues to glow even brighter. As you sway to the gorgeous melody, you'll be transported back to those special milestones and treasured moments, feeling every emotion as if it were yesterday.
#9: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” (1975)
James Taylor
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It's right there in the title; this song is just so sweet! With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this timeless classic practically calls you to the dance floor. It's one of the more upbeat melodies on this list but one that's bound to bring memories of all the good times you've spent together flooding back. Also, take a moment to listen to the lyrics because this is love at its most wholesome. Whether you choose the original track by Marvin Gaye or this cover, this song is perfect for a father-daughter dance - it's pure and fun and invites you to make more happy memories on the dance floor.
#8: “My Girl” (1964)
The Temptations
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We totally don’t blame you if The Temptation(s) to choose this song is strong! Its joyful vibes couldn’t be more fitting for such a joyous occasion. The song essentially celebrates feeling so much love that you feel like you’ve hit life’s jackpot—a sentiment few fathers would deny feeling every day since their child was born. With lyrics blending seamlessly with a classic Motown groove, it’s the perfect mix for a father-daughter dance, where you can happily spin around the floor, laughing, letting loose, and putting on quite the show for your guests. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, and trust us; your guests will be itching to join in.
#7: “Father and Daughter” (2002)
Paul Simon
If the idea is to get everyone in a sentimental mood, this is your track. Simon reportedly wrote it with his daughter, Lulu, in mind. If you really listen to the lyrics, you’ll hear Simon describe a father’s love at its purest. He sings about being there to protect and guide his daughter through life, no matter what. It’s all wrapped up in a stirring melody that reaffirms his heartfelt promise to always be by her side. Sidenote: this song was penned for “The Wild Thornberrys Movie,” which arguably features one of animation’s most iconic father-daughter duos,
#Goals. It’s an absolutely smashing choice for this special occasion.
#6: “Isn’t She Lovely” (1976)
Stevie Wonder
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No wedding playlist is complete without Stevie Wonder! His discography offers some brilliant choices for father-daughter dances. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” will let everyone know you truly mean those words “from the bottom of [your] heart.” You could also shine on the dancefloor with “You Are The Sunshine of My Life.” However, “Isn’t She Lovely,” inspired by Wonder’s daughter, is a standout choice. It beautifully captures the joy of fatherhood and the ever-growing love between a father and his daughter. As you twirl around the dance floor, you’ll feel grateful for your special bond, sighing with admiration as you think to yourself, “Isn’t She Lovely.”
#5: “Daddy's Little Girl”
The Mills Brothers (1950)
This song encapsulates the immense love a father feels for his daughter from the day she enters this world. Just like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, her presence in his life has been magical. The tender melody of The Mills Brothers’ song perfectly conveys how incredibly special that relationship is. If you love the song’s sentiment but you had something more uptempo in mind, you could always go with the Michael Bublé cover. Whether you go for a slow sway or a more brisk turn around the dance floor, we can almost guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the room.
#4: “My Little Girl” (2006)
Tim McGraw
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There’s just something about country music that digs right into your heart and soul. This song does that tenfold. It will likely resonate with many fathers deeply— almost as if McGraw took the words right out of their mouths and set them to music. Every note and lyric is a love letter to the pride and tenderness he feels watching his little girl grow into the amazing woman she’s become. For daughters, it’s a reminder of the unwavering support and love their dads have always provided. We’re sure both sides will want to freeze time as they hold each other tighter while swaying to the music.
#3: “I Loved Her First” (2006)
Heartland
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As we just saw, country music has this way of getting right into your heart and stirring up all kinds of feelings. This song feels like it was custom-made for a father-daughter dance. The lyrics hit you right in the feels, capturing that struggle of letting go as your little girl grows up. It’s so relatable, especially on a day like this. The message is perfect, and the melody is absolutely breathtaking. It practically invites any father-daughter duo to gracefully waltz around the dance floor. As the song draws to a close, neither father nor daughter will want this moment to end.
#2: “Cinderella” (2007)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Chapman wrote “Cinderella” from the heart, inspired by his daughters. It’s all about seizing every precious moment with your kids because time flies by in the blink of an eye. From dance rehearsals to bedtime tales and playful dress-ups, every memory counts. Sadly, the tune took on a new meaning for Chapman’s family when they lost their youngest daughter, Maria Sue. Yet, this loss amplifies its message of cherishing every second with your loved ones, and it’s all set to the most gorgeous melody. Sticking with the Cinderella theme, Chuck Wicks’ “Stealing Cinderella” celebrates the special bond between a father and daughter—the first man the bride ever loved.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Daddy” (2003), Beyoncé
An Ode to the Person Who Helped Pave the Way to the Person You Became
“Stand by Me” (1962), Ben E. King
A Celebration of the One Who Stood by You from the Very Beginning
“Wind Beneath My Wings” (1989), Bette Midler
A Sweet Way to Let That Father Figure in Your Life Know What They Mean to You
“You Raise Me Up” (2004), Josh Groban
No Matter Which Rendition You Choose, You’ll Never Forget This Special Moment with the One Who Raised You Up
“Because You Loved Me” (1996), Céline Dion
A Beautiful Way to Honor the Person “Who Held [You] Up” with Their Love
#1: “Butterfly Kisses” (1997)
Bob Carlisle
This song is perfect for a father-daughter dance because it speaks to that unique bond. It's the kind of tune that just makes you want to hold each other tighter, perhaps even bringing a tear to the eye of even the most stoic relative. The lyrics beautifully tell the story of a dad watching his little girl grow up, walking her down the aisle, and how she continues to light up his life. It's the perfect sentiment for a day like this, prompting big hugs and maybe even a few butterfly kisses. The sweet melody and moving lyrics will always bring back warm memories whenever you hear it.
Which song do you think offers the most perfect backdrop for a father-daughter dance? Let us know in the comments.
