Choosing the perfect first dance song is a key moment for any couple on their special day. The song not only sets the tone for the celebration but also holds a timeless memory that will last a lifetime. With countless tunes to pick from, finding that one special track can be a delightful, yet daunting task. To help you sail through the selection process, we’ve rounded up the 30 best first dance songs of all time — classics that have withstood the test of time and new hits that resonate with love’s modern tune.

1. “At Last” – Etta James

2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

3. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers

4. “Your Song” – Elton John

5. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele

6. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri

7. “All of Me” – John Legend

8. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

9. “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton

10. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith

11. “Everything” – Michael Bublé

12. “Marry Me” – Train

13. “L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole

14. “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne

15. “Amazed” – Lonestar

16. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra

17. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran

18. “I Won’t Give Up” – Jason Mraz

19. “From This Moment On” – Shania Twain with Bryan White

20. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

21. “Lucky” – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

22. “Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars

23. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

24. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra

25. “By Your Side” – Sade

26. “You’re My Best Friend” – Queen

27. “Stand by Me” – Ben E King

28. “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green

29. “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones

30. “Truly Madly Deeply” – Savage Garden

Whether it’s the soulful yearning in Etta James’ vocals or the heartfelt pledges in Adele’s lyrics, these songs offer a diverse range of sounds and sentiments to mark your first steps as a married couple on the dance floor—melodies that echo love’s rich spectrum and rhythms that match every heart’s upbeat moment or poignant pause.

Finally, no matter which song you choose, it will become an integral part of your love story, encapsulating all the emotion and promise of your journey together in a few harmonious minutes—a quintessential highlight of your wedding day soundtrack.

Writing an article on this topic echoes the significance these songs carry and underscores why each one may be deemed timeless—a blend of rhythm and romance profound enough to deserve its place amongst history’s greatest hits for lovers across generations to take their first steps to.

As you reflect on this list, let it inspire your selection process for an unforgettable first dance—after all, music is about connection and no moment epitomizes that connection like when you’re hand in hand, swaying to the perfect song as newlyweds.