25 of the Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs for Your Wedding

Your wedding is a celebration filled with special moments. One of the most memorable events of the reception is the father-daughter dance, which honors the relationship between the bride and the man who raised her. While you can pick any song that’s special to both of you, there are several father-daughter dance songs that remain popular staples at any wedding.

1. Ben E. King, “Stand By Me” (1961)

This American hit from 1961 remains a favorite among many brides and their fathers. Ben E. King’s soulful classic is all about supporting your loved ones through thick and thin. It’s a great way to remember that as you start this new chapter of your life, your dad will always be there for you.

2. The Temptations, “My Girl” (1965)

Another nostalgic hit from the 1960s, The Temptations’ “My Girl” is a more upbeat song for a fun father-daughter dance. This Motown classic is perfect for fathers who see their daughters as the center of their world.

3. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, “Teach Your Children” (1970)

If you’re looking for a less traditional father-daughter dance song that still evokes warm nostalgia, consider “Teach Your Children” by the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. This folky tune is all about raising the next generation to be the best they can be.

4. James Taylor, “How Sweet It Is” (1970)

Singer-songwriter James Taylor’s catalog is full of wedding staples, from “You’ve Got a Friend” to “Your Smiling Face,” which he wrote for his young daughter. But his cover of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is” is a great pick for an easy, breezy father-daughter dance.

5. Bob Dylan, “Forever Young” (1974)

Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” was written by one of America’s greatest songwriters as a lullaby for his son. It’s the perfect song to honor the bond between a bride and her father at such a special moment in their lives.

6. Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide” (1975)

This bittersweet hit from Fleetwood Mac is a moving father-daughter dance song, especially if your dad is a big classic rock fan. You’ll both reflect on the journey of your lives leading to this special day.

7. Stevie Wonder, “Isn’t She Lovely?” (1976)

Is there a more famous song about a father loving his daughter? Stevie Wonder’s 1976 tribute to his daughter’s birth remains a favorite for father-daughter dances at any wedding. 

8. Billy Joel, “Just the Way You Are” (1977)

One of the most successful musicians of all time, the “Piano Man” has the perfect song to express a father’s unconditional love for his daughter.

9. Jimmy Buffett, “Little Miss Magic” (1981)

Planning a tropical or seaside wedding? You can’t go wrong with a special father-daughter dance to a song from the king of the beach. Jimmy Buffett’s “Little Miss Magic” is a sweet and summery song about a father and daughter.

10. Johnny Cash, “You Are My Sunshine” (1989)

The legendary Johnny Cash’s cover of this classic American standard is sure to melt hearts. The loving lyrics and raw emotion make this song a father-daughter dance tear-jerker.

11. Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, “Unforgettable” (1991)

What better way to celebrate your dad than with one of the most famous father-daughter duets ever recorded? This timeless song stretches generations to honor the first man in your life.

12. Celine Dion, “Because You Loved Me” (1993)

This 1993 Celine Dion song about unconditional love and support might perfectly describe the relationship between you and your dad. 

13. Tom Petty, “Wildflowers” (1994)

Tom Petty penned this beautiful ode to love and peace in just three minutes and it has withstood the test of time. It’s a gorgeous pick for a folky father-daughter dance at your wedding.

14. Bob Carlisle, “Butterfly Kisses” (1997)

A long-time favorite for father-daughter dances, Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses” even has a verse about a father giving his daughter away on her wedding day.

15. Natalie Merchant, “Kind and Generous” (1998)

If you’re looking to thank your father for everything he’s done for you, Natalie Merchant’s “Kind and Generous” is a touching way to pay tribute. 

16. Phil Collins, “You’ll Be in My Heart” (1999)

Written for the 1999 Disney film “Tarzan,” this heartfelt ballad has become popular at weddings — especially among brides who grew up with the movie. 

17. Wilco, “My Darling” (1999)

Are you and your dad indie rock fans? This song from the band’s 1999 album “Summerteeth” is written like a lullaby from a father to his daughter. It’s a sweet choice for your father-daughter dance.

18. Kenny Loggins, “Always, in All Ways” (2000)

When you think of Kenny Loggins, you might first think of “Footloose” or “Danger Zone.” However, the singer has more than movie soundtrack hits. “Always, in All Ways” is a heartfelt promise from a father to his daughter that makes it perfect for an emotional first dance.

19. Paul Simon, “Father and Daughter” (2002)

When you’re looking for the perfect father-daughter dance song, it’s hard to beat this earnest ballad from Paul Simon. If you can always rely on your dad to be there for you, consider this pick.

20. Luther Vandross, “Dance With My Father” (2003)

Based on the title, it’s no surprise that “Dance With My Father” is a wedding dance favorite. Written as a tribute to his late father, Luther Vandross’ song is a beautiful way to remember happy memories with your father or father figure.

21. Ben Folds, “Gracie” (2005)

Another song written for the author’s daughter, Ben Folds’ “Gracie” pays tribute to the special bond between a dad and his little girl.

22. Rascal Flatts, “My Wish” (2006)

Every parent wants the best for their child. This Rascal Flatts classic is the perfect way for a father to wish the best for his daughter on such a special occasion.

23. Heartland, “I Loved Her First” (2006)

A staple at many country weddings, Heartland’s “I Loved Her First” is a moving tribute to how a father is the first man in his daughter’s life. Honor your relationship with this sentimental song.

24. Tim McGraw, “My Little Girl” (2006)

No matter how much time passes, you’ll always be your father’s daughter. This Tim McGraw fan-favorite treasures the father-daughter relationship from her first breath to the day he walks her down the aisle.

25. Loudon Wainwright III, “Daughter” (2007)

Would your father do anything for you? This hit from Loudon Wainwright III is a fun and catchy song that celebrates the special bond with your devoted dad.

The Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs

There’s no relationship like the one between you and your dad. A father-daughter dance is a touching tradition to celebrate the first man in your life on this special day.