Are you a father whose daughter is finally getting married? Maybe you’re the lucky woman who’s looking for the perfect tune to dance with your father.
Either way, you’re in the right place. We have the best father-daughter wedding dance songs—all in one list. There has to be at least one song of these 18 songs that’ll fit your wedding theme. After all, you only need one.
Top 18 Father-Daughter Dance Songs for Your Wedding Day
1. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
- Lyrics to appreciate: “She’ll change her name today, she’ll make a promise, and I’ll give her away”
“Butterfly Kisses” stands as one of the most beloved father-daughter dance songs ever. Bob Carlisle wrote this emotional song about his own daughter in 1997, and it captures the journey of watching a little girl grow into a bride.
The song’s gentle pace makes it perfect for a slow dance, letting fathers and daughters share a natural moment on the dance floor. Its steady rhythm works well for simple steps — just hold each other close and sway to the music.
At about 5 minutes long, this soft country-pop song gives you enough time to create a special memory without feeling rushed.
2. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again”
“My Little Girl” became an instant wedding classic when Tim McGraw released it in 2006. As a father himself, McGraw brings genuine emotion to this touching tribute to father-daughter bonds.
The song moves at an ideal pace for dancing, with a gentle country rhythm that makes it easy to follow. Even if you’re not a skilled dancer, the steady beat helps you find your groove naturally.
At just over 3 minutes long, it’s the perfect length to share this special moment without stretching it too long.
3. “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel
- Lyrics to appreciate: “I said I love you, and that’s forever”
While not written specifically as a father-daughter song, Billy Joel’s classic from 1977 has become a favorite for wedding dances because of its message of unconditional love and acceptance.
The piano-driven melody creates a perfect slow-dance atmosphere. Its gentle rhythm lets fathers and daughters move comfortably, even if they’re not experienced dancers. A simple sway or basic box step works beautifully with the music.
Running just under 4 minutes, Just The Way You Are fits perfectly for this special wedding moment.
4. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Isn’t she lovely, made from love”
“Isn’t She Lovely” brings a different energy to father-daughter dances. Stevie Wonder wrote this song in 1976, right after his daughter Aisha was born, and his joy bursts through every note.
Unlike most slow dance picks, this song lets you move with more fun and freedom. Its upbeat tempo works great for fathers and daughters who want to add some light spins or playful steps to their dance.
This 6-minute celebration of a father’s love for his daughter stands out as a happy, energetic choice that will get everyone smiling.
5. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- Lyrics to appreciate: “She’s got eyes of the bluest skies”
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” breaks the mold of typical father-daughter dance songs. This 1987 Guns N’ Roses hit gives you a unique rock option that starts soft and builds into something special.
The song’s opening guitar melody sets a gentle pace perfect for dancing. While it’s known as a rock song, the first half works beautifully for a slow dance. Many couples stick to simple steps during the softer parts, then add more energy when the tempo picks up.
At 5 minutes long, this bold choice lets fathers and daughters create an unforgettable moment that stands out from traditional picks.
6. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
- Lyrics to appreciate: “As long as one and one is two, there could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you”
Paul Simon created this song in 2002 for “The Wild Thornberrys Movie,” but it quickly found its place at weddings. Its medium tempo gives you more dancing options than a typical slow song.
You don’t need fancy moves — a basic two-step or gentle sway matches the song’s beat perfectly. The steady rhythm makes it easy to find your groove and stay on time.
Father and Daughter packs in all the right feelings without dragging on too long, making it a solid pick for your special moment.
7. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Thank you for watching me grow”
Bette Midler’s 1988 “Wind Beneath My Wings” speaks straight to the heart of what fathers mean to their daughters. This song fits perfectly for dads who’ve always stood behind their girls, supporting every dream and picking them up after every fall.
The gentle melody makes dancing feel natural. You don’t need any special moves — just hold each other close and sway. Most couples keep it simple, letting the music guide their steps.
At 4 minutes long, this song gives you enough time to share your feelings without stretching the moment too thin.
8. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance”
Lee Ann Womack’s 2000 country hit speaks to every parent’s hopes for their child. The song caught on fast at weddings because it captures what fathers want most — to see their daughters live life fully and bravely.
The music moves at just the right speed for an easy slow dance. Most couples stick to simple steps, swaying together as the melody carries them. You don’t need fancy moves — the song’s steady beat guides you naturally.
This 3-minute dance gives fathers and daughters a perfect chance to share those big life wishes on the wedding day.
9. “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Working hard day after day”
Holly Dunn’s 1986 country tribute celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters. The song looks back at all the ways a dad shows his love — from working hard to give his family the best to being there for every important moment.
The steady country rhythm makes this an easy dance for any skill level. Most couples keep it simple with a basic two-step or gentle sway that matches the song’s relaxed pace.
At just under 3 minutes, this song gives you enough time to share those precious memories without drawing the moment out too long.
10. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride
- Lyrics to appreciate: “This miracle God gave to me”
Martina McBride released “In My Daughter’s Eyes” in 2003, and it soon found its way into wedding ceremonies everywhere. The lyrics tell the story of how daughters can inspire their fathers to be better people.
The melody flows smoothly, perfect for a slow dance that lets fathers and daughters share quiet words. Many couples simply sway together, letting the gentle music guide their steps. No fancy moves are needed — the song’s soft pace keeps things natural.
The song runs 3 minutes, giving you plenty of time to share this special wedding moment together.
11. “My Girl” by The Temptations
- Lyrics to appreciate: “What can make me feel this way…”
The Temptations gave us this joyful hit in 1964, and it’s stayed a favorite for father-daughter dances ever since. The upbeat Motown sound brings smiles and gets shoulders swaying right from the first note.
Most couples keep their dance moves light and fun — a gentle sway, maybe a spin or two. The song’s bouncy rhythm makes dancing feel natural, even for folks who rarely step onto a dance floor.
The song runs for just over 2 minutes, making it a perfect short-and-sweet choice that leaves everyone grinning.
12. “Sweet Pea” by Paul Weller
- Lyrics to appreciate: “My tiny buttercup…”
Paul Weller brought us “Sweat Pea.” This playful, gentle song fits perfectly for dads who’ve always had special nicknames for their daughters. The light, bouncy melody sets just the right mood for a sweet father-daughter moment.
Dancing to this tune feels as natural as a morning walk. The rhythm lets you keep things simple — a few steps here, maybe a gentle spin there. Many couples just enjoy the casual sway while sharing memories of those childhood nicknames.
The song’s 2-minute length makes it perfect for fathers and daughters who want a short but meaningful dance.
13. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Look inside you and be strong”
What can we even say about Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” This song works beautifully for father-daughter dances because it captures how parents help their children find strength. The song speaks to every father who guided his daughter through tough times.
The slow tempo creates perfect moments for meaningful eye contact and heartfelt hugs during the dance. Most couples stick to simple swaying movements, letting the music’s power carry the emotion. No fancy footwork is needed – just hold each other close.
The song runs 4 minutes, giving fathers and daughters time to share quiet words about their journey together.
14. “Your Song” by Elton John
- Lyrics to appreciate: “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”
Elton John’s 1970 classic takes on new meaning when shared between a father and daughter on her wedding day. The piano-led melody moves at a perfect pace for dancing.
Most couples keep their steps simple and elegant — a basic sway that matches the gentle flow of music works beautifully. Even fathers with two left feet find it easy to move to this tune.
The song lasts about 4 minutes, giving you just enough time to create a touching wedding memory without feeling rushed.
15. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Close your eyes and I’ll be there…”
James Taylor’s 1971 take on this classic friendship song works perfectly for father-daughter dances. The gentle folk melody creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere for sharing this special moment.
The easy rhythm lets fathers and daughters keep their dance moves simple. Most couples choose to sway gently, maybe adding a small spin now and then. The relaxed pace helps nervous dancers feel more confident.
This 4-minute song gives you plenty of time to enjoy this touching moment without rushing through it.
16. “I Turn To You” by Christina Aguilera
- Lyrics to appreciate: “For the arms to be my shelter through all the rain”
Christina Aguilera’s powerful 1999 “I Turn to You” captures the deep bond between parent and child. The melody starts softly and builds into an emotional tribute, perfect for a father-daughter dance.
The steady rhythm makes it easy to follow along, even for beginners. Most couples stick to simple steps — a gentle sway or basic slow dance moves. The song’s natural flow guides your movements.
The 4-minute length gives fathers and daughters enough time to share this meaningful moment. Its mix of quiet verses and powerful choruses lets you both get lost in the music without worrying about fancy footwork.
17. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- Lyrics to appreciate: “Lovely, never ever change”
Frank Sinatra’s timeless 1964 version of this jazz standard adds class to any wedding. The smooth big band sound creates the perfect backdrop for an elegant father-daughter dance.
The gentle swing rhythm makes dancing feel natural. Most couples stick to a simple box step or just sway together. The relaxed pace lets you focus on the moment instead of worrying about complicated moves.
If old-school jazz is your jam, this song will take you places.
18. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
- Lyrics to appreciate: “You know you’ll always have a place to go”
Bruce Springsteen’s “When You Need Me” from 1998 stands out from his usual rock style. The Boss strips everything down to create a quiet father-daughter moment that speaks straight from the heart.
The slow, steady beat makes dancing feel natural. You don’t need fancy moves — most couples stick to a simple two-step or just hold each other close and sway. Even if Dad isn’t much of a dancer, the easy rhythm keeps things smooth.
The song runs just under 3 minutes, making it a perfect choice that doesn’t stretch the moment too long.
Final Words
There you have it: 18 of the best songs for a cherished father-daughter dance. Each of these songs leaves a different message, and we’re absolutely sure that one of them will resonate with your life one way or the other. Take your time to choose, but don’t worry, you’ll never go wrong.
Check out our other posts for more wedding inspiration.