We weeded through all of the problematic gender assumptions and picked 25 of our current favorite first dance songs for gay couples, spanning genres from dance party hits to classic covers.
Kick off your reception, and your new lives together, with a first dance that captures your style. Will you go classic love song? K-Pop ballad? Musical theater? Whole reception sing-along? Dance party?
There may not be a wrong answer, but there are so many right ones that narrowing it down is incredibly hard. Whether you’re a romantic, an old soul, or ready to start an epic dance party, we want to help you find your vibe.
See also: Lesbian First Dance Songs and Nonbinary First Dance Songs
1. Simply the Best cover by The Hound and the Fox
If you watched Schitt’s Creek and didn’t swoon when Patrick serenaded David with Tina Turner’s Simply the Best, do you even have a heart? While Ms. Turner’s version is legendary, for a first dance we’re partial to this version by The Hound and the Fox.
Lyrics We Love:
In your heart, I see the star of every night and every day.
In your eyes, I get lost, I get washed away.
Just as long as I'm here in your arms,
I could be in no better place.
You're simply the best.
Better than all the rest.
2. Lucky Strike by Troye Sivan
Australian artist Troye Sivan gives us a beachy, breezy, pop song with Lucky Strike. Perfect for a beach wedding or anyone looking for a cool, sexy vibe.
Lyrics We Love:
Oh, I wanna tip toe through your bliss, boy.
Get lost the more I find ya.
Oh, don't wanna miss a second of this, boy.
Hold tight and love me longer.
3. Something About Him by Brockhampton
Impossibly cool and catchy, Brockhampton’s Something About Him is short and so very sweet. The song is a straightforward ode to falling in love with someone for who he is, rather than all the flashy distractions.
Lyrics We Love:
There's somethin' about him.
His car ain't nice and flashy (yeah, yeah).
There's somethin' about him.
Yeah, his attitude is like magic (yeah, yeah).
There's somethin' about him.
I know I got to have it.
4. Stand by Me by Ben E. King
If you want your entire reception singing along, you can’t do better than Ben E. King’s iconic Stand by Me. Alternately, this would also be a great choice to end the night.
Lyrics We Love:
When the night has come,
And the land is dark,
And the moon is the only light we'll see.
No, I won't be afraid.
Oh, I won't be afraid.
Just as long as you stand,
Stand by me.
5. You’re My Best Friend by Queen
You knew Queen would make the list, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a song more joyful and optimistic than this one. This would also make a great song for the entire wedding party, or an entrance song.
Lyrics We Love:
Oh, you're the first one when things turn out bad.
You know I'll never be lonely.
You're my only one.
And I love the things,
I really love the things that you do.
Oh, you're my best friend, oh.
6. Modern Love by Jake Wesley Rogers
Jake Wesley Rogers is a brilliant queer storyteller and this upbeat ballad is no exception. He wrote Modern Love after a psychic told him and his boyfriend that they were going to be married, but he sings how we're allowed to play by our own rules, through all the highs and lows a relationship brings. All that matters is that you find your own version of love, no matter what that looks like.
Lyrics We Love:
You're my, you're my, you're my, you're my
My modern love
Oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my God
Can't get enough
We can break all the rules
Move to the moon
Check out that view
You're my, you're my, you're my, you're my
My modern love
7. Supermodel (You Better Work) by RuPaul
There’s never a wrong time for RuPaul, and the best parties—and marriages—should absolutely include some camp. Get literally every guest feeling themselves and dancing immediately!
Lyrics We Love:
It don’t matter what you wear,
They’re checkin’ out your savior faire.
And it don’t matter what you do,
‘cause everything looks good on you, supermodel.
8. Alan by Perfume Genius
Vulnerable, slow, and sweet, Perfume Genius’s ballad Alan is evocative of those middle of the night moments of waking up and feeling comforted by the soothing presence of your person.
Lyrics We Love:
You need me.
Rest easy.
I'm here.
How weird.
9. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
It does not get smoother or sexier than Al Green’s hit Let’s Stay Together. Easy to hold each other and dance to, it deserves prime placement at your reception.
Lyrics We Love:
Let me say that since, baby, since we've been together,
Ooh, loving you forever is what I need.
Let me be the one you come running to.
I'll never be untrue.
Oh baby,
Let's, let's stay together (‘gether)
Lovin' you whether, whether,
Times are good or bad, happy or sad.
10. I’ll Cover You from the musical Rent
Calling all theater kids! Obviously, Broadway has countless love songs, but the duet I’ll Cover Your from Rent is just too sweet and fun to pass up.
Lyrics We Love:
On life, oh my life I've longed to discover,
Something as true as this is.
So with a thousand sweet kisses,
(If you're cold and you're lonely) I'll cover you.
With a thousand sweet kisses,
(You've got one nickel only) I'll cover you.
With a thousand sweet kisses,
(When you're worn out and tired) I'll cover you.
With a thousand sweet kisses,
(When your heart has expired) I'll cover you.
11. Imagine by Ben Platt
Speaking of theater kids, Pitch Perfect and Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt has so many first dance worthy songs. While we love the popular Grow as We Go, there’s something so energizing about his song Imagine.
Lyrics We Love:
You say I'm your hero,
But you are the one that saved me.
If I ever lost you,
I'd fall to my knees.
I can't imagine my life without you,
I can't imagine one night without you.
12. Kiss the Boy by Keiynan Lonsdale
Kiss the Boy by Keinyan Lonsdale is so full of nervous excitement it’s completely infectious in the way it captures the rush of new love.
Lyrics We Love:
Give in to love, give into love.
Give it the time, give it the time.
If it’s all a movie then you’ll see,
it’s only about us two.
13. Sweet Creature by Harry Styles
Harry Style’s Sweet Creature is a sweet, strong tribute that reminds us of perfect wedding songs by Ray LaMontagne.
Lyrics We Love:
Sweet creature, sweet creature.
Wherever I go, you bring me home.
Sweet creature, sweet creature.
When I run out of road, you bring me home.
14. Unchained Melody by Orville Peck
Country singer Orville Peck’s baritone voice will make anyone stop in their tracks and his range and emotion in his cover of Unchained Melody is unreal.
Lyrics We Love:
And time goes by so slowly,
And time can do so much.
Are you still mine?
I need your love.
I need your love.
Godspeed your love to me.
15. First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
The music video for First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes received special recognition during the 2006 GLAAD Media Awards for its inclusivity, and the hit has remained a popular first dance choice ever since.
Lyrics We Love:
And so I thought I'd let you know,
Yeah, these things take forever,
I especially am slow.
But I realized that I need you,
And I wondered if I could come home.
16. Neverland by Holland
Queer love songs are rare for KPop, making Holland’s Neverland especially brave. It’s a shy, romantic song and we love it.
Lyrics We Love:
Would you take my hand out of the window?
Look for a rainbow to fly,
I could be your love.
But never mind, I'm Neverland.
17. Always Be My Man by Billy Porter and Luke Evans
Billy Porter and Luke Evans’ voices blend together so powerfully in this single from their film Our Son, in an anthem about a lifetime of real commitment.
Lyrics We Love:
And I know,
God wouldn't make a love that's wrong.
And I know,
Love is a place we all belong.
18. All You Need is Love by The Beatles
Everyone knows this Beatles hit, and all of your friends and family will have a blast singing along as you dance together.
Lyrics We Love:
There's nothing you can do that can't be done (love)
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung (love)
Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game (love)
It's easy!
Nothing you can make that can't be made (love)
No one you can save that can't be saved (love)
Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time (love)
It's easy!
19. Adore by Prince
Seriously, who is sexier and more ahead of their time than Prince? Prince’s incredible catalogue gives us a lot to choose from, but Adore is just so sultry.
Lyrics We Love:
If God one day struck me blind,
Your beauty I'd still see.
Love is too weak to define,
Just what you mean to me.
20. Don’t Wait by Joey Graceffa
Joey Graceffa, thank you for this enthusiastic bop! It’s so much fun and so full of brightness it had to make the list.
Lyrics We Love:
The darkness can be such a lonely place on your own.
I’ll be your compass so you’ll never feel alone.
Don’t wait for the world to be ready,
Who says you can’t explore?
21. Cheek to Cheek by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet
Lady Gaga. Obviously. But Lady Gaga singing with the legend Tony Bennet to this sweet classic is so romantic you won’t want to stop dancing.
Lyrics We Love:
Yes, heaven, I'm in heaven.
And the cares that hung around me through the week,
Seem to vanish like a gambler's lucky streak.
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.
22. Across the Universe by Rufus Wainwright
Across the Universe may not be a traditional love song, but Rufus Wainwright’s dreamy, cover will absolutely make you feel like you’re floating together.
Lyrics We Love:
Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing,
Through my open ears inciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns,
It calls me on and on across the universe.
23. Long Last Love by Michael Feinstein
Cole Porter gave us so many wonderful love songs and this one, made famous by Frank Sinatra, is at the top. While Sinatra’s version is amazing, we can’t help the new spin Michael Feinstein puts on his cover.
Lyrics We Love:
Is it for all time or simply a lark?
Is it Granada I see or only Asbury Park?
Is it a fancy not worth thinking of?
Or is it at long last love?
24. Tiny Dancer by Elton John
Sweet, intimate and immediately recognizable Tiny Dancer is a nostalgic favorite for very good reason.
Lyrics We Love:
Oh, how it feels so real,
Lying here with no one near.
Only you, and you can hear me,
When I say softly, slowly,
Hold me closer, Tiny Dancer.
25. Let Go by Geo Jordan
Let Go by up-and-coming artist Geo Jordan will wash over you, making you feel like your first dance is a perfect dream.
Lyrics We Love:
Can you keep your eyes on me?
I can’t pull myself away from you.
Waking inside a dream,
I don’t want to let go of the feeling.
Falling softly,
Freedom calling.
Cover photo from Jon and Patrick's Estate Wedding, photographed by Anaise Prince Photography
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