25 Lesbian First Dance Songs

We're sharing our top first dance song picks for lesbian couples.

One of the most fun wedding planning tasks is picking out the song for your first dance. You get to take a break from thinking about budget and logistics and focus solely on finding something meaningful to you as a couple.

Some couples already have a song, but for those who don’t, finding the right mix of romantic without being too played-out can be tricky, not to mention the built-in gender stereotypes baked into many popular choices.

We’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite songs for women marrying women, with options ranging from playful bops, to melodic ballads, to classic standards. We’ll help you find something to match your vibe and dancing abilities.

1, She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert

 

Honestly, we could stop the list here if we wanted to. Mary Lambert’s She Keeps Me Warm is simultaneously a celebration of love and safety, as well as a celebration of valuing her true identity and self.

Favorite Lyrics:

She says I smell like safety and home
I named both of her eyes forever and please-don't-go
I could be a morning sunrise all the time, all the time, yeah
This could be good, this could be good

2. We Fell in Love in October by Girl in Red

 

You knew Girl in Red would be at the top of our list. We Fell in Love in October is an indie-couple’s dream. The song is ethereal and specific, sweet and serious. And, given that October is the most popular month for weddings, is a great wedding pick.

Favorite Lyrics:

We fell in love in October
That's why, I love fall
Looking at the stars
Admiring from afar
(My girl, my girl, my girl)

3. It’s Getting Better by Cass Elliot

It’s Getting Better by Cass Elliot of the Mammas and the Pappas is a triumphant, fun, energetic celebration. This song is perfect for any couple who build their relationship on a foundation of true friendship.

Favorite Lyric:

Once I believed that when love came to me
It would come with rockets, bells and poetry
But with me and you it just started quietly and grew
And believe it or not
Now there's something groovy and good
Bout whatever we got
And it's getting better
Growing stronger warm and wilder
Getting better everyday, better everyday

4. Power of Two by the Indigo Girls

Power of Two is a perfect example of why the Indigo Girls stand the test of time. A simple, sweet song, so dreamy it almost feels like a lullaby. This love song shuts out the noise of the rest of the world and focuses solely on the love story.

Favorite Lyrics:

You know the things that I am afraid of
I'm not afraid to tell
And if we ever leave a legacy
It's that we loved each other well
‘Cause I've seen the shadows of so many people
Trying on the treasures of youth
But a road that fancy and fast ends ends in a fatal crash
And I'm glad we got off
To tell you the truth

5. 10X Better by Marielle Kraft

Who says your first dance needs to be a slow dance? Marielle Kraft’s 10X Better is exuberant, poppy, and fun. Your entire reception will be excited to get on the dance floor after this one.

Favorite Lyrics:

I was right all along
I was right but so wrong
It's 10x better
Been comparing my notes
And it's pretty damn close
But it's 10x better
It's everything and nothing like I pictured
Yeah instead of him
I'm down on a knee and it's with her
I'm saying I do and it's with her
When I grow old I know it's gonna be with her

6. At Last by Etta James

At Last is a soulful, soaring classic, and Etta James was a staunch ally of the gay community throughout her life. The instantly recognizable opening strings and James’s stunning voice will make your first dance like a scene from a movie.

Favorite Lyrics:

You smiled, you smiled
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last

7. Love They Say by Tegan and Sara

Love They Say by sister duo Teagan and Sara is at once fun, sentimental, and upbeat. We love the fun vibe it’ll set for the entire reception.

Favorite Lyrics:

First time I saw your face I knew I was meant for you.
First time you said my name I knew I was meant for you.
Love, they say, it heals all wounds,
Love removes the hurt in you,
Love, I know that this is true.
Love, they say that it is blind,
Love, they say it all the time,
Love, I know that they are right.

8. Waiting for a Girl Like You by Heather Nova

In this sultry, slow cover a Foreigner song, Heather Nova creates something truly ethereal. The piano accompaniment is soft and subtle, letting her vocals take centestage.

Favorite Lyrics:

From the moment I wake up 'til deep in the night
There's nowhere on earth that I'd rather be than holding you tenderly
I've been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I've been waiting for a girl like you, you're a love that will survive
I've been waiting for someone new to make me feel alive
Yeah, waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I've been waiting, waiting for you

9. Sidelines by Phoebe Bridgers

Sidelines by powerhouse Phoebe Bridgers is such a pretty, sweet song about finding safety and security in your person, no matter what else is happening in the world. It begins soft and melodic and slowly grows into an engrossing, upbeat ballad.

Favorite Lyrics:

Watch the world from the sidelines
Had nothing to prove
‘Til you came into my life
Gave me something to lose
Now I know what it feels like
To wanna go outside
Like the shape of my outline

10. Butterflies by Kacey Musgraves

 

Butterflies by Kacey Musgraves is such a fun song celebrating finding happiness in a healthy, healing relationship. This love song is sunny, sweet and easy to dance to.

Favorite Lyrics:

Kiss full of color, makes me wonder where you've always been
I was hiding in doubt 'til you brought me out of my chrysalis
And I came out new
All because of you

11. La Vie En Rose by Lucy Dacus

 

Lucy Dacus isn’t known for her sweet, romantic side but we are swooning for her cover of La Vie En Rose. Her synth, upbeat take on the Persian classic will have you feeling like a modern day Audrey Hepburn ready to dance your entire wedding night.

Favorite Lyrics:

Hold me close and hold me fast,
This magic spell you've cast,
I see la vie en rose.
When you kiss me, heaven sighs,
And though I close my eyes,
I see la vie en rose.

12. You Are by Dolly Parton

 

“Lucky is the bride who dances to Dolly.” Okay, it might not be officially part of wedding good luck lore, but seriously, what’s better than dancing to Dolly Parton? Especially to You Are, her sweet, slow ballad that will make you feel like the only two people in the world?

Favorite Lyrics:

Sometimes I try to count the ways and reasons that I love you
But I can't ever seem to count that far
I love you in a million ways and for a million reasons
More than this I love you as you are
More than this I love you as you are

13. Sea of Love by Cat Power

 

Cat Powers’ Sea of Love is a cover of the 1959 chart-topper by Jean Philip Baptiste. Powers’s version of the song is soft, folksy and slow, everything you’d want in a first dance song.

Favorite Lyrics:

Come with me, my love
To the sea, the sea of love
I want to tell you
How much I love you

Do you remember when we met?
That's the day I knew you were my pet
I want to tell you
How much I love you

14. Honey by Kehlani

 

Kehlani’s Honey is sexy, funny, and honest and we think it makes an amazing choice for a first dance at a wedding. Her vocals are stunning, soft and powerful, and perfectly supported by simple instrumental backing.

Favorite Lyrics:

All, all, all, all the pretty girls in the world
But I'm in this space with you
Colored out the lines
I came to find, my fire was fate with you
My heartache would stay with you
Escape with you

15. You’re Still the One, Maple Glider

 

Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One may have dominated in the ‘90s, but it gets a glow up from Australian singer-songwriter Maple Glider. The newer version is still catchy and powerful, but with a softer, folkier feel that builds to give you goosebumps at the end.

Favorite Lyrics:

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said, “I bet they'll never make it”
But just look at us holding on
We're still together, still going strong

16. She’s Mine by Eva Westphal

 

It does not get cuter than She’s Mine by Eva Westphal. Honestly. Easy to dance and sing along to, this infinitely relatable song will keep you smiling all night long.

Favorite Lyrics:

She is funny and clever and kind, oh
She says whatever pops in her mind, oh
And she's so fucking weird, that when she's with me
I'm laughing most of the time
And she's mine, she's mine

17. It Had to Be You by Ruth Etting

 

If you want a classic love song that stands the test of time, you can’t go wrong with It Had to Be You. There are countless versions of the song performed by everyone from Frank Sinatra, to Daffy Duck, to Marla Hooch, but we love the 1936 version by Ruth Etting best.

Favorite Lyrics:

Some others I've seen,
Might never be mean
Might never be cross,
Or try to be boss
But they wouldn't do
For nobody else,
Gave me a thrill
With all your faults,
I love you still
It had to be you,
Wonderful you
It had to be you

18. She’s on My Mind by Romy

 

If you want to kick off your reception with a dance party, check out She’s on My Mind by Romy. The upbeat techno song has some great '70s and '80s influence and will absolutely get your entire reception up and ready to join you dancing.

Favorite Lyrics:

My mind just can't explain it
No, I can't find the words
But I don't care anymore
Think I'm in love with her

19. Big Time by Angel Olsen

 

What’s not to love about Angel Olsen? She has so many different styles and we love all of them, especially the dreamy, Loretta Lynn feel of her song Big Time. The steel guitar and Olsen’s vocals are perfect, especially for an outdoor summertime reception.

Favorite Lyrics:

Good mornin' kisses, givin' you all mine
Pull back the curtains, show me the sunshine
Needin' this coffee, needin' some nature
Need it right now, it can't wait until later

We're always busy, baby, not this time
Lay in the tall grass, talkin' with your eyes
Talkin' with your eyes before we knew we were
Thinkin' the same things, I'm a believer

20. Perfect by Doria Roberts

Atlanta native Doria Roberts is one of those artists who doesn’t seem to fit any one genre. Whether you call her song Perfect folk, jazz, or pop it’s a romantic, fun, upbeat choice for a first dance.

Favorite Lyrics:

A perfect memory of when things are so good
And everything has worked out just the way we knew it would
I bought a picture frame
I made room on the wall

I hold you close to my chest
Because I've made room in my heart
You ask me what I'm doing
I say displaying our love
I can see you when I'm awake and you're the one I'm dreaming of

21. Loved by You by KIRBY

It does not get cooler or sexier than Loved by You by KIRBY. This track is a master class in the perfect slow dance song and you will have fun forgetting that the rest of the world exists with this as your first dance.

Favorite Lyric:

‘Cause I've heard that heaven ain't easy to get to, ooh
The closest I get might be right next to you
For I've got to know
I got feel how it feels
To be loved by you
Ooh, I got to touch something real
Can I feel and be loved by you?

22. All I Want is To Be Your Girl by Holly Miranda

Holly Miranda has given us such a fun, upbeat gift with All I Want is to Be Your Girl. If this isn’t your first dance song, consider still using it to set the right vibe as you announce your wedding party, or cut the cake.

Favorite Lyrics:

Well the Earth's still spinning
so I'll write this tune
wherever you're walking look up at the moon
 and know I want to be your girl
Lose yourself when you dream,
just like when you love,
Just like when you scream I just want,
I just want I just want to be your girl

23. How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding

British singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding’s How Long Will I Love You is simple and easy to dance to, without the risk of rocking your guests to sleep.

Favorite Lyrics:

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I can

How long will I need you?
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan

24. Once Upon a Dream by Lana Del Rey

Once Upon a Dream is one of the most iconic Disney Princess songs, but Lana Del Rey’s darker version makes it so much cooler. Still romantic and perfect for a slow dance, her version is so much more interesting than the original standard, and we think it’s perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Favorite Lyrics:

I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream

25. If there Was No You by Brandi Carlile

You didn’t think we would close out this list without some Brandi Carlile on it, did you? Brandi gives us so many options to chose from, but we’re going with If There Was No You. It’s fun, sweet, soft and cheerful all at once.

Favorite Lyrics:

What I really mean, what I'm trying hard to say
Is that I'm counting on you and you got me too
Our secrets aren't safe, I'm singing out of tune
If there was no you, if there was no you

 

Cover photo credit: Studio A Images from Yani and Divinity's Wedding; Photo 1: Flashy Mama Photography from Sarah and Katie's Wedding; Photo 2: Megan and Kenneth from LaVicke and Dayna's Wedding; Photo 3: Kristen Weaver Photography from Heather and Ellen's Wedding