The father/daughter dance is a cherished moment during a wedding celebration. It remains one of my absolute favorite moments to capture on a wedding day. Throughout our many years in the wedding photography industry, we’ve certainly heard our fair share of touching song choices for these special dances. As a parent myself, I also have my own personal list of special songs that evoke sweet memories of my precious babies. Combining my firsthand experience in these two areas, I’ve decided to share a thoughtfully curated list of some of my favorite father/daughter dance song choices to help you as you make your decision!
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For the Country Bride:
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
Such a classic. I’m sure you’ve been to a wedding or two where this song has played as the father/daughter dance, and for good reason! Lines like “chase your dreams, but always know the road that'll lead you home again” offer a reminder of the father’s unwavering support, encouraging his daughter to embrace life’s journey while knowing she’ll always have a place to return to. Another unforgettable line, “to me, you know you'll always be my little girl,” tugs at the heartstrings, highlighting the father’s love and pride for his daughter, no matter how old she gets. The simplicity and sincerity of these words truly don’t get any sweeter. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of parenthood, capturing both the joy of seeing your child grow and the bittersweetness of watching them take their own path in life. The lyrics are timeless, making this song a beautiful choice for a wedding day.
I Loved Her First by Heartland
This 2006 hit by Heartland was one I often imagined being my own father/daughter dance song. The male narrator, stands on the sidelines, watching his daughter and her new husband share their first dance as a married couple. In that moment, he reflects on all the years he spent with her, and sings about how he “loved her first.” His words express the special bond between a father and his daughter, and the bittersweet realization that she's now entering a new chapter of her life with someone else. It's a beautiful tribute to a father's deep love for his daughter. The song captures the pride, joy, and inevitable sense of loss that comes with seeing a daughter move forward into the next stage of her life. The heartfelt lyrics and tender melody evoke a flood of emotions, making it nearly impossible to imagine a dry eye in the venue when this song is playing.
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For the Disney-Loving Bride:
Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks
A song about a man asking the father of his girlfriend for his permission to propose, and in the process, coming to the realization that, in the eyes of her father, she will always be his little girl. Even though she's grown into a woman, the father sees her as the same child who used to play dress-up in her favorite princess costumes, full of innocence and wonder. It’s a tender moment of reflection, where the man seeking to marry her is struck by the depth of the father’s love and protective nature. He understands that, in the eyes of the father, she is still that little girl, and perhaps always will be. If you consider yourself a daddy’s girl who could often be found dressed up as your favorite princess, twirling around the house in a sparkly gown or dreaming of fairy tale endings as a little girl, this song will likely tug at your heartstrings. It beautifully captures the powerful emotions of letting go and the love of a father.
2. At All Costs by Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine
Okay, this song from the movie Wish is not a traditional father/daughter song by any means. However, the first time I heard it, I was sitting next to my then 3-year-old daughter, and the lyrics nearly brought me to tears right there in the theater! The song expresses the characters’ vow to fight for and protect the wishes of their kingdom at all costs. How perfect is that when you imagine a father expressing that same determination to his little girl?! The very first line is, “If happiness was a tangible thing, it would be you,” and that is how every parent feels when they see their newborn baby for the first time. Give this song a chance if you're a Disney-loving bride! Feel free to drop a comment at the bottom if you agree or disagree that this would be a great father/daughter dance song!
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For the Pop Rock Bride
Little Bird by Jonas Brothers
Tissues, please! How is a father supposed to endure the lyrics of this song on the very day he gives away his little girl? If you're looking for a tearjerker, look no further. The lyrics, “Small hands, and we dance, 'Cause I know if I’m doin' my job correct, Nights like these will happen less,” perfectly capture the bittersweet moment when a father realizes that his time with his little girl is slipping away. He knows these precious moments—dancing together, holding her close—will become fewer and fewer as she grows older and starts her own life. And then the line, “So please just keep me in your heart, When you fly into somebody else’s arms, little bird,” hits like a ton of bricks. It’s the image of a father watching his daughter spread her wings, knowing she’s ready to fly, but still holding on to the love and memories they’ve shared.
Yours by Post Malone
Post Malone shared that the song was inspired by his deep reflections on his daughter’s future wedding, imagining the day when he would have to let go of her. As a father, he found himself overwhelmed by the thought of giving his little girl away. The song captures the bittersweet feeling of watching a daughter grow up and move on to a new chapter in her life, knowing that part of his role as a protector and caregiver is coming to an end. His lyrics “And she might be wearin' white, But her first dress it was pink, She might be your better half, Yeah, but she's my everything, We'll both love her forever, But I loved her long before” delve into the complex emotions of love, pride, and sadness, as he faces the reality that one day, his daughter will find someone else to hold her hand and share her future with. It beautifully captures the essence of a father’s love.
For the Unique Bride
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Blessings by Hollow Coves
If you’re looking for a joyful, peaceful, and light-hearted song to share your special moment with, this one might be perfect for you. The track brings an overwhelming sense of eye-watering gratitude, gently urging the listener to take a deeper look at their own life and recognize the abundant sources of joy surrounding them, even in the smallest moments. The music itself radiates warmth and positivity, creating an atmosphere where you can’t help but feel uplifted and hopeful. The line, “And they say, hold on to the ones you love, Keep 'em close to you,” reminds us of the importance of cherishing the people who matter most. This song encourages us to embrace the love in our lives, to nurture it, and to hold those we care about tightly, because time and moments are fleeting. It's a beautiful celebration of love, gratitude, and the serenity that comes from appreciating the blessings in our lives.
Kiss The Bride by Bon Jovi
‘Kiss the Bride’ was written for Jon Bon Jovi’s daughter, Stephanie, while she was engaged to be married. I grew up listening to Bon Jovi, so it always reminded me of my parents even before this song. The lyrics “I used to be your Superman, My whole world in your little hand, Now, he's your world, that's right, I'll step aside, Now, she's your world, alright, I'll step aside, "You may kiss the bride"‘ are stunningly beautiful. These lyrics paint such a vivid picture of a father who has always been the protector and hero in his daughter’s eyes. He reflects on how, in the past, he was the one who held the power to make her feel safe and loved, with the world revolving around him. But now, as she prepares to marry, he acknowledges that someone else is stepping into that role, and he’s ready to let go, offering his blessing for the next chapter in her life. It’s a father’s tribute to his daughter, capturing the mixture of pride, love, and the bittersweetness that comes with watching her embark on a new journey.
At the end of the day, picking the perfect father/daughter dance song is all about finding something that feels right for you and your dad – it’s your special moment, after all! Whether you go with a classic tearjerker or something fun that shows off your unique vibe, this list has plenty of options to spark some inspiration. The right song can make that dance unforgettable and turn it into a memory you’ll both cherish forever. So, take a deep breath, give a few tracks a listen, and pick the one that really captures the relationship you share with your dad on your big day! Oh, and if you choose one of these, PLEASE let me know! Just drop a comment below about which one you picked :)