As a wedding photographer, I have captured many touching father and daughter dances. Some brides lean sentimental with their song choice, selecting a childhood favorite that only they can choose. Some are clever and funny, busting suddenly into a choreographed dance to lighten the mood. And some go with a classic well-loved tune, which can never go wrong. 

Below I have collected some of the best father/daughter dance songs I have seen during my work as a wedding photographer. I’m talking about the songs that brought the tears, the laughs, the sing-alongs and the cheers. Explore the list below for a song that fits your special relationship with your dad.

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Father/Daughter Dance Songs That Will Bring The Tears, The Laughs, and the Memories

Sentimental Themes

• Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
• I’ll Be There For You by Bon Jovi 
• Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
• I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter) by Zac Brown Band
• Gracie by Ben Folds
• Roots and Wings by Miranda Lambert
• Daughters by John Mayer
• Emmylou by Vance Joy 
• Butterfly Fly Away by Miley Cyrus
• My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

Funny or Upbeat Anthems

• You’re My Best Friend by Queen
• One Call Away by Charlie Puth
• God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
• Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
• We’re All In This Together from HSM
• How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye
• Dance Like Yo Daddy by Megan Trainor
• Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Classic Tunes

• My Girl by The Temptations
• To Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan and Billy Joel 
• You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins
• Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
• Tiny Dancer by Elton John
• They Can’t Take That Away From Me by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
• I Loved her First by Heartland
• Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
• Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant

Tips for Your Father and Daughter Wedding Dance

If nothing from the list above stood out to you, do you have a song that always reminds you of your dad when it comes on? Maybe one he loved to turn on when you were a kid. Even if the words don’t fit, choosing a song you both love to sing along to could be perfect for your father/daughter dance. 

Make it a special moment when you ask your dad if he will share a dance with you at your reception. Just like when your fiancé asked for your hand, or you asked your dad to walk you down the aisle, asking him to share a father and daughter dance is another wedding moment you can make memorable. 

And, your father may not know whether or not to anticipate a dance. Not every couple chooses to include this tradition in their wedding reception, so make sure your parents know if dances are happening, and when.

I would also note, a sentimental slow dance while everyone at your reception watches can feel quite long. Especially when followed by your fiancé and their parents dancing together, then your first dance as a married couple. I have seen brides combat this by editing the song length down a bit for her father/daughter dance, or by sharing one song for both the bride and the groom dancing with her parents. Whatever you choose, this is a very special moment for you and your parent – treasure it and choose whatever format is most comfortable for you both!

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I love sharing tips like this that I have gathered during my years of photographing weddings. Visit my blog archives for more information to help you plan your perfect day.