10 Beautiful First Dance Country Songs to Play at Weddings
Nothing sets the mood for a wedding's first dance like the song that eclipses other additions to the evening's playlist. Choosing the song most worthy of the newlyweds' first dance is a defining moment that obliges much consideration. We're here to ensure yours is just as melodic and heartfelt as it promises to be.
For traditionalists looking to honor and amplify the profound concept of matrimony, nothing quite captures it as well as country music. This genre has become synonymous with old-fashioned romance, genuine love, and astronomical success.
The lyrical versatility accompanying the genre's rise to unprecedented popularity and world domination means there's a long list of songs worthy of your wedding's first dance that speak to an array of emotions the day is sure to invoke.
Are you searching for a wedding first dance track? The one that captures that admiring 'moment' you knew she was special – that original attraction? Perhaps a song that represents the long journey it took to arrive 'here'? Or maybe you prefer one that represents that profound commitment you are about to make to one another?
With so many emotionally charged lyrics and cathartic melodies available in the country genre, we didn't have to look far or narrow our search for first dance songs much. Here are ten beautiful country songs that make a wedding's first dance poignant. Choose accordingly.
'Amazed' by Lonestar'
"Amazed" by Lonestar is a classic country ballad. It catapulted to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remained there for eight weeks in 1999. Written by Marv Green, Chris Lindsey, and Aimee Mayo, "Amazed" makes you feel the gravitas of deep love.
It did so well that it also made it to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 24. It has featured in many popular films, such as Runaway Bride (1999) and Boys and Girls (2000), and continues to resonate with new audiences.
It still ranks as the most famous love song in weddings—perhaps because its swelling words express that very new marriage feeling of awe and fascination for a partner, most penetratingly in the refrain, 'I don't know how you do what you do/I'm so in love with you.'
'From This Moment On' by Shania Twain and Bryan White
Co-written by Twain and her then-husband, Mathew' Mutt' Lange, "From This Moment On" (1998) appeared on her album Come On Over and swiftly became a signature song for the singer, allowing her dramatic, big-voiced love song to soar. 'From This Moment On' became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Shania Twain and Bryan White sing of a lifetime of love over crashing drums and a full orchestra in this anthemic if somewhat bombastic, ode to everlasting passion. It's one of the most popular first-dance country songs of all time.
'Bless the Broken Road' by Rascal Flatts
"Bless the Broken Road" originally appeared in 1994. It was written by Marcus Hummon, Bobby Boyd, and Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, singing in harmony with trials that lead to good love. The filmmakers once considered it a potential addition to the soundtrack for October Sky (1999). A year later, the song launched with Rascal Flatts on vocals, touching listeners in 2004, reaching the top of Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, and conquering the nation's stereo systems and radios.
It is about the distorted road that single people often travel to find their destined partner and how many things need to happen for 'God to bless the broken road that led me straight to you,' as the lyrics go. Many couples love this song.
'God Gave Me You' by Blake Shelton
Written and first recorded by Christian singer Dave Barnes, Blake Shelton covered "God Gave Me You" in 2011 after the country singer heard it on a Christian radio station. Shelton's version is particularly poignant, as he has dedicated the song (literally) to his then-wife, Miranda Lambert (of 'Vice' fame), who appears in the song's music video.
This ballad by Blake Shelton is the perfect pick for romantics who believe they met by happenstance. It gives a spiritual element to the act of falling in love, making it a fitting selection for a wedding dance.
'Then' by Brad Paisley
"Then" – written by Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois, and Ashley Gorley for Paisley's 2009 album American Saturday Night – climbed to the top of the country charts, earning the Billboard-topping single platinum status.
"Then" celebrates Paisley's musical skill and his ability to translate life's enduring romance into a song, a story about a love that has matured with time. It suits an older couple who have been together long before marriage, as the song highlights how their love has grown over the years.
'Cowboy Take Me Away' by The Chicks
"Cowboy Take Me Away" is from The Chicks' Fly album (1999), which earned them two Grammys and is widely considered one of the finest country albums of all time. Maguire wrote it about an escape she wanted to take with her then-boyfriend.
This song is about a love for the open freedom of country life but also as a romantic call for some adventurist exercise. The song combines desires for nature and landscape with a flirtation. This song could appeal to a couple who prefer the outdoors or country life, telling the story of a clear night open to every possibility.
'Die A Happy Man' by Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett co-wrote "Die a Happy Man" for his wife as a poem on his 2015 album Tangled Up. The debut at number 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart preceded its breakthrough the following week at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The upbeat song climbed to the top of all the major country music charts and won Single of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
Thomas Rhett's contemporary country song lays out a simple, profound truth that speaks to those in love: it's not about materialistic things but the joy of loving your partner that makes life great. This song fits couples who prefer to keep it simple and focus on each other rather than external factors.
"You Had Me from Hello" by Kenny Chesney
"You Had Me from Hello" was a heartfelt tribute to a cinematic moment that resonated deeply with audiences. Inspired by the unforgettable line spoken by Tom Cruise's character to Renee Zellweger in the hit 1996 movie Jerry Maguire, the song captured the meaning of love at first sight. Penned by country music sensation Kenny Chesney alongside Skip Ewing, this melodic gem debuted on Chesney's 1999 album "Everywhere We Go." Its release marked a significant milestone in Chesney's career, swiftly climbing the charts to claim the coveted number-one spot, marking his third consecutive chart-topper.
Its enduring popularity solidifies its status as a timeless classic in the country music canon, reminding us all of the magic of love's first enchanting moments. This song captures the instant connection and love at first sight that some couples experience, and Kenny Chesney's smooth voice adds a tender touch to the song, making it ideal for a romantic dance.
'I Cross My Heart' by George Strait
First-time actor George Strait (known as 'the King of Country Music') starred in the film Pure Country (1992) as a country music star called Dusty Chandler, attempting to escape the limelight of city life and return to his humble beginnings. Aside from starring, he wrote "I Cross My Heart," the song that soundtracked the movie, for which the film is named, and which achieved multi-platinum status.
George Strait's song is a vow of fidelity in which he promises to love you forever. His melody is gentle and swaying. He promises to stay that way and always be faithful to his lover. This song is an excellent statement of commitment. Strait sings it simply and with genuine feeling, which makes it a sweet wedding song.
'Making Memories of Us' by Keith Urban
Penned by Rodney Crowell, "Making Memories of Us" was first recorded by country singer Tracy Byrd and then by the all-female group The Notorious Cherry Bombs before becoming a smash hit for Australian country singer Keith Urban in 2005. The song featured on his album Be Here, which spent five non-consecutive weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
Keith Urban's song promises to "love you as nobody loves you." The promise to "steal your attention..and stand out in a crowd for you" encapsulates the anticipation of newlyweds as they enter married life.
These ten country songs offer something different than the typical love story of a couple's first dance. What better way to embrace this golden part of the ceremony than to create a performance highlighting every aspect of your love story?
Country music is great for finding lyrical themes and emotional depth. How do you choose? When planning a wedding, play these melodies not just for their musical beauty and emotional lyrics but, most importantly, for their ability to embrace the depth and breadth of your love story. This thoughtful process will go a long way to ensuring your wedding imparts a heartfelt performance for your first dance, helping you to create pure, magical gold for you and your guests.
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/shania-twain/from-this-moment-on
https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-cowboy-take-me-away-by-the-chicks/
https://country1025.com/2024/03/conversation-with-kenny-chesney-on-born/
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/george-strait