Wedding Music Help

Father–Daughter Wedding Dance Songs

Heartfelt, fun and country songs for the father-daughter dance — from Taylor Swift to Tim McGraw.

The father-daughter dance is one of the most emotionally charged moments of the reception — a public celebration of one of the most important relationships in the bride's life. Whether you choose something tender and tearful, fun and upbeat, or something completely unexpected, the most important thing is that it feels true to your relationship with your father.

Some couples choose to do the father-daughter and mother-son dances simultaneously — one song plays while both pairs dance at the same time, before swapping partners halfway through. This is a wonderful option for couples who want to honour both relationships without making the formal dances feel too long.

Tip: If you want to avoid a soppy, tearful moment, look for songs that celebrate the relationship without being explicitly about letting go. 'Gracie' by Ben Folds, 'Wildflowers' by Tom Petty, and 'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong are all beautiful without being overtly emotional.

Father–Daughter Wedding Dance Songs

A comprehensive list across pop, soul, jazz and country.

SongArtistWhy It Works
The Best DayTaylor SwiftA daughter's heartfelt tribute to her father
DaughtersJohn MayerGentle and meaningful — a father's perspective
I Hope You DanceLee Ann WomackOne of the most beautiful father-daughter songs ever written
Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful WorldIsrael KamakawiwoʻoleJoyful and moving
Father and DaughterPaul SimonWarm and reassuring — perfect for a close relationship
Isn't She LovelyStevie WonderPure joy and celebration of a daughter
Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)Billy JoelDeeply tender — will bring tears
DaddyBeyoncéSoulful and beautiful
GracieBen FoldsIntimate and emotional
My Little GirlTim McGrawClassic country father-daughter song
Butterfly KissesBob CarlisleThe quintessential father-daughter wedding song
Stealing CinderellaChuck WicksCountry classic from the father's perspective
I Loved Her FirstHeartlandEmotional and beautifully written
I Wish You LoveFrank SinatraTimeless and elegant
Walk With YouEdwin McCainGentle and sweet
Sweet Child O' MineSheryl Crow or Guns N' RosesRock classic that works surprisingly well
WildflowersTom PettyBeautiful and free-spirited
Thank YouLed ZeppelinUnexpected and deeply moving
What a Wonderful WorldLouis ArmstrongTimeless — suitable for all relationships
UnforgettableNat King Cole & Natalie ColeA real duet between parent and child
You Are the Sunshine of My LifeStevie WonderJoyful and universally loved
My Baby YouMarc AnthonyTender Latin pop
CinderellaSteven Curtis ChapmanThe most emotional Christian father-daughter song
To Sir, With LoveLuluA daughter's tribute — different and memorable
Through the YearsKenny RogersA celebration of a long relationship
Turn AroundSonny & CherSweet reflection on a daughter growing up
Kind and GenerousNatalie MerchantHeartfelt gratitude

Country Father–Daughter Songs

The country genre has produced some of the most beloved father-daughter songs of all time.

  • You Can Let Go Now, Daddy — Crystal Shawanda
  • My Little Girl — Tim McGraw
  • I Loved Her First — Heartland
  • Drive — Alan Jackson
  • My Wish — Rascal Flatts
  • Stealing Cinderella — Chuck Wicks
  • I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack
  • There Goes My Life — Kenny Chesney
  • You're Gonna Miss This — Trace Adkins
  • Butterfly Kisses — Bob Carlisle
  • Daddy's Hands — Holly Dunn
  • Daddy's Girl — Red Sovine
  • The Best Day — Taylor Swift
  • Just Fishin' — Trace Adkins
  • Through the Years — Kenny Rogers
  • Cinderella — Steven Curtis Chapman
  • It Won't Be Like This for Long — Darius Rucker
  • Your Daddy's Boots — Dustin Lynch