The best father-daughter songs for dancing with dad at your wedding

No embarrassing dad dancing here! Get ready to dance with your dad at your wedding with our help. We're sharing our favourite father-daughter songs that will have both of you hitting the dance floor in no time.

Whether you’re after a weepy slow dance or something more upbeat and fun, we’ve got a song for everyone. So, if you find yourself wondering what is a good father and daughter song to dance to at your wedding, then this is the article for you. And if you are looking to plan your whole day's music, check out our wedding music guide, for the best songs to use from ceremony to reception.

34 father-daughter songs for the ages:

Father-daughter songs: golden oldies

1. Isn’t she lovely – Stevie Wonder

Did you know that Stevie Wonder wrote this song to celebrate the birth of his first child?

Well, now you do! It’s bursting with pride and joy, and for a bride on her wedding day, the lyrics are, well, lovely!

2. My girl – The Temptations

If you’re a 90’s kid, chances are, you grew up wanting your wedding to be just like the one in Father of the Bride (minus the mental breakdown over hotdog buns, if possible).

And for our money, the songs in Father of the Bride are a big part of what makes that movie great. This is one of them, and we absolutely LOVE it.

3. Ain’t that love – Ray Charles

If you’re looking for upbeat ideas for your father-daughter song, might we suggest this little number from Ray Charles? It’s got such a joyful sound and the classic swing beat is perfect for dancing.

4. Three little birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers

‘Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing, is gonna be alright.’

Those iconic lyrics make this an adorable father-daughter song.

It's not only catchy, but it's also an irresistible TUNE. The message goes both ways.

It’s like your dad’s telling you that everything’s going to be ok. And you’re saying right back that – yes dad, it really is!

5. The way you look tonight – Frank Sinatra

Have you ever met a dad who doesn’t love a bit of Frank Sinatra? … We haven’t. And when it comes to father-daughter dance songs, old Frankie gave us a gem with this one.

6. You are the sunshine of my life – Stevie Wonder

The lyrics say it all really:

‘You are the sunshine of my life

that’s why I’ll always be around

You are the apple of my eye

forever you’ll stay in my heart.’

7. Unforgettable – Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole recorded this song in 1951, the year after his daughter Natalie was born.

Nat sadly passed away in 1965 - not before securing his family’s future by recording a new album while battling terminal lung cancer, but that’s a whole other story!

Fast forward to 1991 and his daughter Natalie recorded a vocal track that was mixed with her father’s original to create a digital duet.

The result is heartfelt and perfect. And no, we’re not crying. You are!

Father-daughter songs: classic dad rock

8. She’s a Rainbow – The Rolling Stones

Uplifting, a little bit psychedelic and a whole lot lovely. We think this one by The Rolling Stones (the ultimate dad rock band?) makes a gorgeous father-daughter song.

The lyrics capture that feeling of joy and wonder a father can feel for his daughter.

9. Brown-eyed girl – Van Morrison

If you’re a girl, and you happen to have brown eyes, we’re willing to bet that you’ve had this song sung to you at least once in your life.

Maybe it was your dad who sang it?

Maybe it means a lot to you both. Sounds like father-daughter dance song material to us!

10. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

Looking for a sentimental slow dance for your father-daughter song?

This has got to be one of the most beautiful love songs of all time. And we bet it sums up exactly how he’ll be feeling as he looks at you on your wedding day.

11. When you need me – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is another classic dad rock fave. And this works perfectly as a father-daughter song.

Just listen to these lyrics: ‘When you need me, call my name, if you want me, come sunny skies or rain, when you need me, just call my name.’

12. Tiny dancer – Elton John

Ok, so we may be stretching the definition of dad rock here, but you can always rely on Elton John to bring the bangers.

This one is a fantastic father-daughter song choice – especially if you grew up loving to dance!

Just watch his eyes mist over as he remembers driving 5-year-old-you to your first dance class.

13. I’ll stand by you – The Pretenders

A true rock ballad anthem, this one is totes emosh. The lyrics are all about sticking by your side no matter what, so if that’s the vibe you’re after, this could be a winner.

14. My hero – Foo Fighters

Is your dad a ‘cool dad’? The kind of dad who listens to the Foo Fighters?

Do those slow-dance father-daughter songs make you both cringe?

Then how about a father-daughter mosh session instead? We’d LOVE to see it!

Modern father-daughter dance songs

15. Not all heroes wear capes – Owl City

Sticking with the hero theme, when it comes to father and daughter wedding songs, this sweet little song by Owl City is simply golden.

‘He doesn’t fight crime or wear a cape

he doesn’t read minds or levitate

but every time my world needs saving

he’s my Superman

some folks don’t believe in heroes

‘cause they haven’t met my dad.’

16. Hold my girl – George Ezra

One of the most gorgeous love songs of the last few years, we think this works beautifully for a father and daughter too.

Give the man a minute to hold his girl before she flies off with her shiny new husband.

17. First man – Camila Cabello

This unique father daughter dance song puts a modern, pop ballad spin on the age-old story that every father tells himself – that no man is good enough for his little girl.

It’s a sweet one for your wedding day since it tells a full love story from first date to walking down the aisle.

18. One call away – Charlie Puth

Another great one with lyrics that work so well for a father and daughter:

‘I’m only one call away

I’ll be there to save the day

Superman got nothing on me

I’m only one call away.’

19. Constellations – Jack Johnson

Acoustic and nostalgic, this one’s just lovely. It’s all about cherishing those childhood memories. The time you spent together and the stories you shared growing up.

20. Daughters – John Mayer

This one has that cool, raspy John Mayer sound – it’s perfect for a father-daughter slow dance.

‘Fathers be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers be good to your daughters too.’

Sentimental father-daughter songs

21. Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton

If you’re looking for sentimental songs about fathers and daughters, the inimitable Mr Michael Bolton is here to deliver.

It’s a proper tearjerker and perfect for slow dancing.

22. It’s for my dad – Nancy Sinatra

When it comes to father-daughter songs, this is one of our faves. Recorded by Nancy Sinatra as a tribute to her dad Frank Sinatra, it has a cool, country vibe and the lyrics are adorable.

‘There’s a man who always stood right by me

tall and proud and good when times were bad

Too much heart is the only fault that I see

This song’s not for you folks

It’s for my dad.’

23. Father and daughter – Paul Simon

Would you believe us if we told you that this utterly beautiful song was originally written for The Wild Thornberrys Movie? … It’s true! Who knew that Nigel Thornberry could be so poetic?

‘I’m gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow

Gonna paint a sign, so you’ll always know

As long as one and one is two

There could never be a father loved his daughter more than I love you.’

24. Butterfly fly away – Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus

From the Wild Thornberrys to Hannah Montana… kids’ movies are apparently a fantastic place to find father-daughter dance songs! This one by father-daughter duo Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus is super sweet and sentimental.

25. Dance with my daughter – Jason Blaine

A good old-fashioned country power ballad, this one was 100% written with the father-daughter dance in mind.

‘Gonna dance with my daughter

spin her around under the lights

‘Cause I’m just a father

making the most of this moment in time

Before she lets me go, I’ll hold her close

caught in this race against time

Right now all I want is to dance with my daughter tonight.’

26. Humble and kind – Tim McGraw

Another gorgeous father-daughter song with a classic country and Western feel. This one’s full of fatherly advice and perfect for a slow dance.

*Not just* father daughter songs

At Prezola, we love a good wedding tradition. But do you know what we love even more? Shaking up those tired old traditions to make them more inclusive!

Because why should fathers and daughters get to hog all the limelight, eh?

What about father-son songs?

Mothers and daughters?

Mothers and sons?

Grandparents?

Brothers and sisters?

Best friends?

There’s plenty of love to go around, and we have a song for everyone!

27. Forever Young – Bob Dylan

Another stunning song inspired by the birth of a child, Bob Dylan wrote this as a lullaby for his eldest son Jesse. We think it works beautifully for a dance between any combination of family members.

28. Father and Son – Cat Stevens

We love this one for a groom and father-of-the-groom moment. Such a lovely song, passing life advice from father to son.

29. Dance with my father – Luther Vandross

Sadly, not everyone is lucky enough to have their father with them on their wedding day. This one is for anyone missing their father and wishing they could have one last dance with him. Fair warning though – approach with caution. There will be tears.

30. What a wonderful world – Louis Armstrong

This song is pure, simple joy. It’s gratitude and wonder and love. It makes a gorgeous father daughter song, but we think it’s also perfect for a dance with a grandparent, a child… anyone you love really!

31. Lean on me – Bill Withers

If this one doesn’t get every single wedding guest up, out of their seats and singing along, well… we don’t know what will. This is so much more than just a father-daughter dance – this is a song to rally your tribe and celebrate love, friendship and having each other’s back.

32. You’re my best friend – Queen

Are you and your dad best buds? How about your mum? Your sister?

Or maybe you want to celebrate your actual BFF… whoever it is, they 100% deserve their own song at your wedding and this is the one!

33. You’ll be in my heart – Phil Collins

Ok, this is the last one from a kids’ movie - pinky promise. Tarzan. Hear us out. Phil Collins wrote all the music, so you know it’s going to be epic.

And it’s the most perfect song for any combination of parents and children. We especially love it for adopted parents, stepparents, Godparents… it’s an anthem to celebrate chosen family.

34. We are family – Sister Sledge

The last song on the list, and we’re going out with a BANGER. Whichever way you spin it, weddings are about family. The two families you’re joining together, the new family you’re creating, the chosen family you’ve invited to celebrate with you.

Whack this one on, watch the dancefloor fill up and feel the room spill over with love.

And that’s your lot, folks!

A solid list of father-daughter songs, along with a few wild cards and added extras for other family members that don’t always get the attention they deserve. We got you. Listen to them all on our Spotify playlist.

If you enjoyed our father-daughter dance suggestions, check out our round-up of the best bride entrance songs next.

And while you’re in wedding planning mode, get started on your dream wedding gift list with Prezola today!