35 Best Father & Daughter Wedding Dance Songs for 2026
Your Big Day is drawing close, and you want your first father-daughter dance to be something special - nostalgia, love and your dad's pride as he celebrates you, his daughter, at the start of your new life.
To help you choose the backing track for this moment, we have compiled a list of the 35 best father-daughter wedding dance songs for 2026. These tracks share beautiful moments and set the tone for a wonderful celebration.
These songs also work beautifully for dances with step-dads, grandads or any father figure who’s played a special role.
While timeless classics still dominate father-daughter dances, we’re also seeing more modern, lyric-led songs chosen by couples in 2026.
1. My Girl - The Temptations
This infectious classic anthem captures the essence of a father's love. Who wouldn't want to groove to this delightful song on their wedding day? Plus, you can make it even more special with an acoustic version, like this one by The Rascals.
2. Butterfly Fly Away - Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
This duet between real-life father-daughter duo Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus captures the beautiful journey of a daughter growing up with her dad by her side. It's about cherishing memories while letting go, making it a perfect tear-jerker for your special moment.
3. Daughters - John Mayer
John Mayer reminds us that a father's love shapes his daughter’s future relationships. This is one of those father-daughter dance songs that reminds dads to live in the moment because life moves so fast.
4. Daddy’s Little Girl - Michael Buble
With Michael Buble's smooth voice, this song is a nod to every dad who sees his little girl as, well, his little girl—even when she's walking down the aisle.
5. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
This classic song beautifully reflects the bittersweet nature of growing up and change. With classic Fleetwood Mac lyrics like "'Cause I've built my life around you", this song creates a moment filled with nostalgic love. Don’t forget the tissues!
6. Tim McGraw - My Little Girl
In this country song, Tim reminisces about the unbreakable bond between a dad and daughter. It’s a gentle reminder to appreciate each precious father-daughter moment—including your dance together!
7. Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
Paul Simon nails it in this number with a sweet promise about always being there for each other, no matter what life throws your way. This song will bring a smile to everyone’s face on your big day.
8. Something Stupid - Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra
This classic duet by Nancy and Frank Sinatra is about love in its purest form. Nothing says "father-daughter" like some playful banter and shared smiles.
A wedding band like Magic Touch really highlights this song's smoothness on your special day.
9. Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
Get ready for the tears with this touching tribute from a dad to his daughter. It beautifully encapsulates special father-daughter memories - perfect for the father-daughter wedding dance!
10. Sweet Child O’ Mine - Guns 'N Roses
Calling all rock dads! Iconic Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'N Roses captures the unconditional love a father feels for his daughter, making it perfect for celebrating your special relationship.
Hire a wedding band for pure rock partying, or check out our guide to the top wedding bands in the UK for inspiration from some of the country’s best performers. You could even try a string quartet, like Keston Strings, for an unexpected twist.
11. One Call Away - Charlie Puth
A modern feel-good favourite, this song reminds daughters that their dads are always only one call away. It’s all about support and love that lasts forever!
12. Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
Another dad and daughter duet, this classic shares the magic of unforgettable bonds. It’s a lovely song, either for your first dance or for a dance celebrating unforgettable memories between a father and daughter.
13. When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s heartfelt father-daughter dance song is all about reliability and unwavering support—just what every daughter wants to hear as she starts her new life.
14. Wildflowers - Tom Petty
Tom Petty encourages daughters to be themselves with this uplifting ode to free spirits. It’s a whimsical reminder to embrace life and bloom wherever you may go.
15. My Wish - Rascal Flatts
With heartfelt wishes for happiness and success, this country song is the perfect blessing from a father to his daughter as she starts a new chapter in her life.
16. Sweet Pea - Amos Lee
Sweet Pea paints a charming picture of a father who will always keep on coming home to his little girl—a comforting reminder that your dad will always be there for you.
17. Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
This timeless Stevie Wonder classic is perfect for a proud dad celebrating his daughter. This song especially touches home when played by a wedding band like The Twilights.
18. Yours - Post Malone
This special song resonates deeply with fathers and daughters who enjoy a caring and loyal relationship. With such strong emotions, don't be surprised if your dad asks for a second dance!
19. Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman
With a fairytale twist, this song captures the magic of father-daughter moments. It’s a sweet reminder for dads that every dance is a cherished moment.
20. I Loved Her First - Heartland
This touching ballad shares the bittersweet love in a father's eyes when he sees his daughter in love. It’s emotional and sweet, making it a wedding favourite.
21. Count on Me - Bruno Mars
This upbeat anthem is all about being each other's best friend and support—you can always count on the father-daughter bond!
22. You’ll Be in My Heart - Phil Collins
This heartfelt tune perfectly conveys a father’s promise to always love and protect his daughter. It’s a beautiful sentiment on your wedding day.
23. Walk With You - Edwin McCain
One of the best slow songs, Edwin captures the joy of watching his daughter grow up and transform into the woman she is today. It's a relatable choice for any dad feeling nostalgic yet proud on your big day.
24. Dance with My Daughter - Jason Blaine
For a sweet, special moment between a father figure and his daughter, "Dance with My Daughter" captures all those moments of love and laughter you shared. Played by a live band, it will be a beautiful reminder of your close father-daughter relationship on your wedding day.
25. Like My Father - Jax
This tender song will have your dad beaming with pride in that memorable moment on the dance floor. Heartfelt Jax lyrics like “I need a man who loves me like my father loves my mom” will inspire your new husband to strive for that same kind of love!
26. First Man - Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello’s tender ballad is written from a daughter to her father, assuring him that he’ll always be her first love even as she marries. The touching lyrics (like “you were the first man that really loved me”) are sure to bring happy tears, making this a perfect modern father-daughter dance choice.
27. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
This powerful ballad is all about gratitude for unwavering support and love. It’s an emotional way for a daughter to thank her dad for being her strength through the years – expect a touching moment on the dance floor when this song plays during your special dance together.
28. I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
A country classic that offers a loving message from parent to child, perfect for a proud dad and his daughter. As you dance, the lyrics encourage the daughter to embrace life’s opportunities and never lose her sense of wonder; a warm, uplifting wish every father has for his little girl’s future.
29. Daddy Dance With Me - Krystal Keith
Krystal Keith (country star Toby Keith’s daughter) wrote this song for her own father, making it tailor-made for a father-daughter wedding dance. The lyrics thank Dad for his love and guidance, turning that special moment into a “thank you” that will melt everyone’s hearts.
30. In My Daughter’s Eyes - Martina McBride
Told from a parent’s perspective, this ballad highlights how a daughter can make her father feel like a hero. Its gentle melody and sincere lyrics about mutual love and inspiration create a tender moment that celebrates the unique bond you share as father and daughter.
31. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
An emotional classic that’s all about honouring someone who has been your hero behind the scenes. Dedicating this soaring ballad to Dad, the one who’s always helped you fly, is sure to leave everyone reaching for tissues.
32. Forever Young - Rod Stewart
This uplifting classic-rock tune offers a beautiful blessing from parent to child. With lyrics wishing her joy, hope and a safe journey through life, it’s a feel-good way for a father to let his daughter know he’ll always wish her the very best as she starts a new chapter.
33. Never Grow Up - Taylor Swift
A sweet, sentimental song that captures how parents feel watching their children grow up so fast. Its soft, lullaby-like quality and emotional lyrics (“don’t you ever grow up”) will have Dad reminiscing about little moments, even as he twirls his now-grown little girl on the dance floor.
34. Half The Man - Jennifer Smestad
In this newer country song, a bride sings that she hopes to find a partner who’s half the man her father is. It’s a tribute that highlights how much she admires her dad; a touching sentiment that will have Dad beaming with pride (and maybe a few tears) during their dance.
35. Daddy - Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s tribute to her father is brimming with love and gratitude. With its words about a daughter’s admiration and the irreplaceable bond she shares with her dad, this R&B ballad adds a personal, modern touch to your father-daughter dance and is sure to draw smiles.
New & trending father-daughter wedding dance songs for 2026
These songs work especially well as acoustic performances. Many couples in 2026 are choosing an acoustic duo or small live band to make the moment even more personal.
Luke Combs – Even Though I’m Leaving
A deeply emotional country ballad that has become a favourite for father-daughter dances in recent years. Told through a lifetime of moments between dad and daughter, it’s about reassurance, presence, and unconditional love. Expect a few tears — this one hits home for a lot of families.
Ed Sheeran – Afire Love
A powerful, reflective song about family, love, and the bonds that shape us. While originally written about Ed Sheeran’s grandfather, its themes resonate strongly with fathers and daughters alike. The slow build and heartfelt lyrics make it especially moving when performed live or acoustically.
Want to make your father-daughter wedding dance everything you've dreamed of? FixTheMusic has you covered with the best wedding bands, wedding singers and wedding DJs, whether you’re planning a soft acoustic moment or a packed dance floor later in the evening.
You can also listen to all the tracks listed here on our Spotify playlist:
