Father Daughter Songs for Wedding Day

Are you looking for the perfect father daughter song for your wedding?

As a professional wedding photographer, I have photographed MANY father daughter wedding dances and these moments are amazing candids to capture. 

The Raw Emotions are Priceless

Usually, father’s can be shy in front of the wedding photographer’s camera. However, when it comes time to the father to dance with his daughter, his inhibitions melt away and all he sees is his “little girl” as a bride.  

The Significance of Father Daughter Wedding Dance

I would highly recommend incorporating a father daughter wedding dance into your wedding timeline. This dance doesn’t necessarily have to be with your biological father. I have seen brides perform this dance with a grandfather or other close relative/relation that has had a significant impact on the bride’s life. It is a way to honor a male role model that had a meaningful and positive influence on you at your wedding. Lastly, I would recommend scheduling the bride’s dance with her father figure right after the first dance. 

What’s a Good Father and Daughter Wedding Song?

Choosing the perfect song for the father-daughter dance can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little thought and consideration, you can find the perfect song. Here are a few factors you need to keep in mind:

Your Relationship with Your Father

The first thing to consider is the relationship between the father and daughter. Is it a serious, emotional bond or a playful one? It’s your big day, and the song should be a reflection of you and your father’s bond. Keep in mind the best options are the ones that holds a special meaning for both of you.

Maybe you both have a sentimental and silly side. So you may want to choreograph a medley of songs together that span both slow and fast paced music.

Length of Song

It’s important that the song or medley of songs you choose for the father daughter wedding dance is 3-4 minutes long max. You don’t want the moment cut too short because as the wedding photographer, I want to capture as many candids of you both as well as the wedding guests watching the performance. Also avoid a lengthy father daughter dance because people will get bored.

Incorporate Special Effects

You may want to consider a fog machine, cold sparklers or a cool light show depending on the mood you want to set for the father daughter wedding dance. The DJ can set the effects to the beat of the music for a more special experience. Again, these effects can create spectacular dimension to the resulting photos.

List of Father Daughter Songs for Wedding Day

Here are some great wedding songs to dance with your father.

Classic Father Daughter Song For Wedding

• “Unforgettable” Nat King Cole
• “My Girl” by The Temptations
• “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
• “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
• “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon 
• “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald
• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor
• “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

Modern Father Daughter Song For Wedding

• “First Man” by Camila Cabello
• “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
• “Daughters” by John Mayer
• “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth

Slow Father Daughter Songs For Wedding

• “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
• “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
• “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
• “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
• “By Your Side” by Sade
• “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder 
• “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Michael Buble

Upbeat Father Daughter Song For Wedding

• “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
• “ABC” by Jackson 5
• “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
• “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
• “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
• “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts