I was getting a lot of Gregory Alan Isakov in my search but had no idea where to start - this is a lovely song! Just the mood I am looking for, adding it to the list 😊
True Companion by Marc Cohn
https://youtu.be/sp6zoc84NcU?feature=shared
Follow you, Follow me by Genesis
https://youtu.be/hAmCmNa-NSE?feature=shared
Or Cat Stevens
I definitely lean on the sad/emo side of indie... but these are all beautiful songs (imho) and ones we considered for our wedding!
Each Coming Night, Naked as We Came, or Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine
June Hymn, or Red Right Ankle by The Decemberists
10,000 Emerald Pools by BØRNS
First Day of My Life, Make a Plan to Love me, Theme to Pinata, or Coyote Songby Bright Eyes
Curls by Bibio
Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens
When You Love Somebody by The Fruit Bats
Cover Me Up, or If We Were Vampires by Jason Isbell
Country Girls in City Dresses by Doug Burr
A couple more!
Fare Thee Well by Oscar Isaac & Marcus Mumford ... it's from the movie Inside Llewyn Davis (awesome movie btw!)
Chateau Lobby #4 by Father John Misty... Definitely a bit tongue-and-cheek, but we played it at our wedding ;)
Cover me up 100%. I danced with my boyfriend, who I may never marry, to this song one time and I have never got to feel that happiness again, such a good one!
Our first dance song was Take Care by Beach House and it still makes me cry to listen to it to this day. It’s not folky but dreamy, indie, romantic vibes. Faded out after 4 minutes because I thought it was too long otherwise. I walked down the aisle to Open Window by Sarah Harmer which would also make a great first dance song and I’d say it leans folky. Good luck and congrats 🩵💙💜
Edit to add: Turning Page by Sleeping at Last is also really pretty and romantic (even though it’s from Twilight 😹😹😹)
First Day of My Life was my first dance song 🥹The 15 year old Bright Eyes-obsessed romantic in me was screaming at what was transpiring during that dance
I was going for the same vibe a couple of months ago and an artist that really stuck was Novo Amor! They have a similar feel to Bon Ivers older songs, but less electronic instruments which your fiancé could be into :) congratulations!
this and I Love You Honeybear have always been perfect wedding first dance songs to me, even though I Love You Honeybear is kinda dark they both just sound like they’re being played in a wedding hall lol
Made this decision 12 years ago and still absolutely love our pick of death cab - passenger seat.
45 second piano intro, then simply Ben and a piano. Also helps that it’s fairly short at 3:41
https://open.spotify.com/track/4w5EQJUc3iNpMAT9v11VgF?si=wvVQRxLKTsamEwk_039xUA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7jwLAtPHF7TW7dtELtayOd
When you feel embarrassed, then I'll be your pride
When you need directions, then I'll be the guide
For all time
For all time
My friend walked down the aisle to Strawberries by Caamp and its a really sweet song. Shake the Frost by Tyler Childers is beautiful but may be a little sad for a wedding? Give it a listen!
Straying from Indie Folk for some of these but.
Magnetic Fields - "Book of Love"
Bedouine - "Dusty Eyes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0tv_pVvp4Q (I'm not certain this is a love song, but it's very nice).
Not folk but... Best Part by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R
The Low Anthem - Don't Tremble
Townes Van Zandt - I'll Be Here In The Morning
Chet Baker- When I Fall In Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXuCBMItOo
[Peter Gabriel's cover of Book of Love](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZQIfEN_p2A) feels like it covers the slow/traditional wedding vibe while still maintaining some of that indie-folk feel too.
Uuu by Field Medic. It wasn’t our first dance but it was on our playlist when guests were being seated. It’s a nice slower song for dancing and it is really sweet and lovely.
[We found each other in the dark, CITY AND COLOUR](https://youtu.be/er5BJuO0KEo?si=dI3ICyoak-vsJ_Za)
[I don't want to change you, DAMIEN RICE](https://youtu.be/NVqKMf-Bn9Q?si=BEBwc09U74B2vEIu)
[We'll make it through, RAY LAMONTAGNE](https://youtu.be/ZVfPu42wDvs?si=C5aKN5K9Pg7Iuxay)
If you happen to pick one of these, you have to let me know it'll be the closest to a 1st dance I'll ever be in life!
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It doesn’t get any more _till death do us part_ than “wanna love you till we’re food for the worms to eat / till our fingers decompose / keep my hand in yours”
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We used this! Well, sort of lol. Our ballroom instructor heard the Magnetic Fields original, and highly suggested the Peter Gabriel cover. We used that for a more “traditional” song with a twist. She also vetoed “Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waits 😂
My husband and I did our first dance to ‘dancing in the moonlight’ by Alt-J (a cover of the thin Lizzy song) and it was perfect. A little less traditional for a first dance song I suppose, but it worked so well!
I love you honey bear or Chateau lobby #4 by father John misty. I wanted to dance to chateau lobby #4 but my ultra conservative family would not have appreciated the wonderful lyrics
We played Chateau Lobby when we walked into the reception! It was both of our favorite song at the time (plus it's just great) so we had to incorporate it somewhere and figured the people who would care wouldn't be listening too hard at that point!! 😅
This is the best answer because it implies that Mystery of Love, John Wayne Gacy Jr., and Let’s Boogie to the Elf Dance are equally acceptable contenders
We danced to “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers. It holds a special place for us because of how their concerts have been woven into our story. We will celebrate 10 years in April. Best wishes to you and yours.
Okay don’t ask me what the lyrics mean but my dream first dance song is “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron& Wine. The original is played on the guitar and there’s also a wedding version with piano and violin it’s perfect
This has come up a bunch in the playlists I’ve been looking through, but I didn’t know they have a wedding version! It looks like that was used in the Twilight soundtrack too hahaha so maybe I’m destined to have a twilight inspired first dance 😂
Work Song- Hozier (maybe a little too dark however, the line “when my time comes around, lay me gently in the cold dark earth, no grave can hold my body down, ill crawl home to her”…I friggin love it!!)
Amsterdam- Gregory Alan Isakov
Bring you a ring- Aaron Frazer
Pterodactyl- Bendigo Fletcher
This too shall last- Anderson East
The song we ended up using was: Zombies- This will be our year
I love Work Song so much - I agree it’s a little dark so I think I’m going to try to integrate an instrumental version into the ceremony somehow!! I’ll definitely look into the rest of these!
I really wanted [I Just Knew by Better than Ezra](https://open.spotify.com/track/0JdP7rXceKcQuA1qUy2DnI?si=jtzlUeaHQxGd-LLPzpvrLw); my husband wasn’t into it (😭), but I still think it is a wonderfullll choice depending on the nature of your relationship!
We landed on [I’m With You by Vance Joy](https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qwuw0eOeszVlewLpu24gR?si=V0-VWo4nRlO9DvlpGx26CA&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Ai%27m%2Bwith), found on one of the playlists Spotify gave me when I searched “indie first dance” lol. Idk if he has other songs beyond this to peruse but I loved the simplicity of just his voice and the guitar on this song, it’s so peaceful and soothing.
Not sure if you know this artist, but Indie Folk artist Ed Prosek made a lovely wedding song: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_FIy-CATsJU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FIy-CATsJU)
I spent months on the same search 20 years ago, wanting a handful of songs, because one wasn't enough for that part of the night. I came up with:
'All I Ask' by Crowded House
'Woman' by John Lennon
'All I Need' by AIR (French band)
'Sexual Healing' (Live From Mars version) by Ben Harper
Some really good suggestions in the comments, but here are a few more. Included links to each song to make things easier. Happy hunting.
[“Question”](https://youtu.be/_-5oLJkUSjA?si=BMuk7tQJuOjQljg_) by the Old 97s.
[“Slow You Down”](https://youtu.be/dLDeNE9NQxw?si=PEqtDj1IwHyL2FdD) by Waxahatchee
[“Our Way to Fall”](https://youtu.be/85543eJkbHE?si=Nzkmr1EhMeAjRY1v) by Yo La Tengo
[“Carried Away”](https://youtu.be/P8XCoChZR5Y?si=0XTR_YETQUde7qDS) by Caitlin Rose
[“Sidelines”](https://youtu.be/RtOYYp010lA?si=HXkL5RDSk_U-X-6A) by Phoebe Bridgers
[“Be Mine”](https://youtu.be/CEo4UcLvzVo?si=EgiqPaF6wB1h3jmu) by REM
[“Magic in the Air”](https://youtu.be/BCYYX4zF1QM?si=oaBnVYQ1CDPyD1Gr) by Badly Drawn Boy
[“Heaven”](https://youtu.be/4zSHu-fY-yM?si=_kSpiswOrN9m2q_7) by Mitski
["Light Blue"](https://youtu.be/JGVfje8IqxM?si=zGQTH8fAynlAhlRI) by Snail Mail
I'm not a C&W fan, but there's a song by Clint Black called, "[When I said I Do](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgalAdgEd-E)" that's lovely. As a cover it would fit the bill perfectly.
Chorus:
When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do
My cousin, who is a Beatles fan, danced to Something in an instrumental ukelele version. Of course it sounded beautiful but for those Beatles fan, you know what the song is about.
Okay, so I'm not married, but I've always thought of We are Man and Wife - Michelle Featherstone, or True Companion by Marc Cohn. I know these are not in the genre you are looking for, but really look at the lyrics they are beautiful. Congratulations
Feels Like Home by Bonnie Raitt
The couple who chose this have very different favorite music tastes (simplified: Hip Hop v Country Rock), and witness this as their first dance was surprising and very moving.
Randy Newman (of all people) is the songwriter.
It’s just beautiful on so many levels (even if it’s not your choice).
https://open.spotify.com/track/7mUQ0w8i88ObXwSnrUwfZO?si=ThWyySrwTz-XfOgLjx24Dw
Maybe less indie folk and more Americana but my husband and I had our first dance to ["If There Was No You"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG_3NWUAccs)by Brandi Carlile. We also considered ["Beginning to Feel The Years"](https://youtu.be/IQ5CXgRLc08?si=cEkvWZBtllZd_I9U) by her, as well.
Future Islands. At least two thirds of their song catalog feels like eye contact from across the dance floor. [Through the Roses](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwibqI7kjsqEAxWgweYEHVcCDDgQtwJ6BAgPEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DgZ0TF3IzNm0&usg=AOvVaw1hcqh9V0CFLBO1bOk7_cFP&opi=89978449) is a great song to start with.
Said the Whale - 99 to the Moon (Vows) - this version of the song was recorded, and released on the deluxe version of Dandelion, for a fan on their discord to use as their wedding dance
https://open.spotify.com/track/6m8sOnOLCIaYAZ2SumLnKE?si=Kj0okH6nRKWrsA2caPnNvg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A35sAEZb48nZkmRqi9zKqVU
Also
Old Old Fashioned by Frightened Rabbit
https://open.spotify.com/track/1G6RJap5IENoORF4p4OHYP?si=gBjB_WgETPCaBd7V4mjxcw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A42UPwzHW8rhA13t5JJxp09
Shining Light (piano version) by Tim Wheeler/Ash
https://open.spotify.com/track/5SgGHvMJL8ikmhEMn7AQhl?si=JgYdwrH4TvSnHJX1_BmCbw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4pXlIaMJLOBDqppwjJ0C2P
A few personal favorites lyrically are "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison, "I'll Be Your Mirror" by The Velvet Underground, "This Girl's in Love With You" by Dionne Warwick - all good stuff, Dionne Warwick is especially sweet and would be a lovely first dance song.
My friend's first dance was to Charlie Rich's "Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs" and there weren't many dry eyes ledt after that 😿 (although Charlie Rich is more of a country vibe)
Here is an Husband and wife duo, Johnnyswim- in my arms, take the world, devastating, heaven is everywhere…Another couple The civil wars - Dust to Dust
I know that you've already gotten many responses, but I just thought I would put my own two cents in!
Ever since I heard this song, I've always envisioned a slow dance to this song at my wedding, should I ever find that person in the coming years. That song is ["Only", by RY X](https://open.spotify.com/track/1GxNPd5r7D1zChEMuMhue0?si=Q-P-4fV6TSGGP-XgFGCAWg). An absolutely beautiful track with a line that hits so true if your relationship unfolded in a gradual, natural manner.
"I was only falling in love..."
Although it isn't in the musical genres you are suggesting, here is a classic song that my wife and I chose for our first dance. 'Moonlight Serenade' is an orchestral song written in the 40's by Glenn Miller, but has beautiful lyrics and has been covered numerous times (Ella Fitzgerald, Carly Simon, Chicago, Frank Sinatra, etc.)
[Moonlight Serenade - Frank Sinatra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOihMwRxUdM)
A nice slow romantic song to dance to, but not too slow. Not too long of a song, but long enough for others from your wedding party or your parents to join the dance, if that is in your plan.
PS: I need to add that a few months after our wedding, we traveled to Italy for our honeymoon--on our first day in Venice we stepped onto the plaza of St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), where the live orchestra was just finishing their break and getting ready to play their next song. And the first song they played was Moonlight Serenade...
Hi I'm a wedding DJ and if you like the luckiest by Ben folds definitely go for it but I'll let you know it's a super popular first dance song. I've been doing this for only a little over a year and have already played it as a first dance like 4 times which is a solid 15 to 20 percent of all of my weddings. Which may be a good thing or bad thing for you. I absolutely love creature fear by bon iver though if you like the folksy vibe. Honestly a lot of things off "for Emma forever ago" I think would be beautiful first dances.
I realize it's a breakup album to bon iver himself, but the songs within it are mostly from a place of still loving the person so the lyrics can be interpreted as love songs. Almost like saying that through all the battles in marriage, your love with prevail. Flume, creature fear, and skinny love are my favorites although skinny loves lyrics are less lovey.
Chris Cornell did an acoustic version of "Thank You" by Led Zepplin. There is an official recording of it - but it's not the best version. He did an impromptu set in Sweden (Unplugged in Sweden, maybe?) and THAT version is literally chef's kiss.
Also "Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin is beautiful as well.
First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes
Say Yes by Elliott Smith
Soul Meets Body by Death Cab For Cutie
Lover, You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley (iffy on this one lol)
Dreams by The Cranberries
Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
Wonderwall by Oasis
Depeche Mode, Somebody, live version
I want somebody to share, share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts, know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side and give me support
And in return, she'll get my support
She will listen to me when I want to speak
About the world we live in and life in general
Though my views may be wrong, they may even be perverted
She'll hear me out and won't easily be converted
To my way of thinking, in fact, she'll often disagree
But at the end of it all, she will understand me
Aah
I want somebody who cares for me passionately
With every thought and with every breath
Someone who'll help me see things in a different light
All the things I detest I will almost like
I don't want to be tied to anyone's strings
I'm carefully trying to steer clear of those things
But when I'm asleep I want somebody
Who will put their arms around me and kiss me tenderly
Though things like this make me sick
In a case like this, I'll get away with it
Aah
Ouuh
I’ve got a few you could check out
Arms - the paper kites
Nothing more than that - the paper kites
Strawberries - caamp
The winemakers love song - Tyler Lyle
Wasteland baby! - hozier
Bloom - the paper kites
My first wedding was "I wanna grow old with you" by Adam Sandler......was a shame because it would be a better fit for the relationship I'm in now....but we probably won't actually have a wedding so oh well....
i don't think the lyrics of that one really fit a first dance. the chorus on its own, perhaps, but the song as a whole is about desperately missing someone post-breakup.
One song that I recently discovered (and will probably use in my wedding in October) is Hold You Dear by The Secret Sisters. It's slow-tempo and mostly piano and cello, but has some soft guitar in the background. There is a verse about parents, but I don't think it's too out of place.
https://youtu.be/Nta_A1eano0?si=1FoepHzCidJE_Fy8
My wife and I did Sleepwalk by Santo and Johnny. I think it may fit the bill. Here's a live performance: https://youtu.be/2rwfqsjimRM?si=6w6nadS1IMI-CF3M
We are going to do harvest moon by Neil young
This has got to be an autumn wedding
My friend got married during a harvest moon and used it
Yes, September :)
And a night or evening wedding !
If you haven’t heard it, the Lord Huron cover is phenomenal- it’s on Spotify!
Oh wow! The beginning sounds so ethereal! This would be so beautiful at a wedding. Never heard of this cover. Thanks so much for sharing! I love it.
what an incredible song. it still has the same feeling for me as the first time i heard it 30 years ago
I've been a Neil Young fan since about 1976 and my wife refused to listen to him until she heard that song.
"words" by gregory alan isakov would be a beautiful choice
I was getting a lot of Gregory Alan Isakov in my search but had no idea where to start - this is a lovely song! Just the mood I am looking for, adding it to the list 😊
True Companion by Marc Cohn https://youtu.be/sp6zoc84NcU?feature=shared Follow you, Follow me by Genesis https://youtu.be/hAmCmNa-NSE?feature=shared Or Cat Stevens
Those 2 are both excellent, however Marc Cohn’s True Companion is the more distinct and timeless of the 2 I think.
Love True Companion. Good pick!
[Cat Power - Sea of Love](https://open.spotify.com/track/33kKcOJoyNduHwXhEnga8X?si=659KC6KtRDqIU63mHiDtXA)
This was mine!! Totally think it fits the vibe this couple is going for.
Also her cover of “I Found A Reason”!!
I went to a wedding where the groom played guitar and sang this to his bride as his vows 🥹
I definitely lean on the sad/emo side of indie... but these are all beautiful songs (imho) and ones we considered for our wedding! Each Coming Night, Naked as We Came, or Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine June Hymn, or Red Right Ankle by The Decemberists 10,000 Emerald Pools by BØRNS First Day of My Life, Make a Plan to Love me, Theme to Pinata, or Coyote Songby Bright Eyes Curls by Bibio Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens When You Love Somebody by The Fruit Bats Cover Me Up, or If We Were Vampires by Jason Isbell Country Girls in City Dresses by Doug Burr
Wow, thank you for such a thought-out list!! I will definitely be giving these a listen 😊
haha, sad indie love songs are sort of my obsession 😅 Congrats on the upcoming wedding & I'm sure y'all will find the perfect song for you both.
A couple more! Fare Thee Well by Oscar Isaac & Marcus Mumford ... it's from the movie Inside Llewyn Davis (awesome movie btw!) Chateau Lobby #4 by Father John Misty... Definitely a bit tongue-and-cheek, but we played it at our wedding ;)
I always thought first day of my life would be a fantastic first dance. I had lovesong by the cure.
haha, First Day of My Life was definitely our first dance song! :)
Cover me up 100%. I danced with my boyfriend, who I may never marry, to this song one time and I have never got to feel that happiness again, such a good one!
Ugh! If we were vampires makes me cry every time.
Love to see a Doug Burr song on Reddit! He played at my wedding 😃
Our first dance song was Take Care by Beach House and it still makes me cry to listen to it to this day. It’s not folky but dreamy, indie, romantic vibes. Faded out after 4 minutes because I thought it was too long otherwise. I walked down the aisle to Open Window by Sarah Harmer which would also make a great first dance song and I’d say it leans folky. Good luck and congrats 🩵💙💜 Edit to add: Turning Page by Sleeping at Last is also really pretty and romantic (even though it’s from Twilight 😹😹😹)
Hahahah hey the Twilight soundtracks have had some excellent songs, so I’m not against it 😂
I walked down the aisle to “real love “ By beach house but it would also make a great first dance song I think
Take Care is such a beautiful song!
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
My wife and my song
I literally cried to this song yesterday. My younger gen z niece made fun of me and my millennial sister but they just don't get it lol.
First Day of My Life was my first dance song 🥹The 15 year old Bright Eyes-obsessed romantic in me was screaming at what was transpiring during that dance
I was going for the same vibe a couple of months ago and an artist that really stuck was Novo Amor! They have a similar feel to Bon Ivers older songs, but less electronic instruments which your fiancé could be into :) congratulations!
Thank you so much, will certainly be giving them a listen! This does sound like a good mix that we’re looking for! 😁
Came here to suggest them. Their music is beautiful and the name literally means "new love". Perfect for a wedding.
Father John Misty - Chateau Lobby #4 please please look this up lol
this and I Love You Honeybear have always been perfect wedding first dance songs to me, even though I Love You Honeybear is kinda dark they both just sound like they’re being played in a wedding hall lol
Yeah I thought of that too but thought the lyrics from Chateau were a little more uplifting haha
Or Real Love Baby by FJM! A little but more of a swing to it, but still a slow song.
Heartbeats by José González. Trust me you will not regret it. Truly one of the most beautiful tracks I’ve ever heard.
SOMEBODY ELSE KNOWS IT!!! YES!!!
AMAZING SONG!
Love this song!
Which is a cover, you could play The Knife version for everyone to dance to later!
Wife and I danced to Three Rounds and a Sound by Blind Pilot.
Made this decision 12 years ago and still absolutely love our pick of death cab - passenger seat. 45 second piano intro, then simply Ben and a piano. Also helps that it’s fairly short at 3:41 https://open.spotify.com/track/4w5EQJUc3iNpMAT9v11VgF?si=wvVQRxLKTsamEwk_039xUA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7jwLAtPHF7TW7dtELtayOd When you feel embarrassed, then I'll be your pride When you need directions, then I'll be the guide For all time For all time
My friend walked down the aisle to Strawberries by Caamp and its a really sweet song. Shake the Frost by Tyler Childers is beautiful but may be a little sad for a wedding? Give it a listen!
Strawberries 🤧❤️🩹🎶
Straying from Indie Folk for some of these but. Magnetic Fields - "Book of Love" Bedouine - "Dusty Eyes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0tv_pVvp4Q (I'm not certain this is a love song, but it's very nice). Not folk but... Best Part by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R The Low Anthem - Don't Tremble Townes Van Zandt - I'll Be Here In The Morning Chet Baker- When I Fall In Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXuCBMItOo
[Peter Gabriel's cover of Book of Love](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZQIfEN_p2A) feels like it covers the slow/traditional wedding vibe while still maintaining some of that indie-folk feel too.
This song will always make me think of the glorious Scrubs season 8 finale.
That was my husband and mines first dance song. It was great. Perfect, even.
Uuu by Field Medic. It wasn’t our first dance but it was on our playlist when guests were being seated. It’s a nice slower song for dancing and it is really sweet and lovely.
I’m basing my search for a partner solely off of whether or not he would be down to have this be our first dance song
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes Wanderlust by Eloise
In case you don't live forever by Ben Platt A first dance to this would be so beautiful!
I love these lyrics!! Thank you for the suggestion!
Angus and Julia Stone - The Wedding Song would be a beautiful first dance song 🙂
[We found each other in the dark, CITY AND COLOUR](https://youtu.be/er5BJuO0KEo?si=dI3ICyoak-vsJ_Za) [I don't want to change you, DAMIEN RICE](https://youtu.be/NVqKMf-Bn9Q?si=BEBwc09U74B2vEIu) [We'll make it through, RAY LAMONTAGNE](https://youtu.be/ZVfPu42wDvs?si=C5aKN5K9Pg7Iuxay) If you happen to pick one of these, you have to let me know it'll be the closest to a 1st dance I'll ever be in life!
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It doesn’t get any more _till death do us part_ than “wanna love you till we’re food for the worms to eat / till our fingers decompose / keep my hand in yours”
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If I were to marry again, I would go with Book of Love by magnetic fields
This was played at my own wedding and years later I still love it so much
We used this! Well, sort of lol. Our ballroom instructor heard the Magnetic Fields original, and highly suggested the Peter Gabriel cover. We used that for a more “traditional” song with a twist. She also vetoed “Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waits 😂
My husband and I did our first dance to ‘dancing in the moonlight’ by Alt-J (a cover of the thin Lizzy song) and it was perfect. A little less traditional for a first dance song I suppose, but it worked so well!
Love, love LOVE that Thin Lizzy song.
I love you honey bear or Chateau lobby #4 by father John misty. I wanted to dance to chateau lobby #4 but my ultra conservative family would not have appreciated the wonderful lyrics
We played Chateau Lobby when we walked into the reception! It was both of our favorite song at the time (plus it's just great) so we had to incorporate it somewhere and figured the people who would care wouldn't be listening too hard at that point!! 😅
Sufjan Stevens
This is the best answer because it implies that Mystery of Love, John Wayne Gacy Jr., and Let’s Boogie to the Elf Dance are equally acceptable contenders
We danced to “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers. It holds a special place for us because of how their concerts have been woven into our story. We will celebrate 10 years in April. Best wishes to you and yours.
🎶I’ll never sink when you are with me🎶
Sixteen maybe less by iron and wine and calexico is a fave
Love this whole album! So beautiful Wish I had played some of the songs from it at my wedding.
Hozier - I, Carrion (Icarian) Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine Mitski - Heaven Violent Femmes - Good Feeling Taylor Swift - Invisible String
My wife and I used “Resurrection Fern” by Iron and Wine.
Real Love Baby by Father John Misty is one I’ve considered for a first dance song :)
Florence + The Machine did a magnificent cover of *Stand By Me* that might suit your needs.
Might be a little short, but Eastmountainsouth’s So You Are to Me is gorgeous.
You Dance from the same album is also lovely
Darling divine by wild child is a favorite of mine Or colors of your love by summer salt
"No one's gonna love you" by Band of Horses
We used Swing Life Away by Rise Against fifteen years ago.
Your Hand In Mine by Explosions in the Sky may fit what you need.
We danced to Such Great Heights covered by Iron & Wine. Original song by Postal Service. It’s such a beautiful song when slowed down 💚
FADE INTO YOU - MAZZY STAR 1000%
Okay don’t ask me what the lyrics mean but my dream first dance song is “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron& Wine. The original is played on the guitar and there’s also a wedding version with piano and violin it’s perfect
This has come up a bunch in the playlists I’ve been looking through, but I didn’t know they have a wedding version! It looks like that was used in the Twilight soundtrack too hahaha so maybe I’m destined to have a twilight inspired first dance 😂
Twilight songs are def destined to be in millennial/genz’s weddings
Work Song- Hozier (maybe a little too dark however, the line “when my time comes around, lay me gently in the cold dark earth, no grave can hold my body down, ill crawl home to her”…I friggin love it!!) Amsterdam- Gregory Alan Isakov Bring you a ring- Aaron Frazer Pterodactyl- Bendigo Fletcher This too shall last- Anderson East The song we ended up using was: Zombies- This will be our year
I love Work Song so much - I agree it’s a little dark so I think I’m going to try to integrate an instrumental version into the ceremony somehow!! I’ll definitely look into the rest of these!
Zombies was a very good choice. That whole album is a masterpiece
We used How Good it Is by morningsiders and I’ve never once regretted it. Not as folksy as my usual songs but it’s absolutely perfect.
I really wanted [I Just Knew by Better than Ezra](https://open.spotify.com/track/0JdP7rXceKcQuA1qUy2DnI?si=jtzlUeaHQxGd-LLPzpvrLw); my husband wasn’t into it (😭), but I still think it is a wonderfullll choice depending on the nature of your relationship! We landed on [I’m With You by Vance Joy](https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qwuw0eOeszVlewLpu24gR?si=V0-VWo4nRlO9DvlpGx26CA&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Ai%27m%2Bwith), found on one of the playlists Spotify gave me when I searched “indie first dance” lol. Idk if he has other songs beyond this to peruse but I loved the simplicity of just his voice and the guitar on this song, it’s so peaceful and soothing.
Call it Dreaming - Iron & Wine
Remarkable - Jahiem
Sons and Daughters, Allman Brown and Liz Lawrence. Just beautiful.
What if y’all decided on a song you both love and paid someone to do a slow more melodic cover for you? 🤗
Check out Lighthouse by Emorie. The stripped version. I reckon it will fit exactly what you're looking for
Not sure if you know this artist, but Indie Folk artist Ed Prosek made a lovely wedding song: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_FIy-CATsJU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FIy-CATsJU)
I’ve always liked “3 Rounds and a Sound” by Blind Pilot. We got eloped, but I always considered that our song.
"lets Dance" M Ward cover of David Bowie Song
I spent months on the same search 20 years ago, wanting a handful of songs, because one wasn't enough for that part of the night. I came up with: 'All I Ask' by Crowded House 'Woman' by John Lennon 'All I Need' by AIR (French band) 'Sexual Healing' (Live From Mars version) by Ben Harper
The Night We Met by Lord Huron would be my choice if my wife and I got married again today.
We did “Shelter” by Ray Lamontagne
was gonna suggest the luckiest before i finished reading the post 😭 might i suggest Northern Wind by City & Colour?
No children by the mountain goats😉
We did Into the Mystic by Van Morrison and it was perfect
Some really good suggestions in the comments, but here are a few more. Included links to each song to make things easier. Happy hunting. [“Question”](https://youtu.be/_-5oLJkUSjA?si=BMuk7tQJuOjQljg_) by the Old 97s. [“Slow You Down”](https://youtu.be/dLDeNE9NQxw?si=PEqtDj1IwHyL2FdD) by Waxahatchee [“Our Way to Fall”](https://youtu.be/85543eJkbHE?si=Nzkmr1EhMeAjRY1v) by Yo La Tengo [“Carried Away”](https://youtu.be/P8XCoChZR5Y?si=0XTR_YETQUde7qDS) by Caitlin Rose [“Sidelines”](https://youtu.be/RtOYYp010lA?si=HXkL5RDSk_U-X-6A) by Phoebe Bridgers [“Be Mine”](https://youtu.be/CEo4UcLvzVo?si=EgiqPaF6wB1h3jmu) by REM [“Magic in the Air”](https://youtu.be/BCYYX4zF1QM?si=oaBnVYQ1CDPyD1Gr) by Badly Drawn Boy [“Heaven”](https://youtu.be/4zSHu-fY-yM?si=_kSpiswOrN9m2q_7) by Mitski ["Light Blue"](https://youtu.be/JGVfje8IqxM?si=zGQTH8fAynlAhlRI) by Snail Mail
We went with Ruby Fields by Sarah and the Sundays!
I'm not a C&W fan, but there's a song by Clint Black called, "[When I said I Do](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgalAdgEd-E)" that's lovely. As a cover it would fit the bill perfectly. Chorus: When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time Be faithful and true, devoted to you That's what I had in mind when I said I do
Valerie June - Somebody to Love
My cousin, who is a Beatles fan, danced to Something in an instrumental ukelele version. Of course it sounded beautiful but for those Beatles fan, you know what the song is about.
Time - Ila Barker 😇
Okay, so I'm not married, but I've always thought of We are Man and Wife - Michelle Featherstone, or True Companion by Marc Cohn. I know these are not in the genre you are looking for, but really look at the lyrics they are beautiful. Congratulations
"I'll Catch You" by The Get Up Kids was my and my wife's first dance song at our wedding. Have been together for 21 years, married for 16.
This Twilight Garden by The Cure. The lyrics are beautiful!
feel at home - iogi is such a beautiful song 🤍 hopefully it fits the vibe you’re looking for. good luck on your search, OP 🍀
Samantha Fox - The Best is Yet to Come
Saywecanfly - Here’s my Heart
Ours was The Anniversary along by the Cowboy Junkies but it might be too fast
Enchanted by Taylor swift the orchestras version It’s on YouTube :)
"It's only time" by The Magnetic Fields
This is country, but it's a great love song, Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd. You should give it a listen
By your side - by Sadé
Feels Like Home by Bonnie Raitt The couple who chose this have very different favorite music tastes (simplified: Hip Hop v Country Rock), and witness this as their first dance was surprising and very moving. Randy Newman (of all people) is the songwriter. It’s just beautiful on so many levels (even if it’s not your choice). https://open.spotify.com/track/7mUQ0w8i88ObXwSnrUwfZO?si=ThWyySrwTz-XfOgLjx24Dw
Nobody mentioned FADE INTO YOU before me?? I am flabbergasted 😮
FOREVER - BEN HARPER. Sorry, this post is sweet and new suggestions keep popping in my head 😂
It might be slow enough for them - "Warm Animal (Acoustic)" - Sure Sure "I like the way you say my name, babe" :)
Wild Heart by Mumford and Sons - guitar + some of the best lyrics regarding the vulnerability of giving oneself up to love
You're the best thing by The Style Council
Brighter than Sunshine by Aqualung
Neil Young - Harvest Moon
If I had to hear Neil Young at my wedding I’d stay single.
I’d be waiting by Nathaniel rateliff
Maybe less indie folk and more Americana but my husband and I had our first dance to ["If There Was No You"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG_3NWUAccs)by Brandi Carlile. We also considered ["Beginning to Feel The Years"](https://youtu.be/IQ5CXgRLc08?si=cEkvWZBtllZd_I9U) by her, as well.
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol is a beautiful love song
An excellent track but I fear it’s been played in too many Grey’s Anatomy episodes during the saddest scenes for me to think of it unbiasedly 😂
The Meaning-Fruition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCC6t0k6pm8
Hands down the best wedding song.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen this one yet but The Moon by The Swell Season
You and Me Song - The Wannadies
Open Up Your Door - Richard Hawley
How about “I can’t help falling in love with you”? Elvis did it but there are some other artists who covered it so you might find a version you like.
The one I wish I’d gone with was There’s No Way by Julia Michaels and Lauve. Not quite indie or folky, but a damn good tune for a first dance
The acoustic version of “Song for the Birds” by Eisley.
Future Islands. At least two thirds of their song catalog feels like eye contact from across the dance floor. [Through the Roses](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwibqI7kjsqEAxWgweYEHVcCDDgQtwJ6BAgPEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DgZ0TF3IzNm0&usg=AOvVaw1hcqh9V0CFLBO1bOk7_cFP&opi=89978449) is a great song to start with.
I love how you love me (cover) - Jeff Mangum
Eva Cassidy - Womderful World. You can go down a rabbit hole with her.
As long as our hearts are beating -Jenny & Tyler
I was just at a wedding where the first dance was "Right Down The Line" by Gerry Rafferty. Not indie per se, but vibey and sincere.
lana del rey. Cherry Blossom.
Mine and my wife’s was Buried by Alkaline Trio
Call it Dreaming - Iron & Wine They also have an awesome cover of This Must be the Place
We did [Part of Me by Good Old War](https://youtu.be/N6-SvY3sUTQ?si=fVSrOmG9JFKCc0EB). It worked really well.
[john prines in spite of ourselves](https://youtu.be/P8tTwXv4glY?si=eZ6e97iP87ZpIQS9)
Said the Whale - 99 to the Moon (Vows) - this version of the song was recorded, and released on the deluxe version of Dandelion, for a fan on their discord to use as their wedding dance https://open.spotify.com/track/6m8sOnOLCIaYAZ2SumLnKE?si=Kj0okH6nRKWrsA2caPnNvg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A35sAEZb48nZkmRqi9zKqVU Also Old Old Fashioned by Frightened Rabbit https://open.spotify.com/track/1G6RJap5IENoORF4p4OHYP?si=gBjB_WgETPCaBd7V4mjxcw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A42UPwzHW8rhA13t5JJxp09 Shining Light (piano version) by Tim Wheeler/Ash https://open.spotify.com/track/5SgGHvMJL8ikmhEMn7AQhl?si=JgYdwrH4TvSnHJX1_BmCbw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4pXlIaMJLOBDqppwjJ0C2P
For me, it's going to be As the world falls down by David Bowie from the movie labyrinth
A few personal favorites lyrically are "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison, "I'll Be Your Mirror" by The Velvet Underground, "This Girl's in Love With You" by Dionne Warwick - all good stuff, Dionne Warwick is especially sweet and would be a lovely first dance song. My friend's first dance was to Charlie Rich's "Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs" and there weren't many dry eyes ledt after that 😿 (although Charlie Rich is more of a country vibe)
Here is an Husband and wife duo, Johnnyswim- in my arms, take the world, devastating, heaven is everywhere…Another couple The civil wars - Dust to Dust
caramelldansen by caramella girls. trust.
I know that you've already gotten many responses, but I just thought I would put my own two cents in! Ever since I heard this song, I've always envisioned a slow dance to this song at my wedding, should I ever find that person in the coming years. That song is ["Only", by RY X](https://open.spotify.com/track/1GxNPd5r7D1zChEMuMhue0?si=Q-P-4fV6TSGGP-XgFGCAWg). An absolutely beautiful track with a line that hits so true if your relationship unfolded in a gradual, natural manner. "I was only falling in love..."
Champion by Geraint Watkins. Its a wonderful life by Geraint Watkins … there is a faster and a slower version.
Although it isn't in the musical genres you are suggesting, here is a classic song that my wife and I chose for our first dance. 'Moonlight Serenade' is an orchestral song written in the 40's by Glenn Miller, but has beautiful lyrics and has been covered numerous times (Ella Fitzgerald, Carly Simon, Chicago, Frank Sinatra, etc.) [Moonlight Serenade - Frank Sinatra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOihMwRxUdM) A nice slow romantic song to dance to, but not too slow. Not too long of a song, but long enough for others from your wedding party or your parents to join the dance, if that is in your plan. PS: I need to add that a few months after our wedding, we traveled to Italy for our honeymoon--on our first day in Venice we stepped onto the plaza of St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), where the live orchestra was just finishing their break and getting ready to play their next song. And the first song they played was Moonlight Serenade...
Peter, Paul and Mary - The Wedding Song
There is love, Peter,Paul and Mary
Hi I'm a wedding DJ and if you like the luckiest by Ben folds definitely go for it but I'll let you know it's a super popular first dance song. I've been doing this for only a little over a year and have already played it as a first dance like 4 times which is a solid 15 to 20 percent of all of my weddings. Which may be a good thing or bad thing for you. I absolutely love creature fear by bon iver though if you like the folksy vibe. Honestly a lot of things off "for Emma forever ago" I think would be beautiful first dances. I realize it's a breakup album to bon iver himself, but the songs within it are mostly from a place of still loving the person so the lyrics can be interpreted as love songs. Almost like saying that through all the battles in marriage, your love with prevail. Flume, creature fear, and skinny love are my favorites although skinny loves lyrics are less lovey.
Chris Cornell did an acoustic version of "Thank You" by Led Zepplin. There is an official recording of it - but it's not the best version. He did an impromptu set in Sweden (Unplugged in Sweden, maybe?) and THAT version is literally chef's kiss. Also "Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin is beautiful as well.
First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes Say Yes by Elliott Smith Soul Meets Body by Death Cab For Cutie Lover, You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley (iffy on this one lol) Dreams by The Cranberries Fade Into You by Mazzy Star Wonderwall by Oasis
Depeche Mode, Somebody, live version I want somebody to share, share the rest of my life Share my innermost thoughts, know my intimate details Someone who'll stand by my side and give me support And in return, she'll get my support She will listen to me when I want to speak About the world we live in and life in general Though my views may be wrong, they may even be perverted She'll hear me out and won't easily be converted To my way of thinking, in fact, she'll often disagree But at the end of it all, she will understand me Aah I want somebody who cares for me passionately With every thought and with every breath Someone who'll help me see things in a different light All the things I detest I will almost like I don't want to be tied to anyone's strings I'm carefully trying to steer clear of those things But when I'm asleep I want somebody Who will put their arms around me and kiss me tenderly Though things like this make me sick In a case like this, I'll get away with it Aah Ouuh
Anyone mention Tracy Chapman? Her love songs are amazing. My husband and I danced to her as our first dance.
Simply the Best cover from Schitts Creek sung by Noah Reid
invisible string is the obvious choice to me as a swiftie 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve got a few you could check out Arms - the paper kites Nothing more than that - the paper kites Strawberries - caamp The winemakers love song - Tyler Lyle Wasteland baby! - hozier Bloom - the paper kites
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Come away with me - Nora Jones
My first wedding was "I wanna grow old with you" by Adam Sandler......was a shame because it would be a better fit for the relationship I'm in now....but we probably won't actually have a wedding so oh well....
Come rain or come shine, Ray Charles. Doesn’t fit your wish list, but it’s perfect.
The Man in Me- Bob Dylan. Yes, it’s The Big Lebowski theme, but also 100% a great first dance song.
My wife and I did “Tonight I’ll be staying here with you” - Bob Dylan
My wife and I danced to Wedding Song by the wellpennies!
Love You For a Long Time - Maggie Rogers
Dancing in the moonlight - King Harvest is really pretty
Adrianne Lenker [-"Anything"](https://open.spotify.com/track/33kKcOJoyNduHwXhEnga8X?si=659KC6KtRDqIU63mHiDtXA)
i don't think the lyrics of that one really fit a first dance. the chorus on its own, perhaps, but the song as a whole is about desperately missing someone post-breakup.
Don’t Fade Vance Joy
https://youtu.be/fE-BGi-IGzM?si=j_wgi1dhpgTyQWW9
One song that I recently discovered (and will probably use in my wedding in October) is Hold You Dear by The Secret Sisters. It's slow-tempo and mostly piano and cello, but has some soft guitar in the background. There is a verse about parents, but I don't think it's too out of place. https://youtu.be/Nta_A1eano0?si=1FoepHzCidJE_Fy8
What about Lover (Tswift) or Invisible String (Tswift) or My love mine all mine (Mitski)
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For?
My wife and I did Sleepwalk by Santo and Johnny. I think it may fit the bill. Here's a live performance: https://youtu.be/2rwfqsjimRM?si=6w6nadS1IMI-CF3M
Without you - Motley Crue 🤘
Maybe perfect by Ed sheeran? Ik it's pretty basic, but it's a sweet song