160 Best Last Dance Wedding Songs to End the Night 2024

After an action-packed wedding day, you’ll definitely want to lose on the dance floor with your friends and family. It’s time to cap off your wedding reception with one of the most beautiful songs ever.

Select songs that both you and your guests will enjoy. Make sure you choose catchy, high-energy tunes to lure guests out on the dance floor before the festivities begin.

In light of this, choosing the perfect last dance song can be challenging, and, of course, everything depends on your personal music preferences as well. Here are some of our favorite last dance wedding songs, along with contemporary pop picks and old-school staples, to iconic slow jams and romantic ballads.

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What is the best last dance song for a wedding?

Here are the most popular last dance songs for a wedding reception:

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“Last Dance” by Donna Summer
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Closing Time” by Semisonic
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
“Save The Last Dance For Me” by Michael Bublé

Slow Last Dance Wedding Songs

Choosing a sentimental song will bring the spotlight back to the couple and their happy union, leaving guests feeling sentimental. You could even pick your runner-up choice for your first dance as a couple. We love these slow songs for ending the wedding reception-it marks the end not only of the wedding but also the beginning of a happy marriage and life together.

“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
“Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
“All of Me” – John Legend
“At Last” – Etta James
“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
“My Funny Valentine” – Frank Sinatra
“Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
“What A Wonderful World” – Loius Armstrong
“Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol
“Save The Best For Last” – Vanessa Williams
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“The Last Dance” – Frank Sinatra
“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
“It Had To Be You” – Frank Sinatra
“It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jr.
“Cheek to Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
“Never Say Goodbye” – Bon Jovi
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Haley Reinhart

Fun & Upbeat Last Dance Wedding Songs

You can end your wedding with a bang by choosing a fun, upbeat last song at your reception that leaves guests wanting the party won’t end. The upbeat song will get guests dancing for one last time and leave them with lasting memories of lighthearted joy.

For couples who love to dance and celebrate with friends and family, a fast-paced song is a perfect choice. If you want your wedding to be an ultimate party, a positive and entertaining end to the night will be served by high-energy music. It would be an enjoyable and cheerful exit to hear these upbeat party songs.

“Come On Eileen” – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“Last Dance” – Donna Summer
“Shout” – Isley Brothers
“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley
“Save The Last Dance For Me” by Michael Bublé
“Closing Time” – Semisonic
“(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (from the hit movie Dirty Dancing)
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
“We Go Together” – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and The Grease Ensemble (From the hit movie Grease)
“Shivers” – Ed Sheeran
“Love On Top” – Beyoncé
“Hold On” – Wilson Phillips
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
“Young Forever” – Jay-Z ft. Mr. Hudson
“Marry You” – Bruno Mars
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” – Michael Jackson
“Evacuate The Dance Floor” – Cascada
“Forever” – Chris Brown
“One More Time” – Daft Punk
“Feels So Close” – Calvin Harris
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
“I’ll Be There For You” – The Rembrandts (Theme song from the hit tv show Friends)
“Bye Bye Bye” – *NSYNC
“You Can’t Stop The Beat” – Hairspray
“Y.M.C.A.” – Village People
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
“You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
“Like A Prayer” by Madonna
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
“Hey Ya” by Outkast
“All Night Long” by Lionel Richie
“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
“Without You” by David Guetta ft. Usher
“Jump Around” by House of Pain
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
“Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
“I Love It” by Icona Pop (ft. Charli XCX)
“Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” by The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd)
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem
“Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls
“The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
“Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
“Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
“Sugar” by Maroon 5
“We Found Love” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder

Group Last Dance Wedding Songs

A big group dancing song is an excellent way to get guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor at the end of your wedding celebration. The popular group dance numbers are a popular choice for the last song of a wedding, as they have already been used at wedding receptions. These make fantastic closing songs at weddings because they get everyone involved for one final celebration to end the night.

Your friends and family are invited to enjoy your marriage with one final, interactive group song. The following list is a wedding classic, sure to end your reception on a high note.

“YMCA” – Village People
“Cha Cha Slide” – DJ Casper
“Macarena” – Los Del Rio
“Cupid Shuffle” – Cupid
“Electric Boogie” – Marcia Griffiths

Standard Songs for Your Wedding Send Off

For a classic last dance song, there are plenty of old standards that will please guests of any age. Try out these standard songs for your last dance and end the night with a timeless dance.

“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“My Girl” – The Temptations
“Cheek to Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald
“It Had to Be You” – Tony Bennett
“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Pop Songs For a Last Wedding Dance

Go with what’s popular and pick your favorite pop song for a fun, upbeat final dance. Any pop song will do, but these options were specially chosen for their wedding appropriate lyrics and universal popularity.

“Love On Top” – Beyonce
“Marry You” – Bruno Mars
“Forever” – Chris Brown
“Young Forever” – Jay-Z ft. Mr. Hudson
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
“Bye Bye Bye” – NSync
“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

Country Songs to End the Night

For country-loving couples, a country song will be the perfect end to your perfect wedding. With an abundance of romantic country songs to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.

“Could I Have This Dance” – Anne Murray
“Then” – Brad Paisley
“The Best is Yet to Come” – Drake White
“Friends in Low Places” – Garth Brooks
“Take Me Home Country Roads” – John Denver
“I Don’t Want This Night to End” – Luke Bryan
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”– Taylor Swift
“Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
“She’s Everything” – Brad Paisley
“It Had To Be You” – Carrie Underwood and Tony Bennett
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
“Could I Have This Dance” – Anne Murray
“Amazed” – Lonestar
“Tennesse Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton

Rock Songs for Your Wedding Exit

A rock and roll song makes for a fun closing wedding song, accompanied by air guitar solos from relatives of all ages. These rock songs are classics, perfect for your wedding’s last dance.

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
“All You Need is Love” – The Beatles
“Livin’ On A Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Closing Time” – Semisonic
“Take Me Home Tonight” – Eddie Money
“Don’t Stop Believin’”– Journey
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
“You Shook Me All Night” – AC/DC
“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
“Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses
“I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – The Darkness
“All The Small Things” – Blink 182
“Pour Some Sugar On Me” – Def Leppard
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
“1985” – Bowling For Soup
“Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
“The Final Countdown” – Europe
“High School Never Ends” – Bowling for Soup
“Best Day Of My Life” – American Authors
“Thunderstruck” – AC/DC
“Eye Of The Tiger” – Survivor
“High School Never Ends” – Bowling For Soup
“Ocean Avenue” – Yellowcard

Indie & Alternative Wedding Farewell Songs

Guests In A Circle With The Couple In Middle of Dancefloor

For the hip bride and groom, an indie song may perfectly sum up your relationship and make for a great last wedding dance. Pick from these favorite alternative hits, or go for something more obscure.

“Home” – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
“All The Small Things” – Blink 182
“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence and the Machine
“Angela” – The Lumineers
“Our Love” – Judah and the Lion
“Baby I’m Yours” – Arctic Monkeys
“Only Love” – Ben Howard
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
“Piano Man” – Billy Joel
“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
“(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
“Forever Young” – Alphaville
“America Pie” – Don McLean
“Purple Rain” – Prince and The Revolution

FAQs about Last Dance Songs

What is the last dance at a wedding?

The last dance is the final song played at your wedding reception, signifying the end of the night and the celebration. It’s an opportunity to conclude your wedding in a perfect way after going through the ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, toasts, and hopefully a lot of fun. The band or DJ typically announces that it’s the last song of the night, prompting everyone to dance.

To keep the energy alive for your after party or end the best day with a fun group dance, choose an upbeat last dance song. Alternatively, opt for a slow love song to remind guests why you’ve all gathered. Whichever you pick, select a song you love and believe guests will enjoy to end your big day on a high note.

Additionally, some couples prefer a private last dance (secret last dance) for several reasons. It allows for a few more exceptional photos and videos before the reception concludes, gives the couple a moment to reminisce about the fantastic day, and allows the venue to prepare for the sparkler exit or another send-off. Plus, did we mention the incredible photos?

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider doing a private last dance (secret last dance).

Doing a private last dance is a great way to get a few more amazing photos and video before the reception ends.
It gives the couple a few minutes alone to remember the amazing day that just happened.
It gives the venue a chance to get your guests lined up for the sparkler exit (or whatever kind of send-off you are doing).
Did we mention the amazing photos?!

What is a good last song for a wedding?

There are a couple of options to conclude the evening’s festivities. One approach is to finish with a lively party tune such as “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” to ensure everyone is energized. Alternatively, another way to end the night is to play a romantic song like “At Last” by Etta James, which will fill the dance floor with all the couples.

Since it’s your wedding, the decision is ultimately yours. However, it’s crucial to consider the song’s lyrics carefully. It’s best to avoid breakup songs, even if they’re upbeat. For example, songs like “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy or “Mambo No 5” by Lou Bega may not be ideal choices for the final dance.

What music is played at the end of a wedding ceremony?

The recessional song, which is played as the wedding couple exits after their first kiss, is the final song played at a wedding. You can choose to have a few songs incorporated into the recessional as the wedding party and guests depart. To assist you in selecting a recessional song, please refer to our list of recommended recessional songs.

Should the last dance at a wedding be slow?

To conclude the evening’s festivities, the final dance should consist of two songs. The initial song choice should be a slow tune that encourages all the couples to hit the dance floor. Following that, shift the tempo to high gear by selecting a lively party song that will have everyone singing and dancing, culminating in an upbeat conclusion. This will leave the guests feeling enthusiastic about the send-off and ending the night on a high note.

How do you end a wedding reception?

Couples typically end their wedding reception with the last dance, slow song, or on a high note. Then, guests proceed outside the reception venue for a final send-off with bubbles, sparklers, or fireworks.

So, how do you end a perfect wedding reception? With the last dance, of course.

How do I choose the right last dance song for my wedding?

The best way to choose the right last dance song for your wedding is to consider your personal music taste and the overall feel of your wedding. You can also take into account the song’s lyrics and meaning, and how it relates to your relationship. It’s essential to select a song that resonates with you and your partner and that you feel will create a memorable moment for your guests.

Can I have a private last dance with my partner?

Yes, couples can choose to have a private last dance, also known as a secret last dance, to share a final moment alone before the end of the night. It can also provide an opportunity for additional photos and videos.

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