41 Best R&B First Dance Wedding Songs

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Who doesn’t love a bit of R&B music. Often filled with loving, and sometimes saucy lyrics, they can make the perfect first dance song.

To make things a bit easier for your wedding day, here are the best r&b first dance wedding songs you can use. Count it as my wedding present to you. 🙂

Contents

“At Last” by Etta James

Song Year-1960

You will get chills every time you hear the signature voice of Etta James at the beginning of this song. Etta James has a few more equally intriguing soul, jazz, and RnB songs to her name, but “At Last” is undoubtedly a song you want to pick for your first dance.

“Halo” by Beyoncé

Song Year-2008

“Halo” is a slow song that strays from her usual animated front, which matches the song's meaning. She expresses the halo highlighting her mate and her unwavering desire for her lover.

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

Song Year-1972

The whole point of a wedding and exchanging heartfelt vows is to stick together till you’re both old. This son by Al Green is one of his masterpieces and arguably a song that continues to beat the test of time. Many other artists have since covered the song, like Tina Turner and more.

“Purple Rain” by Prince

Song Year-1984

He remains unbeaten and unmatched decades after this song was first released. It’s one of the classic R&B songs with such a deep meaning that it seems to point towards the end of life but focuses mainly on the intimate moments shared between loved ones.

“September” by Earth Wind & Fire

Song Year-1978

If you’re a middle-aged or older couple with a youthful edge, “September” is a song that will fit in your wedding’s music collection like a glove. It’s an ageless song that prompts everyone to get on their feet and easily can pull at everyone’s heartstrings.

“All of Me” by John Legend

Song Year-2013

This song illustrates John Legend’s steadfast dedication to his one true love and wife, Chrissy. The lyrics ooze authenticity and will appeal to the deepest parts of you and your partner at your wedding. “All of Me” is the fourth song in John’s Love in The Future studio album.

“By Your Side” by Sade

Song Year-2000

If you can’t find the right words to express how much you love your partner, dance to this song during your first dance at your wedding. In this song, the infamous Sade band British-Nigerian lead singer Helen Folasade Adu sings about being by her loved one’s side throughout. The song was nominated for a Grammy award too. By far, one of the best R&B first dance songs.

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year-1970

The song's title speaks for itself, and the singer’s reputation is unbelievably outstanding. For a couple that’s coming together in marriage, this fantastic song gives you a vivid glimpse into the future. It’s a song that cements your feelings for each other, so as you dance for the first time at your wedding and look deep into each other’s eyes, it’s like you’re reciting your vows to each other through the lyrics.

“No One” – Alicia Keys

Song Year-2007

For richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, this song seems to state an addition missing in most vows that no one can get in the way of what the two love birds feel deeply for each other. Alicia Keys loudly and passionately declares in this song that no one can get in the way of how she feels for her partner.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole

Song Year-1975

“This Will Be” was Natalie Cole’s introduction to the world and a worthy of your first dance at your wedding. This one-of-a-kind song won Cole Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy Award and topped several charts in different countries. So what better than the best song for the most beautiful couple?

“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year-1985

Another gem from the talented Stevie Wonder is “Overjoyed.” It’s a song that expresses with the perfect words exactly how you feel to be getting married to your beloved. The song was part of the list of other love songs in Stevie’s In Square Circle Album. Undoubtedly, you can never go wrong in choosing this as your top R&B first dance song.

“You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White

Song Year-1974

No wedding will feel complete without this song playing at least once. Considering its breathtaking lyrics, “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” will be an excellent choice for your first dance. Barry White has a distinct deep voice that will keep you pressing replay. No wonder this song dominated the airwaves in the 70s and continues to feature in weddings where the couple has good taste in music.

“Back at One” – Brian McKnight

Song Year-2001

The best thing about R&B songs is that they have a way of capturing the most profound emotions and painting vivid pictures of specific situations that couples find themselves. Brian McKnight has no shortage of hit songs under his belt. “Back at One” is a fan favorite that explains precisely what it means for one partner to share the rest of their life with their other half.

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

Song Year-2003

It’s not the only Alicia Keys song on this list, but when you have such a talented singer, it’s hard to resist the urge to keep listening to their music. Especially on a momentous occasion such as your wedding. The song speaks about how most people wish for material things, yet it would all mean nothing without each other.

“All My Life” – K-Ci & JoJo

Song Year-1998

“All My Life” is a beautiful song for a wedding. In what seems like a whirlwind search for the ideal marriage partner, this song explains how one prays for someone like their partner. As you share your first dance, you can’t help but feel thankful for finally finding your match, just as the song's lyrics depict.

“Umbrella” by Rihanna

Song Year-2007

Swaying could be your idea of your first dance. However, this upbeat tune is perfect if you and your partner enjoy dancing and want to show off your best moves. It’s easy to get carried away by the solid captivating energy of ‘Umbrella’ by Rihanna, but when you get a chance to listen to the lyrics, you’ll be awed by how much sense and meaning it carries.

“More Than You’ll Ever Know” – Boyz II Men feat. Charlie Wilson

Song Year-2011

Boyz II Men is one of their era's most successful R&B boy bands. Combine their beautiful voices with that of Charlie Wilson, and you can bet all your money that you’ve got hit single that will never die away.

This song fits an older, laid-back couple looking for a slow jam to dance to on their wedding anniversary or first dance. The song narrates how a couple may have been together for ages but still in love each.

“Always” by Atlantic Starr

Song Year-1987

Let’s be honest; most people aren’t good with their words, especially when standing right in front of someone they love. “Always” by Atlantic Starr gives you a hand by helping you express how true love feels in the most romantic words. This 80s number one hit single is like an intimate confession to your partner. A must-have R&B first dance wedding song.

“You Send Me” by Sam Cooke

Best R&B First Dance Wedding Songs

Song Year-1968

Old is gold, and nothing more than Sam Cooke’s ‘You Send Me’ proves this. This song topped the renowned Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard R&B Record charts. Sam wrote and recorded this song which speaks volumes about his composition and vocal abilities.

“Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan

Song Year-1983

Everything about Chaka Khan announces energy. Therefore, if you’re looking to stray away from the calm, slow attitude most couples choose for their first dance, “Ain’t Nobody” brings in a welcome twist.

“Endless Love” by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

Song Year-1981

Written by Lionel Richie, “Endless Love” took an enchanting life of its own when Diana Ross came in for a duet. At your wedding, you can play this song covered by other famous singers like Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, and Shania Twain.

“Adorn” by Miguel

Song Year-2012

When composing this song, Miguel drew inspiration from his relationship with his girlfriend and some vivid dreams he had before penning the song.

“My Girl” by The Temptations

Song Year-1965

If your partner is a girlie girl who loves to be serenaded, “My Girl” is the best R&B first dance wedding song to evoke the right reactions and emotions. This song works great as a father-daughter wedding dance and a couple's first dance.

“The First Time” by Surface

Song Year-1990

It will be your first dance together as an officially married couple. What better song than “The First Time” by Surface to celebrate the firsts of many firsts as you steer towards the rest of your lives together?

“Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey

Song Year-1990

The instrumentals in this song, combined with Mariah’s vocal prowess, make this song epic! The lyrics of this song clearly illustrate a past life characterized by loneliness and solitude, yet it all seems to change when all her dreams/visions of a perfect love come true.

“You and I” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year-1972

“You and I” is a song that beats all odds and harbors a rich sense of eye-watering emotions you want to trigger on your special day.

“Until The End of Time” by Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé

Song Year-2006

Masters in their art, Beyonce and Justin are a rare combination of voices and experiences, making their song, “Until The End of Time” outstanding. It’s an excellent choice for your first dance.

“Slow Jam” by Usher and Monica

Song Year-1997

Usher and Monica are yet another unique duo that brings this song's slow sound and rather pale lyrics a sense of life. Slow Jam is an excellent choice for couples who want a slow R&B song to sway to on their wedding day.

“Send It On” by D’Angelo

Song Year-2000

A song about honesty and your unwavering belief in love is what you need to reinforce your commitment to each other. This song has captivating instrumentals with drums, live guitar, and bass, complementing D’Angelo’s vocals wonderfully.

“Heaven Sent” by Keyshia Cole

Song Year-2008

With millions of views on YouTube, it’s not hard to convince you to choose this song for your wedding. “Heaven sent” is a smooth sweet song that can be your first dance song and your all-time favorite song years after the big day.

“Incomplete” by Sisqo

Song Year-1999

He’s a professional dancer, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. Sisqo’s gifts stretch far and wide. Better known for the ‘Thong Song’ ideal for a bachelor/bachelorette party, “Incomplete” is more presentable and befitting of a first dance song.

“Here and Now” by Luther Vandross

Song Year-1996

This song topped several charts and dominated the airwaves in the 90s. It’s one of Luther’s best-performing singles, and you'll instantly understand why when you hear it for the first time.

“Made to Love Ya” by Gerald Levert

Song Year-2001

“Made to Love Ya” is a timeless piece that held the top spot in the U.S. in the early 2000s and is a favorite love song for countless couples.

“A Good Night” by John Legend

Song Year-2018

“A Good Night” is a lively, popular tune you’ll love grooving to on your big day. An excellent first dance song if you’re the bold type eager to make a spectacle first dance performance on your wedding day.

“Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr.

Song Year-1980

This signature song tugs at the heartstrings of couples worldwide and is a frequent member of every love song playlist.

“I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston

Song Year-1996

This song narrates everlasting commitment, love, and truthfulness. The famous Whitney Houston released the song and clinched the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B songs chart of the mid to late 90s.

“Three Times a Lady” by Commodores and Lionel Richie

Song Year-2009

The great pioneer of music trends that reigns today, singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, is a force to be reckoned with. His unparalleled performances and many songs cut across pop, jazz, funk, Rhythm and Blues, and soul genres.

“Angel of Mine” by Monica

Song Year-1997

The song serves many captivating punchlines that will no doubt etch it in your mind forever.

“Nothing Even Matters” by Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo

Song Year-1998

It’s an old song you will love dancing to on a day you will never forget.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince

Song Year-1979

If you’re lost for choice and can’t seem to point to one piece to dance to for your first dance, you’ll never go wrong with this fantastic song by Prince.

“Love on Top” by Beyonce

Song Year-2011

Beyonce is one of the most talented artists you can think of today. Her timeless music continues to wow people across the globe, and you can never go wrong with this song on your wedding playlist.

Top R&B First Dance Wedding Songs, Final Thoughts

Above is an extensive list of the best R&B first-dance wedding song collections that will give you and your guests an unforgettable time. You can also see more r&b wedding songs in this list. Enjoy!

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