the best Alternative First Dance Songs for your wedding

Are you thinking about the best alternative first dance songs for your wedding?

I’m a wedding photographer in the West Midlands Midlands and I’ll try and help!

You’ve probably been to other couple’s weddings where the scenario is this:

It’s getting late, you’re a mixture of tired and half-drunk and it’s time for the first dance. The strains of Ed Sheeran come booming out of the DJ’s tatty speakers. You are sick of this frankly. You’ve heard enough Ed Sheeran, or that ‘Thousand Years’ song from Twilight to last a lifetime. You want a first dance song for your wedding that perfectly describes YOUR own unique, quirky love story.

So, here are some of the coolest first dance songs for your alternative wedding:

There is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

Really dark and poetic. An outsider’s view of love. Dramatic lyrics that talk about a '“darkened underpass” and implore “take me out tonight'“. Morrissey’s brooding baritone voice, and keyboard string sounds. Because nothing says love like being hit by a double decker bus.

Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire

Appal your parents and grandparents by going for full on steamy indie rock smut. Gyrate to the grinding guitars and just have a good laugh with the whole thing! Your wedding guests can sing along with the chorus raucously too as if they’re at a gig!

The Wannadies - You and Me Song

Sickly sweet but alright bouncy Scandinavian indie pop! What’s not to like. And massive statements like “You and me…alwaaaayss, and forever!” Perfect first dance song for the bouncy energetic couples who still have loads left in the tank after a long wedding day.

Love will Tear us Apart - Joy division

An absolute indie classic: the tragic story of lead singer Ian Curtis; lyrics about alienation and the bedroom feeling “so cold”. Ok, so it feels more like a breakup song. But the bass sound is cool and the jaunty tempo will get you both jigging on the dance floor in no time!

The Cure - Pictures of you

If you are both gothic, or even slightly goth inclined, this is a great one. Sounds a tad obsessive with Robert Smith looking at pictures of someone for a rather long time. But it’s bloody lovely all the same.

Do You Realise? The Flaming Lips

A heart-warming song about how everything we love will die one day. But still manages to be sweet and life affirming. And such a fun psychedelic band. Warning: might induce tears.

Sweet Child of Mine - Guns and Roses

If you and your other half are of a heavier rock disposition and like the taste of cheap cider whilst you fling your considerable locks around to some growling guitar noise, this could be the one for you! Axl Rose’s window-bothering whine and Slash’s amazingly famous intro guitar riff makes for a romantic rock song.

Til There Was You - The Beatles

Yes, it’s Paul McCartney. yes it’s a cover of a show tune. It isn’t even particularly indie or alternative. Look, it isn’t particularly cool ok? But a little old man sang a cover of it to his sweetheart in the movie The Wedding Singer, and that’s good enough for me.

Wolfman ft. Pete Doherty - For Lovers

Professional shambolic human being but actually quite talented singer songwriter Pete Doherty croons this rather lovely song about “running away with you / from yesterday’s news”. My friends had this as their wedding song and it was totes emosh. Lovely stuff, as Alan Partridge would say.

Portishead - Glory Box

If you prefer a chilled, atmospheric dare I say cinematic vibe then go for this. Transform your first dance into a smoky jazz club / futuristic trip hop club. “Give me a reason to love you” the bride can sing at the groom. And bloody mean it.

Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautful

One for the passionate, romantic outsiders. But with a hint of glamour. A genuinely touching song asking “will you still love me i’m no longer young and beautiful” sung in that deathly torch song voice. Really romantic choice. Sway and cry to this one. You have my permission.

I’m an alternative wedding photographer in Uttoxeter.

If you’re a laid-back and fun couple planning your cool and quirky wedding why not contact me right here and we can chat about your plans!