Top 20 First Dance Songs for NZ Weddings [2025 Playlist]
The first dance is one of the most unforgettable moments of your wedding day—and choosing the right song can make it magical. Whether you're tying the knot in Queenstown, Auckland, or on a beach in the Bay of Islands, your soundtrack should reflect your love story and set the tone for the night.
As a leading New Zealand wedding DJ agency, we’ve helped hundreds of couples find the perfect first dance song. From modern hits to timeless classics, here are our top 20 picks for 2025 weddings—plus a bonus Spotify playlist to make your decision easy.

🎧 Top 20 First Dance Songs for NZ Weddings (2025 Edition)
🌿 Romantic & Timeless
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis (Acoustic Version)
- “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
- “At Last” – Etta James
- “Yours” – Ella Henderson
- “Amazed” – Lonestar
These songs never go out of style—ideal for couples wanting an emotional and classic first dance.
🌅 Modern & Meaningful (Perfect for 2025 Couples)
- “Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold
- "Lover” – Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix by DJ Collective)
- “You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
- “Beyond” – Leon Bridges
- “The One” – Kodaline
Looking for something that feels fresh but still heartfelt? These tracks are trending for 2025 weddings across NZ.
🌊 Indie, Soulful & Kiwi-Inspired
- “Wandering Eye” – Fat Freddy’s Drop (Great for a laid-back Kiwi vibe)
- “Anchor” – Birdy
- “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
Planning a rustic or beachside wedding? These picks capture New Zealand’s natural romance and relaxed feel.
🎶 Unique & Upbeat First Dance Songs
- “Higher Love” – Kygo & Whitney Houston
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur
- “You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates
- “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
For couples who want to start the party with a first dance that gets the crowd smiling, these are always a hit.

📍 Real NZ Wedding Inspiration
“We chose ‘Beyond’ by Leon Bridges and our DJ timed the lighting and drop perfectly. It felt like something out of a movie.”
– Hana & Josh, Wanaka Wedding 2024
“Our ceremony was on a vineyard near Marlborough, and ‘Wandering Eye’ made the first dance super relaxed and fun—our guests LOVED it!”
– Megan & Liam, Blenheim Wedding
💬 Need Help Choosing Your Perfect First Dance Song?
At New Zealand DJ Collective, we work with every couple to craft the perfect soundtrack for your wedding—from the aisle walk to the last dance. Whether you're after acoustic, R&B, indie, pop, or something uniquely Kiwi—we’ve got you covered.
🎧 Professional DJs across New Zealand
📍 Serving Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington & more
💡 Custom mixes & live sax/DJ options available