Indie & Alternative Wedding First Dance Songs

I’m currently working on a handful of blog posts about Alternative Weddings, so far we’ve covered alternative wedding readings, and unique wedding photography and Alternative wedding venues Tommorow I should have an interview with a humanist celebrant. Today is all about alternative first dance songs

We all know the standard wedding first dance songs. But what if you want something a bit indie or alternative for your wedding? Making a list like this makes sense to me, I’ve had several couples walking down the aisle to The Pixies Where is my mind? last year and several walking back up to the strains of Sigur Ros’s Hoppipola.  My most recent favourite is, aptly Favourite by Fontaines D.C and I heard a wonderful acoustic version recently. 

I’m an alternative / indie junkie myself. I’m not claiming to know all the best tunes, but these are all ones that I think have something going for them. In fact, some may come off as bizarre and confrontational, but I know there’s couples out there who will share my sense of humour and pathos and love them.

I’m also going to be a bit off the beaten path. You won’t find Ho Hey (If you’re going to play the Lumineers, go for their cover of Talking Heads’ This Must Be The Place) , Taylor Swift or Video Games here (I’m really not sure that one’s about a healthy relationship). Not even Jose Gonzales Heartbeats (play the Knife version) Think of it as an alternative to the alternative with a couple of deep dives or choices that seem a bit odd until you really listen and the penny drops.

I will keep adding, and I’m always open to inspiration and suggestions so get in touch to let me know your ideas!

If you came here to find out about alternative wedding first dance photography – you need to be over here

About Simon

Iron & Wine – “Such Great Heights”

I’ve always loved the Postal Service orginal but this one by Iron & Wine has a more romantic feel. Although if you want to get that dancefloor going, The Postal Service version is definately the way to go.

Bob Dylan – “I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You”

I’m a huge fan of Bob Dylan, but it still blows my mind that at an age when most artists have long since retired… Bob Dylan can write this. You’ve probably never heard it, but you will in a few years when someone else cherry picks it and makes it into a hit record. Remember you heard it here first.

 Bright Eyes – “First Day of My Life”

It’s cheesy and fun and romantic and you’ll be into the next song before you know it. And one of those deep dives that very few know. (And really included as something less emotionally heavy than the last two selections.)

Wilco – You and I

Maybe it’s because I’ve just been reading Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting book and am approaching his songs with fresh eyes – I felt there had to be a Wilco song in here somewhere. And although I’d personally go for ‘I’m the man who loves you’, this one’s a bit more chilled and not so gender specific.

Cigarettes after sex – Apocalypse

I first heard this at a gay wedding in Matlock Bath and have loved it ever since. Such a swoony shoe gaze vibe of its own that fits perfectly.

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The Replacements – Skyway

If you never came across this band, then go and check them out. Really underated 80’s college rock band (if you’re from the UK, anyway). You’ll have heard their music being played more recently if you’ve seen The Bear (Fak’s favourite band, don’t you know, so there’s several needle drops during the series – including a wonderful use of Can’t Hardly Wait) & Guardians of The Galaxy (I will dare)

This is just simple and gorgeous though. Give it a spin.