Line dances are an absolute blast at weddings! They’re easy to learn, many have been around for decades or centuries, and they provide a great opportunity for guests of all ages to join together on the dance floor. So, which are the best line dances to learn for your wedding?
The following list of wedding line dances includes some classics and some new-school favorites. Not only are these fourteen choices fun ways to show off your best moves, but they’re also great icebreakers when you’re walking onto the dance floor with strangers at a wedding reception. Read on for a full breakdown of each line dance and videos that’ll help you master these dances before the big day!
Here are the 14 best wedding line dances:
14 Wedding Line Dances
Generally, a line dance list for weddings is going to be a list of fairly beginner-level dances. If you are looking for even more beginner line dances for the rest of the year, check out my post “20 Beginner Line Dances You Need to Know!“ And if you are ready to actually move on from there, no worries there’s more. The list of line dances is truly endless! Check out my post on “50 Popular Line Dances that Everyone Loves!” for a bunch of really fun ones that seem to always be popular at the typical country dance hall or saloon!
1. The Cha Cha Slide
| Count: – | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: DJ Casper (Mr. C)
Music: Cha-Cha Slide Part II (Radio Edit) by DJ Casper
Step Sheet: Click here to download.
The Cha Cha Slide is simple, so it’s great for new dancers or those with “two left feet.” It can be done in long lines or short lines, depending on how large your wedding party is and the size of the dance floor. This dance also has a super-simple foot pattern, which is great for beginners.
I’ve included the Copperknob step sheet in the link above, but be warned it is just a guide to the basic routine; you really have to listen because it changes! Also here’s a link to the Copperknob page for it which has even more videos (demo or tutorial).
In addition, the Cha Cha Slide is a good dance for adding your own little flair since there are several places where you can improvise steps during the song. For example, when the singer says “dip,” you can dip low or just lean forward, and when they sing “back,” you can move backward instead of just stepping back.
Also, the lyrics are easy enough to remember that you can sing or even talk along with the song. Plus, this dance is great for couples — just stand side-by-side, grab your partner’s hand, and have fun!
2. Electric Slide
| Count: 18 | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: Ric Silver
Music: Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths
Step Sheet: Click here to download
The Electric Slide has been around since the 1970s and has stood the test of time for a reason—it’s fun! This dance works best in long lines because its moves are so simple, but it does have some fast footwork, so beginners should be careful to start out slow.
Like other line dances, many people add their own touch by performing different variations of it. It’s a popular dance at weddings because the lyrics are easy to remember, and it has a fun, inviting feel.
In a nutshell, the Electric Slide is a great dance to have as part of your wedding because it’s so easy for guests of all ages and abilities to jump in. It’s a great way to include everyone, no matter how much or how little they want to dance.
If you are looking for other songs that the Electric Slide can be danced to, the list is endless, but check out a list provided by a DJ Staci here. Also, check out my post on this that breaks this list down by genre and adds more tutorials for you!
Here’s a YouTube video that’ll come in handy when learning the Electric Slide. Note:
3. The Cupid Shuffle
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Ultra beginner |
Choreography: Bernard Bryson (Cupid)
Music: Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
Step Sheet: Click here to download
The Cupid Shuffle is bouncy and fun with simple footwork that practically anyone can do. It’s an oldie but a goodie, so most people will know it right away. Plus, it’s a great song if you want to get on the dance floor and show off your moves with your date.
The Cupid Shuffle’s lyrics switch between the two verses, so you can choose how many times to repeat each verse before moving on to the next one. You might find it helpful to say or sing along with the song while you’re learning the dance.
Here’s a great YouTube video demo of the Cupid Shuffle by DJ Raphi:
4. The Wobble
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreography: V.I.C. Brentnell
Music: Wobble by V.I.C.
Step Sheet: Click here to download
The Wobble is fun because you can let loose and get crazy with it! It’s a great choice if you like hip-hop music — and it’ll get your guests on their feet!
This dance is easy to learn, even for beginners. However, it would be best to practice the Wobble in short lines before being attempted in long lines so that everyone can master the footwork.
The lyrics are very simple, so if you have trouble remembering them, you could always just say or sing along with the song while you’re dancing. Plus, since there are no complicated steps, this dance is ideal for groups of mixed abilities.
Here’s an excellent Wobble line YouTube dance tutorial by Dirt Road Dancing:
5. Cotton Eyed Joe
| Count: 32 | Wall: 1 | Level: Absolute Beginner |
Choreographer: Sue Wilkinson – December 2018
Music: Cotton-Eyed Joe’ by Rednex
Step Sheet: Click here to download
Another simple and fun line dance to feature at a wedding is the Cotton Eyed Joe. Once your guests get the hang of its footwork, they’ll be happy to keep doing it all night long.
This line dance is ideal if you want to include everyone at your wedding—it’s simple enough for beginners but complex enough to keep seasoned dancers entertained too! It also has a traditional country feel, which can be nice if you want to keep the mood at your wedding relaxed and laid-back.
Note: there are actually many versions of line dances to Cotton Eyed Joe! The one shown here is a good simple line dance you could learn for a wedding, but if you’re interested in more info on the dance check out my other mention of it that is a different one (the circle version).
Here’s a great YouTube demo on how to do the Absolute Beginner 1-Wall version of Cotton Eyed Joe line dance choreographed by Sue Wilkinson:
6. The Hokey Pokey
| Count: – | Wall: – | Level: Absolute Beginner |
Choreographer: Unknown
Music: Hokey Pokey by Larry LaPrise, Charles Macak, and Tafit Baker (1948)
The Hokey Pokey is a great choice if you’re looking for something lively and upbeat! It’s fun to do in lines or circles (as is often the case). In this way, to me, it hardly qualifies as a “line dance” as your group can just all face each other in a circle. The edge of the circle is what you are crossing when you “put your arm in” etc.
The dance involves lots of arm-waving and body movement. The lyrics are simple, making this an ideal option for a mixed-ability group.
The Hokey Pokey is a classic line dance, so most guests will know it right away. It’s also fun because everyone has their own interpretations of the dance moves, making it more interesting to watch! You can even add a twist to the dance by having everyone try out different moves during the chorus.
Further, it’s a great way to get your guests involved in the wedding dance without having to explain complicated moves or footwork. When you play the music, everyone will get excited and prepare to follow the first instruction of what body part to “put in” to “shake it all about.”
If you’re interested in the history of the Hokey Pokey, click here, – a very interesting story!
Here’s a great YouTube demo of the Hokey Pokey by Matthew Maresh:
7. The Macarena
| Count: 16 | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: Maria Frye
Music: Macarena by Los del Mar
Step Sheet: Click here to download
The Macarena has a great beat for a line dance, so it’s perfect for keeping guests on the dance floor. Once they get the hang of it, your guests will be able to keep dancing all night long!
This dance is particularly interesting to watch because it has so many intricate steps. Plus, the lyrics are fun to sing along with, which makes this a great option for everyone at your wedding!
The Macarena originated in Spain but became popular worldwide after being released as part of an album by Los Del Rio. If you want to celebrate your wedding’s multicultural roots, you can play some Spanish-inspired music and have everyone dance along.
Here’s a YouTube video that’ll come in handy when learning how to dance the Macarena:
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8. Soulja Boy Dance (Crank That)
| Count: – | Wall: – | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: Devin Woolridge
Music: Soulja Boy Tell’em – Crank That (Soulja Boy)
If your song list includes a lot of modern pop tunes, then you’ll want to include the Soulja Boy Dance on it! It’s a fun and easy line dance perfect for guests of all abilities.
The dance is fun to watch because it involves lots of arm-waving and leg-thrusting (and you can always encourage your guests to do their own thing if they’re feeling extra creative).
It’s also a great choice if you want the party to keep going until late since this line dance can go on and on and on. As long as the guests know how to do it, they’ll stay happily dancing all night long!
Here’s an excellent Crank That Soulja Boy line YouTube dance tutorial from nXg Dance Crew:
Tip: If you want to add a bit of extra fun, try having your guests do their own thing as they’re dancing. That way, every time the chorus comes around, everyone will be doing a different move!
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9. Boot Scootin’ Boogie
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: Tom Mattox & Skippy Blair
Music: Boot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks & Dunn
Step Sheet: Click here to download
If you want to include a bit of country flair in your wedding line dance, then you’ll love the Boot Scootin’ Boogie. The dance is lively and fun to do, but it’s also got a cute backstory that can make your wedding more meaningful.
This dance is great because everyone at your wedding will be able to participate in the fun! It has simple footwork and a basic arm motion, so even beginners won’t have difficulty picking up the dance moves. Plus, the lyrics are easy to follow and fun to sing along with.
Because everyone will be joining in on the chorus, you can add your own spin by getting guests up out of their seats and moving around too!
Here’s a great YouTube teach of the Boot Scootin’ Boogie by TrishnBob:
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10. The Locomotion
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Beginner |
Choreographer: Rita Thompson & Jo Thompson Szymanski
Music: Locomotion by Scooter Lee
Step Sheet: Click here to download
The Locomotion is another great line dance for weddings with both old and new songs on the playlist. It’s one of those dances that’ll be easy to pick up for guests of all abilities, so it’s perfect for wedding receptions where some guests might not be familiar with line dances.
The Locomotion originated in 1987 when Kylie Minogue released the song “Locomotion” on an album. Even though this line dance is only 27 years old, it’s already become an older-generation line dance classic.
It’s a great option if you want to include some nostalgia in your wedding dance. Plus, it’s really easy for guests of all ages to learn, so the energy on the dancefloor will be high throughout the night!
Here’s a step-by-step YouTube video tutorial on how to do the Locomotion:
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11. Canadian Stomp
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Absolute Beginner |
Choreographer: Amy Christian (USA) – February, 2022
Music: Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain
Step Sheet: Click here to download
This line dance is a fun country-inspired option that’s sure to get everyone on the dancefloor! It’s a great choice for weddings where guests of all ages will be in attendance because the lyrics are easy to follow and sweet at the same time.
The lyrics are about loving your partner no matter what; a sweet sentiment to include at weddings. It’s also fun to imagine the wedding party members as “Any man of mine” since they’re so special to you!
Canadian Stomp is a line dance that has been around for years, but this version is new as of February, 2022! And it is the easiest version. Its a perfect way to help everyone at a wedding get out on the dance floor and dance to the Shania Twain favorite of Any Man of Mine.
If you are interested in the other older versions of Canadian Stomp click here for the Copperknob search results page and explore the other 3 dances!
Here’s a great demo on YouTube from choreographer Amy Christian.
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12. Twist and Shout
| Count: 32 | Wall: 4 | Level: Absolute Beginner |
Choreographer: Steve Rutter (UK) & Clair Rutter (UK) – February 2016
Music: Let’s Twist Again by Chubby Checker (Album: Let’s Dance – Original Hits Compilation)
Step Sheet: Click here to download
This line dance gets everyone involved because it encourages guests to become their own backup singers! Though it’s a little more complex than some of the other dances, Twist and Shout, at a Copperknob rating of “Absolute Beginner,” should still be within the skill level of most wedding guests.
The lyrics are fun to sing along with, and you can add in your vocal flourishes for an even sillier version. Plus, this line dance is high-energy, so it’ll be perfect for keeping the crowd entertained and happy.
Following is an exciting YouTube video that demonstrates how to do the Twist and Shout line dance and then a good one with a tutorial of it.
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13. Black Velvet (aka Ski Bumpis)
| Count: 40 | Wall: 1 | Level: Improver |
Choreographer: Linda De Ford
Music: Black Velvet by Robin Lee
Step Sheet: Click here to download
While Black Velvet would not have made a Wedding Line Dance list per sé, I’m adding it for a very special reason! I was recently very blessed to see one of my precious daughters get married in 2021 and while my daughter isn’t into country line dancing, she knows how much I love it and said: “Dad, we should do a line dance right?”
Obviously, I got very excited and started thinking about what to do! What we came up with was doing the Black Velvet dance as the last dance before all the guests were invited to come to start dancing. We planned and sort of added some choreography to it in the sense that different people in the party joined in as their names were announced.
What was cool about doing the Black Velvet for a wedding party dance was the contra aspect. Since we faced each other we could make eye contact and even do the high fives that everyone likes to do in the dance clubs when the Black Velvet is called.
And, just for the record, I did modify how we did the dance. The part where the kick-steps occur during the second “trip” across, I just had us shuffling (triple-step) trips 2-4. But below is first a video of it being done correctly, Those 4 trips are supposed to be 1) Point steps, 2) Traveling Kick-Ball changes & then 3-4) Shuffle steps (so, just twice).
The second video below is one of me doing it in my living room the modified way to Earth Wind and Fire’s September – a great song choice for it! And then of course the third video is from the wedding!
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14. Sweet Caroline
| Count: 56 | Wall: 2 | Level: Improver |
Choreographer: Darren Bailey
Music: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
Step Sheet: Click here to download
If you want a line dance that’ll be sure to make your guests smile, Sweet Caroline is an excellent choice! It’s fun and easy to learn but also has a few more complex moves for guests who want to recreate their favorite dance from the music video.
This is a great line dance for weddings because it’s all about love and positivity, which are two key themes of weddings. Plus, Sweet Caroline is a sweet older-generation classic that’ll have guests singing along for sure!
Here’s a great YouTube demo of how to do the Sweet Caroline line dance:
So Good, So Good!
I loved ending the list with Sweet Caroline! This song will forever be a crowd favorite whether it is played for a choreographed line dance or not. I honestly don’t know how often this Darren Bailey improver line dance has been learned for wedding occasions, but I think it’s a great option! If you are preparing a song list for an upcoming wedding or a DJ that has further ideas for weddings please drop me a note in the comments below!
