Readings

Readings, Scriptures, and Meaningful Passages

One of the most meaningful ways to personalize a wedding ceremony is through a special reading. Whether shared by the officiant, a family member, or a close friend, readings can reflect a couple's values, beliefs, and hopes for their future together.

Readings may be religious, spiritual, literary, contemporary, or simply a reflection on love and commitment. There is no right or wrong choice, only the words that resonate most deeply with the couple and the life they are building together.

Choosing the Right Reading

When selecting a reading, consider:

• Does it reflect your values and beliefs?
• Does it capture your relationship and personality?
• Would you like it read by the officiant or a loved one?
• Does it fit the tone of your ceremony—formal, romantic, spiritual, or lighthearted?

Most ceremonies include one or two readings lasting between one and three minutes each. The best readings are the ones that feel authentic to your story and the life you are creating together.

Popular Non-Religious Readings

Union by Robert Fulghum

"You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks—all those conversations that began with 'When we're married' and continued with 'I will' and 'You will' and 'We will'—those late-night talks that included 'someday' and 'somehow' and 'maybe' and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding."

The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

"A good marriage must be created. In marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once each day. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives."

Apache Marriage Blessing

"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other."

From Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

"Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."

Literary and Poetic Readings

Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare

"Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds."

I Carry Your Heart With Me by E.E. Cummings

One of the most beloved wedding poems ever written, celebrating the inseparable bond between two people.

These I Can Promise by Mark Twain

A beautiful reflection on friendship, loyalty, and enduring love.

The Road Goes Ever On by J.R.R. Tolkien

A wonderful choice for couples who view marriage as a shared adventure.

Spiritual and Inspirational Readings

Corinthians 13:4–8

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud..."

Perhaps the most requested wedding reading of all time, focusing on the qualities of enduring love.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."

A beautiful reflection on partnership and mutual support.

Ruth 1:16–17

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay."

A timeless expression of devotion and commitment.

Colossians 3:12–17

Encourages compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love.

Modern Reflections on Marriage

What Is Marriage? by Barbara De Angelis

"Marriage is a commitment to life, to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other."

The One by Cheryl Barclay

A heartfelt reminder that a successful marriage is not about finding a perfect person but choosing each other every day.

Blessing for a Marriage by James Dillet Freeman

"May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding."

Readings About Family

These are especially meaningful for ceremonies involving children, blended families, or strong family traditions:

• Apache Marriage Blessing
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
• The Art of Marriage
• Irish Wedding Blessings
• Native American Wedding Prayer

Irish Wedding Blessing

"May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."