10 Top Wedding Civil Ceremony Readings For Your Big Day
Wedding ceremony readings add a touch of personalisation, showcasing the couple’s beliefs, values, and emotions to create that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Wedding ceremonies are a celebration of love, and a critical component of making this special day memorable is selecting the perfect readings that resonate with the couple.
From literary masterpieces to heart warming poems, romantic quotes, or even song lyrics, there are myriad options to choose from, ensuring that each ceremony is as unique as the lovebirds themselves.
To make it even more special, selecting works from notable authors or iconic wedding readings can set the tone for the ceremony, bringing forth emotions and lending a touch of elegance.
Choices range from classic novels, timeless poetry collections, or even contemporary works that capture the essence of love and companionship.
However, the process of selecting the perfect reading can be overwhelming, given the countless options and diverse themes. Couples should carefully consider their personal tastes, the context of the ceremony, and the potential impact of the chosen passage on their guests.
Top Tips
- Wedding ceremony readings personalise the celebration and highlight the couple’s values and emotions.
- Selecting notable authors and iconic works can elevate the overall ceremony experience.
- It is important to carefully consider personal tastes and ceremony context when choosing the perfect reading.
Wedding Ceremony Readings Overview
Wedding ceremony readings are an essential part of the wedding day, as they provide an opportunity for couples to express their love and commitment to each other in a unique and meaningful way.
These readings can be tailored to suit the specific personalities and preferences of each couple, ensuring that they hold a special place in their hearts for years to come.
Choosing the perfect wedding readings can be an exciting yet daunting task, as there are countless ideas and texts to consider.
Whether it’s a sentimental poem, a piece of spiritual wisdom, or even a passage from a beloved children’s book, the options are seemingly endless. Couples may opt for unique wedding readings or more traditional texts that have been part of wedding ceremonies for generations.
Time To Reflect
In order to select the most appropriate and meaningful wedding reading, couples should take the time to reflect upon the nature of their love and their relationship.
This might include considering their shared interests, the values that they hold most dear, and the characteristics that make their partnership truly special. With these factors in mind, they can then explore a wide range of readings that resonate with them personally.
Incorporating wedding ceremony readings into the special day not only adds depth and emotion to the celebration, but also allows loved ones to play a significant role in the proceedings. Whether they choose to involve close friends, family members, or even their officiant, couples can create a truly memorable and exciting experience that stays with them for a lifetime.
10 Full Verse Wedding Readings For Civil Ceremony
1. “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 promises and agreements in an informal way.
All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks—all those sentences 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 symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word.”
2.”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 never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted.
The courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.
It is standing together facing the world. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding rooms for things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
3. “Love” by Roy Croft
I love you, Not only for what you are, But for what I am When I am with you.
I love you, Not only for what You have made of yourself, But for what You are making of me.
I love you, For the part of me That you bring out;
I love you, For putting your hand Into my heaped-up heart And passing over All the foolish, weak things That you can’t help Dimly seeing there, And for drawing out Into the light All the beautiful belongings That no one else had looked Quite far enough to find.
I love you, Because you Are helping me to make Of the lumber of my life Not a tavern, But a temple.
Out of the works Of my every day Not a reproach, But a song.
I love you, Because you have done More than any creed Could have done To make me good.
And more than any fate Could have done To make me happy.
You have done it Without a touch, Without a word, Without a sign.
You have done it By being yourself.
Perhaps that is what Being a friend means, After all.
4. “On Your Wedding Day” by Anonymous
Today is a day you will always remember, The greatest in anyone’s life. You’ll start off the day just two people in love, And end it as husband and wife.
It’s a brand new beginning, the start of a journey, With moments to cherish and treasure. And although there’ll be times when you both disagree, These will surely be outweighed by pleasure.
You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past, When the secrets of marriage were spoken. But you know that the answers lie hidden inside Where the bond of true love lies unbroken.
So live happy forever as lovers and friends, It’s the dawn of a new life for you. From the moment you whisper, “I do,” All of the joy your hearts ever dreamed of Will be yours today and forever.
5. “The Key to Love” by Anamika Mishra
The key to love is understanding… The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word, But those unspoken gestures, The little things that say so much by themselves.
The key to love is forgiveness… To accept each other’s faults and pardon mistakes, Without forgetting, but with remembering What you learn from them.
The key to love is sharing… Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; Both conquering problems, forever searching for ways To intensify your happiness.
The key to love is giving… Without thought of return, But with the hope of just a simple smile, And by giving in but never giving up.
The key to love is respect… Realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas; That you don’t belong to each other, That you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.
The key to love is inside us all… It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients That will take you to its threshold; It is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work, But the rewards are more than worth the effort, and that is The key to love.
These are some beautiful readings that can add a heartfelt touch to any wedding ceremony. I hope you find them inspiring and meaningful.
6. “The One” by Rumi
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other” doesn’t make any sense.
7. “A Marriage” by Mark Twain
A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole;
It gives to two purposeless lives a work,
And doubles the strength of each to perform it.
It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living,
And something to live for.
It will give a new gladness to the sunshine,
A new fragrance to the flowers,
A new beauty to the earth,
And a new mystery to life.
8. Excerpt from “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières
Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.
And when it subsides, you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion.
That is just being in love, which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
9. “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 also patience, tolerance, and understanding.
May you always need one another — not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it.
So let it be with you and you.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another.
May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another.
May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces.
May you look for things to praise, often say, “I love you!” and take no notice of small faults.
10. “The Promise” by Eileen Rafter
With words spoken from the heart,
And love that knows no bounds,
We gather here today,
To celebrate the love we’ve found.
In each other’s eyes we see,
A future filled with joy,
A love that’s everlasting,
Stronger than any alloy.
Today we make a promise,
To face life hand in hand,
To cherish every moment,
Together we will stand.
Popular Sources of Readings
Novels
Many couples choose to incorporate passages from their favourite novels into their wedding ceremony readings. Popular choices often include romantic tales or stories that hold special meaning for the couple.
From classic literature, like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, to modern works, such as Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook or Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, there are countless novels with beautiful passages to choose from. Just make sure the selection suits the tone and theme of your wedding!
Poetry
Poetry has been used to express love and devotion for centuries, which makes it a natural choice for wedding ceremony readings.
Many couples turn to famous poets like William Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, or E.E. Cummings for heartfelt verses that capture the essence of their relationship. Modern poems and works by lesser-known poets can also lend a unique touch to your ceremony. Consider exploring collections of love poems to find the perfect piece that resonates with your love story.
Songs
Music plays a significant role in many people’s lives, so it’s no wonder that song lyrics often find their way into wedding ceremony readings.
Beloved classics such as “At Last” by Etta James or “Your Song” by Elton John make for beautiful readings, while more contemporary tunes like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” or “All of Me” by John Legend can add a personal and modern touch to your ceremony.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and select lyrics from your favourite artists or genres that truly represent your relationship!
Movies
For the film-loving couple, choosing a romantic quote or passage from a favourite movie can add a touch of novelty and fun to your wedding ceremony readings.
Iconic lines from classics like Gone with the Wind or Casablanca can bring a sense of nostalgia and glamour, while quotes from modern films such as The Vow or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind offer a more contemporary feel. Just ensure that the chosen quote fits the tone of your wedding and reflects the love you share as a couple.
For Couples With Children Readings
For those getting married with children here are are few ideas:
“We bring to this marriage our love, commitment, and the support of our beloved children”
“Two’s company but three (or four/five etc) is a family”.
“We exchange our vows today for our future as a couple and a family”
“May our future home always ring to the sound of love and laughter”
Iconic Wedding Readings
A Farewell to Arms
In Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel A Farewell to Arms, an incredible passage captures the essence of love with its vivid and emotional language. This memorable excerpt makes for a fantastic wedding reading, especially for literary lovers. The quote reads:
“At night, there was the feeling that we had come home, feeling no longer alone, waking in the night to find the other one there, and not gone away; all other things were unreal.”
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Love is a temporary madness – this enchanting line from Louis de Bernière’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin provides the perfect sentiment for a wedding reading. The passage delves into the nature of love and how it endures beyond infatuation, reminding us that “those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground.”
Jasper Jones
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear, says Craig Silvey in Jasper Jones. This novel tells the story of love, courage, and friendship, making the mentioned quote a fabulous choice for a wedding reading. The sentiment behind the line resonates with the bravery it takes for a couple to face life together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
For a spiritual touch, the biblical passage Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 offers wisdom on the power of unity:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…”.
This reading highlights the importance of companionship and support, embodying the essence of marriage.
Love Sonnet 17
Pablo Neruda’s Love Sonnet 17 captures the depth of love with stunning imagery:
“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”.
This romantic and passionate poem makes an excellent choice for a wedding reading, evoking the intimate and profound side of love.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism masterpiece, One Hundred Years of Solitude, presents a quote filled with emotion and desire, perfect for a heartfelt wedding reading:
“He repeated until his dying day that there was no one with more common sense, no stonecutter more obstinate, no manager more lucid or dangerous, than a poet.”.
This line pays tribute to the power and beauty of love, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to express their sentiments in a unique and exciting way.
Second or Third Marriage Readings
“ I thank you for giving me hope in restoring my faith in love”
” Thank you for teaching me to love again, for giving me the faith to open my heart to another”
“I waited a long time to love and be loved again. It was worth every second.”
“Now that I have found you, I vow never to let you go.”
Choosing the Perfect Reading
Planning a wedding can be an exciting journey, and selecting the perfect reading for your ceremony is a key part of personalising your special day.
With so many options available, from religious and traditional wedding readings to unique and modern ones, finding the one that resonates with you and your partner might seem daunting.
When starting your search for the ideal reading, it’s essential to first discuss your thoughts with your wedding officiant.
This will help you understand any limitations or guidelines in place, particularly for religious ceremonies. Some readings may be more appropriate than others, so looping in your officiant early on is a must.
Once you’ve discussed your ideas with your officiant, it’s time to explore the vast world of wedding readings.
Bibliotherapy can be a beneficial approach, as it allows you to delve into various categories of literature, such as spiritual, literary, film, and music. Be open and consider readings that reflect your beliefs, values, and relationship.
The Vows and Reading Exchange
Weddings are a beautiful celebration, and the vows and reading exchange is a significant part of the ceremony. In this section, we will discuss the importance of wedding vows and the vow exchange, emphasising the heartfelt messages shared between the husband and wife-to-be.
Wedding Vows
Wedding vows are the promises and commitments that the couple makes to each other in front of their friends and family. These vows often express their love, dedication, and aspirations for their marriage. Couples can choose traditional religious vows, or they can opt for more personalised, unique vows that reflect their individual personalities and values.
One classic example of a wedding vow is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” This passage often serves as a reminder of the depths of love that the couple shares.
Vow Exchange
The exchange of vows is accompanied by a heartfelt promise between the couple. This ritual is considered the most ancient and vital part of the wedding ceremony, symbolising the love, trust, and commitment that the husband and wife are pledging to each other.
The officiant plays an essential role in guiding the couple through the vow exchange, ensuring that the promises made are both meaningful and enduring.
During the vow exchange, couples commonly exchange wedding rings, which serve as a symbol of their eternal love and devotion.
This meaningful exchange is often accompanied by a reading, which sets the tone for the couple’s commitment to one another. Tailoring the reading to the couple’s love story can make the ceremony even more special
In conclusion, the vows and reading exchange is an integral part of any wedding ceremony. It showcases the love and commitment shared between the husband and wife, enveloping them in an atmosphere of excitement and joy as they embark on their journey of marriage together.
Alternatives to Traditional Readings
Pop Culture
For couples who are passionate about their favourite films, TV shows, or celebrities, incorporating pop culture into their wedding readings can be a fun and engaging way to express their love.
From classic movie quotes to contemporary Instagram posts, these readings can be both heart-warming and humorous, reflecting the couple’s unique style. Consider, for example, using a Star Wars passage or even a heart-warming movie quote that encapsulates your love story.
New Age Philosophy
For couples open to exploring new horizons, bringing in elements of New Age philosophy into their wedding readings can offer a deeper connection to their shared spiritual beliefs.
Readings from renowned authors and teachers, such as Eckhart Tolle or Deepak Chopra, can add an insightful and inspiring twist to the traditional wedding ceremony.
Couples may also consider exploring the wisdom found in meditation practices or even crystals to truly make their readings a reflection of their spiritual journey.
Themed Readings
Another unique approach to wedding readings is choosing selections around a specific theme, such as nature, adventure, or even the couple’s favourite cocktail hour experiences.
This can add a personal touch to the ceremony, showcasing the couple’s interests and perspectives on love and commitment.
The themed readings can be drawn from literature, poetry, or even personal anecdotes, allowing the couple to celebrate their union in a truly one-of-a-kind way.