Wedding Ceremony Readings
Modern wedding ceremonies are very much based on traditional church services that usually involve bible readings. In many religions a church service consists of a reading from Psalms, an reading from the Old Testament, a reading from the New Testament, and a reading from the Gospels. When people started making their wedding ceremony non-religious or less-religious it was only logical to take the wedding ceremony and replace the parts. Over time, that process has been changed a lot! Very few wedding ceremonies will have 4 readings. What exactly would you read about and why? More often, readings will be be re-written into a "sermon" or "monologue" that the wedding officiant delivers. I talk about you as a couple. I talk about love, marriage and perhaps, timeless wisdom. The more wedding ceremonies I read the more I see the same phrases over and over again - simply because they work.
It's 2019 as I'm writing this. It's almost the end of the busiest time of the wedding season and I can look back and see how often I've had a "reading" in a formal wedding. 4 had one ceremony with 4 readings. That is the ONLY time I've ever seen that. The couple was extremely details in what they wanted in their ceremony and that's what they wanted. You can read the ceremony Here. (It's really cool! It involves Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Babylon 5.) They had good friends who were also part of the wedding party read them.
I had a wedding last weekend that had two bible readings. The couple was looking for a non-denominational Christian wedding ceremony that was still very laid back and light-hearted. They chose two family members to do a reading and let them choose the reading they wanted. More often, couples having super-simple, yet personalized ceremonies, will choose a very simple poem or quote. Most often, I have "readings" that I use that read perfectly like a wedding ceremony and I never differentiate them as a "reading." It's just the perfect message for the occasion.
I've seen couples edit some readings down to just a few short phrases. This page has the most popular wedding readings couples choose. This is also a little introduction to ideas for your wedding ceremony you may not have know you could even consider! My main ceremony site, Wedding Ceremony Pro, also has hundreds of readings to choose from.
It's 2019 as I'm writing this. It's almost the end of the busiest time of the wedding season and I can look back and see how often I've had a "reading" in a formal wedding. 4 had one ceremony with 4 readings. That is the ONLY time I've ever seen that. The couple was extremely details in what they wanted in their ceremony and that's what they wanted. You can read the ceremony Here. (It's really cool! It involves Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Babylon 5.) They had good friends who were also part of the wedding party read them.
I had a wedding last weekend that had two bible readings. The couple was looking for a non-denominational Christian wedding ceremony that was still very laid back and light-hearted. They chose two family members to do a reading and let them choose the reading they wanted. More often, couples having super-simple, yet personalized ceremonies, will choose a very simple poem or quote. Most often, I have "readings" that I use that read perfectly like a wedding ceremony and I never differentiate them as a "reading." It's just the perfect message for the occasion.
I've seen couples edit some readings down to just a few short phrases. This page has the most popular wedding readings couples choose. This is also a little introduction to ideas for your wedding ceremony you may not have know you could even consider! My main ceremony site, Wedding Ceremony Pro, also has hundreds of readings to choose from.
~~~~~~~~~~
Readings about Marriage
Click here to read over 20 more passages about marriage.
Click here for the mobile optimized version
Click here for the mobile optimized version
I think this is the perfect reading. If a couple books an elopement with me and has no preference for a ceremony, I use this reading as the ceremony. It leads so perfectly into traditional marriage vows. I often use it as an introduction to the vows in a formal ceremony. Many couples have edited it down to just the last two sentences.
from "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." Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another-
acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife”
from "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." Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another-
acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife”
~~~~~~~~~~
This is a timeless traditional reading about marriage. I will often have wedding guests talk about how it was shared at their wedding and they have had a copy of it hanging on their wall in their home for the past 30 years.
The Art of Marriage
Wilferd A. Peterson
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of 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 a day. 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 having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. 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 room for the 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. It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.
The Art of Marriage
Wilferd A. Peterson
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of 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 a day. 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 having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. 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 room for the 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. It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.
~~~~~~~~~~
My traditional wedding ceremony template came to be in it's current form when a couple took what I gave them and did an amazing edit. They included this reading. It has stuck as a very popular option for the past several years.
Why Marriage?
By Mary Nichols-Haining
Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body.
Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable, who sees the small child in me, and who looks for the divine potential of me. Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night with someone who thanks God for me, with someone I feel blessed to hold. Because marriage means opportunity to grow in love and friendship, because marriage is a discipline to be added to a list of achievements, because marriage do not fail, people fail when they enter into marriage expecting another to make them whole. Because knowing this, I promise myself to take full responsibility for my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness. I create me. I take half of the responsibility for my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness. I create me. I take half of the responsibility for my marriage. Together we create our marriage.
Because of this understanding, the possibilities are limitless.
Why Marriage?
By Mary Nichols-Haining
Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body.
Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable, who sees the small child in me, and who looks for the divine potential of me. Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night with someone who thanks God for me, with someone I feel blessed to hold. Because marriage means opportunity to grow in love and friendship, because marriage is a discipline to be added to a list of achievements, because marriage do not fail, people fail when they enter into marriage expecting another to make them whole. Because knowing this, I promise myself to take full responsibility for my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness. I create me. I take half of the responsibility for my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness. I create me. I take half of the responsibility for my marriage. Together we create our marriage.
Because of this understanding, the possibilities are limitless.
~~~~~~~~~~
From "Meaning of Marriage"
By Timothy Keller
“When over the years someone has seen you at your worst, and knows you with all your strengths and flaws, yet commits him- or herself to you wholly, it is a consummate experience. To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
~~~~~~~~~~
By Timothy Keller
“When over the years someone has seen you at your worst, and knows you with all your strengths and flaws, yet commits him- or herself to you wholly, it is a consummate experience. To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Ultimate Geek Mashup
Compiler Unknown
We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. Love is the moment before you’re frozen in carbonite, when the girl you’ve had your eye on finally admits what you always knew. Love is when you say, “I know”. Love is do, or do not, there is not try. Wuv…twu wuv…goes on forever and ever. And always says “As you wish”. Love is not cupid’s Arrow, it’s a green one. It happens in a Flash, and makes you feel like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. It’s a shield, a smash, a hammer, and an iron suit. You should always be in love. Unless you can be Batman. Then you should be Batman. Love is the Ron Swanson of emotions. There is nothing stronger, except Ron Swanson. When it comes to love, treat yo-self. Love says “Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear”. Love is like a prayer. It’s the great American hero, Kevin Bacon, teaching a small town that it’s our time, it’s our time to dance. Love is 1.21 gigawatts. It makes us drive 88 miles per hour, speeding towards our Density. It’s dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria. It’s more powerful than a T-Rex, and almost majestic. Love is our happy thought. Love is magic. Love is asking “After all this time?” and knowing the answer will be “Always”.
~~~~~~~~~~
Compiler Unknown
We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. Love is the moment before you’re frozen in carbonite, when the girl you’ve had your eye on finally admits what you always knew. Love is when you say, “I know”. Love is do, or do not, there is not try. Wuv…twu wuv…goes on forever and ever. And always says “As you wish”. Love is not cupid’s Arrow, it’s a green one. It happens in a Flash, and makes you feel like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. It’s a shield, a smash, a hammer, and an iron suit. You should always be in love. Unless you can be Batman. Then you should be Batman. Love is the Ron Swanson of emotions. There is nothing stronger, except Ron Swanson. When it comes to love, treat yo-self. Love says “Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear”. Love is like a prayer. It’s the great American hero, Kevin Bacon, teaching a small town that it’s our time, it’s our time to dance. Love is 1.21 gigawatts. It makes us drive 88 miles per hour, speeding towards our Density. It’s dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria. It’s more powerful than a T-Rex, and almost majestic. Love is our happy thought. Love is magic. Love is asking “After all this time?” and knowing the answer will be “Always”.
~~~~~~~~~~
Readings about Love
I love you
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.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
These words were written by the one and only Mr. Fred Rogers. You are never too old and it's never too late to hear his message.
When we love a person, we accept him or her exactly as is: the lovely with the unlovely, the strong along with the fearful, the true mixed in with the facade. And of course the only way we can do it is by accepting ourselves that way. ... It’s what’s inside us that matters most. You can really love someone else when you really love yourself. ... As human beings our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have. Something inside which is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression. ... Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun, like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now, and to go on caring, even through times that may bring us pain.
The couple that introduced this reading from Mr. Rodgers also shared this story in their wedding too. It was real
tear-jerker!
The Story of Bob and Sally
Bob
“Once upon a time, there was a boy named Bob and a girl named Sally. They worked together at their college newspaper. Bob didn’t belong — he was a science nerd, not a sexy, popular journalist. Sally was the newsroom favorite, a super-lifer. Bob liked to read rules about grammar and style because it satisfied his tendencies toward perfection and overanalysis and introversion. Sally liked to work herself into a dither to satisfy her need to prove herself and earn her way. Bob noticed Sally every day, she was always laughing and getting excited about nothing. He knew he liked her, but he was going through a strange thing called freshman year and really didn’t know who he was anymore. Sally was cuter than any girl he’d ever kissed. She was always talking, making friends, making jokes. Therefore, Bob always knew where Sally was in the room but never really looked at her. Sometimes, Sally and Bob would sit down next to each other and edit the same story. Bob was so nervous sitting next to Sally that he couldn’t read correctly. The page was blurry, and his throat sunk when Sally’s arm bumped into his. One day Bob kissed Sally and liked it. They lived happily ever after. Love, Brad” (aka Bob)
When we love a person, we accept him or her exactly as is: the lovely with the unlovely, the strong along with the fearful, the true mixed in with the facade. And of course the only way we can do it is by accepting ourselves that way. ... It’s what’s inside us that matters most. You can really love someone else when you really love yourself. ... As human beings our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have. Something inside which is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression. ... Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun, like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now, and to go on caring, even through times that may bring us pain.
The couple that introduced this reading from Mr. Rodgers also shared this story in their wedding too. It was real
tear-jerker!
The Story of Bob and Sally
Bob
“Once upon a time, there was a boy named Bob and a girl named Sally. They worked together at their college newspaper. Bob didn’t belong — he was a science nerd, not a sexy, popular journalist. Sally was the newsroom favorite, a super-lifer. Bob liked to read rules about grammar and style because it satisfied his tendencies toward perfection and overanalysis and introversion. Sally liked to work herself into a dither to satisfy her need to prove herself and earn her way. Bob noticed Sally every day, she was always laughing and getting excited about nothing. He knew he liked her, but he was going through a strange thing called freshman year and really didn’t know who he was anymore. Sally was cuter than any girl he’d ever kissed. She was always talking, making friends, making jokes. Therefore, Bob always knew where Sally was in the room but never really looked at her. Sometimes, Sally and Bob would sit down next to each other and edit the same story. Bob was so nervous sitting next to Sally that he couldn’t read correctly. The page was blurry, and his throat sunk when Sally’s arm bumped into his. One day Bob kissed Sally and liked it. They lived happily ever after. Love, Brad” (aka Bob)
~~~~~~~~~~
This is a great example of finding something unique to you. I married two English teachers and they each chose their favorite passage to read to each other.
From Doctor Zhivago
Boris Pasternak
"Oh, what a love it was, utterly free, unique, like nothing else on earth! Their thoughts were like other people's songs. They loved each other, not driven by necessity, by the 'blaze of passion' often falsely ascribed to love. They loved each other because everything around them willed it, the trees and the clouds and the sky over their heads and the earth under their feet. Perhaps their surrounding world, the strangers they met in the street, the wide expanses they saw on their walks, the rooms in which they lived or met, took more delight in their love than they themselves did."
From Doctor Zhivago
Boris Pasternak
"Oh, what a love it was, utterly free, unique, like nothing else on earth! Their thoughts were like other people's songs. They loved each other, not driven by necessity, by the 'blaze of passion' often falsely ascribed to love. They loved each other because everything around them willed it, the trees and the clouds and the sky over their heads and the earth under their feet. Perhaps their surrounding world, the strangers they met in the street, the wide expanses they saw on their walks, the rooms in which they lived or met, took more delight in their love than they themselves did."
~~~~~~~~~~
I love this for an outdoor summer wedding....
A passage from Kurt Vonnegut’s “A man without a country” p. 132.
"But I had a good uncle, my late Uncle Alex. He was my father’s kid brother, a childless graduate of Harvard who was an honest life insurance salesman in Indianapolis. He was well-read and wise. And his principal complaint about other human beings was that they so seldom noticed it when they were happy. So, when we were drinking lemonade under an apple tree in the summer, say, and talking lazily about this and that, almost buzzing like honeybees, Uncle Alex would suddenly interrupt the agreeable blather to exclaim, if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is. So, I do the same now, and so do my kids and grand kids. And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is."
A passage from Kurt Vonnegut’s “A man without a country” p. 132.
"But I had a good uncle, my late Uncle Alex. He was my father’s kid brother, a childless graduate of Harvard who was an honest life insurance salesman in Indianapolis. He was well-read and wise. And his principal complaint about other human beings was that they so seldom noticed it when they were happy. So, when we were drinking lemonade under an apple tree in the summer, say, and talking lazily about this and that, almost buzzing like honeybees, Uncle Alex would suddenly interrupt the agreeable blather to exclaim, if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is. So, I do the same now, and so do my kids and grand kids. And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is."
Christian Wedding Readings
There are many scriptures appropriate for a wedding. Some are controversial and some are are more universally accepted. There are different versions of the bible and some versions are a little more updated and modern. There are also many prayers and general poems that have been written for weddings or are about love in general.
Corinthians, Chapter 13 is the most popular reading for a wedding. When I read this non-traditional version I fell in love! The traditional version is below it.
Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13
JB Phillips New Testament
“If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all of human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing.
This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience – it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touch. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails.
Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen. In this life, we have three great lasting qualities – faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians: 13 NIV
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13
JB Phillips New Testament
“If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all of human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing.
This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience – it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touch. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails.
Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen. In this life, we have three great lasting qualities – faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians: 13 NIV
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.’”
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.’”
~~~~~~~~~~
Canticle of Love
From the United Methodist Hymnal 1989
Let love be genuine and live in harmony;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.
Outdo one another in showing honor;
be humble and never conceited.
Love is stronger than death
and jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Floods can not drown love and
wealth can not buy it.
Put love above all else;
let Christ’s peace rule your hearts.
Always be forgiving, as Christ has forgiven you.
Love is not jealous or boastful,
arrogant, rude, or stubborn,
irritable, resentful, or possessive.
Love is patient and kind.
Do not love in word or speech only;
love also in deed and truth.
Receive each other in sincerity,
find mercy and grow old together.
From the United Methodist Hymnal 1989
Let love be genuine and live in harmony;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.
Outdo one another in showing honor;
be humble and never conceited.
Love is stronger than death
and jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Floods can not drown love and
wealth can not buy it.
Put love above all else;
let Christ’s peace rule your hearts.
Always be forgiving, as Christ has forgiven you.
Love is not jealous or boastful,
arrogant, rude, or stubborn,
irritable, resentful, or possessive.
Love is patient and kind.
Do not love in word or speech only;
love also in deed and truth.
Receive each other in sincerity,
find mercy and grow old together.
~~~~~~~~~~
Non-Traditional Wedding Readings
When I started as a wedding officiant I was very non-traditional. That definition has definitely changed over the past 10 years. Non-traditional is much more main stream. Verbiage couples are using in their wedding is reflecting their current relationship, their beliefs and the world around them. Secular humanism, LGBTQ and countless ethnic traditions can be included in you wedding. That's the whole point for this website and my business in general. Do what works for you.
Gravitation
Albert Einstein
"Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That’s relativity."
Albert Einstein
"Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That’s relativity."
~~~~~~~~~~
Destiny
Author, Unknown
Destiny is a mysterious thing.
No matter what you do or where you go, you cannot avoid it.
And, no matter how hard you try, even putting forth your greatest effort, you can’t force it to happen before it's time.
This occasion we witness today is the destiny of two souls.
There is not a force in the universe that could have kept you apart, and there is nothing they could have done to come together sooner.
Each of you had to live your lives, lives that were stepping stones that have led to this moment in time, this uniting of hearts and minds that shall be forever more.
This occasion we celebrate today is the destiny of two souls.
Yes, destiny is a marvelous and mysterious thing.
Author, Unknown
Destiny is a mysterious thing.
No matter what you do or where you go, you cannot avoid it.
And, no matter how hard you try, even putting forth your greatest effort, you can’t force it to happen before it's time.
This occasion we witness today is the destiny of two souls.
There is not a force in the universe that could have kept you apart, and there is nothing they could have done to come together sooner.
Each of you had to live your lives, lives that were stepping stones that have led to this moment in time, this uniting of hearts and minds that shall be forever more.
This occasion we celebrate today is the destiny of two souls.
Yes, destiny is a marvelous and mysterious thing.
~~~~~~~~~~
He’s Not Perfect
by Bob Marley
He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.
by Bob Marley
He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.
~~~~~~~~~~
Are you a Disney Fan?
Here are some great Disney Quotes!
With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup shall never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. And with this ring, I ask you to be mine.
- The Corpse Bride
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you.
- Tangled
People do crazy things... when they're in love.
-Hercules
Here are some great Disney Quotes!
With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup shall never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. And with this ring, I ask you to be mine.
- The Corpse Bride
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you.
- Tangled
People do crazy things... when they're in love.
-Hercules
Star Wars your thing?
Click Here for Star Wars Quotes.
"I'll not leave you now. I've got to save you." "You already have."
Luke & Anakin Skywalker
Click Here for Star Wars Quotes.
"I'll not leave you now. I've got to save you." "You already have."
Luke & Anakin Skywalker
~~~~~~~~~~
Want to include your dog or your cat in your ceremony?
Click here for ideas.
"No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens."
-Abraham Lincoln
Click here for ideas.
"No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens."
-Abraham Lincoln
~~~~~~~~~~
Hindu and American world colliding?
Hindu Readings
Hindu Marriage 7 Steps
(Saptapadi)
May this couple be blessed with an abundance of resources and comforts and be helpful to one another in all ways.
May this couple be strong and complement one another.
May this couple be blessed with prosperity and riches on all levels.
May this couple be eternally happy.
May this couple be blessed with a happy family life.
May this couple live in perfect harmony… true to their personal values and their joint promises.
May this couple always be the best of friends.
Hindu Readings
Hindu Marriage 7 Steps
(Saptapadi)
May this couple be blessed with an abundance of resources and comforts and be helpful to one another in all ways.
May this couple be strong and complement one another.
May this couple be blessed with prosperity and riches on all levels.
May this couple be eternally happy.
May this couple be blessed with a happy family life.
May this couple live in perfect harmony… true to their personal values and their joint promises.
May this couple always be the best of friends.
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
The Unbreakable Vow? The Wisdom of Dumbledore and Hagrid?
Click here for Potter Possibilities!
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls"
-The tufty haired wizard and Fleur and Bill's wedding
"We can't choose our fate but we can choose others, be careful in knowing that."
-Dumbledore
Click here for Potter Possibilities!
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls"
-The tufty haired wizard and Fleur and Bill's wedding
"We can't choose our fate but we can choose others, be careful in knowing that."
-Dumbledore
~~~~~~~~~~
Are you feeling the earth move under your feet?
Click here for Celtic Wedding Ceremony Ideas.
Celtic Wedding Blessing 1
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Click here for Celtic Wedding Ceremony Ideas.
Celtic Wedding Blessing 1
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
~~~~~~~~~~
Getting ready for an Asian Honeymoon?
How about some Asian flavor for your wedding ceremony?
Chinese Wedding Poem
I want to be your friend forever and ever
When the hills are all flat
And the rivers run dry
When the trees blossom in winter
And the snow falls in summer
When heaven and earth mix
Not till then will part from you.
How about some Asian flavor for your wedding ceremony?
Chinese Wedding Poem
I want to be your friend forever and ever
When the hills are all flat
And the rivers run dry
When the trees blossom in winter
And the snow falls in summer
When heaven and earth mix
Not till then will part from you.
~~~~~~~~~~
A full index of reading and ideas with which to personalize your wedding ceremony script can be found by following this link to my wedding ceremony website weddingceremonypro.com.
