Wedding Ceremony Readings
The perfect readings for your Ceremony ...
Choosing the right reading can really elevate your ceremony. It's a great way to bring more of your personality, values and story into your day. The good news? There are no rules! If it feels right for you - it is right! You might be drawn to something traditional, or perhaps you love the idea of discovering a modern poem that speaks to you. There are so many possibilities. You could choose an extract from a favourite book, film or television series, share meaningful song lyrics, gather together quotes you love, or even include something written especially for you (I've even had a bride write her own poem).
Browsing the beautiful readings featured on this page is a great place to start, and you'll find even more inspiration over in my blog section where I offer lots of useful advice.
The truth is that there is no "perfect" reading, only those that feel right for you as a couple. Whether you choose something romantic, funny, thought-provoking or completely unexpected, look for words that reflect who you are and the relationship you share. I recommend you consider using a mixture - maybe you'd like something humorous and light-hearted for one of them and then a deeply romantic and touching reading at another point in your ceremony. This can be another great way to keep your ceremony really personal and variety helps to keep it really engaging for your guests too. On this note, perhaps you'd like to use readings of differing lengths too. From long and deep to short and sweet - have a look and find what feels right for you.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If a reading makes you smile, laugh, cry, or squeeze your partner's hand a little tighter, you've probably found the right one.
Whatever you choose, if it resonates with you, it will resonate with your guests too.
Here are some of my favourite readings, many have featured on my social media channels, and I'll be adding new ones regularly, so do pop back from time to time! Now grab a nice cup of something lovely, sit back and enjoy browsing through these beautifully written words about love, marriage and finding your person!
Browse Readings by Category
Romantic Readings
Marry Your Best Friend By N'Tima
Marry your best friend. I do not say that lightly.
Really, truly find the strongest, happiest friendship in the person you fall in love with.
Someone who speaks highly of you.
Someone you can laugh with.
The kind of laughs that make your belly ache, and your nose snort.
The embarrassing, earnest, healing kind of laughs.
Wit is important. Life is too short not to love someone who lets you be a fool with them.
Make sure they are somebody who lets you cry, too. Despair will come.
Find someone that you want to be there with you through those times.
Most importantly, marry the one that makes passion, love, and madness combine and course through you.
A love that will always stay strong no matter what.
What makes this special: The best marriages are based on friendship, and this reading captures this beautifully. It reminds us that love isn't just about romance, it's about finding someone who makes you laugh, supports you through difficult times and stands beside you no matter what life brings.
The One By Cheryl Barclay
When the one whose hand you’re holding
Is the one who holds your heart
When the one whose eyes you gaze into
Gives your hopes and dreams their start,
When the one you think of first and last
Is the one who holds you tight,
And the things you plan together
Make the whole world seem just right,
When the one whom you believe in
puts their faith and trust in you,
You’ve found your one and only love
To keep your whole life through.
What makes this special: It's heartfelt and beautifully written, this reading reflects the feeling of knowing you've found your person. It's a lovely choice. gentle and sincere, for couples who want a reading that celebrates trust, partnership and a lifetime of love.
What Is a Soulmate? By Emily Matthews
If you have found a smile that is the sweetest one you’ve known
If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own.
If you have felt a touch that stirs the longing of your heart,
And still can feel that closeness in the moment you’re apart.
If you are filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend,
To weave a perfect pattern that is seamless end to end.
If you believe some things in life are simply meant to be,
hen you have found your soulmate, your hearts own destiny.
If you can always be as close and happy as today,
Yet be secure enough to grow and change along the way.
If you can keep for you alone your love as man and wife,
Yet find the time to share your joy with others in your life.
If you can be as one and walk through marriage hand in hand,
Yet still support the goals and dreams that each of you have planned.
If you can dare to always go your separate ways together,
Then all the wonders of today will stay with you forever.
What makes this special: This reading explores what it really means to find your soulmate. More than simply finding someone you love, it's about growing together, supporting one another's dreams and choosing to walk through life side by side. It's both romantic and thoughtful.
I Belong in Your Arms By Deborah Brideau
I belong in your arms.
Finally, I have found a place
Into which I fit perfectly, safely
And securely with no doubts,
No fears, no sadness, no tears.
This place is filled with happiness and laughter,
Yet it is spacious enough to allow me
The freedom to move around,
To live my life and be myself.
This wonderful place, which I never believed really existed,
I have found, finally,
Inside your arms,
Inside your heart,
Inside your love.
What makes this special: Those looking for something that sums up the comfort, security and happiness that come from finding the person who truly feels like home. It's deeply romantic.
Twin Flame - An excerpt from N. R. Hart's poetry collection, Twin Flame
Meeting your twin flame will not be a chance encounter but rather your souls will recognize one another.
You will know it by how you feel because you won't feel that way with anyone but them.
Everything feels different, looks different, is different.
The connection is so strong and intense it may even scare you....but you will not be able to ignore it.
You come alive around them and the passion you experience is out of control almost to the brink of madness.
And it is the most you have ever felt.
You breathe differently now and every cell inside you is on fire, and yet they bring you a kind of peace you have never known.
Your entire world is shaken and yet you are home.
What makes this special: This reading is passionate, intense and beautifully written. It captures that feeling of meeting someone who changes your world completely, where the connection feels immediate, powerful and impossible to ignore. At the same time, it balances that intensity with the comfort of finally feeling at home with another person. It's a wonderful choice for couples who describe their relationship as transformational and who feel they have found their perfect match.
Unlike many wedding readings that focus on commitment and partnership, this one focuses on love as something deeply instinctive, as though two souls already know each other. The imagery is vivid and emotional, making it particularly memorable when read aloud.
Funny & Light-Hearted Readings
The Giraffe and the Monkey By Daniel Thompson
Wherever we go, Whatever we do
Whenever there’s me I hope that there’s you.
Now Money is Funny, it can make people odd.
You forget to be happy, and you live for your job
And fashion, is a passion, beset with a flaw
You can dress to excess, but you’ll always need more
And a muscle toned body, may sound like a dream
But no body is better, than chocolate ice cream
What I’m trying to say, is that happiness grows
Not through your wages, or body or clothes
But in laughter and love, and in sharing your life.
In the arms of another as husband and wife.
So when you find someone who’s weird just like you
Who laughs when you’re stupid and who makes you laugh too.
When you sit on the sofa, not hiding your flaws.
As imperfectly perfect, as the hand that holds yours.
When the fortune of kings, or purse of a beggar.
Won’t change how it feels, just being together.
When a cuddle and cuppa is all that you need….
Well then… you’ve found something quite special indeed.
Wherever we go, Whatever we do
Whenever there’s me I hope that there’s you.
Why I Love It: This reading is quirky, funny and full of warmth. Beneath the humour, it carries a lovely message about what really matters in love. Not money, appearance or perfection, but finding someone who accepts you exactly as you are and makes everyday moments feel special. This is perfect for fun-loving couples who don't take themselves too seriously.
It has guests smiling and giggling while still delivering a genuinely heartfelt message about love and companionship.
Love Me When I’m Old by Bee Rawlinson
Love me when I’m old and shocking
Peel off my elastic stockings
Swing me from the chandeliers
Let’s be randy bad old dears.
Push around my chromed Bath Chair
Let me tease your white chest hair
Scaring children, swapping dentures
Let us have some great adventures
Take me to the Dogs and Bingo
Teach me how to speak the lingo
Bone my eels and bring me tea
Show me how it’s meant to be
Take me to your special places
Watching all the puzzled faces
You in shorts and socks and sandals
Me with warts and huge love-handles
As the need for love enthrals
Wrestle with my damp proof smalls
Make me laugh without constraint
Buy me chocolate body paint
Hold me safe throughout the night
When my hair has turned to white
Believe me when I say it’s true
I’ve waited all my life for you.
Why this is special: This is one of my personal favourites because it perfectly balances humour with a deeply romantic message. It's funny, cheeky and guaranteed to raise a smile. At it's heart is something incredibly meaningful: with a beautiful message about lifelong love. It celebrates a love that isn't about perfection but companionship, laughter, shared adventures and finding joy in life's everyday moments. Full of warmth, character and humour, it captures the beauty of growing older together while never losing your sense of fun.
Unique Readings
Something a little different, unexpected and memorable.
What I Learned About Love, From My Dog - Adapted by Harmony Celebrant
Appreciate the little things - celebrate them whole heartedly
Always give the best welcome home - dive in with love and cuddles
Treasure your best friend - enjoy precious time with them
Thrive on affection, and never underestimate the power of love and positivity
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a long walk
Be adventurous - get out and find new places to explore together
- it brings so much joy and keeps life exciting
Be loyal and when you're called, be there in a heartbeat
When one of you is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
On cold nights, curl up together in front of a crackling fire.
A good nap with the one you love is priceless
When you’re excited, show it!
Always be yourself and make your feelings known
Although it's always best to avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
If you feel something lies buried, dig deep until you find it
When in the wrong puppy eyes will help, then it's time to kiss and make up
And perhaps the greatest lesson of all...
The purest love asks for very little, gives absolutely everything, and loves unconditionally
Why I Love It: This wedding reading is perfect for dog lovers and those wanting something a little different and unexpected! It's one of those readings that guests really remember and it puts a great big smile on their faces - just like a cuddle with your best pal! Underneath the humour is a genuinely beautiful message about loyalty, companionship, kindness and unconditional love. It often raises a laugh and a tear at the same time
Family Readings
Beautiful words for ceremonies where children have an important role
You've Got a Friend in Me - From Toy Story
Why I Love This Reading: This is a wonderful choice for couples who have children and for those whose relationship is built on a strong friendship. While it's light-hearted and familiar, its message is incredibly meaningful. It reminds us that lasting love isn't just about romance, it's about having someone by your side through all of life's ups and downs. It's about being the best of friends. It always brings a smile to guests' faces and is perfect for couples who don't want anything too formal or traditional.
Perfect For: Relaxed ceremonies, Disney fans, modern weddings and couples who consider each other their best friend.
My Favourite Line: “There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you”
Simple, timeless and a beautiful reminder that the strongest relationships are built on friendship as well as love.
Poetry & Literary Readings
Timeless poems and extracts from much-loved books.
The Alchemist By Paula Coelho
When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke - the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart.
It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert.
What the boy felt at that moment was that he was in the presence of the only woman in his life, and that, with no need for words, she recognized the same thing. Because when you know the language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city.
And when two such people encounter each other, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning.
What makes this special: This excerpt speaks about the feeling of finding the person who was always meant to be part of your story - that instant sense of recognition that some couples describe when they first meet. I love how it portrays love as something timeless and transformative, where nothing else matters except the connection between two people. It's poetic, thought-provoking and perfect for couples who believe fate may have played a hand in bringing them together. This reading is particularly lovely for couples who connect with themes of destiny, soulmates and finding meaning in life's journey together.
Film, Television & Music Readings
Perfect if your love story has been shaped by favourite songs, films or shows.
Game of Thrones - Excerpt
As you are the Moon of his life, he shall be your Sun and Stars. Your love shall be as ever present as those two celestial bodies...even though they are sometimes hidden from one another's sight. Your love will be the guiding force that charts the course of your tomorrows, holds your world together in difficult times, and will make life itself shine bolder and brighter than we human beings have a right to dream of.
What Makes This Special: Perfect for fans of Game of Thrones or couples who love a touch of fantasy and epic romance. Although it comes from a fictional world, the sentiment is timeless: two people who bring light, strength and direction to each other's lives. It's romantic, poetic and full of powerful imagery, making it especially beautiful for a celebrant-led ceremony.
"Everything" by Michael Buble
What Makes This Special: This is such a joyful, upbeat reading about finding the person who makes life brighter simply by being in it. Full of warmth, gratitude and affection, it's perfect for couples who don't take themselves too seriously but still want to express just how much they mean to one another. The lyrics celebrate both friendship and romance, making it a lovely choice for modern ceremonies.
Favourite Line: "You're a mystery, you're from outer space. You're every minute of my everyday".
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spike’s Monologue:
When I say, 'I love you,' it's not because I want you or because I can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You're a hell of a person. You're the one.
What Makes This Special: This is a brilliant choice for couples who want something romantic, love a good pop culture reference, or simply want a reading that feels honest and authentic rather than overly sentimental. If you're a Buffy fan, this one is definitely one to consider! Simple, powerful and completely devoted, it focuses on loving someone for who they truly are, flaws and all. Rather than talking about romance in a traditional sense, it's about admiration, acceptance and seeing the whole person clearly. For me, that's what makes it so special. Short though it is, it packs a real emotional punch and can be incredibly moving when read aloud.
Remember the best reading is ... the one that makes you both smile and think: "That's us."
Why I've Chosen These Readings?
Every reading shared here is one that I genuinely love and recommend. Some are romantic, some are funny, some may even bring a tear to your eye - what they all have in common - they all have something really meaningful to say about love, companionship and life's journey together.
Looking for More Inspiration?
I have so many more suggestions! I'll be adding new readings to this page regularly, including all those I share on my social media channels. For more ideas, planning tips and ceremony inspiration, take a look at my blogs and follow me on social media, where I frequently share readings ideas to help bring your dream ceremony to life.