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Christian wedding readings
A Christian wedding reading does two things at once — it speaks to the couple in front of the altar, and it names the faith they're bringing into the marriage. The best ones feel like promises made in good company.
These are the passages and faith-rooted poems we return to when a couple wants their ceremony to sit clearly inside their belief.
Christian readings we love
- 01
For a new beginningby John O'Donohue, 1956 ~ 2008The delight when your courage kindled and out you stepped onto new groundRead the full poem - 02
The Trueloveby David Whyte, b. 1955You’ve simply had enough of drowning and you want to live and you want to love and you will walk across any territory and any darkness however fluid and however dangerous to take the one hand you know belongs in yours.Read the full poem - 03
The Wedding Marchby Gerard Manley Hopkins, 1844 ~ 1889I to him turn with tears, whose wonder-wedlock deals triumph and immortal yearsRead the full poem - 04
Touched by an angelby Maya Angelou, 1928 ~ 2014Love costs all we are and will ever be, but it is only love that will set us free.Read the full poem - 05
We are youngby J.R.R. Tolkien, 1892 ~ 1973We have become as one, deep rooted in the soil of Life and tangled in the sweet growthRead the full poem - 06
Wedding Toastby Richard Wilbur, 1921 ~ 2017The world's fullness is not made, but found.Read the full poem - 07
Your Cathedralby Wilfred O'Dea, c1910? ~ unknownYou draw from me broken now holy that yesRead the full poem
Choosing your reading
Do we need a minister to include scripture?
No — scripture can be read by any friend or family member. A minister isn't required for the reading itself, only for the parts of the ceremony your tradition asks them to lead.
What are the tips to delivering a "Christian" wedding reading like a pro?
We feel it's best when the reader creates a dynamic difference with the priest or minister officiating the wedding. Where celebrants typically bring a calm authority, we can bring a little extra passion and emotion. Make sure you check out the performance tips we have for each poem, and visit the Performance Bootcamp for general tips every Resplendant (wedding reader) can follow.