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Non-religious wedding readings

More couples than ever are shaping ceremonies without scripture — services that still feel warm and human, but that speak in the couple's own language rather than a borrowed one. A well-chosen secular reading can do the same work a hymn or a psalm once did: pause the room, put words to a feeling, and give a guest a small, memorable role in the day.

Below are the readings we return to again and again for non-religious ceremonies. Some are quiet and tender, others are funny or gently defiant — all of them work beautifully spoken aloud.

Our favourite non-religious readings

  1. 01

    For a new beginning

    by John O'Donohue, 1956 ~ 2008

    The delight when your courage kindled and out you stepped onto new ground

    Read the full poem →
  2. 02

    Habitation

    by Margaret Atwood, b. 1939

    With wonder at having survived this far, we are learning to make fire

    Read the full poem →
  3. 03

    Learned in Kindergarten

    by Robert Fulghum, b. 1937

    Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes up

    Read the full poem →
  4. 04

    Love

    by "Roy Croft" (disputed attribution)

    You are helping me to make out of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple

    Read the full poem →
  5. 05

    Scientific Romance

    by Tim Pratt, b. 1976

    I’d still spend at least 10^21 processing cycles a month just sitting on a virtual couch with you, watching virtual TV, eating virtual fajitas

    Read the full poem →
  6. 06

    We are young

    by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1892 ~ 1973

    We have become as one, deep rooted in the soil of Life and tangled in the sweet growth

    Read the full poem →
  7. 07

    Wild Geese

    by Mary Oliver, 1935 ~ 2019

    You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

    Read the full poem →

Choosing your reading

What makes a reading "non-religious"?

A non-religious — or secular — reading simply doesn't call on a deity, scripture or a specific faith tradition. It can still be deeply spiritual in feel: about love, commitment, wonder, home. The line is about language, not warmth.

How many readings should we have?

One or two is typical for a shorter ceremony; three works well if you'd like to give more guests a role. Vary the tone so the ceremony doesn't sit on one note.

Who should read?

Choose people whose voices you love hearing — siblings, close friends, a parent, a chosen family member. Send the reading in advance so they can practise.

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