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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 but memorable role in a special 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
- 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
Habitationby Margaret Atwood, b. 1939With wonder at having survived this far, we are learning to make fireRead the full poem - 03
Learned in Kindergartenby Robert Fulghum, b. 1937Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes upRead the full poem - 04
Loveby "Roy Croft" (disputed attribution)You are helping me to make out of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a templeRead the full poem - 05
Patagoniaby Kate Clanchy, b. 1965I meant skies all empty aching blue. I meant years. I meant all of them with you.Read the full poem - 06
Scientific Romanceby Tim Pratt, b. 1976I’d still spend at least 10^21 processing cycles a month just sitting on a virtual couch with you, watching virtual TV, eating virtual fajitasRead the full poem - 07
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 - 08
Wild Geeseby Mary Oliver, 1935 ~ 2019You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.Read the full poem
Choosing your reading
How do you perform a 'non-religious' reading?
A non-religious reading actually gives you a lot more freedom to work with. While religious readings tend to gravitate to a certain performance style — think pulpit oratory — non-religious readings give you more chance to bring your own voice to the ceremony, and to follow the style that the individual poem calls for. 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.
What are the traps to watch out for with a 'non-religious' reading?
Without the weight of expectations that can come with a religious reading, non-religious readings offer more freedom to choose your own adventure. That can be a blessing… and a curse. Check out the Free Resources we have for Resplendants (wedding readers), particularly the Seven Rules You Are Totally Allowed to Break.
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.