5 Romantic and Meaningful Wedding Ceremony Readings About Love
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your wedding ceremony readings, you’ve come to the right place. As a wedding videographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and memorable readings ever spoken.
Whether they are spiritual, literary, humorous, or personal, wedding ceremony readings can add a touch of magic to your special day and express your love in words that resonate with you and your guests.
Below I’m going to share with you some of the best wedding ceremony readings I’ve filmed over the years. You’ll find a variety of styles, themes, and sources to suit your preferences and personality. From classic novels to modern poetry, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy these wonderful words of love and wisdom that will make your ceremony unforgettable.
1. 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 analyse. 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.”
Related: 9 Awesome Wedding Ceremony Ideas to Make Your Big Day Extra Special (with Examples)
2. The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson
“The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd Arlan Peterson is a timeless and heartfelt poem that beautifully encapsulates the essence of a successful and fulfilling marriage. Originally published in the 1950s, this poetic piece has touched the hearts of countless couples around the world. Offering profound insights into the nature of love and commitment.
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created. In 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 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 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 humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
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.
Venue: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
3. Union by Robert Fulghum
“Union” by Robert Fulghum has earned its popularity among cherished wedding ceremony readings for its profound and timeless message. This heartfelt piece beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and partnership.
It reminds couples that a successful marriage is not just about grand gestures or epic adventures but is often found in the simple, everyday moments of life. Sharing laughter, tears, and the small, ordinary tasks that make up the fabric of a relationship.
“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 commitments in an informal way.”
“All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all 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 that 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, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years.”
“Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today, you shall say to the world: This is my husband. This is my wife.”
4. Soulmates by Lang Leav
“Soulmates” by Lang Leav is a beautiful inclusion as a wedding ceremony reading because it encapsulates the very essence of love and unity. Lang Leav’s eloquent words express the idea that love is a profound connection of souls, a meeting of hearts that goes beyond the superficial and fleeting.
This poem resonates with couples because it beautifully conveys the idea that in finding one’s soulmate, a deeper purpose is fulfilled, and life’s journey becomes more meaningful.
“I don’t know how you are so familiar to me or why it feels less like I am getting to know you and more as though I am remembering who you are. How every smile, every whisper brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I have known you before, I have loved you before in another time, a different place, some other existence.”
5. The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach
“A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other.”
“No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person, we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.”
