Back to Articles and Advice Index

Readings for Church Ceremonies

The following are some of the readings that can be used at your Wedding Ceremony. They should be chosen with great care and thought. Your choice of readings should reflect your idea of the meaning of love and marriage.

Reception Reading - who should read? Most couples choose a close friend or relative, but it could also be done by the Bride or Groom themselves. Make sure you choose someone you know who will be confident and who can project their voice to the back of the room. Make sure that they will be happy to read whatever you and your fiance have chosen.

Suggestions from the Old Testament

Genesis 1:26-28.31 : God loves and cares for man and woman and blesses their love for each other Psalm 32
Genesis 2:18-24 : Man and woman compliment each other, each helps to fulfill the other Psalm 148

Genesis 28:48-51,58-67 : This passage shows God's guidance in bringing His people together and how the couple's mutual love helps them in times of difficulty.

Song of Songs 2:8-10.14.16; 8:6-7 : This love poem reflects the relationship of love between God and His people.

Jeremiah 3:31-34 : The relationship of God with His people is a covenant of love. So too is the relationship of marriage.

Psalm 67 - For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Psalm 127 - A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128 - A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Suggestions from the New Testament

Apocalypse 19:1,5-9 : The new relationship between God and His people is likened to a wedding feast.

Romans 8:31-35,37-39 : Christ's love for us was so strong it overcame death. The love between a married couple blessed by God should overcome all difficulties.

Romans 12:1-2,9-18 : Married live is not closed in but spreads out to those around.

1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17 : Marriage calls for faithfulness: a love that is faithful and exclusive.

1 Corinthians 12:31 13:8 : This passage expresses what true love should be.

Ephesians 5:2,21-23 : Marriage is a sign of Christ's love for His bride, the Church

Colossians 3:12-17 : Love in practice : a loving and forgiving community.

1 Peter 3: 1-9 : This passage is not about one person dominating the other, rather it is about the need for mutual respect and understanding.

1 John 3:18-24 : Love is about truthfulness, openness and trust

1 John 4:7-12 : This passage can help a reflection on how God's love will shape our lives.

Suggestions from the Gospels

Matthew 19: 3-6 : God brings man and wife together, and will keep them as one all the days of their life.

Matthew 5: 1-2 : This is a blueprint for true Christian life - of how to live happily as man and wife.

Matthew 5:13-16 : Marriage must grow and develop and so become a sign of hope and love in the world.

Matthew 7:21, 24-29 : Good preparation for and true love in a marriage will provide the foundation for lasting happiness, even when difficulties come along.

Matthew 19: 3-6 : God brings man and wife together, and will keep them as one all the days of their life.

Matthew 22:35-40 : Marriage involves the gift of learning to love unselfishly.

Mark 10:6-9 : Marriage involves a change : leaving home and becoming one with another.

John 2:1-11 : Jesus works His first great sign at a wedding. Marriage should be a sign of God's power and love.

John 15:9-12 : True love in marriage will bring forth true joy and happiness.

John 15: 12-16 : We all have a call or vocation from God : marriage too is a vocation.

John 17:20-26 : A prayer that, over the years, husband and wife may grow together in their marriage.



Top of Page