These I Can Promise by Mark Twain is a lovely short and sweet wedding reading. This poem starts by listing all the things the speaker can’t offer, like sunshine, wealth, and not growing old. Then, the speaker goes on to list all the things they can promise. Like their heart’s devotion, true love, and a comforting hand to hold. This poem is all about recognising human imperfection. We all have our limits and make mistakes, but this wedding reading is all about promising your best self and the best version of yourself to your partner, which is why we’ve included it in our wedding readings about love roundup. Want this to be your reading? We have a free downloadable PDF of this reading!

These I Can Promise

by Mark Twain

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart's devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that's ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

These I Can Promise by Mark Twain is a wedding poem all about always promising your best to someone. It makes for a perfect wedding reading because the format of the poem is very similar to actual wedding vows! Looking for some advice as to how to personalise your vows, we’ve got you. Need any planning advice? Follow our ultimate wedding planning timeline so you can see what you should be doing when!