Reflective and romantic, Union by Robert Fulghum is one of the most popular wedding readings (and for good reason). It's a short excerpt from the American minister's book, 'From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives'. He wrote it to give people the words that they often couldn't find themselves for the most significant moments of their lives. Fortunately for us, weddings fall into that category! It beautifully describes the magic of the build up to your day and we've included a free downloadable version too. If you're planning an LGBTQI+ wedding then the final lines can be changed to reflect the vows you're making, and we've included a downloadable for both gay and lesbian weddings.

Union

by Robert Fulghum

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.

Well then. Are we the only one wiping away a tear here? It's all just so... romantic!? If Union by Robert Fulghum is the one for you, then we've got all the downloadables above. But if you fancy something a bit different then we've got lots more wedding readings where this came from! Why not try Captain Corelli's Mandolin for another short reading that has us feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.