The Best Wedding Readings and Poems

"in a non-religious ceremony Shakespearean English can help create an impression of timelessness and tradition."

"I am in love with Whitney Hanson at the moment, particularly The Wedding Poem, which is about not wishing for a love like a fire that inevitably will burn out and lose its spark, but like a river that keeps winding. It's gorgeous and realistic."

"I love the ‘One Day’ reading as I was obsessed with the book and the series. It’s very ‘now’ and captures such a beautiful love story."

"When it comes to wedding readings, one of the most memorable I’ve ever had the honour to read for a couple was in a ceremony last year. My couple chose to marry in the Brunel Museum Tunnel Shaft—a truly unique and extraordinary location. This spot held deep meaning for them as it was where they had one of their first dates, and they were captivated by the tunnel's history. It’s a story of determination and ingenuity—a feat of engineering that no one believed could succeed, yet it triumphed against all odds and obstacles.

The parallels between their love story and the tunnel's story were perfect. The building of the tunnel was a labour of love, just like building a life together, and we could use the language of construction to reflect the strength and perseverance required in a relationship. When I came across the reading we used, it felt like it was made for them, and I instantly fell in love with how beautifully it tied their story to the significance of the location."

"This short poem was written by Tolkien for his wife of 50 years, Edith Short. I think it is absolutely perfect for woodland/outdoor weddings, and it works beautifully for a Lord Of The Rings theme wedding!"