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Wedding Readings

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Wedding readings are short passages, poems or texts that a friend or relative reads aloud during the ceremony. Most weddings have one to three, and each takes about one to two minutes.

Use the finder below to get matched with the right collection, or browse every reading page on this site. Further down you'll find a side-by-side comparison, a guide to choosing, and answers to common questions.

Wedding Reading Collections Compared

Each collection below has its own page with the full readings, speaking times and tips for the reader. Start with the one that matches your ceremony, then borrow a lighter or shorter piece from another.

CollectionBest forTone
Bible readings
91 readings		Christian ceremonies and church weddingsTraditional, scriptural
Catholic readings
37 readings		Catholic weddings and approved textsLiturgical, formal
Non-religious readings
51 readings		Civil and secular ceremoniesWarm, romantic
Literary readings
17 readings		Couples who love books and poetryClassic, thoughtful
Funny readings
33 readings		Relaxed ceremonies that welcome a laughLight, humorous
Nerdy readingsFans of games, science and sci-fiPlayful, geeky
Movie and TV readingsCouples who want a line from a film or showPop culture, light
Short readings
16 readings		Ceremonies with little timeBrief, flexible
Second marriage readingsCouples marrying againReflective, hopeful
Blended family readingsCouples with children from earlier relationshipsWarm, inclusive
Readings for two brides or two groomsSame-sex ceremoniesInclusive, romantic

Poems From Family and Friends

A poem from someone close to the couple can stand in for a formal reading, or sit beside one. Choose by relationship:

How To Choose Wedding Readings

  1. Ask your officiant first. Church weddings often require at least one scripture reading, and some approve every text in advance. A civil ceremony run by a registrar usually cannot include religious readings.
  2. Decide how many you need. Two is the usual number. Add a third only if the ceremony has room, since the readings are not meant to be the longest part of the day.
  3. Match the tone to the room. A formal church or a mixed-age crowd suits something traditional. A relaxed garden ceremony can carry something lighter. Many couples pair one serious reading with one funny one.
  4. Read each one aloud and time it. A calm pace is about 130 words a minute, so one minute is roughly 130 words. Cut anything that is hard to say in one breath.
  5. Choose readers who are comfortable speaking. Give them the text a week ahead, ask them to practice once aloud, and print a large-type copy for the day.
  6. Credit the author. Print the title and author in your programme.

How Many Readings, And In What Order

A typical civil or non-religious ceremony places the first reading after the welcome and the second just before the vows or after the exchange of rings. A Catholic wedding follows a set order that includes a first reading, a psalm, a second reading and a Gospel passage, so follow your priest's guidance and see Catholic wedding readings for the options.

If you want a quiet moment for a family member, a short poem works well as a standalone piece, for example one of the short wedding readings.

Wedding Readings Questions

How many readings should a wedding ceremony have?

Most ceremonies have one to three readings. Two is the usual choice, one before the vows and one after, and each takes about one to two minutes. A Catholic wedding follows a set order of readings, so ask your priest.

How long should a wedding reading be?

Aim for one to two minutes, which is roughly 130 to 260 words read at a calm pace. Time it aloud before you commit. A short, strong passage lands better than a long one.

What is the most popular wedding reading?

The most common choice is 1 Corinthians 13, the passage that begins "Love is patient, love is kind". Among non-religious readings, short love poems and passages from well-known novels are popular.

Can we have a wedding with no readings?

Yes. Readings are optional in most civil and humanist ceremonies. Some religious ceremonies require them, so check with your officiant before you drop them.

Who should do the readings at a wedding?

Pick people who are close to you both and comfortable speaking in front of a crowd: a parent, sibling, close friend or grandparent. Give them the text a week ahead and a large-print copy for the day.

Can I use a religious reading in a civil ceremony?

It depends on your country and your officiant. A civil ceremony run by a registrar often cannot include religious readings, while a celebrant-led or humanist ceremony usually can. Ask before you finalize the order of service.

Do I need permission to read a poem or book passage at my wedding?

Reading a short passage aloud at your own ceremony does not normally need permission. If you print it in your programme, credit the author and title. If you plan to publish or stream the ceremony, check the rights for longer pieces.

Should the reading be printed in the programme?

It's a nice touch, especially for guests who are hard of hearing. Print the title and author, and the full text only if the reading is short or in the public domain.