All Church of England weddings should have at least one reading from the Bible, but if you wish, you can also include other special readings.
An open book on a table

At your wedding ceremony, it’s possible for a guest to read out a poem, an extract from a book, or even something that has been specially written, providing you also have a Bible reading. Ask your vicar for guidance on this, as they have had plenty of experience in developing ceremonies to include those personal touches.

To inspire you, the links below show some readings that have been used at weddings before.

Your walled garden: Author unknown
The blessing of the Apaches: Author unknown
To be at one with each other: George Eliot (1819-1880)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: Sonnet From The Portuguese XLIII, Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
Sonnet 116: Let Me Not To The Marriage Of True Minds: William Shakespeare
Marriage Advice: Jane Wells (1886)
Never Marry But For Love: William Penn (1644-1718)
Extract from 'The Anniversary': John Donne (1572–1631)
The Owl and the Pussy Cat: Edward Lear (1812-1888)
One Fine Day by Ben Hirons (2015 – written specially for a family wedding)

Also in this section

Bible readings

Choices for your wedding ceremony

Countdown to your church wedding

Ceremony planner

The rehearsal

Professional photography

Walking down the aisle

Reading of banns

Other music

Prayers

Wedding ceremony words

Wedding blessings

Wedding vows

Filming


Source URL: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/your-church-wedding/planning-your-ceremony/additional-readings