Franklin Dean
The Bible is a massive book with 184,600 words, and a good portion of them relate to love, making it a perfect fit for readings at weddings. Bible readings are a common feature of Christian wedding ceremonies, with couples choosing their favourite verses to be read by friends and family. The Church of England mandates that weddings must include at least one Bible reading, but other poems or readings can also be included. Couples may choose to memorise these readings and recite them themselves, or they may delegate the task to their wedding party or other attendees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of readings | At least one, most ceremonies have two |
| Reading content | Bible verses, poems, or other readings |
| Reading style | Read slowly and project your voice |
| Reading versions | Modern language or traditional style |
| Reading choice | Chosen by the couple to describe feelings and expectations of love and marriage |
| Reading examples | 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11, Ephesians 5, Hebrews 12, Psalm 103 |
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What You'll Learn
Bible readings for Christian weddings
Planning a Christian wedding ceremony involves choosing Bible readings that capture the love of the couple and God's love for them. The Church of England mandates that weddings must include at least one Bible reading, but other poems or readings can be incorporated.
Popular Bible Readings for Christian Weddings
The Bible is extensive, and a significant portion of its verses relate to love, loyalty, and marriage. Here are some popular verses used in Christian weddings:
1 Corinthians 13
> If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
John 2:1-11
This passage describes Jesus attending a wedding reception in Cana of Galilee, where he turns water into wine:
> On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? [...] Fill the jars with water.' [...] When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, he called the bridegroom and said, 'Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.'
Ephesians 5
This passage reflects on the different biblical roles for the husband and wife in marriage:
> Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does for the church, for we are members of his body. Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
Matthew 5:1-10
This passage describes Jesus teaching his disciples about the kingdom of heaven:
> Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Song of Songs 8:6-7
This passage poetically describes the strength and intensity of love:
> Place me like a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly scorned.
Choosing the Right Reading
When choosing Bible readings for a Christian wedding, it's essential to consider the message you want to convey and the relevance of the passage to your relationship and beliefs. Discuss your choices with your partner and, if desired, your vicar or a trusted religious advisor.
Additionally, there are various versions of the Bible, ranging from modern language translations to more traditional styles. Consider the version that best suits your wedding and speaks to your guests.
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Bible verses for wedding invitations
Many couples choose to include religious aspects in their wedding ceremonies as a way to share their faith with friends and family. Adding a Bible verse to your wedding invitations is a great way to incorporate religion before the big day. The Bible is filled with beautiful and inspiring scriptures that you and your partner can choose from. Here are some examples:
Proverbs 3:13-18
> Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Song of Solomon 2:16
> My beloved is mine, and I am his; he browses among the lilies.
Ephesians 5
> In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
> If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11
> On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. [...] Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?
Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-10
> Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Popular Bible readings for weddings
The Bible is a massive book, so finding verses to read at weddings can be challenging. However, there are some popular Bible readings for weddings that are worth considering.
One of the most popular Bible readings for weddings is 1 Corinthians 13, which speaks of the importance of love:
> "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."
Another popular choice is John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11, which recounts the story of Jesus attending a wedding reception and performing his first miracle by turning water into wine:
> "On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding... Jesus said to them, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim... When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, he did not know where it came from."
Other popular Bible readings for weddings include:
- Romans 12:9-18, which speaks of loving sincerely, hating what is evil, and being devoted to one another.
- Verses that speak of the importance of love, such as "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud..."
- Verses from Ephesians 5 that talk about the different biblical roles for the husband and wife in marriage, such as "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..."
- Verses that celebrate joy and God's generosity, such as "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
These are just a few examples of popular Bible readings for weddings. Ultimately, the choice of reading depends on the couple's preferences and what resonates with them.
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Bible readings for wedding rehearsals
If you're planning a Christian wedding ceremony, you'll need to select some Bible readings. This can be a daunting task, as the Bible has many verses related to love, marriage, and loyalty. Here are some suggestions for Bible readings for wedding rehearsals, along with some tips for preparing:
Suggested Bible Readings for Wedding Rehearsals:
- 1 Corinthians Chapter 13: "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal...If I give away all my possessions and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
- John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11: "On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding...When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?'""
- Ephesians 5: "Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies...For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
- Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-10: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..." "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it rejoices with the truth."
- Ruth: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay...Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried."
- Hebrews 12: "Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position."
Tips for Preparing Bible Readings for a Wedding:
- If you've been asked to do a reading, ask the couple to let you know in advance what you'll be reading.
- Rehearse the reading at home, and practice speaking slowly and projecting your voice.
- Attend the wedding rehearsal so you know when the reading will take place during the service.
- Arrive at the wedding early to ensure the Bible is on the reading stand and open to the correct page, or print out the passage and read from that.
- Before beginning the reading, introduce the Bible reference to provide context for the congregation, e.g., "The chosen Bible reading is taken from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13."
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Bible readings about love and marriage
The Bible has much to say about love and marriage, and there are many passages that can be used in wedding ceremonies. The Church of England, for example, requires at least one Bible reading in its wedding services. Here are some popular choices:
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
> If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
> Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.
Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-10
> Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Ephesians 5
> In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Isaiah 62:4-5
> People will not call you Deserted anymore. They will no longer name your land Empty. Instead, you will be called One the Lord Delights In. Your land will be named Married One. That’s because the Lord will take delight in you. And your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so your Builder will marry you. As a groom is happy with his bride, so your God will be full of joy over you.
Psalm 121
> I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11
> On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
> Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Mark, Chapter 10, verses 6-9 and 13-16
> Jesus teaches about marriage, and welcomes children.
Other verses
The Bible also contains many shorter verses that are perfect for use on invitations or place cards, such as:
> I found him whom my soul loves.
> Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
> Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
> Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many Bible readings that are suitable for a wedding. The most popular one is 1 Corinthians Chapter 13: "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." Other popular readings include verses from John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11, which talk about Jesus attending a wedding reception, and Ruth's reply to her lover in Ruth 1:16-17: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay."
It is not necessary to memorise Bible readings for weddings. You can simply read them from the Bible or a printed-out sheet. However, if you want to make the reading more personal and engaging, you may choose to memorise it.
Bible readings can be incorporated into various parts of a wedding, such as during the ceremony, on invitations or programs, or even during a prayer. You can also consider using them on save-the-dates or place cards. If you're having a Christian ceremony, you might want to discuss your choices with your vicar, who will be pleased to help.
