How to Choose the Perfect Reading for Your Wedding Ceremony
Choosing a poem or reading for your Wedding Ceremony can be a challenging task…
Choosing a poem or reading for your wedding ceremony can be a challenging task.
When my daughter Emily got married in June 2025, I wanted to share a reading at her wedding but struggled to find exactly the right words for her and her partner, Martijn. They are such a quirky couple and have already overcome so much in their time together.
Then, I discovered this poem by Whitney Hanson that immediately felt like the perfect fit for them.
I love the way that this poem describes the constantly evolving and changing emotions and feelings of a relationship and that strength can be found and difficulties can be overcome by always finding each other.
“Finding the right words for your wedding is like finding the perfect melody, they should capture your love, echo your journey, and stay in the hearts of everyone who hears them.”
Love Like a River
by Whitney Hanson
They say that sometimes
love starts with a spark
And that might be true
but if I were to wish you a love
I wouldn’t wish fire for you
You see, fire is powerful
It burns bright and then it’s gone
It’s beautiful and warm
but it doesn’t last long
So instead of wishing you a love that burns
I wish you a love like a river twists and turns
It changes and it flows
It is powerful and free
But it consistently finds its way back to the sea
And so, like the water
I hope your love is ever growing, ever changing
I hope your love is powerful and free
And may you always find each other
Like a river finds the sea
Why Include a Reading in Your Wedding Ceremony?
Adding readings to your wedding ceremony can be a beautiful way to personalise the event and express your feelings about love and commitment. When choosing a reading for your ceremony, reflect on your relationship and consider the tone and mood that you want to evoke.
If you want something religious, a classic choice is 1 Corinthians 13, which emphasises that love is patient, kind, and selfless, and that it perseveres even when other gifts or abilities fade.
For something non-religious, you could choose a poem by a contemporary author like Robert Frost or Maya Angelou. Touched by an Angel by Maya Angelou is a very popular choice as it describes the powerful emotions of being in love.
If you want to keep it more light-hearted and fun, you can always choose an excerpt from a well-known movie or a book that resonates with your love story.
If you want to keep it more light-hearted and fun, you can always choose an excerpt from a well-known movie or a book that resonates with your love story.
Keep readings to a maximum of 1-3 minutes long and make sure that whoever does the reading has practiced a little reading it out loud before the ceremony.
Ready to start planning a ceremony that feels truly yours? Whether it’s choosing the perfect reading, writing heartfelt vows, or weaving your love story into every detail, I’d love to help. Get in touch today and let’s create a wedding ceremony that’s unforgettable
Claudia
Ready to start planning your dream ceremony?
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic woodland wedding in England, a sun-soaked elopement on the Costa Brava, or a bilingual celebration that blends your cultures beautifully — I’d love to be your celebrant!
Let’s create a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Get in touch today and let’s start planning your dream “I do”!
