It is possible to leave the choice of readings to the minister and most will be very happy to offer advice. Or it may be that there are particular biblical passages or psalms which have a special meaning for you, and which you would like to include in your wedding ceremony.

There must be one reading from Scripture, but certainly in the Anglican Church couples often choose extracts from Shakespeare, Plato, John Donne and even Byron. The rule, as always, is to check with your minister. Most will be glad to include readings which make the ceremony more personal, as long as they are suitable, and you should also ask if you wish a close friend or family member to read or to conduct any of the prayers.

THE BIBLE

For possible wedding readings, look at the following psalms:

- Psalm 23 ‘The Lord is my shepherd’
- Psalm 37 ‘Put thou thy trust in the Lord’
- Psalm 84 ‘How lovely is your dwelling-place’
- Psalm 128 ‘Blessed are all they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways’
- Psalm 139 ‘O Lord you have searched me’

For the creation story, look at:

- Genesis 1: 27–31
- Genesis 2: 18–24

Proverbs and the Song of Songs are good sources of inspiration. Two particularly popular readings are ‘Two are better than one’, Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 and the wedding at Cana, John 2:1–11. On the importance and qualities of love look at the following:

- 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
- 1 John 4:7–12
- John 15:9–12
- Ephesians 3:14–19
- Ephesians 5:21–33
- Romans 12:1,2,9–13
- Colossians 3:12–17

OTHER POSSIBLE READINGS:

A copy of The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is a good starting point when searching for readings. You can look up subjects such as Love
or Marriage in the index and find references for quotes which may lead you on to longer passages. You can check specific authors and
there are also biblical quotations.

Authors to check more thoroughly include:

- William Shakespeare – sonnets and plays
- Bishop Jeremy Taylor – Sermons. The Marriage Ring
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning – letters and poems including ‘How do I love thee?’
- John Donne – including ‘Come live with me, and be my love’
- Lord Byron – including ‘She walks in beauty, like the night’

Plus a whole host of modern authors and poets.