Christian Wedding Ceremony Readings

Religious weddings often have special readings during the ceremony

During a Christian wedding ceremony, the bride and groom may want to have some special readings read by a guest, be it a family member or friend, or they may choose to read something themselves. The theme of the reading can have a Biblical message that relates to the relationship of the bride and groom, or it can be a special poem or excerpt from a book.

Old Testament

The poetry found in the Old Testament of the Bible features symbolism of traditional love, particularly in Genesis 2:18 that reads, "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him,'" and goes on to tell of the creation of woman. This old-fashioned reading shows that men and women are meant to be there for each other, to love and care for each other.

New Testament

The New Testament has many options for meaningful Christian wedding readings including Matthew 19, "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." and 1 Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Self-Written

Many couples choose to write their own vows, reading them to each other as a declaration of their love. There is no wrong way to write a vow, it simply must be sincere and from the heart. Vows usually feature a sort of personal promise to the spouse to be faithful to them while showing sacrificial love, and may feature Christian themes by referring to Christ's love.

Quotations

There have been many Christian writers and speakers who have made reference to Christian love. Repeating their words during a wedding ceremony may be the perfect way to capture how a couple feels about their love for each other. C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, Mother Theresa and Gary Chapman have all been known for their views on love, and may make very suitable readings at a wedding ceremony.

Readers

If the bride, groom or minister is not the ones reciting the reading, any other guest may be chosen. Family members, friends or special guests may be asked to read; it is entirely up to the couple. The timing of the reading is usually up to you and your minister, but will often come after the minister's words and before the exchanging of rings, but this varies wildly.

References

• God's Knot: Wedding Bible Verses
• Forever Wed: All About Writing your Wedding Vows