Ceremony Readings for the modern couple
Photo by Roam and Ramble
Can contemporary couples (like you!) include “Readings” in their wedding ceremony?
Absolutely. While excerpts from religious and/or cultural texts are considered “traditional” by some people, the “Readings” portion of a ceremony is actually completely customizable.
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Quotes from your favourite books, songs, movies, or even favourite athletes are all fair game. You can ask your Officiant OR your family member/friend to share them at the ceremony.
If you decide to include Readings (because they are totally optional), plan for one to three brief choices. They might highlight the importance of unity, partnership, friendship, family, or marriage. What's most important is that they reflect you and your relationship—since they'll mark the start of your new chapter together!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
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"As you are the Moon of his life, he shall be your Sun and Stars. Your love shall be as ever present as those two celestial bodies...even though they are sometimes hidden from one another's sight. Your love will be the guiding force that charts the course of your tomorrows, holds your world together in difficult times, and will make life itself shine bolder and brighter than we human beings have a right to dream of."
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“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect.
But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can.
He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break.
Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there.
Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.”
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“My dearest friend, if you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side. Where we could gaze into the stars, and sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be.”
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“And so today, my world it smiles, your hand in mine, we walk the miles,
Thanks to you it will be done, for you to me are the only one.
Happiness, no more be sad, happiness...I'm glad.
If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you.
When mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me."
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“Even when you’ve played the game of your life, it’s the feeling of teamwork that you’ll remember.
You’ll forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you’ll never forget your teammates.”
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“I will love you forever; whatever happens. Till I die and after I die, and when I find my way out of the land of the dead, I’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, till I find you again… I’ll be looking for you, every moment… Every atom of me and every atom of you… We’ll live in birds and flowers and dragonflies and pine trees and in clouds and in those little specks of light you see floating in sunbeams… And when they use our atoms to make new lives, they won’t just be able to take one, they’ll have to take two, one of you and one of me”
We hope this helps spark some ideas!
~ Rev. Amanda, Rev. Lauren & Rev. Victoria