Perfect Bible Readings for Your Church Wedding

Choosing the right church wedding bible reading can be one of the most meaningful parts of planning your ceremony. Readings aren’t just there to fill a space, they set the tone, reflect your relationship, and share your values with the people you love most. Whether you want something traditional, poetic, or heartfelt, there are so many beautiful passages to choose from.

Below we’ve gathered some of the most loved and requested bible readings for weddings, along with a few you might not have thought of. Each one carries a timeless message of love, commitment, and faith, perfect for celebrating your marriage vows in a church setting.

1 Corinthians 13:1–7, 13

The famous reading about love. This is perhaps the most well-known and loved of all wedding readings. It captures the very heart of what marriage is about, a love that is patient, kind, and enduring.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal... And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Song of Solomon 2:10–13

A poetic celebration of love. This beautifully romantic reading is filled with imagery of springtime and new beginnings. It’s a wonderful way to bring a lyrical, uplifting feeling into your ceremony.

"My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See ! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone...'"

Colossians 3:12–17

Clothing yourselves in love. This passage is a gentle reminder to treat one another with kindness, humility, and patience, building your marriage on compassion and forgiveness.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience... And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Ruth 1:16–17

A reading about loyalty and devotion. Though originally spoken between Ruth and Naomi, this passage is often chosen for weddings because it so beautifully expresses faithfulness and commitment.

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God..."

1 John 4:7–12

Love comes from God. This is a perfect reminder that the love you share with each other is a reflection of God’s love.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God... if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Strength in unity. A short but powerful passage that speaks about the strength of two people joined together, and the unbreakable bond when God is part of that union.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Philippians 4:4–9

Peace, joy and thanksgiving. This is a lovely alternative reading, full of encouragement, hope, and peace, an uplifting choice for your church wedding.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near... And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Choosing Your Church Wedding Bible Reading

The beauty of a church wedding bible reading is that it grounds your ceremony in words that have stood the test of time. Whether you go for the famous lines of Corinthians, the poetry of The Song of Solomon, or the devotion of Ruth, your chosen passage will become part of the story of your wedding day, something you’ll carry with you in your marriage.

If you’re still unsure which one feels right, talk to your vicar or minister, they’ll often have suggestions that reflect your relationship and the tone of your service. And remember, there’s no “perfect” choice, just the one that speaks most deeply to you as a couple.

Whether you want something classic, poetic, or a little less well-known, your bible reading can be the moment that truly sets the tone for your vows.

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