10 Nonreligious Wedding Readings to Make Your Ceremony Meaningful

Why Choose a Nonreligious Wedding Reading?

Including a wedding reading is a great way to involve loved ones in your ceremony while adding a meaningful, emotional moment. Whether you want a heartfelt poem, a literary passage, or a modern love quote, a nonreligious reading allows you to personalize your ceremony in a way that truly resonates with you and your partner.

Related: How to Get Your Wedding Guests Involved in Your Ceremony

When Should Wedding Readings Take Place?

Wedding readings can be incorporated at various moments throughout the ceremony. Some popular options include:

• Before the vows: A reading can set the emotional tone before you exchange personal promises.
• After the vows: Reinforce the power of your commitments with a meaningful passage.
• During the ceremony introduction: A great way to bring guests into the moment and establish the mood.
• Before or after the ring exchange: Some couples use readings to emphasize the symbolism of the rings.

If you’re struggling to choose the perfect reading, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve curated a list of 10 nonreligious wedding readings that strike the perfect balance between romance, wisdom, and sentimentality.

Related: How to Choose Wedding Readings

10 Nonreligious Readings for Your Wedding Ceremony

1. "Union" by Robert Fulghum

For when you want to imbue the beauty of unity:

"You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. You have shared hopes and dreams, and through the years, you will continue to build upon this foundation of love."

Why we love it: This reading captures the essence of marriage as an ongoing journey and is perfect for couples who want something simple yet profound.

2. "I Carry Your Heart with Me" by E.E. Cummings

For when you want to express deep, poetic love:

"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart). I am never without it, anywhere I go you go, my dear."

Why we love it: This poem beautifully conveys deep, unconditional love in a lyrical and heartfelt way.

3. "The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

For when you want to celebrate the little things in marriage:

"A good marriage must be created. In the marriage, the little things are the big things."

Why we love it: This reading highlights the small but significant moments that make a marriage truly special.

4. "A Lovely Love Story" by Edward Monkton

For when you want something sweet and lighthearted:

"They lived happily ever after, in the way that is meant for them. Together, their love was strong and steadfast, and they never stopped exploring life’s adventure hand in hand."

Why we love it: Quirky and sweet, this reading is ideal for couples who appreciate a touch of humor alongside romance.

5. "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

For when you want a whimsical yet powerful message:

"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose."

Why we love it: A whimsical yet powerful passage about love, devotion, and responsibility.

6. "Love Is Friendship Set on Fire" by Laura Hendricks

For when you want to highlight the foundation of friendship in love:

"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving."

Why we love it: This reading emphasizes the deep friendship that forms the foundation of a lasting marriage.

Related: How to Officiate a Wedding Ceremony: A Guide, Timeline, and Checklist

7. "Captain Corelli’s Mandolin" by Louis de Bernières

For when you want to celebrate love that stands the test of time:

"Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away."

Why we love it: This passage offers a refreshingly honest take on love as something that grows deeper over time.

8. "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks

For when you want a playful take on love’s imperfections:

"They didn’t agree on much. In fact, they rarely agreed on anything. But in spite of their differences, they had one important thing in common—they were crazy about each other."

Why we love it: A romantic yet playful reading for couples who embrace their differences.

9. "To Love Is Not to Possess" by James Kavanaugh

For when you want to emphasize love as a partnership:

"To love is not to possess, to own, or imprison, nor to lose oneself in another. Love is to join and separate, to walk alone and together."

Why we love it: This passage beautifully captures the idea of love as a partnership rooted in freedom and respect.

Related: Examples and Tips on How to Introduce a Reading at a Wedding

10. "Carrie’s Poem" from Sex and the City

For when you want a modern, pop-culture-inspired reading:

"His hello was the end of her endings. Her laugh was their first step down the aisle."

Why we love it: A modern, poetic, and romantic flair with a touch of nostalgia.

FAQ: Nonreligious Wedding Readings

1. How do I choose the best wedding reading?

Look for a reading that reflects your relationship, values, and personality. Whether it’s poetic, humorous, or heartfelt, choose something that resonates with you and your partner.

2. How many readings should I have in my ceremony?

Most ceremonies include one to two readings, but the number is entirely up to you. Just ensure your ceremony flows naturally without feeling too long.

3. Who should perform a wedding reading?

Close family members, lifelong friends, or anyone who is comfortable speaking in front of an audience can perform a wedding reading.

4. How do I introduce a wedding reading?

A simple introduction like, "We’ve asked [Reader’s Name] to share a passage that truly speaks to our relationship" sets the tone beautifully.

5. Where can I find more wedding readings?

Provenance offers a free library of 600+ readings and rituals to help you personalize your ceremony.

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