3 Nontraditional Secular Readings for Your Wedding (And Transitions for the Ceremony Script)

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and it's an opportunity to showcase your unique journey as a couple. While some couples may opt for traditional readings, others may prefer nontraditional, secular readings to add a touch of originality and personalization to their ceremony. Below you'll find three nontraditional readings that capture the essence of love, commitment, and shared experiences.

The Power of Nontraditional Readings

Nontraditional readings offer a fresh perspective on love, going beyond the conventional and embracing a more modern approach. These readings reflect contemporary thoughts and sentiments, allowing you to express your unique bond in a way that resonates with you and your partner.

Excerpt from "Mountain Thoughts" by John Muir

Introductory Note: As you stand before your loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the profound connection between your love and the majestic beauty of nature. Let the words of John Muir's "Excerpt from Mountain Thoughts" transport you to the heights of love's transformative power.

"Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every finer and cell of the substance of our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own and sings our love."

Transition: Like the mountains that stand tall and resolute, may your love weather any storms and stand the test of time.

"Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog" by Taylor Mali

Introductory Note: While [insert couple's dog's name] wasn't allowed at the venue today, he inspired the couple's selected reading, Taylor Mali's poem, "Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog."

"On cold winter nights, love is warm. It lies between you and lives and breathes and makes funny noises. Love can wake you up all hours of the night with its needs. Love can give you a sense of security: When you’re walking down the street late at night and you have a leash on love, ain’t no one gonna mess with you. Love needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy. Love does not like being left alone for long. But come home and love is always happy to see you. Love may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life, but you can never be mad at love for long. Love leaves you little surprises here and there. Love makes messes. Sometimes you just want to get love fixed. Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper and swat love on the nose, But then love gives you big kisses, And you laugh at the little things. Sometimes love just wants to play. Running you around the block, leaving you panting. It pulls you in several different directions at once, or winds around and around you, until you’re all wound up and can’t move. And love brings you together. People who have nothing in common but love stop and talk and greet each other on the street. Most importantly, love needs love, and lots of it. And in return, love loves you and loves you and never stops."

Transition: Just as a faithful pup brings laughter and happiness into our lives, may your love be filled with joy and unwavering devotion.

Quote from "When Harry Met Sally"

Introductory Note: At this time, the couple wanted to do a reading from ancient, prophetic text: the "When Harry Met Sally" screenplay

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Transition: Like Harry and Sally, may your own unique story be filled with shared dreams, the discovery of true love, and lots...and lots...of laughter.

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To check out these secular, non-traditional readings, and 300+ others, to include in your ceremony script, go to provenance.co.

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