Family blessing
Invite parents or chosen family to offer a short prayer of support for the marriage.
Religious readings
Faith-centered words chosen because they matter to you.
Religious language can be a beautiful part of your ceremony when it reflects your beliefs and families rather than appearing by default. These references restore the breadth of the former library without forcing one translation or tradition.
Frequently chosen scripture passages.
1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 13
Love is described through patience, kindness, humility, endurance, hope, and faithfulness. A familiar choice when the couple wants guests to hear what love asks of them in practice.
Colossians 3:12–17
A reading about compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, gratitude, and love as the bond that holds everything together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
“Two are better than one” and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Often selected for ceremonies emphasizing partnership, mutual support, or faith.
Song of Solomon 2:10–13
A joyful invitation to rise, come away, and enter a new season together. Its imagery works especially well in spring or garden ceremonies.
Song of Solomon 8:6–7
A poetic declaration of love’s strength: many waters cannot quench it. A concise reading with vivid language.
Ruth 1:16–17
A promise to go where the other goes and remain where the other remains. Discuss its original context with your officiant before using it as marriage language.
Romans 12:9–18
Practical instruction to love genuinely, show honor, practice hospitality, remain patient, and live peaceably.
Philippians 2:1–5
A call to humility, shared purpose, and looking to the interests of one another—well suited to a ceremony focused on partnership.
Matthew 19:4–6 or Mark 10:6–9
Traditional words about two people becoming one and the marriage bond not being separated.
Genesis 2:18–24
A creation account about companionship and forming a new family. Ask your faith leader which translation and interpretation best reflect your beliefs.
Psalm 128
A blessing centered on home, family, work, and a flourishing life together.
John 15:9–12
Words about abiding in love and the command to love one another. Often paired with a brief prayer or blessing.
Other ways to include faith.
Interfaith ceremony
Include a meaningful voice from each tradition and briefly explain why each selection belongs.
Congregational response
Ask guests to answer a simple question promising encouragement and care for the couple.
Make it yours
We’ll help these choices fit together.
Your ceremony plan keeps the words, people, and cues connected.
Keep planning