The Wedding Avenue

The words & promises edition

Poems &
readings.

For the words that stay with you. Find wedding poems and readings that sound like you, from a few heartfelt lines to a passage you have loved for years.

Find your starting point →

Wedding rings casting heart-shaped shadows on the pages of a book

01 / Start here

A few words. A lot of feeling.

A reading does not have to be long to feel personal. Start with a small shortlist, then read each piece aloud together.

Try it in your own voice. A passage can feel different spoken aloud. Listen for the lines you connect with, the places you naturally pause and whether the ending feels right for your ceremony.

02 / Love in prose

A story you recognise.

A passage from a book or a reflection on everyday life can offer another way to speak about love. Explore these readings and see which feels closest to your relationship.

A newly married couple togetherRobert Fulghum

Union

A reading to consider when you want the ceremony to reflect the life you have already begun to share.

Explore Union →

03 / Poetry & romance

Lines you will want to keep.

Follow a favourite poet, a familiar phrase or simply a feeling. The best starting point is a piece that means something to you both.

An open poetry book with pink blossom

Find your kind of romantic.

Compare a classic poem with a more contemporary reading. Notice the language as well as the message: it should feel comfortable for the person who will read it.

04 / Faith & meaning

Words rooted in belief.

If faith is part of your ceremony, begin with the passages that matter to you and discuss your choices with the person leading the service.

Agree the exact version. Share the full reading with your ceremony leader before you print it or send it to your reader. Ask about the wording, translation and place in the ceremony.

05 / From page to ceremony

Give the words room to land.

Once you have chosen a piece, a little preparation can help your reader feel at ease.

Before the first line.

Let the reader practise in their own voice

Encourage a few rehearsals aloud. Mark natural pauses and check any names or unfamiliar words. There is no need to perform it like someone else.

Think about the room

Ask where the reader will stand and whether there will be a microphone. If possible, let them try the space before guests arrive.

Leave a little breathing space

A pause at the beginning gives everyone time to listen. A pause at the end lets the final words settle before the ceremony moves on.

Useful wherever you are in your plans

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