How to Choose Your Wedding Reading: A Guide for Modern Couples
One of the most common questions I get as a wedding celebrant in Ireland is: "David, where do we even start with the readings?"
I get it. Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. It’s the moment you actually become a married couple, and you want the words spoken to feel like you. But between Pinterest boards and ancient poetry books, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re planning a traditional legal ceremony or a wild elopement, here is my guide on how to choose wedding readings that won’t make you cringe.
1. Define Your "Ceremony Vibe"
Before you go Googling "best wedding poems," ask yourselves: What do we want our guests to feel? * The Romantic: You want a tear-jerker. Look for classic literature or deep, soulful poetry.
The Realist: You want something grounded. Look for prose about the "everydayness" of love—the tea-making and the compromise.
The Laugh-Out-Loud: You want to break the tension. Look for funny song lyrics or quirky children's book excerpts.
2. Look Beyond the Classics
You don’t have to stick to Shakespeare if that’s not your style. As a solemniser, I’ve seen beautiful readings taken from:
Song Lyrics: Think of a band you both love. Sometimes lyrics read as a poem take on a whole new meaning.
Movie Monologues: From When Harry Met Sally to About Time, cinema is full of honest words about commitment.
Children’s Books: The Velveteen Rabbit or Winnie the Pooh are timeless for a reason—they explain love in a way that is simple and profoundly moving.
3. Celebrate Your Irish Roots
We are a nation of storytellers, so why not lean into that? Including an Irish poet is a fantastic way to ground your ceremony in your location. Some of my personal favorites for ceremonies include:
Seamus Heaney: 'Scaffolding' is a perfect metaphor for building a life together.
John O’Donohue: His work on 'Anam Cara' (soul friend) is deeply spiritual and fits perfectly in a legal solemniser ceremony.
Patrick Kavanagh: For something atmospheric and classic.
4. Choose the Reader, Not Just the Text
The best reading in the world can fall flat if the reader is terrified of public speaking.
Pro Tip: Pick someone who is confident. If your best friend is a "wallflower," don't force them into a reading.
The "Safe" Option: If there's a piece of text you love but no one to read it, I (your celebrant) am always happy to weave it into the ceremony for you.
5. Keep it Concise
Two readings are usually the "sweet spot" for a 25-30 minute ceremony. It keeps the energy high and ensures that every word spoken really lands with your guests.
A Note from David: As a legal solemniser, I love helping couples find the perfect balance between the legal requirements and the personal "fluff." If you’re struggling to find a reading that fits, just ask! I have a digital library of modern and traditional readings that I share with all my couples.
Ready to start planning your bespoke ceremony? Check my availability for 2025/2026 here