The church is quiet as a friend steps up to read: “Love is patient, love is kind.” For many couples, the readings and hymns are among the most meaningful parts of a church wedding. They express what the couple believes about love and marriage, and they involve family and friends in the service. Choosing them carefully makes the ceremony personal.
Talking to your pastor and choosing readings
Start by asking your pastor or priest what the church allows and recommends. Some churches have set readings or rules about music. Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is the most popular wedding reading, with its lines about patience, kindness and love that never fails. Ruth’s words to Naomi, “whither thou goest, I will go”, are often read at weddings as a picture of loyalty and commitment.
The creation of Eve and the words about a man leaving his parents and being joined to his wife are a traditional choice.
Other passages and hymns
Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Song of Songs 8, Ecclesiastes 4 and John 15 are also popular. Well-loved hymns for weddings include “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd”. Many Ghanaian and Nigerian couples include hymns or songs in local languages, which can move older relatives. Choirs may sing contemporary gospel songs. Check with the church about what is allowed.
Choose readers who are comfortable speaking in public, such as siblings, friends or godparents. Ask readers to practise in advance and to read slowly and clearly.
Printing, length and the music director
Print the readings and hymn lyrics in the programme so guests can follow. Use public-domain hymn texts or ask the church for permission. Keep readings short so the service flows well. Choose passages that reflect your own relationship and faith. Psalms such as Psalm 121 and Psalm 128 are also chosen for weddings, offering blessings for the couple and their home. They are short, easy to read aloud and familiar to many guests.
Meet the church’s music director or choir leader early to plan the order of hymns and processional music. Flowers fade and cakes are eaten. The words read and sung in church are the part of the wedding many couples return to on anniversaries.
