As celebrants, we’re often asked to share some of the readings we love to include in wedding ceremonies.
And while it can be hard to narrow down our selection to just a few – as there are so many beautiful and relevant passages to include in a ceremony – we thought it would be helpful to share just a handful of our favourite wedding readings.
As always though, when you engage the services of a CANZ celebrant, we’ll help you choose those passages that best fit your unique relationship and that speak to the very heart of who you are as a couple.
Contact CANZ to find a celebrant for your wedding ceremony, and read on to find some of the wedding readings our celebrants choose to include in wedding ceremonies.
Collections written by CANZ celebrants
If a wedding ceremony only addressed the legal requirements, it would be over in three minutes. Most people want a ceremony that is much more personal, but have no idea where to start. Drawing out their feelings and creating a unique ceremony for each couple is a wonderful process for me.
One way people choose to make their ceremony unique is to have readings… At weddings, I have seen readings tickle funny bones and bring tears to eyes. Readings can be a way of saying something that the couple may not have words for. They can also be a way of including someone who is special to the couple, but who is not a part of the wedding party, by asking them to read a special poem.
In the case of religious readings or prayers, it can be a way of honouring the religious beliefs of family. Sometimes, friends or family members, or even the couple themselves, write something especially for the wedding day, which adds a special emotional dimension.
Here you will find an excerpt from Heartsongs, by Pinky Agnew. A collection of poems, prayers, readings and prose pieces suitable for traditional and contemporary wedding ceremonies. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction recounting amusing and sometimes moving anecdotes. Chapters include: Holy Love, Love and Laughter, Classical Love, You and me, Inspirational Love, Wishes for Love, Prose Love and Quotable Love.
A selection of original readings, verse and vows for celebrants, guests and spouses-to-be.
Other collections
To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue
When we stand before crucial thresholds in our lives, we have no rituals to protect, encourage and guide us as we cross over into the unknown. For such crossings, we need to find new words. What is nearest to the heart is often farthest from the word.
A compilation of poetic blessings and insights, offering comfort and encouragement for the milestones and transitions of life.</p
Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, ki te kapuia, e kore e whati
When we stand alone we are vulnerable but together we are unbreakable
Discover traditional Maori philosophy through 52 whakatauki – simple, powerful life lessons, one for every week. Each one is retold by respected Maori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder to show how we can live a less stressful daily life, with more contentment and kindness for each other and the planet.
Readings and Blessings for a Wedding Ceremony by Wendy Haynes
This beautiful collection of sample wedding poems, readings and blessings will provide you with a simple, step-by-step guide for the creation of unique and personally composed readings and blessings for your wedding ceremony.
Now that you’ve popped the big question, it’s time to get planning the perfect wedding. Start by booking your wedding celebrant.
For more tips on how to plan a wedding that’s unique to you and your partner, check out the CANZ blog page.
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