10 Unique Wedding Reading Ideas to Make Your Wedding Ceremony Yours

10 Unique Wedding Reading Ideas to Make Your Wedding Ceremony Yours

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your big day, and the readings you choose can make it even more special. They’re a chance to add personality, meaning, and a touch of fun to your ceremony– something I love as a wedding celebrant! 

Whether you want something heartfelt, funny, or completely out-of-the-box, these 10 unique wedding reading ideas to make your wedding ceremony yours, can set the perfect tone for your celebration!

10 Unique Wedding Reading Ideas

• Quirky Poetry Selections

• Lyrics from Songs

• Texts from History and Culture

• Children's Books for Everyone

• Movie and TV Quotes

• Letters and Messages from the Heart

• Guest Readings with a Twist

• Traditional Ceremonial Texts

• Readings Inspired by Nature

• Light-hearted and Funny Readings

Quirky Poetry Selections

Ever thought of poetry but not the usual Shakespearean sonnets?

Look for something modern and romantic? Think of Whitney Hanson, Atticus or Donna Ashworth. These poems can be playful yet heartfelt, adding a touch of magic to your ceremony. Perfect if you fancy something that's both poetic and a bit different.

Poetry doesn't have to be all serious and traditional, it can be fun and unexpected too. Your wedding should reflect your personalities, so why not let your readings do the same? Make your ceremony stand out with verses that truly resonate with your love story.

Excerpts from Novels

Novels can be a fab source for unique wedding reading ideas.

Grab a passage from your favourite book where characters spill their hearts out. It's like adding a piece of your story to your special day.

Got a soft spot for "Pride and Prejudice"? Or maybe a contemporary love story hits the mark? like Dolly Aldertons "Everything I know about love" Either way, it’s a lovely nod to something you both love.

Plus, it's a brilliant way to incorporate a bit of literary magic into your ceremony. Think about those moments in books that made you go "aww" or laugh out loud – they’re perfect!

Lyrics from Songs

Got a song that's "your song"? Use it! Song lyrics are often pure poetry – a fun unique wedding reading idea for the best man, the bride or grandma!

Pick a few lines that really resonate with you both. You can put these lyrics into your vows or ceremony script, as well as having someone come and up and read it to you. Think about those moments when music just hits the heart differently—those lines that make you smile or tear up.

Whether it's an indie hit or a classic love song, lyrics can add a personal touch to your ceremony. Music and weddings just go hand-in-hand, don’t they? So why not let your favourite tunes tell a part of your love story?

It’s a fab way to make your day unique and memorable!

Texts from History and Culture

Want to geek out a bit? dipping into history and culture for your unique wedding reading ideas can bring some real depth, especially if this speaks to your personality.

Imagine a passage from ancient literature or a folk tale that you love that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a fab way to honour your roots and give a nod to the past. 

And you can balance it all out with your own modern twist to keep things fresh. Whether it’s a classic love story from your heritage or some wise words from a historical figure, these texts can add a unique touch.

Plus, they show off a bit of your cultural flair, making the ceremony even more special for you and your guests!

Children's Books for Everyone

Children’s books aren’t just for little ones, you know?

They’re packed with simple wisdom and heart-warming tales that hit right in the feels. Think about the sweet words from "The Velveteen Rabbit" or the timeless charm of "Winnie-the-Pooh". These stories capture love in the most innocent and joyful way!

Perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia and sweetness to your ceremony. Imagine hearing a line about becoming real through love or the unshakeable bond of friendship on your big day. It’s sure to bring a tear to the eye and a smile to the face.

These books might be small, but their messages are huge. They bring a sense of wonder and purity that's sometimes missing in more traditional readings. So if you're up for something a bit different and deeply touching, children's books might just be the way to go.

Movie and TV Quotes

TV shows and films have given us some of the most iconic lines about love – a perfect way to come up with some unique wedding reading ideas.

Think about those unforgettable movie moments that just hit the spot. Whether you’re into the rom-com classics or a bit of sci-fi, there’s always a line that’ll get the tears flowing or the giggles going. Maybe a sweet moment from a classic such as "Friends" or a powerful quote from "Doctor Who"? It’s a fab way to sneak a bit of your binge-watching sessions into the ceremony!

Plus, your guests will love recognising the quotes. So, if you’re a telly addict or a film buff, this is a brilliant way to add a sprinkle of your shared hobbies to the day. Pick those lines that make you both smile and let your ceremony be a bit of a blockbuster!

You could even have something quirky, like "Hot Priests Speech" from Fleabag or a poignant moment from "Normal People"—if you love it, use it! Your guests might not even know they aren't words straight from your own heart.

Messages from the Heart

Got a stash of old love letters or sweet messages? Use 'em!

Nothing beats the raw and real feels from a DM's you wrote when you first started dating or that anniversary card with all the mushy stuff. If you’re up for it, why not read them out loud? 

Or get your nearest and dearest involved—have a friend or family member read a touching message they’ve penned about you two. It's a proper tear-jerker moment and super intimate. 

Plus, this unique wedding reading idea is a brilliant way to bring those lovely memories into your ceremony. Adds that extra layer of personal touch.

Guest Readings with a Twist

How about adding a bit of surprise to your ceremony with a guest reading?

Think outside the box and invite someone unexpected—maybe that childhood friend you’ve known forever or a grandparent with all the old-school charm. It’s a fab way to include those special people in your life and make them feel part of your big day.

They might bring a unique story or memory that adds sentiment to the occasion, even standing up to give 'advice in marriage' from someone who's got years under their belt. Plus, your guests will love the personal touch. You could even keep it a secret until the day, adding a bit of excitement and anticipation!

Imagine the look on everyone's faces when they see who’s stepping up to read!

Traditional Ceremonial Texts

Sometimes, tried and tested traditional texts are beautiful sources for your wedding reading ideas.

As the old saying goes "if it's not broken, don't fix it", you might want to use the same reading or poem that your parents had at their wedding? Or that has been recited over the years. Biblical verses about love, Shakespearean sonnets, celtic blessings and classical poems can capture the tradition of love and marriage well. They've been used for a reason after all!

Wherever the words come from, it's about it being something meaningful for your big day.

Your ceremony should be a reflection of you both, so why not make it as original as you are?

Readings Inspired by Nature

Nature-themed readings can be an absolute gem for adding a touch of the wild to your ceremony.

Think about the vastness of the ocean or the timelessness of a forest. These natural elements can be super symbolic of love's enduring strength. If you and your partner are nature lovers, this unique wedding reading idea could be right up your alley.

Imagine a poem that talks about the endless sky or the beauty of a blooming garden. It's like bringing a piece of the outdoors into your vows. How about a bit of classic John Muir or Mary Oliver for some deep, nature-inspired prose?

Or even a fun and light-hearted piece about the adventures of woodland creatures. Writing your own wedding vows with this kind of inspiration can make your ceremony feel grounded and timeless, perfect for couples who find peace and happiness in the natural world.

Light-hearted and Funny Readings

Weddings don't always have to be all serious and tear-jerking, and with me, we will get the stone just right!

Why not add a bit of humour in through a reading? A light-hearted reading can bring loads of smiles and laughter, making your ceremony even more memorable. Think about those cheeky poems or hilarious anecdotes that poke fun at your relationship’s quirks.

The ceremony itself might include a funny story about how you first met or a habit one of you has? But how about using someone who was actually there to tell us about that one time that you...

Your guests will love the personal touch and it’ll make your ceremony feel even more intimate. You could even ask a funny mate or a family member with a great sense of humour to do the honours. 

Imagine your best mate sharing that hilarious holiday story or your sibling recounting a funny childhood memory.

Balancing humour with heartfelt moments is kinda my jam... and makes sure your ceremony has a bit of everything—tears of joy and tears of laughter. Plus, it can take the pressure off and makes the whole thing feel more relaxed and true to you both.

After all, love isn’t just about the serious stuff, it’s about having fun together and sharing those silly, wonderful moments!

Ready to Start Planning Your Readings with ease? 

There we have it – 10 unique wedding reading ideas to make your wedding ceremony yours! Your wedding ceremony is a reflection of your story, and the readings you choose can make it unforgettable. Whether you’re drawing inspiration from fun poems, lovely novels, heartfelt letters, or even childhood favourites, the key is to pick something that speaks to you both.

These unique ideas are just the beginning—feel free to mix, match, and get creative! After all, your wedding day is about celebrating your journey together, so let your readings set the tone for a ceremony filled with love and meaning.

Do you need some help with creating the ceremony of your dreams? If you're interested in a wedding celebrant based in the South West who is all for couples who want truly express themeslves?! Get in touch with me – I can’t wait to hear from you!

TLC x