Lost for words: 5 Timeless wedding readings
Wedding poems have this amazing way of adding depth, beauty, and a few misty eyes to a ceremony—and let's be real, sometimes they're the only thing standing between your vows and Uncle Pete’s inevitable "open bar" jokes. The right poem sets the mood and compliments your own wedding vows.
Whether you’re here for Shakespearean swooning, modern-day odes to devotion, or something with a dash of lighthearted wit, these five poems are like the perfect accessory for your ceremony—classic but never stuffy. They’ll set the scene, add a touch of elegance (or a laugh), and remind everyone why they came: to witness a love story that stands out from the rest..
Poems for any mood
1. Classic Romance: "Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments.
Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove…"
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 is a beloved piece often chosen for weddings because of its focus on unwavering love. Written in 1609, this sonnet affirms that true love is unbreakable, even through hardship and the passage of time. The language is timeless, as Shakespeare explores a love that is steadfast and resilient. Perfect for traditional weddings, this sonnet reassures couples and guests alike of love's power to endure "even to the edge of doom."
2. Devoted Love: "How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight…"
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s passionate sonnet has been a favorite for centuries. Her words convey a deeply personal yet universal love, ideal for couples who feel their connection goes beyond the material world. Written as part of her Sonnets from the Portuguese, this poem is Browning’s ode to love’s vastness and its ability to transcend all limitations. It’s a beautiful choice for couples looking to celebrate their boundless and all-encompassing bond.
3. Modern Devotion: "I Carry Your Heart With Me" by E.E. Cummings
"i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it…"
This modern love poem by E.E. Cummings expresses an intimate and devoted love, with simple yet profoundly impactful language. Known for his unique use of punctuation and lowercase letters, Cummings creates a voice that feels personal and immediate. "I Carry Your Heart With Me" is ideal for couples who feel deeply intertwined with each other and want a reading that reflects the comfort and closeness of their love. Its straightforward beauty resonates with modern couples looking for authenticity in their wedding readings.
4. Quiet Joy: "The Master Speed" by Robert Frost
"Two such as you with such a master speed
Cannot be parted nor be swept away
From one another once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore…"
Robert Frost’s "The Master Speed" celebrates the commitment two people make when they choose to share their lives. The poem speaks to the quiet strength found in unity and shared purpose, acknowledging that while each person has their path, they move forward together. This piece is perfect for couples who value the steadiness of commitment and see marriage as a journey of two independent yet inseparable lives.
5. Joyful Celebration: "Love’s Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
"The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the Ocean,
The winds of Heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion…"
Shelley’s "Love’s Philosophy" is a lively, joyful poem that draws on nature’s interconnectedness to describe the harmony of love. The poem’s vibrant language and natural imagery capture the excitement and joy of love as a force that connects all things. This poem is a beautiful choice for an outdoor wedding or a ceremony with a lively, lighthearted vibe. It’s also perfect for couples who feel that their love brings out the best in each other, blending two lives as effortlessly as rivers meet the ocean.
