An important aspect of planning your wedding is selecting scriptures to be read in the ceremony. Many clergy encourage the couple to look through the Bible and choose some appropriate verses. This provides an excellent way for the bride and groom to personalize their service by choosing passages that have a special meaning for them or speak to their particular situation. For many couples this is both exciting and daunting. After all, the Bible is a pretty big book! Where to begin? How to choose? Which to choose?
Most members of the clergy will not object to more than one reading during your ceremony. In fact, many will encourage you to pick as many as 3 passages. As difficult as it might be for you to believe, it can be hard to narrow it down! There are so many from which to choose!

In reading these selections, you may find yourself reading beyond the verses. This is an excellent idea because the context may surprise you in some cases. For example, Ruth 1:16 (Old Testament verses) is a popular verse and is often used in weddings. (There are endless vocal music settings of this text as well, so don‘t rule this possibility out for your soloist.) While we think of this passage as being spoken by a man to a woman, or visa versa, as an affirmation of love and devotion, it is actually spoken by Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi! The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is certainly an entertaining tale. If you have time to read the whole saga, I encourage you to do so! It’s quite a story! So, again, try to take the time to read a few verses before and after the main verses listed above. It could influence your decision.

How does one begin to narrow down the choices? One thing to bear in mind is that many of these popular wedding Bible verses have been set to music. If you narrow your choices down to 5, but you only need to use 3, find out from your music director if any of your choices are set to music. You could then use those as vocal selections and the problem is solved. You can have them all!

And as for which ones to choose, you have some work ahead of you. Read the verses as a couple. Ask each other, “Does it speak to our situation?” “Does this sum up an important belief that we hold?” “Does this make us feel good or special when we read it?” And sometimes it’s simply a matter of what grabs you!

Since the lists are quite extensive, click here to view. They comprise of Wedding Bible Verses from the Old Testament and the gospels, and verses from the New Testament

About the Author

Deborah Spence holds a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music and has been involved with weddings for more than 20 years. As a church music director, she’s been actively associated with the ceremonial side of weddings in a variety of settings.