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15 Beautiful Readings and Poems for Your Wedding Ceremony

by Susan Young | Nov 18, 2024 | Weddings

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and what better way to capture its essence than with a meaningful reading or poem? Whether you’re looking for something deeply romantic, lighthearted, or spiritual, these 15 pieces will bring magic to your ceremony.

Here’s our curated list of 15 stunning readings and poems, along with reasons why each one deserves a place in your special day. From timeless classics to modern favourites, there’s something for every couple.

1. “Union” by Robert Fulghum

This modern classic is warm, relatable, and heartfelt. It celebrates the beauty of partnership and life’s shared journey—perfect for setting the tone of love and connection.

2. Corinthians 13:4-8 (The Love Chapter)

Timeless and universal, this passage speaks to love’s patience, kindness, and endurance. It’s a perfect choice for couples who want a spiritual yet inclusive reading.

3. “Apache Wedding Blessing”

Rich in tradition and spirituality, this blessing emphasises harmony, unity, and mutual support. Ideal for an outdoor or nature-inspired wedding.

4. “Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare

For couples who adore the classics, this Shakespearean masterpiece explores love’s unwavering and eternal nature. Its literary elegance never fails to move hearts.

5. “The Irrational Season” by Madeleine L’Engle

Deep and thought-provoking, this passage highlights the transformational power of love. A perfect fit for couples who enjoy a touch of poetry with philosophical depth.

6. “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

This reading blends wisdom and practicality, offering poetic advice for navigating the highs and lows of married life.

7. “On Marriage” by Kahlil Gibran

A soulful piece that balances individuality and togetherness, reminding couples to respect their unique selves while building a shared life.

8. A Reading from Rumi

This mystical poet’s words capture the essence of love’s spiritual and transformative power. Rumi’s timeless wisdom resonates across cultures and beliefs.

9. “He’s Not Perfect” by Bob Marley

Raw, real, and authentic—this reading celebrates imperfect love and the beauty of accepting each other just as you are.

10. A Reading from Dr. Seuss

Quirky, fun, and heartwarming, this reading is perfect for couples who want to add humor and charm to their ceremony.

**11. The Wonders of Today by Larry Chengges**

This contemporary poem celebrates the joy of the present moment and the beauty of shared love, making it a tender and reflective choice.

**12. Wedding Poem by Whitney Hanson**

Written by the young poet, this piece beautifully captures the essence of love and partnership, offering modern, heartfelt words for the occasion.

**13. Excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières**

Grounded and romantic, this passage reflects on how love evolves from passion to deep partnership—a thought-provoking choice for your wedding.

14. “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by W.B. Yeats

This poetic gem captures the vulnerability and beauty of offering your love to another. Its simplicity and lyricism make it an enduring favorite.

**15. Excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams**

Sweet and nostalgic, this passage reflects the transformative power of love and its ability to make us “real.” A whimsical and touching choice.

What’s Next?

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing individual blog posts featuring each of these readings in detail. You’ll get the full text of each poem or passage, why it works so beautifully in a wedding ceremony, and tips for incorporating it into your big day.

Which of these resonates most with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—or help you choose the perfect reading for your ceremony. Drop me a message, and let’s create a day filled with words that truly matter.

Love S x

How to Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony

by Susan Young | Apr 10, 2023 | Weddings

Your wedding ceremony is the start of your celebrations, so here are a few tips on how to personalise your wedding ceremony so that you are aligned to your personal styles, keeping it uniquely you and reflect your love story.

Before you meet with your Celebrant to discuss all of your ideas, let’s look at the following information that will help you to create an enchanting, memorable ceremony:

Reflect on Your Love Story:

Take a moment to reminisce about your journey as a couple. What are the defining moments, shared experiences, and those moments and memories that have shaped your relationship? And yes, you can include that time when you fell off the bar after too many shots of tequila, or when you climbed the Eiffel Tower instead of taking the lift. Including a few of these in the ceremony help to personalise your wedding ceremony and really get to the heart of who you are as a couple.

Wee note: if I’m your Celebrant I’ll send you a list of questions that will help you to unlock your memories and moments, and will also help to vet what gets included and what doesn’t get said in the ceremony!

Write Your Vows:

Your vows are an opportunity to express your deepest feelings and promise to one another. Taking the time to write heartfelt vows that really capture the love, commitment, and dreams you share will help to personalise your wedding ceremony. Feel free to use anecdotes, poetry, or any other creative expressions that resonate with your unique bond.

Wee note: if I’m your Celebrant I’ll give you lots of hints and tips on how to write your vows and can even help you to practice saying them, or, if you’re too shy I can say them for you on the day, but bear in mind you still have to say your declarations!

Select Readings and Quotes:

Incorporate readings or quotes that hold special meaning for both of you. Whether it’s a passage from your favorite book, a meaningful song lyric, or a poem that captures your emotions, these readings can add depth and beauty to your ceremony. And yes, they can be humorous – don’t be afraid to go all in with what you love, research what you want to include, and remember that you are you and in a Humanist wedding you get to personalise your ceremony your way.

Wee note: this is a great way to include family and friends. You can ask who you love to write and read something on your day (vetted by your Celebrant, of course) to make the day even more special. Including loved ones really add extra heartfelt moments that become memories to treasure.

Honor Loved Ones:

Consider including a special moment to honour loved ones who have played significant roles in your lives. Whether they are present or watching over you from above, finding a way to acknowledge their impact can make your ceremony even more meaningful. Often this is done by lighting a candle or by mentioning their names in the ceremony. However you do it, remember that you may be very emotional on the day, so you want to ensure that you include and honour your loved ones in a way that doesn’t detract from you, or causes upset for the guests.

Wee note: your Celebrant will work with you to make sure loved ones are honoured in a way that will work with the tone, vibe, and style of the ceremony, making sure they are remembered, but you both, as a couple remain the centre of focus and attention.

Symbolic Rituals:

Infuse your ceremony with symbolic rituals that symbolise your union and shared values. Whether it’s a unity candle, a sand ceremony, handfasting, drinking from the quaich, or any other ritual that resonates with you, these gestures can beautifully embody the joining of your lives.

Wee note: if I’m your Celebrant I LOVE creating rituals that embody who you are – ask me how we can create something completely unique to you as a couple to truly personalise your wedding ceremony.

Personalise Music Selection:

Choose music that reflects your personalities and resonates with your love story. From the processional to the recessional, each song can create a captivating atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests. Music can truly tell a story and carefully chosen, can help to personalise your wedding ceremony, taking your guests on an engaging journey throughout the whole ceremony.

Wee note: I’m often asked if certain songs can be included because they contain religious connotations, my advice is to choose music that reflects your values and beliefs, not songs that are necessarily what you’d expect to hear at a wedding.

Involve Your Guests:

Make your loved ones feel connected and involved by incorporating interactive elements into your ceremony. This could be as simple as inviting them to share their well-wishes or participate in a group vow of support, you could include a warming of the rings as a lovely way to include everyone.

Wee note: folk love to get involved and feel like they are a part of something really special, although it’s not necessary to involve your guests, by doing so you’ll add an extra element to personalise your wedding ceremony in a way that is remembered for years to come.

Remember, this is your wedding, and the possibilities are as limitless as your love. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions, or let them inspire you to create something entirely unique. The most important thing is that your ceremony authentically reflects your love and celebrates the beautiful bond you share.

Should you have any questions or need further guidance during the planning process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring your wedding day is nothing short of magical.

Wishing you both an incredible journey as you prepare for your wedding. May your love keep on shining brighter with each passing day!

Love Susan x

Want to Elope?

by Susan Young | Mar 11, 2023 | Weddings

The Scottish Borders offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, making it an ideal location for an intimate wedding or elopement. If you’re planning on eloping in the Scottish Borders, here’s everything you need to know to make it a truly memorable experience.

Before any of these, pick your date and make sure the Celebrant you want for the ceremony is available!

Choose Your Location

The Scottish Borders offer a wide range of picturesque locations for an intimate wedding or elopement. From rolling hills to dramatic coastlines, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular locations for elopements in the Scottish Borders include Melrose, situated under the beautiful Eildon Hills, on the grounds of Melrose Abbey, or at the coast at St. Abbs Head.

Obtain Your Marriage Schedule

You DO need to get official forms from the Registrar for your wedding. You can find out more by having a look HERE.

You must submit your Marriage Notice (M10) forms 12 weeks before your wedding to the local registrar in the district you intend to marry and pay the fee for processing the paperwork. This can be done, at the very latest, 29 days before the wedding.

Once the registrar has your Marriage Notice, they will prepare the Marriage Schedule which is the most important piece of paper (there’s no legal marriage without it) that you and your partner must collect from the registrar no more than 7 days prior to the wedding. Only you and/or your partner can collect the Marriage Schedule.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring the Marriage Schedule to the wedding! This also must be returned to the registrar within 3 days. So, for example, if your wedding is on a Friday, the schedule must be returned on Monday.

I can walk you through the process and help you to make it all as easy and streamlined as possible.

Book Your Vendors

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful wedding ceremony. Consider booking a professional photographer, videographer, florist, cake, and celebrant to make your elopement extra special. You may also want to hire a wedding planner to help you with all the details. Check out Thea from Pink Wellie to help you plan your day.

Plan Your Ceremony

Decide on the type of ceremony you want to have. If you’re thinking of a Humanist Ceremony, which is non-religious in nature, you can also consider incorporating Scottish traditions into your ceremony, such as the wearing of a kilt or a handfasting ceremony. Whatever the theme or vision for your wedding, the ceremony is one of the most important parts. Using a Humanist Celebrant to create a script that is totally unique to you will ensure you have lasting memories of what you want to say. This is one of the most special things you can do – without an amazing script, the wedding is just a party so make the ceremony the central focus of your day.

Choose Your Accommodation

Whether you’re planning on staying for a few days or a week, you’ll need to choose your accommodation in advance. The Scottish Borders offer a variety of options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and beautiful stately homes. It’s a super popular destination, just like choosing the date for your wedding, making sure you have the dates you want for your accommodation is just as important.

Consider the Weather

The weather in the Scottish Borders can be unpredictable, so make sure to plan accordingly. Bring warm clothes and rain gear, and consider having an indoor backup plan in case of inclement weather. The address of your wedding is super important, if the weather changes and the address on your Marriage Schedule are different, the wedding won’t be legal…. speak to me about this so we can make sure your backup plan is on or at the same address as your Marriage schedule.

Make It Legal

After your ceremony, you’ll need to sign your marriage schedule in the presence of two witnesses. This is the part that I sign with you – I’m legally authorised to conduct weddings in Scotland so you don’t have to do anything separate with a registrar to have a legal wedding.

Enjoy Your Time in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Explore the local countryside, visit historic sites, or simply relax in your cozy accommodation.

Eloping in the Scottish Borders is an unforgettable experience. Follow these tips to make your elopement stress-free and memorable, and enjoy everything that this beautiful region has to offer.

Love Susan xx

Understanding Humanism: The Role of a Humanist Celebrant in Non-Religious Ceremonies

by Susan Young | Mar 4, 2023 | Humanisim

Do you know what humanism is? It’s a way of looking at the world that emphasizes reason, ethics, and human agency, and it’s not based on religion. For people who don’t follow a religion, humanism can provide a meaningful alternative for important life events.

That’s where humanist celebrants come in. They’re people (ahem, like me) who are trained to officiate ceremonies like weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals in a way that reflects humanist values and beliefs. Their role is to help you create a personalised and meaningful ceremony that reflects your values and beliefs, without the use of religious language or symbols.

So if you’re looking for a non-religious context for your wedding, naming ceremony, or funeral, a humanist celebrant might be a good option for you. They’ll help you create a ceremony that’s focused on celebrating you, your life, and your relationships in a way that’s meaningful to you. You get to create a ceremony that is personal, uplifting, fun, and engaging for your guests.

For example, a humanist wedding ceremony might focus on your love for each other, your shared values and commitments, and your hopes and aspirations for your future together. The ceremony might include readings from literature or poetry, personal vows and promises, and rituals or traditions that are meaningful to you.

Similarly, a humanist naming ceremony might focus on welcoming your new child into the world and celebrating their unique identity and potential. The ceremony might include readings or songs that reflect your family’s values and hopes for the child, as well as promises and commitments from parents and guardians to support and nurture the child.

Finally, a humanist funeral ceremony might focus on honoring the life and legacy of the person who has passed away and providing comfort and closure for loved ones. The ceremony might include readings or reflections on the person’s life and achievements, personal stories and memories, and rituals or traditions that are meaningful to the family and community.

The bottom line is that a humanist celebrant can help you create a ceremony that’s authentic, meaningful, and respectful to you and your values. The ceremony is designed to be a reflection of you and your values, rather than a prescribed set of beliefs or rituals. So if you’re looking for a way to mark life’s important events in a way that’s meaningful, inclusive, and respectful, a humanist celebrant might be a good choice for you.

There are many amazing humanist celebrants in Scotland who can help you, it’s important to find someone who you connect with and ultimately feels like you’ve “known all your life” (us celebrants are a friendly bunch of folks) – don’t be afraid to get in touch and have a chat to find out more about the person who will be conducting one of your most memorable life moments.

In the meantime, if you’re keen to learn more about being a Humanist (you probably already are very humanist) and how I fit the practical side of Mindfulness as well as Humanist values into my life, subscribe to my email list – I tell stories and give some interesting perspectives and guidance on life.

See you there!

Susan x