Readings
One of the best things about a humanist wedding is that there is no standard script. You aren’t tied to religious texts, instead, we have the freedom to choose words that reflect you as a couple and your love story.
You might wonder if readings are just a traditional box to tick, but in a humanist ceremony, they serve a much lovelier purpose. Readings act as the emotional anchors of your ceremony; they provide a change of pace, a moment of reflection, and a chance to hear a different voice besides mine and yours.
Including a reading is also the perfect way to involve the people you love.
Whether it’s a sibling, a best friend, or a parent, asking someone to stand up and share a piece of text is a powerful gesture of inclusion. It transforms them from a spectator into a participant, letting them gift you their voice and their support as you make your promises.
But I know that whittling it down to one or two readings can feel a bit overwhelming! If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few of my favourite ways to bring modern storytelling into your ceremony.
Timeless Poetry
Poetry doesn’t have to be stuffy. Some of the most moving readings are those that speak to the everyday reality of being a team.
“Us Two” by A.A. Milne: For couples who want a touch of Disney, this Winnie the Pooh extract explores the comfort of always having a partner by your side.
“Union” by Robert Fulghum: This is a classic for a reason. It talks about how the real wedding didn’t happen just now at the altar, but in the quiet moments, the conversations, and the “I love yous” that came before today.
“Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare: As an English Teacher I had to include ‘the Bard’! This is the classic reading. It describes love as an ‘ever-fixed mark’ that ‘looks on tempests and is never shaken’. It’s a powerful choice for couples who want to acknowledge the strength and endurance of their bond.
The “Funny Because It’s True” Readings
Love isn’t always romantic, sometimes it’s about who forgot to take the bins out. A funny reading can be a great way to show the “real” you.
“A Lovely Love Story” by Edward Monkton: The story of the Fierce Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur. It’s quirky, sweet, and perfect for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously.
“I Wanna Be Yours” by John Cooper Clarke: Promises like ‘I wanna be your vacuum cleaner / Breathing in your dust’ or ‘I wanna be your Ford Cortina / I will never rust’ always get a smile while proving that you’re totally devoted to one another.
Modern Poetry: Song Lyrics
I love song lyrics and have often imagined certain lines being included in ceremonies. If you have a personal connection to lyrics and want them to stand out, hearing them sung is one thing, but read out loud, simply and plainly adds a different tone altogether and can be very poignant.
“If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell: It’s about the reality that we don’t have forever, which makes every second we do have together infinitely more valuable. It’s a ‘vow’ to make every day count.
“Lover” by Taylor Swift: This is practically a modern poem about building a home together. Lines like ‘My heart’s been borrowed and yours has been blue / All’s well that ends well to end up with you’ and ‘I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, but I want ’em all’ are perfect for a wedding ceremeony.
Something Truly Unique: A Personalised Poem
If you’ve searched through books and playlists and still haven’t found something that feels right, why not go one step further?
I offer a bespoke poetry service for my couples. As you sharing your story with me anyway, I get to know all the details… the funny way you met, your shared obsessions, or the little things you love most about each other, I can then weave those details into a personalised poem written specifically for your ceremony. It’s a 100% unique gift to each other and a moment your guests will never forget. (Additional charge applies.)
Ready to find your perfect words?
Whether you want a hidden literary gem, a Taylor Swift bridge, or a personalised poem written by yours truly, I’m here to help you find the words that make your ceremony feel like home.