Top Ten Wedding Readings
How to choose a reading for your Algarve wedding ceremony
From my experience as a wedding celebrant in the Algarve. I recommend you have at least one reading in the proceedings. It is a great way to involve a special person in your ceremony and you can choose a reading that reflects your personality and love story.
I have compiled my Top Ten wedding readings, which are a mix of romantic, funny, insightful and meaningful. These are just some of the examples I have come across, but it is fun to find your own. I have also officiated at weddings where a family member or friend has written a poem or reading themselves. If you are lucky enough to have someone who will do this for you, it is wonderful to have something personal in your ceremony.
Some couples I h ave married have also integrated song lyrics that mean something to the couple or have been part of their love story, so you may like to consider that aswell.
An example of this was a One Direction song that was playing when a couple first declared their love to each other.
Little Things
I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth
But if I do, it's you
Oh, it's you, they add up to
I'm in love with you
And all these little things
Or how about a quote from a movie you both love? This quote is spoken by Kate Winslet's character, Iris, at the very beginning of the film The Holiday.
"I've found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said 'Journeys end in lovers meeting.' What an extraordinary thought. Personally, I have not experienced anything remotely close to that, but I am more than willing to believe Shakespeare had. I suppose I think about love more than anyone really should. I am constantly amazed by its sheer power to alter and define our lives."
So here goes with my Top Ten picks of readings for your Algarve wedding ceremony.
Number One
The One by Cheryl Barclay
This beautiful poem is very popular with my couples. It´s a timeless ode to eternal love and intoxicatingly romantic. To me, the sentiment within it seems to sum up marriage, capturing the essence of that special bond between two souls. Brimming with heartfelt emotions and lyrical finesse, this poem is a perfect addition to any wedding ceremony. The reader can almost feel the soft whispers of affection and see the sparks flying between the two hearts destined to be together.
The poem's structure unfolds with an elegant simplicity, allowing the verses to flow seamlessly, making it easy for your reader to deliver. "The One" is a timeless staple in the celebration of love, a perfect choice to inspire and uplift couples on their wedding day.
“When the one whose hand you’re holding,
Is the one who holds your heart.
When the one whose eyes you gaze into,
Gives your hopes and dreams their start.
When the one you think of first and last
Is the one who holds you tight.
And the things you plan together
Makes the whole world seem just right
When the one whom you believe in,
Puts their faith and trust in you,
You’ve found the one and only love,
You’ll share the whole life through”
Number Two
The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson
This is another classic, one of the most popular readings of the last half a century. It addresses timeless sentiments and is sure to have your guests nodding in agreement with it wisdom and smiling and its sweet simplicity.
“Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner.”
Number Three
Blessing of the Hands
I recommend reading this after the handfasting blessing. As the couple's hands are bound together in this ancient ritual, I love the sentiment in this poem that your hands will remain bound together for a lifetime with all the experiences, loves and tears that you will experience as a married couple.
“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”
Number Four
Captain Corelli's Mandolin Louis de Bernières
I had this reading at my own wedding, so this review is slightly biased! It is from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, a heartwarming and poignant novel that captures the essence of love and sacrifice. It tells the tale of a forbidden love between Pelagia, a young Greek woman, and Captain Antonio Corelli, an Italian officer stationed in Greece during World War II. The novel offers not only a captivating love story but also thought-provoking messages about the power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the resilience of the human heart.
As a wedding reading, Captain Corelli's Mandolin offers a beautiful reflection on the transformative and enduring nature of love. The passage resonates with couples because it encompasses the trials and challenges that often come with love while still emphasising its ability to overcome and triumph. Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of cherishing love and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. The passage encourages couples to appreciate the beauty and intimacy that come with an enduring relationship while reminding them that love is not without struggle but is ultimately worth fighting for.
“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.”
Number Five
To My Valentine – Ogden Nash
This little reading is an unconventional take on love! It combines humour, wit, and genuine affection. It adds a light-hearted and playful touch to the wedding ceremony, making it enjoyable and memorable for the couple and the guests. The poem celebrates love in a unique way, expressing the joy and happiness that comes with finding a soulmate. Overall, it is a lighthearted and unconventional choice that can bring a smile to everyone's face while still conveying a heartfelt message about love and commitment.
“More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That’s how much I love you.
I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.
As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That’s how much you I love.
I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.
I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oaths,
That’s how you’re loved by me.”
Number Six
Marriage (Anon)
This lighthearted poem will have your married wedding guests nodding their heads in agreement and the last line is sure to raise a laugh! It´s a modern and non-sentimental view of marriage which will appeal to couples who aren´t big into gushing sentimentality and have a sense of humour. I actually find it quite touching and it fits in perfectly with the vows ‘for better for worse’ as we remind ourselves that marriage is for good times and bad.
“Marriage is about giving and taking
And forging and forsaking
Kissing and loving and pushing and shoving
Caring and sharing and screaming and swearing
About being together whatever the weather
About being driven to the end of your tether
About sweetness and kindness
And wisdom and blindness
It’s about being strong when you’re feeling quite weak
It’s about saying nothing when you’re dying to speak
It’s about being wrong when you know you are right
It’s about giving in, before there’s a fight
It’s about you two living as cheaply as one
(you can give us a call if you know how that’s done!)
Never heeding advice that was always well meant
Never counting the cost until it’s all spent
And for you two today it’s about to begin
And for all that the two of you had to put in
Some days filled with joy, and some days with sadness
Too late you’ll discover that marriage is madness.”
Number Seven
Time Travellers by Terah Cox
This poem offers a captivating and heartwarming perspective on love and commitment, making it a suitable wedding reading for a civil ceremony. Time travel is presented as a metaphor for the couple's journey through life together. It adds a touch of whimsy and imagination to the ceremony, making a memorable statement for your guests.
The poem emphasises the commitment and dedication needed to make a relationship work, which is an important aspect of a wedding ceremony. It reminds the couple and their guests of the importance of cherishing every moment and working together to create a beautiful future.
“May you take on the world together with all your hopes and dreams,
may you be each other’s anchor in smooth or rocky seas.
May you bend to the world’s winds and brave stalls and storms,
may you find common ground in all its changing forms.
May you cross stubborn boundaries and turn many a stone,
may you find haven for your souls, may you have heart and home.
And if some days are grey and some nights are long and cold,
May you be each other’s sun and moon as your destinies unfold.
And should you lose sight of each other and start to drift apart,
may you circle back by following the compass of your hearts.”
Number Eight
"Marriage Is" by Emily Mathews
A charming and heartfelt poem that perfectly captures the essence of what marriage truly means. With its lyrical flow and beautiful imagery, it is a wonderful addition to any wedding day. It evokes a sense of romance and unity, creating a beautiful visual representation of a loving partnership. The poem's elegant rhyme scheme and rhythm make it easy to read aloud as the words flow effortlessly, making it easy for the reader to get lost in the enchanting language of love.
“Marriage is…
Someone to believe in
And to put their trust in you
Someone who appreciates
The special things you do,
Someone to be close to,
In your heart and mind,
Someone who’s the love
You might have thought you’d never find,
Someone who stands by you
And whose faith can make you strong,
Someone you will cherish
Every day, your whole life long.”
Number Nine
‘What is a Soulmate’ by Emily Matthews
Making a second appearance in my chart, Emily Mathews has also contributed this wonderfully romantic offering to the pantheon of ceremony readings. It features a lovely rhyming rhythm, making it suitable for even the most inexperienced public speakers.
“If you have found a smile that is the sweetest one you’ve known.
If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own.
If you have felt a touch that stirs the longing of your heart,
And still can feel that closeness in the moment you’re apart.
If you are filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend,
To weave a perfect pattern that is seamless end to end.
If you believe some things in life are simply meant to be,
Then you have found your soulmate, your hearts own destiny.
If you can always be as close and happy as today,
Yet be secure enough to grow and change along the way.
If you can keep for you alone your love as man and wife,
Yet find the time to share your joy with others in your life.
If you can be as one and walk through marriage hand in hand,
Yet still support the goals and dreams that each of you have planned.
If you can dare to always go your separate ways together,
Then all the wonders of today will stay with you forever.”
Number Ten
That Still And Settled Place by Edward Monkton
And finally, if you are looking for something short and sweet, this beautiful and heartfelt poem would be a perfect addition to any wedding ceremony. Monkton's poetic and whimsical style creates an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of love and marriage. The reading emphasises the need for a strong and enduring love that can weather any storm while also promoting the idea of embracing change and growth within a relationship. It encourages couples to create a haven, a "still and settled place," where they can find solace and support in one another.
Its poetic nature adds elements of beauty and romance to any ceremony, making it a memorable and touching addition to a wedding celebration and an excellent choice for couples looking for a meaningful and memorable reading for their special day.
“In that still and settled place
There’s nobody but you
You’re where I breathe my oxygen
You’re where I see my view
And when the world feels full of noise
My heart knows what to do
It finds that still and settled place
And dances there with you”
So have fun choosing your wedding reading, it will make your wedding live in you and your guests memories and reflect your unique love story.