Have you decided to get married in the church? If this is your case, you are probably already looking for information about the Requirements for getting married in church, as well as planning other important details such as the wedding dress, the banquet or the floral arrangements. However, there is one essential aspect that is often overlooked: the choice of readings for the religious ceremony.
At a religious wedding, the readings not only have symbolic weight, but also give depth y meaning to the ceremonial act. These readings, generally taken from the Bible, must be carefully selected to reflect the values, the union and the commitment that you as a couple want to stand out. From texts about eternal love to passages about collaboration and mutual strengthening, there is much to explore.
To make this task easier for you, we have prepared a complete guide with examples of readings for religious weddings, especially those corresponding to the Old Testament, but we have also added other relevant texts and specific advice to help you make the best decision.
Importance of readings at a religious wedding
The readings chosen for your ceremony are one of the most significant parts of the event. They reflect not only the values y beginning that your relationship embodies, but also offer guests a window into the commitment that you are sealing on that day. Therefore, it is crucial to take time to consider which texts resonate most deeply with your history and vision of the future.
In many religious ceremonies, the readings are divided into different sections:
- First reading: It usually comes from the Old Testament and highlights themes such as creation, love and fidelity.
- Responsorial Psalm: This is a reflective song that follows the first reading.
- Second reading: Generally taken from the New Testament, it focuses on teachings about Christian love.
- Gospel: It concludes the readings and focuses on the teachings of Jesus.
Now, we will explore specific examples of first readings that are among the favorites for religious weddings.
Examples of First Readings from the Old Testament
Tobias 8, 4-8
On their wedding night, Tobias said to Sarah, “Woman, get up, let us pray to our Lord that he may have mercy on us and protect us.” He got up, and they began to pray, asking God to protect them. He prayed, “Blessed are you, God of our fathers, and blessed is your name forever and ever. May heaven and all your creatures bless you forever. You created Adam, and as his helper and support you created his wife, Eve; from the two of them the human race was born.” You said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him someone like him, to help him.” If I marry this cousin of mine, I am not seeking to gratify my passion, but I am acting loyally. Please have mercy on her and me and see that we reach old age together.” They both said, “Amen, amen.”
Ecclesiastes 4, 9-12
«Two are better than one, because they have more toil. If one falls, one lifts up the other. Woe to him who falls and has no one to lift him up! If two lie down together, they will keep warm; how can one keep warm? One can be overcome alone, but two can endure. A three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.»
Song of Songs 2, 8-14
«Here comes my beloved, leaping over the mountains, skipping on the hills. My beloved is like a deer, my beloved is like a young stag. Look! He stands behind the wall, peers through the windows, looks through the lattice. My beloved says to me: 'Arise, my love, my fair one, come to me! For winter is past, the rains have ceased and gone away. The flowers are blooming in the plain, the time for pruning is coming, the cooing of the turtledove is heard in the fields, the fig tree is budding, the vine is in bloom and gives forth its fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, come to me! My dove, nesting in the hollows of the rock, in the clefts of the ravine, let me see your form, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your form is beautiful.'»
Hosea 2, 16-17. 21-22
«This is what the Lord says: 'I will lead my unfaithful wife Israel into the wilderness. I will speak tenderly to her. There she will answer me, as she did when she was young, as on the day she came out of Egypt. I will betroth you to me, Israel, forever. We will be united in justice and righteousness, in steadfast love and tenderness. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and then you will know the Lord.'
These readings are ideal for those looking for a profound message about love and unity, inspired by religious teachings. However, they are not the only options available.
Other popular readings and tips for choosing
In addition to Old Testament texts, there are also New Testament passages that are often read at religious weddings. These readings tend to focus more on the teaching of the love unconditional and the commitment Christian:
- Corinthians 13, 1-8: A classic text that describes the qualities of true love.
- Ephesians 5, 21-33: A reflection on marital love as a reflection of Christ's love for the Church.
- Philippians 4, 4-9: A call to live in harmony, patience y mutual love.
When selecting readings, consider the following:
- Meet with the parish priest: Discuss options with the priest to ensure the readings chosen fit the tone of the ceremony.
- Reflect your relationship: Choose texts that have special meaning for you as a couple.
- Consider the audience: Think about how guests will receive and understand the readings.
An important final step is to practice reading aloud before the wedding day. This ensures that all participants feel comfortable and confident in sharing these meaningful messages.
Properly selected Scripture readings can transform a standard ceremony into a deeply emotional and memorable event. From the vows to the “I do,” every word can resonate as an echo of your love and commitment to one another.