Words on marriage itself are great for opening and closing wedding ceremonies.

They can set the tone for the wedding and be easily incorporated into the introduction by your celebrant. For example:

Welcome to the marriage of Rachel and Peter. To commence the ceremony, the bride and groom have selected a reading called Tree of Life which reflects how they feel as they approach their marriage. (Celebrant then reads Tree of Life)

 These pieces in this section are also crafted so that wedding party members or other wedding guests could be included in the ceremony. An older family member may like to read a piece like Have No Illusions or Small Things that speaks of advice to the younger wedded couple. The celebrant could incorporate this as follows:

I’d now like to ask the bride’s mother, Joan, to come forward. Joan would like to read Have No Illusions by Melanie James. (Joan comes forward and reads the verse)

Another way to incorporate readings is to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen read a selection of works in turn. This would be introduced by the celebrant:

We will now listen to the bridal party members read some words written by Melanie James which have been chosen by Rachel and Peter.

The first reader would step forward, addressing the wedding couple and the wider audience, and say:

The first reading you have chosen is Vessel of Love. (First reader completes this reading and the second reader steps forward)

The second reading you have chosen is Taste of Marriage. (Second reader completes this reading and the final reader steps forward)

The final reading you have chosen is Just Kiss. (Final reader completes the reading.)

The celebrant could then proceed to complete the ceremony with the marriage declaration.

You of course are not limited to this section for openings and closings.  Your wedding ceremony is your own and you should incorporate whatever words you think help express what you want to convey to each other and the wider world.

I have written pieces to help enhance the joy of your own very special day. Enjoy it.

See Section 1 in the complete collection

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