Wedding Poems: 65 Sweet Ideas for Your Ceremony

Dr Victoria -

Whether you're looking for a wedding poem to be utilized during a reading or for wedding poetry to feature in your speech, you'll find lots of romantic, traditional and humorous wedding poems in our round-up. The poems vary in length, some being perfect for stand-alone readings and some short enough to include in a winning wedding speech. From spiritual odes to classical verses and amusing haikus that will make the congregation laugh, you're sure to find something suitable below.

From Shakespeare to Mark Twain, these wedding poems are the top choices from my entire selection. All of these popular wedding poems would not just be perfect readings, but can even be adopted as wedding vows.

  • "I Carry Your Heart With Me" - E.E Cummings "I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) I am never without it (wherever I go you go, my darling; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my dearest) I dread no fate (for you are my fate, my sweetheart) I desire no world (for beautiful you are my world, my real one) and it's you are whatever a moon has continually intended and whatever a sun will forever sing is you Here is the deepest secret that nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree named life; which rises higher than the soul can hope or the mind can hide) and this is the marvellous thing that's keeping the stars apart I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)."
  • "The One" - Unknown "When the one whose hand you're grasping 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 contemplate first and last Is the one who holds you tight, And the things you plan together Make the entire world seem just right, When the one you trust inputs their faith and trust in you, You've found the one and only love You'll share your entire life through."
  • "This Day I Married My Best Friend" - Unknown "This day I married my best friend the one I laugh with as we share life's wonderful enthusiasm, as we find new delights and experience all that's best. the one I live for because the world appears brighter as our glad times are better and our burdens feel much lighter. the one I adore with every fibre of my soul. We used to feel vaguely unfinished, now together we are complete."
  • "Wedding Prayer" - Robert Louis Stevenson "Lord, observe our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace granted us this day, for the expectation with which we anticipate the morrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the brilliant skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth."
  • "These I Can Promise" - Mark Twain "I cannot promise you a life of sunshine; I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold; I cannot promise you a hassle-free pathway That leads away from change or growing old. But I can promise all my heart's devotion; A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow; A love that's ever true and ever growing; A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow."
  • "Eskimo Love Song" - Unknown "You are my husband, you are my wife My feet shall run because of you My feet dance because of you My heart shall beat because of you My eyes see because of you My mind thinks because of you And I shall love, because of you."

Traditional Wedding Poems

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Everyone is aware of and adores these timeless wedding poems – and for a good reason. Despite the fact that they were written many years ago, they capture the universal truth behind love and what it actually means.

  • "Love's Philosophy Love and Friendship Extract" - Emily Bronte "Love resembles the wild rose-briar Friendship like the holly tree The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms But which will bloom most constantly? The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring, Its summer blossoms scent the air Yet wait till winter comes again And who will call the wild-briar fair? Then, disavow the insignificant rose-wreath now And ornament with you the holly's sheen, Then when December blights thy brow He still may leave thy garland green."
  • "Hope Is The Thing With Feathers" - Emily Dickinson "Hope is the thing with feathers That sits in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That can daunt the little bird That kept so many warm."
  • "How Do I Love Thee?" - Elizabeth Barrett Browning "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

"Sonnet 116" - William Shakespeare

I adore thee to the utmost degree of magnitude that my soul can achieve, when feeling far away and seeking Superlative Perfection. I cherish thee to the level of every day's most hushed requirement, by sunlight and by lamplight. I adore thee unreservedly, like men who strive for Justice; I worship thee sincerely, as they bow away from Accolades. I revere thee with my former sorrows put to good use, and with my innocence of childhood. I adore thee with a love which seemed to have been lost, with my lost saints - I adore thee unconceivably, with the breath, the grins, the tears, of all my life! - and, if God opts, I shall simply love thee even more post death.

"Love (III)" - George Herbert

Love welcomed me - yet my being withdrew, feeling culpable of dust and wrongdoing. But keen-eyed Love, noticing I was escalatingly lacking passion from the start, drew nearer to me, gently asking if I lacked anything. As a visitor, I replied that I was worthy to be here - Love said, “You will be Him.” I, the unworthy and unappreciative? Ah, my darling, I can not stare upon thee. Love took my hand and beaming replied, “Who made the eyes but I?”

"The Owl and the Pussy Cat" - Edward Lear

The Owl and the Pussycat journeyed to sea in a wonderful light green rowboat, they procured some honey, and a lot of money, bundled up in a five pound note. The Owl peered up to the heavens above, and crooned to a diminutive guitar, ‘O gorgeous Pussy! O Pussy my love, what a splendid Pussy you are, you are, you are! What a lovely Pussy you are!’ Pussy declared to the Owl, “You delightful bird! How gorgeously you sing! O let us be united! Too long we have tarried – But what will we use for an engagement ring?”

They floated away, for a year and a day, to the domain where the Bong-tree flourishes, and there in a copse a Piggy-wig stood with a ring at the end of his nozzle, his nozzle, his nozzle, with a ring at the end of his nozzle. “Dear pig, would you be prepared to let go of it for one shilling, your ring?” Said the Piggy, “I will.” So they took it away, and were married the following day by the Turkey who resides on the hill. They feasted on mince, and slices of quince, which they consumed with a curved spoon; and hand in hand, on the border of the sand, they danced in the light of the moon, the moon, the moon, they danced in the light of the moon.

"O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose" - Robert Burns

O my Love’s like a red, red rose, That’s just freshly bloomed in June – O my Love’s like the song, That’s charmingly performed in tune. As beautiful art thou, my bonnie lass, So deeply embedded in passion am I; And I will continuously adore thee, my dear, Till all the seas are depleted. Till all the oceans are exhausted, my love, And the rocks melt with the sun; And I will still cherish thee, my dear, Whilst the sands of life flow run. And goodbye, my sole Love! And so long, a while! And I will come back, my Love, Even if it’s ten thousand miles!

"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" - Christopher Marlowe

Come live with me and be my love, And we will sample all the joys That fields, hills, woods, meadows, and valleys, Produce, or even steep mountainside.

And we will recline on the rocks, Watching the shepherds nourish their flocks, By shallow rivers with falls Melodic birds singing sonnets. And I will make for thee beds of roses And heaps of fragrant bouquets, A coronet of blossoms, and a dress Trimmed with leafy myrtle leaves; A gown made of the finest wool Which from our delightful lambs we pluck, Softly lined slippers for the icy cold, With buckles of the purest gold; A belt of straw and ivy buds, With coral latches and amber beads - And if these pastimes may move thee, Come live with me and be my love. The shepherd’s swathes shall dance and sing For thy happiness each May morning - If these pastimes may thrill thee, Then come live with me and be my love.

"The Good-Morrow" - John Donne

I wonder with all truthfulness, what thou and I did, before we loved? Were we not weaned until then? But did we just enjoy rustic pleasures, like children? Or did we breathe in the Seven Sleepers' den?

"Twas so; But This, All Pleasures Fancies Be"- Unknown

Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be; If ever any beauty I did see, Which I desired, and got, 'twas but a dream of thee. And now good-morrow to our waking souls, Which watch not one another out of fear; For love all love of other sights controls, And makes one little room an everywhere.

Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone; Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown; Let us possess one world ; each hath one, and is one. My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears, And true plain hearts do in the faces rest; Where can we find two better hemispheres Without sharp north, without declining west ?

Whatever dies, was not mixed equally; If our two loves be one, or thou and I Love so alike that none can slacken, none can die.

"Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" - Thomas Moore

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms, Which I gaze on so fondly to-day, Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms, Live fairy-gifts fading away, Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art, Let thy loveliness fade as it will, And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly still.

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear, That the fervor and faith of a soul may be known, To which time will but make thee more dear! No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close, As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets The same look which she turned when he rose!

"The Married Lover" - Coventry Patmore

WHY, having won her, do I woo? Because her spirit’s vestal grace Provokes me always to pursue, But, spirit-like, eludes embrace; Because her womanhood is such That, as on court-days subjects kiss The Queen’s hand, yet so near a touch Affirms no mean familiarness, Nay, rather marks more fair the height Which can with safety so neglect To dread, as lower ladies might, That grace could meet with disrespect; Thus she with happy favor feeds Allegiance from a love so high That thence no false conceit proceeds Of difference bridged, or state put by; Because, although in act and word As lowly as a wife can be Her manners, when they call me lord, Remind me ‘tis by courtesy; Not with her least consent of will, Which would my proud affection hurt, But by the noble style that still Imputes an unattained desert; Because her gay and lofty brows, When all is won which hope can ask, Reflect a light of hopeless snows That bright in virgin ether bask; Because, though free of the outer court I am, this Temple keeps its shrine Sacred to heaven; because, in short, She’s not and never can be mine.

"The Minute I Heard My First Love Story" - Rumi

The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, Not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.

"The Prophet"- Kahlil Gibran

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires-

  • To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
  • To know the pain of too much tenderness.
  • To be wounded by your own understanding of love;And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
  • To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;To return home at eventide with gratitude;And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise on your lips.

"I Belong In Your Arms" - Unknown

I belong in your arms Finally, I have found a place Into which I fit Perfectly, Safely And securely with no doubts, No fears, No sadness, No tears. This place is filled with happiness and laughter Yet it is spacious enough, to allow me The freedom to move around, To live my life and be myself. This wonderful place, which I never believed really existed, I have found Finally Inside your arms, Inside your heart, inside your love.

"Do You Remember Still The Falling Stars" - Stephen Berg

Do you remember still the falling stars that like swift horses through the heavens raced and suddenly leaped across the hurdles of our wishes–do you recall? And we did make so many! For there were countless numbers of stars- each time we looked above we were astounded by the swiftness of their daring play, while in our hearts we felt safe and secure watching these brilliant bodies disintegrate, knowing somehow we had survived their fall.

"With You In My Heart"- Unknown

With you in my heart, my life is complete, You’re the air that I breathe and the food that I eat. You are my soul mate, the beat in my heart, It feels like a year each second we’re apart.

"My Delight and Thy Delight"- Robert Bridges

My delight and thy delight, walking, like two angels white, in the gardens of the night- My desire and their desire, twining to a tongue of fire, leaping live, and laughing higher- Thro' the everlasting strife in the mysteries of life. Love, from whom the world begun, hath the secret of the sun.

Love can tell, and love alone, whence the million stars were strewn, why each atom knows its own, how, in spite of woe and death, gay is life, and sweet is breath- This he taught us, this we knew, happy in his science true, hand in hand as we stood 'neath the shadows of the wood, heart to heart as we lay in the dawning of the day.

"To My Dear and Loving Husband" - Anna Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee. If ever wife was happy in a man, compare with me, ye women, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, nor ought but love from thee give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay.

"The Heavens Reward Thee Manifold, I Pray" - Extracts from Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare

The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let’s so persevere. That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; Being purg’d, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;Being vex’d, a sea norish’d with lovers’ tears; What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.(Act l.i)

O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! Her beauty hangs upon the cheek of nightLike a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear! So shows a snowy dove trooping with crow, As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows. The measure done, I’ll watch her place of stand, And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.(Act l.v)

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief. That thou her maid art more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious. Her vestal livery is but sick and green, And none but fools do wear it. Cast it off. It is my lady; O it is my love! O that she knew she were! She speaks, yet she says nothing. What of that? Her eye discourses; I will answer it. I am too bold; ‘tis not to me she speaks. Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes. To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if he eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars. As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven. Would through the airy region stream so bright. That birds would sing and think it were not night. See how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!(Act ll.ii)

"Older Than Flowers"

Older than flowers, older than ferns, older than foraminiferae, older than plasm altogether is the soul underneath. And when, throughout all the wild chaos of love slowly a gem forms, in the ancient, once-more-molten rocks of two human hearts, two ancient rocks, a man's heart and a woman's, that is the crystal of peace, the slow hard jewel of trust, the sapphire of fidelity. The gem of mutual peace emerging from the wild chaos of love.

"Dear Heart"

Dear Heart, I'd like it if you'd tell me How you measure love. Do you deal in ounces and quarters? Or stroke it with kid gloves? How do you pick who gets it Because I'd really like a say And why is it that some people Get more and more each day?

Another thing I'd like to know Is how love measures time? Is it founded in an instant? Then lasts a whole lifetime? Does it grow and grow your whole life through So I have more and more Or is there just a set amount You get at birth then store?

What happens if it's stolen? Or if I cease to love Does it all come back untarnished? With interest on the above. How can I know its importance? Do you give it certain ranks? Could I say that's 1st or 2nd class? Like I do with postage stamps.

Is true love like in stories? Like old fashioned fairy tales Cinderella meets Prince Charming And only love prevails Why is it then that nowadays? Love sometimes takes the course Of starting off with marriage But ending in divorce

Is love equal in proportions? For families and for friends For husbands, wives and children Where does it ever end? To let me know what's going on Lets strike a little deal Beat slowly for the phoneys And fast if it's for real!

I promise to love and will gladly honour you but obey? no way!

Prepping for the Big Day

Weeks and weeks to prepare
Running here and there
Arranging the church
Your vows to rehearse
Hoping your day will be bliss
Preparing the guest list none amiss
Flowers, rings, the wedding cake
Present list for you to make
Wedding cars, ribbons to tie
Emotions running high
Finally the day is here
Time is drawing near
Meet your man, make your vow
Happiness at least for now
Two people joined together as one
Hanky panky when guests have gone.

The band has been booked,
the cake has been made,
the photographer's chosen,
all bills have been paid.
The guests are decided, the menu too;
Something borrowed? Check!
Ditto old and blue.

The stationery's been ordered,
along with the flowers,
favours are done after fiddling for hours.
The stag do's a blur, same goes for the Hen –
won't be drinking that much in one sitting again!

The dress has been picked,
accessories bought;
there's nothing to schedule, no more to sort.
After endless to-do lists for over a year, it's time to relax;
the big day is here!

The Day Has Arrived

Sitting here with my girls as our hair gets done, I can't help feeling lucky to have found 'the One' – Just think, by lunchtime I'll be his new wife!
Roll on the wedding, and our new married life!

Wakey wakey open your eyes,
Today is the best day in both of our lives.
Today we'll be joined in matrimony,
Us together my Princess,
you and Me.

Climb out of bed my darling and begin to dress,
I know today you're sure to impress,
With a flowing outfit I am longing to see,
Made more perfect with your glowing, natural beauty.

Your hair's been done perfect,
your make up too,
Soon we'll be married and my dreams will come true.
At the church I'll be waiting for you to arrive,
To begin the new chapter of the rest of our lives.

The Ceremony

There at the church I eagerly wait,
For you to arrive of course fashionably late,
Over the brow the car does appear,
Soon you'll be in my arms with nothing to fear.

The Wedding March begins the room filled with pride,
To see the joining of love between myself and my bride,
As you walk down the aisle the emotion is felt,
And as my eyes fixes upon you my heart does melt.

The ceremony begins and love fills the air,
The love we feel for each other so pure so rare,
With tears in our eyes we say our I do's,
And promise to each other this love we won't lose.

The Reception

The ceremony's over,
the register is signed,
The woman I've married I was lucky to find,
Next to the reception where good times awaits,
To celebrate the love of two perfect soulmates.

At the reception the food begins to arrive,
On each table conversations are alive,
Two families mixing and be-coming one,
New friends and acquaintances now the welcomes are done.

Soon are the speeches from best man and co.,
With smiles and warmth from laughter in flow,
Then with the toasts to us the two,
I gaze and feel my full love for you.

My Wife in My Arms

The first dance in front of our guests, standing close together chest to chest: the music is flowing and my heart begins to pull, my wife in my arms and my life is now full.

The evening begins and the drinks start to flow, everyone's dancing and enjoying the show. But time's getting on and the room starts to empty, we thank them for coming and sharing emotions aplenty.

The evening draws to a close and soon it will end, but never will our love between me and my best friend. Our memories of this day will last forever so true, and remember, my wife, I will always love you!

Gaining a Daughter

I'm losing my boy and I know that I oughta be jumping with joy that I'm gaining a daughter, but…

  • The hemline's too high above the knee,
  • She says wearing white is hypocrisy,
  • There's no sign of a veil to hide her face,
  • And she's gone for fur instead of lace.

She looks bemused when I mention a train; says they'll be heading for Greece on a plane. No, it certainly wouldn't be my kind of dress, but will she make him happy? Yes.

  • She says hats you only wear once are a waste,
  • She has unruly hair and unusual taste.
  • Shouldn't we be spending money (and hours) selecting the venue and picking the flowers?
  • But it's Registry Office, a girl as best man, pie and chips at the pub, and no seating plan.
  • Whatever goes on in her head? I can't guess, but will she make him happy? Yes.

Be My Homer

Be my Homer; I wanna be your Marge. If I'm your Norfolk Broads, will you be my barge? Let's please be Tom and Barbara, I will show you The Good Life. Even though we're not yet married, I would love to be your wife.

  • Like Mr. and Mrs. Huxtable, we'd smooch even when we're wrinkly.
  • I'll even consider ironing your shirts, but I hope you like them crinkly.
  • Like Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, I'm flexible and you're tough.
  • But if you promise to be my true love, that will always be enough.
  • Like Bonny and that Clyde guy without all the dying.
  • Like Gwyneth and that Coldplay man without all the crying.
  • My partner in crime, the love of my life, my muse, my joy, my fun.
  • Please be my one and only, 'cos you've always been "The One".

A religious poem or reading is a fantastic way to honour your faith on your wedding day. Among my selection here you'll find both bible verses and prayers that read just as beautifully as a poem.

Ecclesiastes 4

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow- but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat- but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Proverbs 31

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain- but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

A Prayer

"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that we…"