Catholic Wedding Readings

Your Catholic wedding is a beautiful and sacred moment, where faith, love, and tradition come together in the sacrament of marriage. One of the most meaningful aspects of a Catholic wedding is the selection of wedding readings from the Bible. These readings reflect the significance of the marital bond and the spiritual foundation of a couple’s journey together. If you’re planning your Catholic wedding, you’re likely considering which Bible passages to include in your ceremony to make it personal, timeless, and rooted in the Church’s teachings.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Catholic wedding readings. We’ll explore traditional and popular selections, Old and New Testament passages, and even unique and modern options that can make your ceremony stand out. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Gospel reading or wondering which psalm to include, we have you covered.

What Readings Are Read at a Catholic Wedding?

Catholic weddings typically include three readings from the Bible: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one Gospel reading. These passages are meant to reflect the nature of Christian love, the sanctity of marriage, and the couple’s commitment to one another under God’s guidance.

Old Testament Readings: The first reading, often chosen from the Old Testament, focuses on the beauty of love, creation, and God’s eternal promises.
New Testament Readings: The second reading is selected from the New Testament, usually from one of the epistles, emphasizing themes like unity, mutual respect, and the significance of Christ’s love in marriage.
Gospel Readings: The Gospel reading is typically chosen by the priest or couple and is central to the liturgy. It reflects Jesus’ teachings on love, faith, and marriage, offering a foundation for the homily that follows.

Selecting the right combination of readings helps set the tone for your ceremony, bringing in themes of love, faith, hope, and the sacrament of marriage. Let’s explore some traditional and popular readings that you might consider.

Traditional Catholic Wedding Scriptures

For centuries, Catholic couples have chosen specific Bible readings that reflect the timeless beauty of marriage. These traditional readings often draw upon universal themes of love, sacrifice, and commitment. Here are some of the most beloved options:

Old Testament Readings

Genesis 2:18-24 – The creation of woman and man.
- This passage beautifully illustrates the creation of the first marriage when God created Eve for Adam, and they became one flesh.
Tobit 8:4b-8 – The prayer of Tobias and Sarah.
- A touching prayer from Tobit, expressing faith and trust in God as Tobias and Sarah begin their life together.
Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a – Love as strong as death.
- A poetic and passionate celebration of love, often chosen for its romantic imagery.

New Testament Readings

Romans 12:1-2, 9-18 – The marks of a true Christian.
- A reflection on Christian love, humility, and service, perfect for setting the tone of a marriage built on faith.
Ephesians 5:2a, 21-33 – The mystery of marriage.
- A profound passage describing marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
Colossians 3:12-17 – Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
- A powerful passage about compassion, kindness, humility, and love—essential virtues for a Christian marriage.

Catholic Wedding Ceremony Readings: Gospel Selections

The Gospel reading is often one of the most anticipated parts of the ceremony because it reflects Jesus’ teachings on love, marriage, and faith. Your priest will likely offer guidance on choosing a Gospel reading that suits your ceremony, but here are some well-loved choices:

Matthew 19:3-6 – What God has joined together, let no one separate.
- Jesus speaks about the sacred bond of marriage, a powerful reminder of the permanence and divine blessing of your union.
John 2:1-11 – The wedding at Cana.
- This passage recounts the first miracle of Jesus at a wedding feast, where He turned water into wine. It’s a beautiful reflection of the joy and abundance that marriage can bring.
Mark 10:6-9 – They are no longer two but one flesh.
- Another affirmation of the unbreakable bond between husband and wife, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage.

What Is the Traditional Catholic Hymn for a Wedding?

Though wedding readings are an essential part of the ceremony, music also plays a vital role. One of the most beloved traditional hymns for Catholic weddings is “Ave Maria”. This hymn, which honors the Virgin Mary, is often sung during the preparation of the gifts or as a processional. Its gentle, prayerful melody creates a sacred atmosphere that perfectly complements the solemnity of the wedding Mass.

Other popular hymns for Catholic weddings include:

“O God Beyond All Praising”
“The Prayer”
“On Eagle’s Wings”

These hymns are cherished for their spiritual significance and their ability to bring the congregation together in prayer and worship.

What Psalm Is for a Catholic Wedding?

Psalms are often included in Catholic weddings as a way to express gratitude, joy, and faith. One of the most commonly chosen psalms for weddings is Psalm 128:1-5:

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways…”

This psalm is a beautiful expression of God’s blessings upon a faithful couple, praying for prosperity, happiness, and a home filled with love.

Other popular psalms for weddings include:

Psalm 33:12 and 18, 20-21, 22 – The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 103:1-2, 8 and 13, 17-18a – The Lord is kind and merciful.
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 – I will bless the Lord at all times.

Each of these psalms carries a unique message of faith and devotion, making them ideal for a sacred wedding ceremony.

What Is the Colossians 3 Wedding Reading?

Colossians 3:12-17 is a popular reading for Catholic weddings because it emphasizes the virtues essential to a successful marriage. The passage reads:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”

This reading is a beautiful reminder for the couple to approach their marriage with love, understanding, and forgiveness. It encourages couples to prioritize peace, gratitude, and the presence of Christ in their lives together.

Catholic Marriage Vows Scripture

While Catholic marriage vows themselves are not directly taken from the Bible, they are rooted in Scripture’s teachings on love, commitment, and unity. Passages like Ephesians 5:21-33 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provide the theological foundation for these vows. When a couple promises to be true in “good times and in bad, in sickness and in health,” they echo the self-giving love Christ has for the Church.

Unique and Modern Catholic Wedding Readings

If you’re looking for something slightly different for your wedding, consider these unique and modern Catholic wedding readings:

Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16 – A portrait of the ideal wife.
- A less common reading that offers an intimate look at the virtues of a loving and faithful spouse.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two are better than one.
- This passage speaks to the strength that comes from unity, ideal for couples who view their marriage as a partnership.

Religious Readings for Weddings Beyond the Bible

Though the Bible is the primary source for Catholic wedding readings, couples may choose to include prayers or blessings from other Catholic texts. Examples include:

The Prayer of St. Francis – “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”
The Canticle of the Sun by St. Francis of Assisi – A hymn of praise to God’s creation.

These selections add a personal and spiritual touch, allowing the couple to share their faith in a meaningful way.

Selecting the Perfect Catholic Wedding Readings

Choosing the right readings for your Catholic wedding is a deeply personal and meaningful process. The readings you select will not only reflect your love for each other but also your faith and the sacred nature of marriage in the Catholic Church. From timeless Old Testament scriptures like the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis, to New Testament passages such as 1 Corinthians 13’s reflection on love, each reading offers unique insights into the beauty of your union.

Whether you opt for traditional readings like the Wedding at Cana, or something more modern or unique such as Ecclesiastes’ reflection on partnership, the scriptures you choose will set a powerful spiritual tone for your ceremony. The inclusion of psalms and Gospel readings, along with carefully selected hymns like “Ave Maria,” will further enhance the sacred atmosphere of your wedding day.

Remember, your Catholic wedding is not only a celebration of your love but a sacrament that unites you under God’s grace. By carefully selecting meaningful readings that resonate with your faith and relationship, you’ll create a ceremony that is both spiritually enriching and uniquely personal. Ultimately, your chosen readings will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacred commitment you’re making to each other.

Central Florida Wedding Photographer – Mike Briggs Photography

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