The Ultimate Guide to Bible Readings for Weddings: 2025–2026 Edition

Choosing the perfect Bible readings for weddings is one of the most significant decisions a couple can make when planning a religious or spiritually-infused ceremony. Whether you are aiming for a deeply traditional liturgical service or a "mostly secular" garden party with a touch of wisdom literature, the words you choose will echo throughout the halls (and your wedding video) for decades. In 2025, we are seeing a massive shift in how couples approach scripture—moving away from "automatic" choices toward intentional, heritage-driven, or inclusive verses that truly reflect their unique partnership.

As a wedding humor consultant, I’ve seen it all—from the tear-jerkingly beautiful to the "did they really just read that?" moments. This guide is designed to help you navigate the vast landscape of scripture to find the words that resonate with your heart while avoiding the classic blunders that can turn a holy moment into a viral "fail" video.

The "Gold Standard" and Traditional Favorites

When it comes to Bible readings for weddings, some passages have stood the test of time for a reason. They capture the essence of commitment, sacrifice, and the divine nature of love.

1 Corinthians 13: The Love Chapter

There is no getting around it: 1 Corinthians 13 is the undisputed heavyweight champion of wedding scriptures. Globally, it remains the #1 choice across almost all Christian denominations. Its popularity stems from its clear, poetic definition of love—not as a feeling, but as an action.

• The Vibe: Universally recognizable, comforting, and authoritative.
• Key Verse: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Genesis 2:18-24: The Foundation

Particularly popular in a Catholic Wedding Ceremony Script, this passage from the Old Testament describes the creation of Eve and the concept of "one flesh." It is chosen by approximately 29% of Catholic couples for its foundational theology of companionship.

• The Vibe: Traditional, structural, and deeply religious.
• Key Verse: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Song of Solomon: The Romantic Choice

If you want something a bit more poetic and "earthy," the Song of Solomon (also known as the Song of Songs) is a beautiful option. It’s one of the few books in the Bible focused entirely on the romantic and physical love between two people.

2025–2026 Trends in Wedding Scripture

As we move into the 2025 and 2026 wedding seasons, several key trends are emerging in how couples select and present their readings.

The "Nostalgia" and Heirloom Trend

Following the broader trend of "vintage" and "coquette" weddings, many couples are looking backward for inspiration. This involves choosing the exact same Bible readings for weddings that their parents or grandparents used. To add an extra layer of meaning, couples are increasingly having their readers read from a family heirloom Bible, often one that has been passed down through generations.

The Rise of "Micro-Readings"

In the age of social media and shorter attention spans, the 2026 forecast points toward the "micro-reading." Instead of a full chapter, couples are selecting 1–2 high-impact "power verses" to be used as transitions between other parts of the ceremony or as headers on their physical programs.

Inclusive and Gender-Neutral Language

For modern, progressive couples, the NRSVue (Updated Edition) has become a top choice. This translation uses more inclusive language (e.g., "humankind" instead of "man") and is often favored in Complete Guide to Wedding Ceremonies that aim for a contemporary, welcoming feel.

Wisdom Literature for the "Low-Key" Wedding

Not every couple wants a "preachy" ceremony. For interfaith or mostly secular weddings, there is a trend toward using "Wisdom Literature" like Ecclesiastes or Proverbs. These books focus more on the practicalities of life and friendship rather than overt theology.

Choosing the Right Translation

The "sound" of your wedding is heavily dictated by the translation of the Bible you choose. Here is how the most popular versions break down:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting Bible readings for weddings seems straightforward, but there are several classic traps that can derail your ceremony.

1. The "John vs. 1 John" Blunder

This is the most common error in the book. A couple asks their friend to read 1 John 4:16, which says, "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God." However, the nervous reader flips to John 4:16. In this verse, Jesus is talking to a woman at a well and says, "Go, call your husband and come here," only to later point out she has had five husbands and the man she is with now is not her husband. It’s an awkward moment no one forgets!

2. The "Marriage as Submission" Trap

Using Ephesians 5:22 ("Wives, submit to your husbands") is a choice some traditional couples make. However, experts warn that reading this verse in isolation can be incredibly polarizing. If you choose this passage, ensure your reader starts at verse 21, which emphasizes mutual submission: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

3. Listener Fatigue (Cramming)

You might love ten different passages, but your guests have a limit. Aim for 1 to 3 readings total. A typical liturgical wedding involves an Old Testament reading, a Psalm, and a New Testament reading. If you are doing a Civil Wedding Ceremony Script but want to include one religious element, stick to just one powerful passage.

Practical Advice for Your Readers

Once you’ve selected your Bible readings for weddings, the "delivery" is what matters most.

Context is King

Don't just hand your reader a single verse. Encourage them to read the five verses before and after your selection. Understanding the "why" behind the text helps them deliver the lines with the appropriate emotion and weight.

Practice Out Loud

Archaic translations like the King James Version are beautiful, but they are full of "thees," "thous," and verbs ending in "-eth" (like "hopeth" or "endureth"). These are linguistic tripwires. Your reader should practice these out loud at least five times to ensure they don't stumble during the live event.

Making it Your Own

While the scripture itself is ancient, the way you present it doesn't have to be. Many couples are now using these readings as a springboard for their own personal words. If you are struggling to bridge the gap between ancient scripture and your modern love story, using a tool like the (Marketing) - Tools - Wedding Vow Writer can help you weave those biblical themes into your personal promises.

Conclusion

Bible readings for weddings are more than just a placeholder in the ceremony; they are the "thematic anchor" for your marriage. From the soaring rhetoric of 1 Corinthians 13 to the grounded wisdom of Ecclesiastes, these ancient texts provide a framework for the life you are building together. By avoiding common mistakes like the "John vs. 1 John" slip-up and carefully selecting a translation that matches your wedding's vibe, you can ensure your ceremony is both meaningful and memorable.