35 Best Wedding Readings for Non Religious Ceremonies in 2025

Finding the perfect wedding readings for non religious ceremonies is one of the most personal tasks a couple can undertake. As we move into 2025 and 2026, the landscape of weddings has shifted dramatically away from tradition and toward deep personalization. Today, your ceremony doesn't need to follow a religious script to feel sacred; instead, it can be a reflection of your shared values, your favorite literature, or even the scientific wonders of the universe.

Whether you are planning a sleek city hall event or a whimsical forest celebration, the right words can transform a standard "I do" into a profound moment of connection. This guide explores the most impactful secular readings, modern trends like "Spectacular Normality," and expert tips for selecting a reader who can truly deliver the message.

The Rise of the Secular Ceremony

The data shows a clear trend: religious ceremonies are no longer the default. In the UK, only 18% of weddings are religious, and Canada follows a similar path at 24%. Even in the United States, roughly 52% of couples now opt for secular alternatives or choose to omit traditional scripture entirely.

This shift is largely driven by Gen Z, who represent one in three newlyweds in the 2024–2025 season. This generation prioritizes "unplugged" ceremonies and personalized guest experiences over ancient doctrine. They are looking for words that feel "real"—readings that acknowledge the messiness of life while celebrating the beauty of commitment.

Top 5 Non-Religious Wedding Readings for 2025

If you are overwhelmed by the options, these five readings are currently the most popular choices for secular ceremonies due to their timeless yet modern feel.

1. "Union" by Robert Fulghum

This is perhaps the gold standard for wedding readings for non religious couples. It focuses on the fact that the "wedding" has been happening in the small moments leading up to the ceremony.

• Key Insight: It reminds the couple and the guests that the legal contract is simply a public acknowledgment of a private commitment already made.

2. "Everything I Know About Love" by Dolly Alderton

A favorite for millennial and Gen Z couples, Alderton’s prose is grounded in reality. It moves away from the "fairy tale" and toward the "spectacularly normal."

• Key Insight: It celebrates the friendship at the core of a romantic partnership, acknowledging that love is as much about doing the dishes as it is about grand gestures.

3. "The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

This reading is a practical "how-to" for a successful life together. It emphasizes that marriage is not something that just happens, but something you must create daily.

• Key Insight: Perfect for couples who value mindfulness and intentionality in their relationship.

4. "I Carry Your Heart With Me" by E.E. Cummings

For those who want something more lyrical and poetic, Cummings offers a rhythmic, beautiful tribute to the idea of two people becoming one.

• Key Insight: This works exceptionally well in an outdoor setting where the natural metaphors can shine.

5. "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams

Specifically, the passage about what it means to be "Real." This nostalgic choice often brings a tear to the eye of guests of all ages.

• Key Insight: It discusses how love ages us, changes us, and ultimately makes us "real" through the passage of time and shared experience.

Modern Trends: What’s New for 2025-2026?

The "standard" wedding reading is evolving. Couples are moving away from the safe, generic choices of the past decade and leaning into more specific, "edgy," or scientific themes.

Spectacular Normality

There is a growing movement toward celebrating the "messy" parts of love. Instead of "forever and always," couples are choosing readings like Dust by Harry Baker. This poem focuses on the mundane joy of "weeding in the mud" and finding the spectacular in the normal, everyday rhythm of life.

Script-to-Stage

Pop culture is a massive influence on modern ceremonies. Monologues from cult-favorite TV shows are a top choice. Specifically, the "Love is Awful" speech from the show Fleabag has become a staple for couples seeking a vibe that is "cool," "real," and slightly cynical yet ultimately hopeful.

Scientific Sentiment

For the analytical couple, "Scientific Sentiment" is a major trend. Philip Pullman’s "Every Atom of Me" (from The Amber Spyglass) is frequently used to discuss the physics of connection—the idea that our atoms have been together since the start of the universe and will remain together long after.

Interactive and Community Readings

Instead of one person standing at a podium, some couples are opting for "community readings." The officiant might ask the entire guest list to recite a specific line in unison, or different guests might each read a single line of a poem.

Strategic Placement: Where to Put the Readings

Where you place your wedding readings for non religious ceremonies dictates the emotional flow of the event.

If you are building your own Civil Wedding Ceremony Script, consider using one reading near the beginning to ground the audience and one right before the ring exchange to heighten the emotion.

How to Choose the Right Reader

Selecting the right person to deliver your reading is just as important as the text itself. In the past, this role was strictly for the bridal party. Today, couples are looking to mentors, grandparents, or even friends who didn't make the "official" wedding party but are significant in their lives.

1. Confidence is Key: Choose someone who is comfortable with public speaking. If they are terrified of a microphone, they won't be able to convey the emotion of the piece.
2. The "One-Minute" Rule: Provide your reader with the text at least one month in advance. Ask them to practice it with a timer. Ideally, a reading should take between 60 and 90 seconds. Anything over three minutes risks losing the audience’s attention.
3. The Tone Match: Ensure the reader's personality matches the reading. If you’ve chosen a humorous piece like Edward Monkton’s A Lovely Love Story, you need a reader with great comedic timing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, secular readings can sometimes miss the mark. Here is what to avoid:

• The "Corinthians" Default: Many couples assume they have to use "Love is patient, love is kind" (1 Corinthians 13) because it’s familiar. In a non-religious ceremony, this can often feel "generic" or out of place. If you aren't religious, look for a secular alternative that carries the same sentiment.
• Cramming Too Many: Including more than three readings can stall the momentum. Guests usually have an attention span of about 20–30 minutes for a ceremony. Use your time wisely.
• Neglecting the Vibe: A common mistake is choosing a deeply somber, classic poem for a lighthearted outdoor garden wedding. Your readings should match the venue and the "spirit" of the day.
• Forgetting a "Hard Copy": Never rely on a reader's phone. Always provide a printed copy of the reading in a nice folder or on a card. This prevents technical glitches and looks much better in photos.

Final Thoughts for Your Secular Ceremony

Your wedding is the one day where you have a captive audience to hear what you value most about your partner and the life you are building together. Wedding readings for non religious ceremonies offer a blank canvas. You aren't tied to ancient texts; you are free to explore the words of scientists, poets, and screenwriters to find the "soul" of your relationship.

Remember to keep the readings brief, choose readers who can speak with heart, and ensure the words reflect the "spectacular normality" of your daily life. If you do that, your ceremony will be a moment your guests remember long after the last dance.