Bible Verses for Wedding Vows and Ceremonies
Planning a Christian wedding? Scripture is the perfect foundation for your ceremony, whether in readings, vows, the program, or signage at the reception. Here are some of the most meaningful wedding Bible verses and ideas for where to use them.
Verses for ceremony readings
Genesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
1 Corinthians 13:4–7: the classic "love chapter." Read in a modern translation if you prefer "love" over the KJV's "charity."
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12: ending with "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" — a beautiful choice if you're doing a cord-braiding ceremony.
Colossians 3:12–14: ends with "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
Verses to include in your vows
Ruth 1:16: "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
Song of Solomon 2:16: "My beloved is mine, and I am his."
Song of Solomon 8:7: "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it."
Short verses for programs, signs, and cakes
- "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
- "Let all your things be done with charity." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing." (Proverbs 18:22)
- "This is the day which the LORD hath made." (Psalm 118:24)
- "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
Tips for choosing
Pick verses that mean something to you both. A verse from your dating season or one that carried you through a hard time adds personal meaning.
Keep readings short. Two or three readings are plenty.
Ask a meaningful person to read. A grandparent, mentor, or friend who prayed for you.
Carry the verse home
Many couples keep their wedding verse visible after the big day. Our Ecclesiastes 4:12 couple mugs are a popular way to do it. Browse more in Christian gift ideas.
A prayer for your wedding day
Lord, as we make our vows before You, be the center of our ceremony and our marriage. Let our wedding point everyone present to Your love. Amen.
More in our Christian Marriage blog.
