Bible verses for weddings
Few moments call for the right word as much as a wedding. The reading at the ceremony, the line on the invitation, the inscription on the rings — all of it is kept for years. The verses on this page are the ones that fit those places best: 1 Corinthians 13 for the main reading, Ruth 1:16 ("where you go, I will go") for the vows, Ecclesiastes 4:12 (the threefold cord) for the invitation, Song of Songs 8:6-7 for the rings. We also include Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31, which explain the meaning of the union, and 1 John 4:12, which reminds us that love between two people can make God's love visible. Agree on the choice with whoever is officiating and rehearse the reading aloud before the day.
Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.
If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
“For this cause a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife. Then the two will become one flesh.”
Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yah. Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned.
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.
Frequently asked questions
Which verse should go on a wedding invitation?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 ("a threefold cord is not quickly broken"), 1 John 4:12 and Song of Songs 8:7 are the most chosen because they are short.
Which Bible reading is traditional at weddings?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the "love chapter". Genesis 2:18-24 and Ephesians 5:22-33 are also frequent readings at Christian ceremonies.
Can I use Ruth 1:16 in my vows?
Yes; although Ruth says the verse to her mother-in-law Naomi, the promise of faithfulness ("your people shall be my people") has been read as a wedding vow for centuries.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.