| Wedding readings really personalise a wedding - they | | | | have a list of approved music and words, but if you |
| can be romantic, a religious blessing on the union of the | | | | are choosing something off their approved list you will |
| couple, or just plain funny that makes everyone laugh - | | | | need to provide the registrar with your chosen content |
| whichever flavour, often bringing a tear to the eye. But | | | | for their approval before the wedding day. |
| how do you decide which reading is appropriate for | | | | A church wedding is an obvious choice for couples |
| the occasion and you as a couple? | | | | who have a strong Christian faith. The Christian faith |
| If you are having a civil wedding it is not allowed to | | | | encompasses the Church of England, Church in Wales, |
| have any music, readings or poetry with any religious | | | | Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox |
| content. As long as it is non-religious and non-offensive | | | | Churches and Free Churches (Baptist, Methodist and |
| usually anything goes! It is usual to have up to two | | | | United Reform Churches). You have the right to marry |
| readings, but you could have more if they were short | | | | in the parish church of the town you reside in or are on |
| poems or affirmations. | | | | the electoral role. Church of England will now marry in |
| Readings are traditionally read by trusted close friends | | | | any church if they are a family member have a |
| and family or even the bride and groom to each other. | | | | connection with the church. |
| There are strict guidelines on what is acceptable and | | | | Church weddings usually feature readings, either from |
| must be secular to follow the theme of a non-religious | | | | the minister, or by one of the wedding guests. It is usual |
| ceremony. Each registrar may have differing views on | | | | to have two readings, and one should certainly be |
| what has religious connotations and what doesn't - | | | | religious. However, it may be possible to have a |
| Robbie Williams "Angels" was deemed to be religious | | | | secular reading - check with your minister on what is |
| at one point - so it is very important to check with the | | | | acceptable and what is not. |
| registrars office, rather than be disappointed on the | | | | There are lots of readings suitable for weddings, but to |
| day. Each ceremony has time for a couple of readings | | | | make your choice easier we have included a list of the |
| if they are of suitable length. You may be able to | | | | most popular readings in our Wedding Ceremony |
| include more if they are short. Your local registrars will | | | | category - Wedding Readings and Poetry. |