“Love is patient; love is kind
and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
never selfish, not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face;
there is no limit to its faith,
its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things
that last forever: faith, hope, and love;
but the greatest of them all is love.”

The Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:4 is one of the most popular wedding readings of all time. So popular, in fact, that people have almost come to expect it at weddings. If you really love this passage, there is no reason you shouldn’t use it, but at the same time, you should not feel forced to have someone read it simply because it is the generic wedding reading. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun! Here are some great, unique wedding reading ideas:

A Shakespearean Love Sonnet: Shakespeare was the king of romance in his day, and if you and your hubby-to-be love literature or history, this might be the perfect option for you. Check out his Sonnet 166 or Sonnet 18.

Readings about Marriage Itself: Many people have spoken out about marriage as an institution, and one of these passages is perfect for a couple who wants to stay secular or wants to avoid being too sappy. Check out Wilferd Arlan Peterson’s “The Art of a Good Marriage.”

A Romantic Monologue from your Favorite Movie: One of the most innovative options is to use a romantic monologue or longer quote from a movie you and your finance both love. One of my favorites is from “Force of Nature”:

“I always thought that there was this one perfect person for everybody in the world, you know, and when you found that person the rest of the world kind of magically faded away, and, you know, the two of you would just be inside this kind of protective bubble, but there is no bubble, I mean if there is you have to make it, I just think life is more than a series of moments, you know, we can make choices, and we can choose to protect the people we love, and that’s what makes us who we are and those are the real memories.”

Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that this is your wedding. If you don’t want to go the typical route, you shouldn’t!

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