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Phoebe@ElisabethShell

20 Unique and Unusual Non-Religious Wedding Readings

Updated: Aug 22


I did a little research into my blog posts and it turns out my post on wedding readings (this one) has had the most views ever. So I thought I'd do a better list. A bigger list. One fit for 2024 and all you gorgeous people out there looking for something that truly puts into words exactly what you're feeling.


When planning your wedding, finding the right readings can help personalise your ceremony, making it more reflective of your relationship. Whether you want something heartfelt, humorous, or deeply romantic, here are 20 unusual non-religious readings that could add a special touch to your day:


This reading reflects on the journey of marriage, highlighting the importance of partnership through life’s ups and downs.


Neruda’s sonnet speaks of a deep, intense love that is both quiet and everlasting, perfect for poetic souls.


A nostalgic reading that uses the metaphor of becoming "real" through love and time spent together.


A non-denominational blessing that carries a spiritual feel, offering good wishes for a couple’s future.



Bride reaching up and kissing her groom in black and white


This poetic reading connects the bond of marriage with nature, a great choice for outdoor lovers.


A modern yet timeless declaration of love, perfect for couples who appreciate unconventional poetry.


A reflection on soulmates and the transformative power of love, ideal for those who believe in destiny.


This reading celebrates the unity and strength found in marriage.


A poetic take on love as a freeing and equal partnership.


A classic passage about love and compassion, perfect for literature lovers.


This light-hearted and humorous reading compares love to the experience of owning a dog, complete with the joys and challenges that come with it.


12. "What Goes With What" by Nigel Slater

For the food lovers, this reading uses cooking as a metaphor for love, exploring the idea that some things just naturally go together, like certain ingredients in a dish.


Some flavours work together. Other's don't. You can't really argue with the theory that if you like something then it works, but to experiment with marrying flavours, in a trial and error situation like a mad scientist, will not only take forever but will probably lead to some really horrid meals. The easy way is to respect a few basic principles about flavours that work especially well together - what belongs with what - which will at least give you the chance of a decent supper. You can then experiment as and when you feet like it. To put it another way, someone has done some of the work for you. Be thankful. You didn't really want to be the one to find out that anchovies are disgusting with bacon, did you?
Some flavours have a natural affinity for each other. In other words, they flatter each other and make for better eating. Much of what is accepted as being a sound partnership makes good sense but there is also a lot of rubbish talked about what goes with what. I have never agreed, for instance, with the well-known accompaniment for oysters, which some foodies reckon is Tabasco sauce. To my taste buds this is an abomination. The chilli sauce does nothing for the pure. intense seawater flavour of the shellfish. Yet I am convinced that lemon really brings out the flavour of steak, with which many would just as fiercely disagree. Likewise I put Dijon mustard on my lamb yet fail to be moved by the age-old marriage of cherries with duck.
Yet there are certain combinations of ingredients that seem as if they were made for one another. Think tomato and basil, think sausage and mustard, think Parma ham and melon. There are logical explanations for some of these natural pairings, such as the salt in the ham intensifying the flavour of the melon, but others are beyond analysis. It is simply that there is something intrinsically right about them, and there are some flavours and textures that work together so naturally that they defy the meddlings of any creative cook. There are flavours and textures that work together in perfect harmony. A roll-call of all that is good about eating: beef and mustard; lamb and garlic; liver and onions; toast and Marmite; steak and bearnaise sauce; duck and five-spice; chicken and tarragon; strawberries and cream. Then there are those successful contrasts of textures that seem like gifts from God - gravy and mashed potato; egg and chips; ripe Brie and crisp white bread; cold vanilla ice-cream and hot chocolate sauce. Some things are simply meant to be.

This reading discusses how true love is something that happens over time, a shared experience that strengthens as you grow old together.


This short, sweet poem offers a modern take on traditional wedding vows, filled with humor and sincerity.


A simple yet powerful reflection on love and acceptance, acknowledging that no one is perfect but love makes it worthwhile.


A popular non-religious reading that highlights the everyday actions that make a marriage work.


This reading is a bold, emotional invitation to a deep and meaningful connection, perfect for those who want something with depth.


A humorous and charming poem that captures the realities of married life with wit and warmth.


This legal ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts is a beautiful declaration of the meaning of marriage and equality.


This excerpt is a reflection on the concept of soulmates, ideal for couples who believe they were destined to be together.


Each of these readings brings its own unique flavor to a wedding ceremony, whether you’re looking for something deeply emotional, light-hearted, or thought-provoking. These selections offer a wonderful way to express your love and commitment in a way that resonates with who you are as a couple.


And if you've got this far, I want to treat you with one of my personal favourites of all time. If you read any of these at your wedding please drop me a message - I'd be thrilled to know!


Phoebe's Favourite: "Ithaka" by C. P. Cavafy


It's all about the journey.



Bride and groom in the door way of the church just after being married stealing a kiss


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