3 of Our Favourite Wedding Poems

Incorporating poetry in a wedding ceremony creates an atmosphere of love which enhances the intimacy of the ceremony. Poems help us to reflect on the moment we are in, and can be beautiful takeaways for guests. 

As a celebrant, couples look to you to create scripts that reflect their love, relationship and future. Poetry can (and should) be part of that. 

Wondering which poems to include in a wedding program? Check out these 3 amazing wedding poems.

New Beginnings by Barbara Crooker

The simple language employed in this poem makes it easy to understand. Barbara Crooker uses a tone that’s not only welcoming but also promises the couple a bright future together. You can use the poem to set the tone of the wedding ceremony as it is rich in romantic language.   

“May this be a day of new beginnings

the sun, like a fragrant apple; the summer air,

soft on your hands as the kiss of a child.

May berries melt like honey on your tongue.

May your heart rise in wonder

at the clouds drifting across the sky.

May the trails under your boots

be covered in pine quills,

let the leaves rain down

like memories

in the autumn of your heart.

May the snow beneath your skis

run as fast as watered silk,

may the cold air kiss your cheeks,

turn them red as summer’s roses.

May the rivers always flow

with their unexpected beauty,

the first freshets of snowmelt,

the rush of early spring.

May you always walk in gladness

through whatever path or highway;

may you always walk within the golden circle of your love.”

Touched By An Angel by Maya Angelou

Are you looking for a poem that will usher in the mood of the big day? “Touched by an Angel” can be a perfect choice. In this poem, Maya Angelou recaps the journey of love, from loneliness to a blessed life together. The poem gives hope to the couple as they start a new life together. 

We, unaccustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life.

Love arrives

and in its train come ecstasies

old memories of pleasure

ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,

love strikes away the chains of fear

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of love’s light

we dare be brave

And suddenly we see

that love costs all we are

and will ever be.

Yet it is only love

which sets us free.

How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

If you are looking for a safe way to set the romantic tone of the wedding ceremony, this classic and well known poem can be an excellent choice.  

Not only is the poem an expression of pure love, but the words are also magical and loved by poetry enthusiasts everywhere. Reading such a poem in a wedding ceremony evokes strong emotions in the couple and guests as well. Anyone can relate to the poem as it is clear and easy to understand.   

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death

Need Professional Help? Try ICPC 

Do you need help on how to incorporate poems in a wedding poetry? The International College of Professional Celebrants is here to help.  You can join our online training program and get nurtured by professionals, who will equip you with relevant skills to take your celebrancy business to the next level. 

To learn more, contact us today at 033 33 404 434.