As couples embark on the beautiful journey of marriage, they often seek meaningful passages to incorporate into their religious or semi-religious wedding ceremony. Looking to either incorporate their beliefs, or their family’s, Scriptures are a great way to intertwine faith in to the ceremony.
The Bible offers a treasure trove of verses that encapsulate love, commitment, and the sacred bond between two individuals. Obviously, there are even more, I mean, there are 66 books in the Bible. Besides what I have listed here, there’s great Scriptures throughout Palms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and the New Testament.
Here are 10 of the best (most popular) Bible scriptures that resonate deeply with couples on their special day:
1.) Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
This verse beautifully captures the essence of unity and commitment in marriage, emphasizing the leaving of one's family to form a new union. It speaks of the importance that as we marry, we are now forming our own family. Not necessarily completely leaving their family, but adding to it. They now answer to each other, rather than answering to those who raised them.
2.) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails"
Commonly known as the "Love Chapter," these verses eloquently describe the attributes of love, serving as a timeless reminder of the qualities couples should strive for in their marriage. When the Apostle Paul wrote this, he was explaining what love should look like in any relationship. Is there any reason to wonder why this is hands down the most popular passage for weddings? So popular in fact, I had an Atheist couple request for me to add this to their ceremony.
3.) Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
This verse highlights the sacrificial and selfless nature of love, drawing parallels between the love of a husband for his wife and the love of Christ for the church. If you’re striving to give someone the best unconditional love they’ve ever had, then you’ve got a great example within this reading.
4.) Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
This passage emphasizes the strength and support found in unity, illustrating how couples can overcome challenges together and thrive in their partnership. In marriage, it’s all about teamwork. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Helping each other through the hard times, and celebrating with each other through the good.
5.) Colossians 3:14: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Love is depicted as the unifying force that holds together all other virtues, emphasizing its central role in a successful and harmonious marriage. In the previous Scriptures, it explains all the different values we should have as humans, especially if you’re claiming to be Christian. Then, at the very end, it’s punctuated with the most important aspect - LOVE! Love conquers all. Love unifies everyone. Love will lead us on.
6.) Song of Solomon 8:6-7: "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
These poetic verses celebrate the intensity and enduring nature of love, portraying it as a powerful and unbreakable bond between two souls. King Solomon was a true lover. He, in essence, is trying to explain what the power of love not only looks like, but what it feels like.
7.) Proverbs 31:10-11: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value."
This passage extols the value of a virtuous and trustworthy spouse, highlighting the mutual respect and admiration between husband and wife. Again, written by King Solomon, who all Jewish, Catholic, and Christian scholars agree, was the wisest ruler to ever live. So, when he writes this down as a thought, you know it’s true, and worthy of us to take notice.
8.) 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
Love is portrayed as a source of strength and comfort, capable of dispelling fear and insecurities, fostering a sense of security and peace within the marriage. It’s also a guide for us in how we should interact with our spouses. Want to have a peaceful marriage? Want to have someone take care of you? Want to have a great respect for each other? Do things in love, not in fear or intimidation.
9.) Ruth 1:16-17: "But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. 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 the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'"
Ruth's pledge of loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, exemplifies the depth of commitment and selflessness that should characterize marital relationships. The Book of Ruth is a beautiful one. It’s about a young woman who marries, then has her husband die unexpectedly. In that time, if you weren’t born in to a clan/culture, you would move back home. But Ruth so loved her new family, and their ideals, and faith, she couldn’t imagine not being with them. She was devoted to the family. Sacrificing everything to be with them. And eventually she finds the perfect man, and things go very well for her. A great story for anyone to read!
10.) Matthew 19:6: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
This verse underscores the sanctity and permanence of marriage, emphasizing the divine union orchestrated by God and the solemn vow to remain united despite challenges. Marriage is a vow/promise that no matter what, you’ll stick it out. There are, of course, exceptions to this thought, but the ideology remains the same. Let nothing stand in the way of your marriage.
Incorporating these timeless scriptures into a wedding ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacred covenant between husband, wife, and God. As couples embark on the journey of marriage, may these verses inspire and guide them, reminding them of the profound love and commitment they have pledged to one another.
Many couple’s not having a fully religious ceremony, find these Scriptures to be a beautiful way to incorporate faith without comprimising their vision of their ceremony.
I hope you find inspiration in these examples. And, as always, contact me today to help you create a ceremony as unique as you!