Readings and Poems for a Commitment Ceremony — Ideas to Inspire
One of the lovely things about a commitment ceremony is how flexible it can be. With no legal requirements to stick to, you’re free to shape it however you like. That includes choosing readings, poems, or quotes that reflect your relationship. Whether you want something romantic, light-hearted, or deeply meaningful, there’s plenty to choose from.
Here are some ideas to inspire your ceremony.
1. Romantic & Timeless Readings
For couples who love the classics, these words never go out of style:
“Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare (“Let me not to the marriage of true minds…”)
“Love Is Not All” by Edna St Vincent Millay
“Union” by Robert Fulghum
“I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E. E. Cummings
2. Modern & Relatable Readings
Perfect for couples who want warmth without too much formality:
“The Bridge Across Forever” by Richard Bach
“A Lovely Love Story” by Edward Monkton (a whimsical tale about two dinosaurs in love)
“Blessing for a Marriage” by James Dillet Freeman
Excerpts from novels like Captain Corelli’s Mandolin or The Velveteen Rabbit
3. Light-Hearted & Fun Readings
If humour is part of your love story, these are guaranteed crowd-pleasers:
“He Never Leaves the Seat Up” by Pam Ayres
“Foxtrot From a Play” by W. H. Auden
“Love Monkey” by Edward Monkton
A playful list of “marriage survival tips” (personalised to your story).
4. Poems with Heart
Poetry has a way of saying what we sometimes can’t. Some beautiful choices include:
“Love’s Philosophy” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
“How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“To Love Is Not to Possess” by James Kavanaugh
“Sonnet XVII” by Pablo Neruda
5. Cultural & Spiritual Readings
To honour traditions or heritage:
An Irish blessing (“May the road rise up to meet you…”)
Apache Wedding Blessing (adaptable for non-legal ceremonies)
Rumi poetry (timeless reflections on love and connection)
Maori or Aboriginal blessings (with cultural respect and permissions).
6. Quotes & Short Readings
Sometimes less is more. Short readings work beautifully in vow renewals and commitment ceremonies:
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” — Aristotle
“You are my today and all of my tomorrows.” — Leo Christopher
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.” — Maya Angelou
Lyrics from a favourite song (nothing wrong with borrowing from The Beatles or Paul Kelly).
How to Choose the Right Reading
Reflect your personalities — If you’re playful, choose something light-hearted. If you’re sentimental, go for heartfelt poetry.
Keep it inclusive — Choose words that feel authentic to you and welcoming to your guests.
Don’t overdo it — One or two readings are often enough to create balance without dragging things out.
As a commitment ceremony celebrant, I can help suggest readings (and sometimes write them!) so the words feel like they fit seamlessly into your day. Because the best ceremonies are the ones that sound like you.
Celebrate Your Love Without the Paperwork
Not every couple wants—or needs—the legal side of a wedding. A commitment ceremony is a way to celebrate your love, make promises to each other, and bring your favourite people together, without the forms and filing. As your celebrant, I’ll help you craft a ceremony that feels personal, warm, and true to your story. Think of it as all the joy of a wedding, minus the trip to the registry office.