The Complete Guide to Catholic Wedding Readings

Choosing the readings is one of the first concrete planning decisions most couples make with their priest or deacon. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides 33 approved scripture options grouped into four liturgical slots: a First Reading from the Old Testament, a Responsorial Psalm, a Second Reading from the New Testament (optional at a wedding outside of Mass), and a Gospel Reading.

Below is each slot, what the Church offers, and how couples typically approach the decision. If you already know what you want, you can jump directly to the full list of approved wedding readings.

The First Reading: from the Old Testament

The First Reading roots the wedding in the Hebrew Scriptures, setting the couple within the long story of God's covenant with his people. The seven approved options span Genesis, Tobit, the Song of Songs, Sirach, and Jeremiah.

• Genesis 1:26-28, 31a — "Male and female he created them," the creation account in which God calls creation "very good."
• Genesis 2:18-24 — The creation of Eve, "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh."
• Tobit 8:4b-8 — Tobias and Sarah's wedding-night prayer, a favorite for couples who want explicit lifelong language.
• Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a — The poetry of courtship and enduring love.

Tip: If your wedding falls on a Sunday or solemnity, ask your priest which options are preferred. Liturgical law sometimes requires the day's readings instead of wedding-specific ones.

The Responsorial Psalm

Psalms are songs; if you have a cantor and musicians, work with them early. The seven approved options run from Psalm 33 through Psalm 148, covering themes of trust, praise, and blessing on family life.

Psalm 128 ("Blessed are those who fear the Lord") is one of the most traditional choices, and the only one that explicitly invokes children and long life together. Psalm 34 ("Taste and see the goodness of the Lord") is a frequent pick for Masses that include Communion.

The Second Reading: from the New Testament

Nine options from Paul's letters, John's letters, and Revelation. This slot is optional in weddings celebrated outside of Mass, but for a full nuptial Mass it's included.

• 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a — the famous "love is patient, love is kind" hymn. Universally recognizable.
• Ephesians 5:2a, 21-33 — the "great mystery" passage comparing marriage to Christ and the Church. Carries theological weight; not for everyone.
• Colossians 3:12-17 — a practical list of virtues to "clothe yourselves in."
• Romans 12:1-2, 9-18 — "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice," with concrete counsel on Christian community.

The Gospel Reading

The Gospel is proclaimed last and by tradition receives special attention. Ten options span Matthew, Mark, and John.

• Matthew 5:1-12a — the Beatitudes. Uplifting, thematically rich, and familiar to most guests.
• Matthew 19:3-6 — "What God has joined together, no human being must separate." The shortest option and theologically direct.
• John 2:1-11 — the wedding at Cana, Christ's first public miracle at a wedding feast. Symbolic and often chosen for its imagery.
• John 15:9-12 / 15:12-16 — "Remain in my love." Great for couples who want their friendship to be foregrounded.

How couples usually decide

A few practical patterns we see:

• Start with the Gospel. It's the heart of the Liturgy of the Word. Once the Gospel is chosen, the others tend to follow.
• Balance familiar and meaningful. 1 Corinthians 13 is familiar but can feel rote. Consider pairing it with a less-heard First Reading like Tobit.
• Involve the people proclaiming them. The parents, siblings, or friends who read at your wedding appreciate being asked early and given a reading that suits their voice.
• Ask your priest. Many parishes have a binder of the options with translator notes. Your celebrant has preached on most of them dozens of times.

Next steps

Browse the complete list of approved wedding readings with full scripture text. When you're ready to build a print-ready program, create your wedding program. It takes about five minutes.