The reading moment is one of the most anticipated parts of any civil ceremony. Yet, most of the texts circulating online sound repetitive, impersonal, or overly sentimental. That’s why choosing an original reading for a civil wedding makes all the difference: it brings authenticity, connects with the guests, and summarizes the essence of the couple far better than any standard speech.
Why settle for clichés, the same old quotes, or poems that say nothing about you? The civil ceremony, by definition, is flexible: it allows you to take risks, mix styles, and choose texts that truly move.
A good original reading can provoke smiles, tears, even laughter. What matters most is that, at the end, everyone feels they’ve witnessed something unique.
Why choose an original reading for a civil wedding?
The reading is not just a formality: it’s the moment the ceremony becomes personal and truly meaningful. Choosing an **original reading for a civil wedding** shows care for detail and, above all, honesty. It breaks the mold and makes room for real emotion. Unlike religious weddings, where the structure is fixed, the civil ceremony allows any text, as long as it fits the couple and their story.
A different kind of reading also helps to engage guests, reflect the wedding’s tone, and create a longer-lasting memory. Original texts allow for inside jokes, shared anecdotes, nods to the relationship, special moments, or even private jokes. Nothing connects more than hearing words with genuine meaning.
Northmiles
Types of original readings for a civil wedding
As mentioned, a civil wedding is all about flexibility. Here are some ideas for an **original reading for a civil wedding.**
Lesser-known literary excerpts
Forget the usual quotes from “The Little Prince” or Pablo Neruda. Explore contemporary novels, short stories, travel literature, authors’ letters, diaries… A quote from Delphine de Vigan, a passage by Banana Yoshimoto, or a letter by Virginia Woolf can work much better if it fits your story.
Modern and uncommon poetry
Look for contemporary poets (Elvira Sastre, Rupi Kaur, Raquel Lanseros…), texts written by the couple themselves, or even unpublished verses. The key is authenticity: it doesn’t have to rhyme or sound solemn. Sometimes, two direct stanzas are more powerful than a classic sonnet.
Songs adapted as readings
How about a guest reading the lyrics to an indie song, an alternative rock hit, or the translation of a forgotten tune? The key is to avoid the typical ballads and choose something surprising. You can adapt a lyric to make it more personal or combine lines from several songs.
Movie, series, or famous speech excerpts
A monologue from a cult film, a scene from a series, the final speech from “Big Fish,” or the voiceover from “Her.” There are thousands of options beyond the usual repertoire. The trick is to pick lines that resonate with the couple or have shaped your relationship.
Texts written by family or friends
Involve someone close to write a letter, a short story, or personalized words. This is one of the most powerful formats: the text can be funny, touching, simple, or even improvised—so long as it matches the wedding’s tone.
Symbolic or creative readings
Stories with inside jokes, texts that blend fiction and reality, short plays, word games, or metaphors related to your life together. You can invent a story or create a short tale inspired by how you met.
mariemarryme
How to find or create an original reading for a civil wedding
The first step is self-knowledge: what tone do you want for your ceremony? Solemn, ironic, nostalgic, joyful? Decide if you prefer a short, intense text or a more elaborate reading. Think about your shared interests: are you bonded by music, movies, travel, a shared passion? Are there phrases or words that hold special meaning?
From there, look beyond the standard repertoire to pick an original reading for a civil wedding. Use digital bookstores, literary forums, personal blogs, even archives of old letters or family diaries. If you decide to write your own text, use the first person and don’t be afraid to be direct: sincerity is the foundation of any original reading.
Key tips:
- Choose the right person to read: someone with a clear voice who understands the tone and intent.
- Try alternating two voices, creating a dialogue or exchange of memories.
- If there are several readers, divide the texts to build a coherent sequence—avoid repetition or excess.
- Don’t fear emotion: the best readings often come with a trembling voice.
Examples of original readings for a civil wedding
Lesser-known literary excerpt, such as:
“There are days when the world seems less hostile, and just one intertwined hand is enough to make everything fall into place. If I ever get lost, look for me in our favorite corner.” — Delphine de Vigan, “Nothing Holds Back the Night” (adapted).
Unpublished poem
“I can’t promise days without mistakes, or always-clear answers, but I do promise to give you my bravest self, and to choose you, every day, even if life isn’t perfect.”
Adapted song
“And if we’re asked who invented happiness, we’ll say we don’t know, but we rehearse it daily, with every slow breakfast, with every afternoon that seems endless.”
Personal letter
“Dear friends, we never imagined we’d witness so much together—trips, moves, impromptu dinners, and lazy Sundays. Today, we just want to say: thank you for inviting the world to your joy.”
mariemarryme
Common mistakes when choosing readings for a civil wedding
- Choosing excessively long texts: attention is lost quickly. Better to keep them short and powerful.
- Selecting readings that are too impersonal or generic: they leave no impression and sound artificial.
- Not rehearsing the reading: pace, intonation, and pauses make all the difference.
- Forgetting the audience: even if the reading is personal, guests should be able to connect with the story.
- Not consulting with the couple: make sure the text reflects their values and preferences.
Frequently asked questions about original readings for civil weddings
- Is including a reading in the civil ceremony mandatory? No, but it adds depth and personality.
- Can anyone write the reading? Yes—family members, friends, or even the couple themselves.
- What is the ideal length? Between 1 and 3 minutes is usually enough.
- Can you mix poetry, prose, and songs? Absolutely—the more variety, the more dynamic and memorable the ceremony.
Choosing an **original reading for a civil wedding** is a chance to break the script, showcase the couple’s essence, and create a unique moment. Don’t aim for perfection: aim for emotion. What matters is that, when the reading ends, you feel it was truly yours, unrepeatable, and that everyone glimpsed your real story—no masks, no clichés.