•  THE BOND AND COVENANT of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner or life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
    The Union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
- 1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 423

Scripture Readings

Texts
Certain passages from Holy Scripture are especially appropriate for weddings because they elucidate the meaning of the sacrament of marriage. It is traditional to include a lection from the Old Testament, a psalm, a lection from the Epistles, and a lection from the Gospels. If you decide to have only two readings, one of them must be a selection from the Gospel.

You may review especially appropriate wedding texts by selecting any of the following links:

       Old Testament | Psalms | Epistle | Gospel

Readers
You are encouraged to appoint one or more persons to read the lessons during the wedding.  A member of the clergy should read the Gospel.

Reader Rehearsal
We strongly recommend that those you select to be readers at your wedding plan time to practice reading their text in the church.

Tips for Readers
The space is large and resonant and is not equipped with amplifiers and loudspeakers. Here are some tips for readers who want to be heard and understood:

1. When you take your place at the lectern to read, remember that you are among friends. Don't rush into your text: stand there silently for a for a few seconds to get comfortable. Let the congregation look you over so they can see that you are perfectly at ease and in complete control of the moment.

2. Breath deeply, keep your chin up, and speak loudly. Project your voice over the lectern, all the way to the rear of the church.

2. Speak slowly. Otherwise, reverberation will muddle the sound of your voice.

3. Articulate all your words carefully, even little words like "and."

4. Emphasize consonants, especially final consonants.

5. Use pauses for purposes of interpretation and emphasis.

6. There is no need to rush. Speak slowly and steadily all the way to the end of your text.