Readings for Catholic Weddings

If you're preparing your own Misalette, you will find the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' For Your Marriage website helpful. I stumbled across it while searching for which readings would be appropriate to use in a Catholic wedding. The Readings portion has a list of Old Testament and New Testament readings, as well as a selection of Responsorial Psalms and Gospel readings. There is even a commentary after each reading, to help you reflect on the meaning of the verses, and guide your choice as to which reading would be best for you and your spouse-to-be.

First Reading

(Old Testament)

* Genesis 1:26-28, 31a
* Genesis 2:18-24
* Genesis 24:48-51, 58-67
* Tobit 7:6-14
* Tobit 8:4b-8
* Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
* Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a
* Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16
* Jeremiah 31:31-32a, 33-34a

Responsorial Psalm

(from the Book of Psalms)

* The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
VERSES: Ps 33:12 and 18, 20-21, 22

* I will bless the Lord at all times.
VERSES: Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

* Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
VERSES: Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

* The Lord is kind and merciful.
VERSES: Ps 103:1-2, 8 and 13, 17-18a

* The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear Him.
VERSES: Ps 103:1-2, 8 and 13, 17-18a

* Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord's commands.
VERSES: Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9

* Alleluia.
VERSES: Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9

* Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
VERSES: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

* See how the Lord blesses those who fear Him.
VERSES: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

* The Lord is compassionate toward all His works.
VERSES: Ps 145:8-9, 10 and 15, 17-18

* Let us all praise the name of the Lord.
VERSES: Ps 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13a, 13c-14a

* Alleluia.
VERSES: Ps 148:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-13a, 13c-14a

Second Reading

(New Testament)

I believe this is optional. Some wedding masses don't include a Second Reading. If you do choose to have a Second Reading, make sure you coordinate with your priest. In fact, it would be best to have him go over your entire Misalette.

* Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39

* Romans 12:1-2, 9-18 OR Romans 12:1-2, 9-13

* Romans 15:1b-3a, 5-7, 13

* 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

* 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:8a

* Ephesians 5:2a, 21-33 OR Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32

* Philippians 4:4-9

* Colossians 3:12-17

* Hebrews 13:1-4a, 5-6b

* 1 Peter 3:1-9

* 1 John 3:18-24

* 1 John 4:7-12

* Revelation 19:1, 5-9a

Gospel

* Matthew 5:1-12a

* Matthew 5:13-16

* Matthew 7:21, 24-29

* Matthew 7:21, 24-25

* Matthew 19:3-6

* Matthew 22:35-40

* Mark 10:6-9

* John 2:1-11

* John 15:9-12

* John 15:12-16

* John 17:20-26

* John 17:20-23

I hope this list will help you put together a liturgy that is meaningful and close to your heart.
If you have time, though, do check out the USCCB's marriage website. It contains a whole lot of stuff -- such as Getting Married Catholic, Ceremony Options, FAQs, and even Budgeting for Your Wedding -- that will make you appreciate your Catholic wedding more. It has made me realize that a beach or a garden wedding might be prettier, but nothing beats a church wedding.