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In reading these selections, you may find yourself reading beyond
verses. This is an excellent idea because context may surprise you in some cases. For example, Ruth 1:16 is a popular verse and is often used in weddings. (There are endless vocal music settings of this text as well, so don‘t rule this possibility out for your soloist.) While we think of this passage as being spoken by a man to a woman, or visa versa, as an affirmation of love and devotion, it is actually spoken by Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi! The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is certainly an entertaining tale. If you have time to read whole saga, I encourage you to do so! It’s quite a story! So, again, try to take time to read a few verses before and after main verses listed below. It could influence your decision.
How does one begin to narrow choices? One thing to bear in mind is that many of these popular wedding Bible verses have been set to music. If you narrow your choices down to 5, but you only need to use 3, find out from your music director if any of your choices are set to music. You could then use those as vocal selections and problem is solved. You can have them all!
And as for which ones to choose, you have some work ahead of you. Read verses as a couple. Ask each other, "Does it speak to our situation?" "Does this sum up an important belief that we hold?" "Does this make us feel good or special when we read it?" And sometimes it’s simply a matter of what grabs you!
A word about translations and paraphrases: While many prefer King James Version for sheer poetry of language, verses above read quite differently in other translations. Consider consulting Today's English Version, The New International Version, Revised Standard, New Revised Standard, The Good News Bible, New Living Translation, Jerusalem Bible, and many others for more modern language. The most appropriate version of Bible for a Jewish wedding is Masoretic Text.
Your wedding is one of most important events in your life. Take time to set perfect tone for your married years by starting your ceremony preparations with Bible.
© 2000, 2001, Deborah Spence and GlassyLady.com. This article is offered to you free of charge, and you have permission to print it out to aid you in your ceremony preparations. Reproducing and selling this article for profit, however, is a copyright infringement and is not allowed.
Deborah Spence holds a Master's Degree in Sacred Music and has been involved with weddings for more than 20 years. As a church music director, she's been actively associated with the ceremonial side of weddings in a variety of settings.
