Edmund Spenser wrote this ode to his bride Elizabeth on their wedding day in 1594 and, while the language might be a little old-fashioned, the message holds up, making it a great, modern ceremony reading, particularly for Christian celebrations. Spenser talks of his impatience in waiting to marry his love, his desire to start a family, and the importance of celebrating love. If these ideas ring true for you and your partner, Epithalamion might be one to keep on your list!

Epithalamion by Edmund Spenser

Now al is done; bring home the bride againe,
Bring home the triumph of our victory,
Bring home with you the glory of her gaine,
With joyance bring her and with jollity.
Never had man more joyfull day then this,
Whom heaven would heape with blis.
Make feast therefore now all this live long day;
This day for ever to me holy is;
Poure out the wine without restraint or stay,
Poure not by cups, but by the belly full,
Poure out to all that wull,
And sprinkle all the postes and wals with wine,
That they may sweat, and drunken be withall.
Crowne ye God Bacchus with a coronall.
And Hymen also crowne with wreathes of vine;
And let the Graces daunce unto the rest,
For they can doo it best:

The whiles the maydens doe theyr carroll sing,
The which the woods shal answer, and theyr eccho ring.
Ring ye the bels, ye yong men of the towne,
And leave your wonted labors for this day:

This day is holy; doe ye write it downe,
That ye for ever it remember may.