While this ceremony reading may have fallen out of fashion in recent years, The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson is one of the most iconic wedding readings of all time - particularly in the US. And I have a feeling, once you read it, this ode to happily ever after will be hit with lots of modern couples too! Sensible, practical, clear and sweet, this wedding poem isn't for couples looking for lofty language or obscure meanings. But what it is is sentimental, a touch old fashioned without being archaic, and a little idealistic, and that's why we love it!

And it's a lucky one too - this poem was read at the Vegas wedding of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in 1958 - and they went on to be married for 50 years, pretty rare for a Hollywood marriage! If that doesn't sell this alternative ceremony reading, I don't know what will! 

An Excerpt from The Art Of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner.

Get lots more ideas for unique ceremony readings here

Feature Image: Emma Russell Photography via One Fab Day