There's a reason why the work of William Shakespeare continues to be as iconic now, as it's always been. And there's a reason why Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare is one of the most popular ceremony reading of all time. By one of the great romantics of history with an instantly identifiable verse, this classic piece of writing makes a beautiful and elegant choice for a wedding ceremony.

Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,
or bends with the remover to remove:
Oh, no! It is an ever-fixed mark.

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
it is the star to every wandering bark,
whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.

Love’s not Time’s fool,
though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come;
love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
but bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Looking for something a little more modern? Get more ideas for wedding readings here

Feature image: Moat Hill Photography via One Fab Day