Scripture readings
Bible readings and psalms for a wedding or a funeral, with a short note on each text and the King James Version ready to print in your program.
In a church wedding or funeral the readings come from the Bible. At a wedding they speak of love and faithfulness. At a funeral they speak of loss, comfort and hope. Each reading here tells you what it says, when it fits and how long it takes to read aloud.
Readings for a wedding
Most couples read 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient and love is kind, or Genesis 2, the two shall be one flesh. Browse all scripture readings for a wedding, from the Old Testament and the New.
Readings for a funeral
Most families read Psalm 23, the Lord is my shepherd, or John 14, in my Father's house are many mansions. Browse all scripture readings for a funeral, for a funeral service, a celebration of life or a homegoing.
The text in your program
Every reading has the text of the King James Version of 1769, which is free to print and share in the United States. The wedding program and the funeral program put the reference and the text in the right place in the order of service. For a modern translation you paste the text yourself and the program adds the publisher's credit line.
For a wedding
For a funeral
Frequently asked questions
Which readings are there in a church service?
A wedding ceremony has one or two readings before the message. A funeral service has an Old Testament reading or a psalm and a New Testament reading, often from the Gospels. A homegoing service reads an Old Testament and a New Testament scripture.
Who chooses the readings?
The couple at a wedding, the family at a funeral, together with the pastor or officiant. The pastor knows which readings the church uses and has the last word.
What is a psalm?
A psalm is a prayer or song from the book of Psalms in the Bible. At a funeral the psalm is read or sung after the opening prayer; Psalm 23, the Lord is my shepherd, is the one read most.
Which Bible translation can I print?
The King James Version is in the public domain in the United States and is on every reading page here, ready to print. Modern translations such as the NIV, ESV or NRSV are protected: you paste the text yourself, within the publisher's limits, and Ordofolio adds the credit line.