50 Best Bible Verses About Love for Wedding Readings
Bible verses about love and bible readings for weddings can add a timeless significance to your ceremony, and through your marriage
For lots of couples, their wedding is not only a celebration of love, but it also represents a commitment rooted in faith. If you are looking to incorporate biblical scriptures on love into your ceremony, there are many readings that offer timeless wisdom, inspiration and guidance for building a strong and lasting marriage.
Because there are many bible verses about love to choose from, you could ask your minister for help finding the right selection, or discuss what you are looking for with friends and family members.
“My favourite reading would be Colossians 3:12-17. It expresses the need for love to be intentional and sometimes a choice, it is not always romantic and gushy feelings,” says Reverend Sue Cooke of St Thomas with St Stephen Church in London.
"In England a couple says 'I will' and not 'I do' and this passage reflects that. Choosing to love each other on the wedding day and in the future, in the good times and the challenging times.”
Choosing the readers for your wedding is a hard choice, too. You could choose a member of the wedding party, a family member or close friends, and include their reading in your religious order of service. "It needs to be someone who is clear, will not speed talk as they are anxious, or mumble with fear, and who will look at you or your congregation as well," says Reverend Sue.
"Ask if they can be at your rehearsal and practise then, or get to the church early for a run through with the minister. If you are worried they may get nervous and not be so clear on the day, then print the text in your order of service. Having it written makes it easier for people to follow and is a good reminder to everyone when they go home, too."
Biblical Weddings for Your Wedding Ceremony
A wedding is not only a celebration of love, but for many it is also a sacred commitment rooted in faith and shared values. For couples searching for bible verses about love to include in their special day, these biblical wedding readings offer timeless wisdom, inspiration, and guidance for building a strong union.
Drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, they highlight themes such as the beauty of love, the enduring love of god, and the importance of unity.
1. Corinthians 13:4-8
Bible Verse: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Meaning: This is one of the most cherished biblical wedding readings about love. The passage defines the characteristics of true love – it is selfless, enduring, and righteous.
2. Song of Solomon 2:10-13
Bible Verse: "My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.’"
Meaning: One of the most wonderful bible verses about love and marriage, this passage is all about celebrating love and renewal. The imagery of spring represents the excitement and beauty of being united with your beloved.
3. Song of Solomon 4:10
Bible Verse: "How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!"
Meaning: This is one of those biblical wedding readings that praises the joy and delight found in a loving relationship. It is a celebration of affection and the beauty of intimacy.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Bible Verse: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Meaning: This bible verse about love highlights the strength and support found in relationships. It emphasises the value of partnership, mutual encouragement, and the spiritual strength of unity with God.
5.Song of Solomon 2:16
Bible Verse: "My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies."
Meaning: This is all about the mutual love and belonging between two lovers. This bible chapter about marriage represents intimacy, exclusivity and the joy of a committed relationship.
6. Song of Solomon 3:4
Bible Verse: "I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go until I had brought him to my mother’s house, to the room of the one who conceived me."
Meaning: If you are looking for bible readings for weddings that are full of joy, look no further. This reflects the wonder of finding true love and the desire to cherish and nurture that bond.
7. Psalm 143:8
Bible Verse: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."
Meaning: These beautiful words reflect on steadfast love and guidance, demonstrating trust god and his faithfulness each day.
8. Romans 12:10
Bible Verse: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves."
Meaning: A beautiful note for love and marriage, this verse calls for genuine affection and humility in relationships. It emphasises valuing others’ needs and well-being above your own.
9. Galatians 5:22-23
Bible Verse: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Meaning: This bible verse about love is perfect for a christian wedding. It is about uniting love and joy with your relationship together, and your relationship with god.
10. 1 John 3:18
Bible Verse: "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Meaning: This passage means that love is not just about words spoken, but something you demonstrated through the way you act..
11. Ephesians 4:2-3
Bible Verse: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Meaning: This bible text on marriage reflects on humility, patience and unity as essential for a lasting union.
12. Hebrews 10:24-25
Bible Verse: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Meaning: This bible verse on love encourages mutual support in your marriage.
13. Psalm 85:10
Bible Versse: "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other."
Meaning: This bible text is a poetic celebration of harmony in love.
14. Psalm 34:3
Bible Verse: "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together."
Meaning: This is one of many bible verses about love and marriage that reflects upon worship and gratitude as a couple.
15. Isaiah 41:10
Bible Verse: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Meaning: A stunning bible chapter about marriage that discusses the reassurance of God’s strength and presence in your union.
16. Peter 4:8
Bible Verse: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Meaning: This passage reflects upon unconditional and forgiving love in marriage.
Biblical Readings for Your Marriage
To reflect upon through your marriage, couples often choose passages that resonate with their shared beliefs, whether about patience, kindness, humility or the sacredness of their commitment. A biblical reading about love and marriage reflects these values and underscores your dedication to each other. Here are some of our favourite options.
17. Colossians 3:12-13
Bible Verse: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Meaning: This bible text on marriage focusses on compassion and forgiveness as the foundation of a healthy marriage.
18. Romans 8:38-39
Bible Verse: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Meaning: This bible verse on love is a profound reminder of god’s unshakable love, which can guide you as a couple
19. Song of Solomon 8:7
Bible Verse: "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Meaning: This poetic verse portrays love as enduring and priceless, beyond the reach of material wealth or external challenges.
20. Song of Solomon 6:3
Bible Verse: "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine; he browses among the lilies."
Meaning: This verse expresses mutual belonging and intimacy, symbolising the deep connection and joy of a loving relationship.
21. Ruth 1:16-17
Bible Verse: "But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’"
Meaning: This passage for marriage reflects unwavering loyalty and love. Ruth’s commitment here shows devotion, a true bond, love and faithfulness.
22. Colossians 3:14
Bible Verse: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Meaning: This bible text on marriage shows love as a virtue that holds relationships and communities together in peace
23. Matthew 19:6
Bible Verse: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
Meaning: This bible verse about love reinforces god's blessing of a marital bond, showing the sanctity and permanence of marriage, which should not be broken.
24. John 15:12-13
Bible Verse: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Meaning: This is about how Jesus showed the ultimate standard of love – sacrificial and selflessness. This bible verse states that true love is about demonstrations, especially in putting others before yourself.
25. Philippians 2:2
Bible Verse: "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
Meaning: Here, Paul encourages believers to live in unity, sharing love and purpose.
26. Timothy 1:7
Bible Verse: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
Meaning: This is a biblical scripture on love and marriage that reassures believers that god equips them with courage and strength, enabling them to face challenges boldly.
27. Romans 5:5
Bible Verse: "And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Meaning: This bible verse about love and marriage highlights god’s unfailing love and how faith can strengthen your union.
28. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Bible Verse: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."
Meaning: This biblical scripture on love is about cherishing each other and your community, reflecting the boundlessness of god's love.
29. John 13:34
Bible Verse: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Meaning: In this bible verse on love, Jesus commands his followers to love him, and each other, with the same unconditional love he demonstrates.
30. Proverbs 17:17
Bible Verse: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
Meaning: In this passage, love and friendship intertwine, asking you to show kindness and loyalty in your marriage, especially in difficult times.
Bible Verses About God’s Love
These biblical readings about the love of god are wonderful texts for your wedding, or to reflect on throughout your marriage. These bible texts on marriage provide meaningful options for couples that want to learn more about god’s expressions of unfailing love. Here are some notable verses to inspire you.
31. Matthew 22:37-39
Bible Verse: "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.’"
Meaning: If you want inspiration for bible verses about god’s love, this passage is about god’s commandments, emphasising that love for god and others is the foundation of a righteous life
32. Matthew 5:44
Bible Verse: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Meaning: This passage reflects that love should be for everyone, and you can show this commitment through prayer and forgiveness
33. Romans 13:10
Bible Verse: "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Meaning: This bible verse for marriage shows the essence of god’s commandments – seeks the good in others, look for peace and kindness.
34. Mark 12:30-31
Bible Verse: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Meaning: In this bible verse on love, Jesus declares love as the greatest commandment – wholehearted love for god and love for others as an extension of that love.
35. 1 John 4:16
Bible Verse: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
Meaning: This bible verse on love identifies god as the source and essence of love – so living in love reflects his presence in your life.
36. Genesis 2:24
Bible Verse: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Meaning: If you are looking for biblical scriptures on love, this verse establishes the foundation of marriage as a sacred union. It is all about reflections on the deep bond and commitment a couple shares.
37. Ephesians 5:25
Bible Verse: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
Meaning: This verse calls husbands to love their wives selflessly, mirroring Christ’s unconditional love. It represents nurturing and protecting your relationship in marriage.
38. John 3:16
Bible Verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Meaning: This bible text on marriage acts as a powerful reminder of sacrificial love and commitment.
39. Proverbs 3:3-4
Bible Verse: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
Meaning: In this bible verse on love, it encourages the practice of love and faithfulness in all areas of life.
40. 1 John 4:7-8
Bible Verse: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Meaning: This bible reading on love reflects god's nurturing, which is the divine source of true love.
41. Romans 15:5-6
Bible Verse: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Meaning: This bible passage on god's love encourages unity and a Christ-centered focus in your marriage.
42. James 1:17
Bible Verse: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Meaning: If you are looking for biblical scriptures on love, this verse says that marriage is a gift from god, which is unchanging and perfect.
43. Isaiah 54:10
Bible Versee: "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Meaning: This is a wonderful bible verse for your wedding or in your marriage. It is a beautiful reminder of god’s unwavering love and peace, which can help a marriage through all challenges.
44. Jeremiah 29:11
Bible Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Meaning: This bible verse on love is a declaration of god’s purpose and care for you as a couple on your journey through marriage.
45. Jeremiah 29:11
Bible Verse: Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Meaning: This verse shows that god is with you through your marriage journey to remind you of humility, justice and love.
46. Zephaniah 3:17
Bible Verse: "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Meaning: This unique bible verse on love is a celebration of god’s joy when reflecting on a marriage blessed by him.
47. Deuteronomy 31:6
Bible Verse: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Meaning: This scripture on love and marriage is a reassuring promise of god’s presence and faithfulness, providing courage throughout your union.
48. Ephesians 4:32
Bible Verse: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Meaning: This bible verse on love stresses the importance of forgiveness and compassion in a Christian marriage.
49. Isaiah 40:31
Bible Verse: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Meaning:This verse shows that reliance on god will offer your union strength and endurance.
50. Philippians 4:13
Bible Verse: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Meaning: This scripture is a declaration of god’s empowering strength, which shows couples that they can face anything together with god.
What is a Bible Verse About Love?
The bible is filled with messages about love. In fact, much of the book is about emphasising you should live your life in a selfless, enduring and loving way.
The bible aims to teach that love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful, and that true love seeks the good of others before oneself. Love is seen as an action and a choice, rather than just a feeling, and is meant to reflect the character of god, who is described as the ultimate source of love – there are many famous verses on this.
For Your Wedding, What is the Verse in the Bible About Love?
If you are trying to pinpoint the right reading for your wedding, it is easy to start by investigating exactly what bible verse talks about love. There are many to choose from, and so the next step is to reflect upon which one best speaks to you as a couple, and your hopes for your marriage.
“To choose the right reading, talk to your minister, get to know them," says Reverend Sue. "A good minister will ask about you, what’s important to you, what values you share and want to represent in your marriage service, and they should then be able to help guide you towards the right readings.”
How Many Bible Verses Are About Love?
There are countless, so much of the bible is dedicated to this theme, so you have a huge amount of choice when looking for something for your wedding. Reverend Sue says: “There are many readings about love and a whole book of the Bible is dedicated to the theme of love. Love in its many forms are covered and there are also readings that can be used to reflect shared values and hopes.”
Looking for more ideas? Here are some of our favourite wedding readings.