Philosophical and Spiritual Readings for a Meaningful Wedding Ceremony

Hayley and Chris chose David to be their wedding celebrant at their amazing festival style wedding in Bradfield, Sheffield with views over the beautiful Peak District. Photo: https://www.flyonthewallphotography.co.uk/

For couples who prefer a more spiritual or philosophical touch to their ceremony—without leaning into religious themes—there are many profound readings that can add depth and reflection.

As a Wedding Celebrant based in Yorkshire, I work with couples who want their ceremony to feel intimate and thoughtful, and these types of readings can achieve just that. Below is one such reading that explores love and connection in a meaningful way, ideal for your wedding ceremony.

Hayley and Chris chose an extract from Cosmos by Carl Sagan at their wedding celebrant ceremony in Bradfield, Sheffield. Gemma, Hayley’s sister read this in the ceremony.

Extract from Cosmos

By Carl Sagan

The size and age of the Cosmos are beyond ordinary human understanding. Lost somewhere between immensity and eternity is our tiny planetary home. And yet our species is young and curious and brave and shows much promise.

In the last few millennia we have made the most astonishing and unexpected discoveries. They remind us that humans have evolved to wonder, that understanding is a joy, that knowledge is prerequisite to survival.

Our little planet floats like a mote of dust in the morning sky. All that you see, all that we can see, exploded out of a star billions of years ago, and the particles slowly arranged themselves into living things, including all of us.

We are made of star stuff. We are the mechanism by which the universe can comprehend itself. The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth.

We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.

For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.