Poetry has been incorporated into marriage ceremonies since the time of the ancient Greeks, who invented a form called the epithalamium, a lyric written and performed for the bride and bridegroom at their wedding.
Today the wedding poem comes in many forms: Some couples opt in for the classics—Shakespeare, John Donne—while others take a more contemporary approach. Some prefer earnest romance while others want a bit of humor and wit. Some prefer reminiscing about the early days of love while others look to what the future may hold.
For the lovers—and friends and families of lovers—who are searching for the perfect words to say for the occasion, we’ve curated this collection of wedding poems for every type of romantic celebration.