Are you planning an outdoor wedding ceremony and looking for a way to incorporate the beauty of nature into your special day? Your wedding ceremony is the perfect opportunity to both share your love for each other and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Nature readings are a great way to add a unique and meaningful touch to your ceremony.
In this post, we will explore some inspiring nature readings that will make your outdoor wedding ceremony unforgettable.
Psssst: Check out the original blog post that lead to our deep dive into nature-inspired love quotes, passages, and wedding vows.
Why incorporate nature readings into your wedding ceremony?
Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. It is a day to share your story with your friends and family. Incorporating nature readings into your wedding ceremony can add an extra layer of depth and meaning to your special day. Not only do they provide a beautiful tribute to the natural world, but they also offer an opportunity for reflection and introspection. They allow you and your guests to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the world around you. Nature readings can also help to create a sense of peace and tranquility, which is especially relevant for outdoor ceremonies.
Finding the perfect nature reading
There are many different types of nature readings to choose from, so finding the perfect one for your wedding ceremony is essential. You may want to consider the tone and theme of your ceremony when choosing your reading. For example, if you're having a rustic, bohemian wedding, you might want to choose a whimsical reading that celebrates the beauty of the great outdoors. On the other hand, if you're having a more traditional ceremony, you might want to choose a heartfelt message about the power of love and the natural world. It's also important to consider the length of your reading. You don't want it to be too long or too short. Aim for a reading that is between one and three minutes long.
Beautiful nature passages from literature
Literature is a great source of inspiration for nature readings. There are many beautiful passages that celebrate the natural world and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your ceremony.
Here are a few examples:
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Poems about nature for outdoor weddings
Poetry is another great source of inspiration for nature readings. Poems are often more emotional and personal than prose, making them a great choice for wedding ceremonies.
Here are a few examples of poems (linked instead of copied here for copyright reasons but you can use them in your ceremony!) about nature that are perfect for outdoor weddings:
"The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry
"The Sun" by Mary Oliver
“The Invitation” by Orion Mountain Dreamer
Inspirational quotes about nature and love
Quotes are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony. There are many beautiful quotes about nature and love that can add meaning and depth to your ceremony. Here are a few examples:
"Love is the flower you've got to let grow." - John Lennon
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
Nature-inspired wedding vows
Writing your own vows is a great way to personalize your wedding ceremony. If you're incorporating nature readings into your ceremony, you might want to consider writing vows that reflect your love for the natural world.
Here are a few examples:
"I promise to love you like the trees love the sun, reaching for you always and growing stronger with every passing day."
"I vow to love you like the ocean loves the shore, always coming back to you no matter how far I may go."
"I promise to love you like the flowers love the rain, growing and blooming with every drop that falls."
Adding personal touches to your nature readings
Adding personal touches to your nature readings can make them even more meaningful and memorable. For example, you could choose a reading that reflects a special moment or memory that you and your partner share. You could also choose a reading that reflects your shared passions or interests, such as hiking, camping, or stargazing. If you're a fan of a particular author or poet, you could choose a reading from their work. Adding personal touches to your nature readings can make them unique and special to you and your partner.
Speaking tips for delivering a memorable nature reading
If you or a member of your wedding party will be delivering a nature reading during your ceremony, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it is delivered effectively. First, practice your reading beforehand so that you are comfortable with the words and can deliver them smoothly. Second, speak slower and clearer than usual, and leave a slight pause between sentences or paragraphs to allow the words to sink in. Finally, make eye contact with your partner and speak from the heart. If you're nervous, take a deep breath and remember that you're surrounded by people who love and support you.
Other ways to incorporate nature into your wedding ceremony
Nature readings are just one way to incorporate the beauty of the natural world into your wedding ceremony. Here are a few other ideas:
Choose an outdoor ceremony space that showcases the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Use natural materials such as wood, flowers, and stones in your ceremony decor. For example, you could use wooden chairs or benches for your ceremony seating, or create a floral archway or canopy.
Incorporate a nature-inspired color palette, such as earthy greens, browns, and blues.
Use natural elements such as leaves, branches, and moss in your centerpieces, bouquets and even place settings.
Choose a wedding cake that features natural elements such as flowers or leaves.
Let nature be the backdrop for your love story
Incorporating nature readings into your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the natural world and add meaning and depth to your special day. Whether you choose a passage from literature, a poem, or a quote, your nature reading is sure to captivate and delight your guests. Don't forget to incorporate personal touches to make your readings unique and special to you and your partner. With a little creativity and inspiration, you can let nature be the backdrop for your love story and create a wedding ceremony that is both meaningful and unforgettable.
Learn more about how Vow Muse can help with all the wedding words!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, look no further:
Wedding Readings for Nature Lovers — free download
Nature-Themed Wedding Speech — template speech
Nature Quotes for Your Ceremony — blog post
If you’re looking for a little more help, all of our toolkits include everything you need to write the perfect words for the big day. With our detailed step-by-step process, templates for you to customize, and examples of speeches and vows to inspire you’ll be confident and prepared on the big day!
Or if you’ve already written something and need a professional to review and edit it, we can help with that too.
