Can non-Catholics do readings at a Catholic wedding?

Many Catholic parishes welcome readers from other faiths or no faith at all. The reading should suit the Mass and reflect the faith of the Church, so the priest will want to approve it in advance.

You should talk to the priest early, ideally when you book your date. Ask whether your family member or friend may read, and send the passage for approval. Some parishes prefer scripture from the Bible, while others allow poems or non-scriptural texts if they fit the tone of the service.

A few points to keep in mind:

• The reader should be comfortable speaking in front of a congregation.
• The text should be free of religious content that conflicts with Catholic teaching.
• Rehearsal may be arranged so the reader knows where to stand and how the service flows.

If the priest says no to a particular passage, accept it kindly. The aim is a service that honours both your love and the traditions of the Church. Your guests will appreciate a reading that feels meaningful to everyone present.