How do wedding readings work?

In a UK wedding, readings slot into the ceremony at a point you agree with the person conducting it. In a civil ceremony, the registrar controls the running order and must approve every reading. Religious readings must fit the rules of your place of worship, so check with the officiant first. A reading typically lasts one to three minutes, and the reader stands at a lectern or simply speaks from where they sit. You can have one reading or several, but two or three is common to keep the ceremony moving. The reader is introduced by name, then reads, then sits down. Some couples choose a reading instead of a sermon or a hymn, others add one between the legal part and the exchange of rings. If you want a song, check whether it can be played live or recorded, as civil venues often allow recorded music but religious buildings may not. The key is to ask early, because the registrar or officiant has the final say. They will also tell you if a reading needs to be secular in a civil ceremony, where religious content is not allowed. Poems, songs and non-religious readings are usually fine if the registrar agrees.