How long should a wedding reading be?

Most wedding readings, whether religious or non-religious, work best when they are between one and three minutes long. This gives the reader time to speak slowly and clearly, and it keeps the ceremony moving. A reading of about 150 to 250 words is typical. If you choose a longer passage, such as a full Bible chapter or a lengthy poem, consider reading only a selected portion. Practise reading aloud to see how long it actually takes, as our silent reading pace is much faster. Remember that nerves can speed you up, so aim for a slightly shorter reading than you think you need. If you have multiple readings in your ceremony, space them out so each one feels distinct. You can also ask your reader to pause briefly after the reading before returning to their seat. For a Catholic mass, the readings are set by the approved texts, but you can still choose shorter verses from those options. For civil ceremonies, the registrar may have rules about content, but length is usually flexible. Always check with your venue or officiant if you are unsure.