Scripture for ceremony benedictions, reception toasts, prayers and the home you build together.
A blessing is a gift of words spoken over a couple and the community around them. It can be formal, like a benediction from the officiant, or intimate, like a parent’s prayer before dinner. These KJV and WEB passages give you options for both. Read the context, decide who will speak, and let the verse create a calm transition between moments in the service. For a toast, choose a line guests can hear once and remember; for a prayer, allow a little more space and name the hopes you share for your marriage.
Numbers 6:24–26
KJV
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee… and give thee peace.
WEB
Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face shine on you… and give you peace.
Invite the officiant to speak this slowly as the final blessing.
Ephesians 3:16–19
KJV
That he would grant you… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit… rooted and grounded in love.
WEB
May he grant you… to be strengthened with power through his Spirit… rooted and grounded in love.
A beautiful prayer after the vows or before communion.
1 Corinthians 13:13
KJV
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
WEB
But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.
Use as a concise benediction or printed program refrain.
Psalm 34:3
KJV
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
WEB
Oh magnify Yahweh with me. Let’s exalt his name together.
A natural opening for a family prayer or dinner toast.
Proverbs 18:22
KJV
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
WEB
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from Yahweh.
Best suited to a celebratory toast with a warm, personal note.
John 15:11–12
KJV
That my joy might remain in you… Love one another, as I have loved you.
WEB
That my joy may remain in you… Love one another, even as I have loved you.
Read before a joyful reception moment or first dance.
Joshua 24:15
KJV
As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
WEB
As for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.
A meaningful line for a house blessing or framed print.
Colossians 3:14
KJV
Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
WEB
Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Add to a guest book table or anniversary keepsake.
A good blessing is brief enough to hear, generous enough to include both families, and honest about the life ahead. Numbers 6:24–26 offers peace and protection; 1 Corinthians 13:13 names faith, hope and love. Introduce the verse with one sentence so guests understand why it was chosen.
The officiant is traditional, but a parent, grandparent, friend or member of the wedding party can make the moment personal. Tell the reader the expected length and pronunciation of names, and provide a printed copy. If several people participate, give each a distinct passage or short line.
Yes. Psalm 34:3 and John 15:11–12 work well before dinner, while Proverbs 18:22 can introduce a toast. Keep the microphone close, avoid reading during a noisy transition, and connect the verse to a specific story about the couple.
It is often quoted at weddings, but its original setting is God’s promise to Israel in exile, not a marriage ceremony. If you use it, explain that context rather than presenting it as a direct marriage promise. The passages on this page are more naturally suited to a wedding blessing.