Mary Oliver Poems for Weddings: Expressing Love and Beauty through Words

When it comes to expressing the profound emotions of love and celebrating the beauty of life, Mary Oliver has crafted a body of work that resonates deeply. Her eloquent words have the power to capture moments of awe, gratitude, and eternal love. In this article, we explore a selection of Mary Oliver poems that are perfect for incorporating into wedding ceremonies, vows, invitations, or any other special moments where love takes center stage.

1. "Wild Geese"

In her iconic poem "Wild Geese," Mary Oliver invites us to embrace our true selves and find solace amidst the chaos of life. This beautiful piece is a reminder that love, like nature, allows us to soar and find freedom. Incorporating these lines into a wedding ceremony or invitation symbolizes the couple's commitment to support each other's growth:

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.

2. "When Death Comes"

Weddings are often seen as the beginning of a lifelong journey. Mary Oliver's poem "When Death Comes" acknowledges the fleeting nature of life, urging us to make the most of each moment. These lines can be used to inspire couples to live fully and cherish the time they have together:

When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

3. "In Blackwater Woods"

"In Blackwater Woods" celebrates the transformative power of love and the wisdom gained through shared experiences. Mary Oliver's lines offer a poetic reflection on the challenges and rewards of a life well-lived together. Incorporate these verses into a wedding ceremony to acknowledge the lifelong commitment:

To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.

4. "The Summer Day"

Weddings often serve as a reminder to appreciate the small wonders of the world and find joy in simplicity. Mary Oliver's poem "The Summer Day" encourages us to pause, take a step back, and embrace the present moment. Use these lines to remind the couple to savor life's little miracles together:

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

5. "Percy (One)"

Mary Oliver's poem "Percy (One)" touches upon the unconditional love we often find in our beloved pets. This endearing piece can be included in a wedding ceremony to remind the couple of the loyalty and companionship they promise to share throughout their lives:

I would like to carry this dog home in my pocket.
He's not really obedient, but he is affectionate.
I would sit down to dinner and he would rest by my left knee.
Right now he is dreaming in the next room,
wrapped in his blanket, and this is his quiet song:
First I stand on my terribly little legs.
Then I hurry not unhappily across the grass,
I do this for a tom-calling reason,
I need a drink of water: I go to where the tin basin is,
I go to where the tin draws up the cool water,
I stand in the simple morning light that happens so often,
Again, I do this
and I should not think, should not think one moment,
It is the single sheet of blank thread,
erased before it is written on,
again, it is the secret script.

Express Love and Beauty through Mary Oliver's Poetry

Mary Oliver's poignant and profound words have the ability to capture the essence of love, beauty, and the human experience. Incorporating her poems into weddings can add a touch of magic, depth, and introspection to the ceremony, binding the couple and their guests in contemplation and celebration.

Whether you choose to include snippets of her poems in vows, read them aloud during the ceremony, or use them to inspire personalized vows, Mary Oliver's works are sure to infuse your special day with a sense of wonder, gratitude, and eternal love.