Photo by Cuenca Creative
If I hear “love is patient, love is kind…” at one more wedding…okay fine, I’ll still cry. 1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful, foundational passage. There’s a reason it’s a classic.
But the other day during my quiet time, I read a verse and immediately thought: “This would be such a good wedding verse.” It wasn’t one I’d ever heard read during a ceremony, which really made me think about each word I was reading
So I started making a list.
If you’re looking for something meaningful, slightly unexpected, and deeply rooted in Scripture, here are four “underrated” Bible verses to consider featuring in your wedding: whether your officiant reads them during the ceremony, you weave them into your vows, or you choose one as a theme verse for this season of engagement.
1. John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
This verse is simple but powerful. Jesus doesn’t say, “Love each other when it’s easy.”
He says, love one another as I have loved you.
And how has He loved us? Sacrificially. Faithfully. Patiently. Unconditionally.
This verse reframes marriage as more than compatibility or chemistry. It’s a daily decision to love like Christ loves, even when it costs you something.
2. Colossians 3:12–14
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
There’s something especially beautiful to me about the phrase “put on love.”
Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something you actively choose to wear every single day. Marriage is less about grand gestures and more about putting on those qualities in the everyday moments.
Not only does it set the tone for your marriage, but it also gives your guests a tangible picture of what Christ’s love actually looks like in action.
3. Ephesians 4:2–3
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
If you want a verse that speaks to the long haul, this is it.
“Bearing with one another in love” is such an honest phrase. It acknowledges that marriage won’t always be effortless, and that’s okay. Unity doesn’t just happen. You’re eager to maintain it. You protect it. You work for it. I love how real and grounded this verse is - while reminding us of the beauty of marriage and the responsibility of the covenant.
4. Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
If you’re looking for a verse that feels joyful and active, this is such a beautiful choice.
“Outdo one another in showing honor” almost sounds like a fun competition to me, and it’s deeply powerful. Imagine building a marriage where you’re both trying to out-serve, out-encourage, and out-honor each other. Not keeping score. Not competing for control. But competing in kindness.
It shifts the focus from “What am I getting?” to “How can I lift you up?”
Incorporating Scripture into Your Vows
If you’re writing your own vows, consider choosing one of these verses as your anchor. You could reference it directly, build your promises around it, or let it shape the tone of what you say.
And if you need help getting started, we’ve already written a step-by-step guide on how to write your own wedding vows, plus included a free sample script you can customize.
Faith as the Foundation
Whatever verses you choose to reference during your celebration, remember this: Your wedding day is one moment. But the promises you make are meant to last a lifetime.
And while “love is patient, love is kind” will always be beautiful, there’s something special about choosing a verse that feels deeply personal to your story and the foundation you’re building together.