40 Bible Verses About Love to Include in Your Wedding

Bride and Groom Kissing in Front of Altar With Cross of Jesus, Palm Leaves, and Hydrangeas — Photo by Meredith Campbell Photography

As the foundation of Christianity, love is the most prominent theme in the Bible. In fact, depending on the translation, the word “love” is mentioned up to 800 times throughout the 66 books of the Old Testament and New Testament. Through stories, letters, poems, and ancient text, sacred scripture captures the essence of God’s love and outlines how followers of Christ can love one another. Due to the strong presence of love in the Bible, this holy book is one of the best places to reference as you’re planning your wedding, the ultimate celebration of love.

Whether you’re looking for a reading to include in your ceremony, a verse to add to your personalized vows, or a quote to engrave on your big-day signage, the Bible is filled with passages about love. From short and simple to long and in-depth, love-centric Bible verses will make your wedding day more meaningful and will set the tone for your future marriage. By adding sacred words to the festivities, you’ll communicate the significance of love in your relationship and recenter your union in the faith.

Because there’s definitely no shortage of love-centric stories in the Bible, you might feel a bit overwhelmed as you try to decide on the right one for your affair. To help make this process much easier, we gathered 40 Bible verses about love from some the most common translations (New International Version, English Standard Version, King James Version, and New King James Version) and broke down their meaning. Read on to find one that resonates with you for your wedding.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (NIV)

Meaning: This Bible verse about love defines what unconditional love entails: patience, kindness, humility, honesty, and trust—the foundation of any marriage.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." (KJV)

Meaning: The overarching message? Trust the timing of God’s plan. In the context of your wedding, when you’re called to marry someone, fully commit to your beloved and your marriage.

1 John 4:7-11

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (NKJV)

Meaning: Because God is love, we are called to love one another. When applied to your relationship, this verse discusses the necessity of loving your future spouse.

Ephesians 3:14-21

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (NKJV)

Meaning: Keep the glory of God in your hearts. Intimately know the love of Christ and the power of his love for you.

John 17:21-23

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (KJV)

Meaning: In this Bible verse about love, Jesus wants his people to know that they are unified within him, just as he is one with God. Marriage mirrors this model, with two people becoming one in the sacrament.

1 Corinthians 16:14

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (ESV)

Meaning: This Bible verse about love is short and sweet, but the message is powerful: Always lead with love.

Bible Love Quote For Wedding Graphic With Green Textured Background — Design by Mehroz Kapadia

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (NIV)

Meaning: True love includes forgiving others, even when they have sinned against you.

Psalm 143:8

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you lift up my soul." (ESV)

Meaning: This prayer suggests that faith in God is essential for a relationship with him—much like marriage.

Colossians 3:14

"...and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness." (ASV)

Meaning: God calls everyone to make unconditional love the number one priority in their lives.

Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (NIV)

Meaning: To show your partner love, you must demonstrate humility, gentleness, and patience—these values are the cornerstone of every partnership.

Philippians 1:3

"I thank my God every time I remember you." (NIV)

Meaning: In the context of weddings and marriage, love entails saying prayers of gratitude for your partner whenever you think about them.

1 John 4:18-19

"There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love, because he first loved us." (ASV)

Meaning: Unconditional love doesn't have any room for fear, and Jesus modeled that for us. So, fully trust your significant other and your marriage.

Song of Solomon 2:16

"My beloved is mine, and I am his." (ASV)

Meaning: True love in a relationship encompasses commitment.

Mark 10:8-9

"And the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate." (NKJV)

Meaning: Because God has intended for spouses to commit to a long-lasting marriage, a union that God Himself has blessed and sanctified, ending it goes against his will.

Song of Solomon 2:3

"My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away (with me)." (ASV)

Meaning: Marriage is about being devoted to your partner. From considering their needs to spending quality time with them, making your future spouse a priority is a request that comes straight from God.

Jeremiah 31:3

"Love yesterday, today, and forever." (NIV)

Meaning: Never stop showing your partner love.

John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV)

Meaning: Love others (i.e., your significant other) as Jesus loves you.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)

Meaning: This Bible verse about love encourages you to rely on your partner for support as you overcome challenges and to seek refuge in them.

Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)

Meaning: Devote your life to your partner, and recognize their needs above your own.

Romans 13:8

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." (NIV)

Meaning: Loving one another will fulfill God's law—this, of course, also applies to your significant other.

John 15:11

"These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." (KJV)

Meaning: Jesus tells his people that his most important message is to love one another. When it comes to your romance? Loving your future spouse should be your main concern.

Song of Solomon 4:9

“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace." (ESV)

Meaning: This poetic verse captures the wondrous, all-encompassing feeling of falling in love. By just looking at your partner, you are reminded of why you love them.

1 Corinthians 13:13

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)

Meaning: The most important thing in the world? Love. According to the Bible, it even trumps faith and hope.

Proverbs 10:12

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." (NIV)

Meaning: Love is far more powerful than any wrongdoing. Whenever you and your partner find yourselves in an argument, you must be willing to make amends and restore the peace.

John 15: 13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (ESV)

Meaning: Love requires sacrifice—even if it’s hard. Just like Jesus was willing to die on the cross for others, in your marriage, you’ll need to put your own self-interests aside, in the name of love.

Isaiah 54:10

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (ESV)

Meaning: Even when the world around you is shifting, God’s love for you will never waiver. In terms of your relationship, as the two of you grow and change, your love should remain a constant.

Isaiah 62:5

“For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." (ESV)

Meaning: This Bible verse about love uses a wedding, a depiction of joy, as a metaphor to signify God’s mercy and compassion toward us.

Hosea 2:19

"And I will betroth thee unto me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgement, and in loving kindness, and in mercies." (KJV)

Meaning: God is dedicated to his people for eternity, no matter the circumstances. So, you and your partner can rest assured that you can fully depend on God.

Colossians 3:14-17

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (NIV)

Meaning: Love, which makes us one with God, is the most important characteristic that every Christian needs to put into practice. This Bible verse about love also reiterates the importance of loving God; this means making your faith the foundation of your marriage.

Song of Solomon 3:4

"I have found the one whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go." (ESV)

Meaning: Finding and marrying your soulmate is all about staying by their side through good times and bad, never abandoning them.

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (NIV)

Meaning: Echoing God’s relationship with us, treat your significant other with kindness and compassion, forgiving them willingly and feely.

Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (ESV)

Meaning: Love is the hallmark of every relationship—especially romantic ones.

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (NIV)

Meaning: While this Bible verse about love applies to all relationships, when it comes to your marriage, God asks that you put your faith in him, relinquishing any worries about what the future may hold. In return, he will show you the way throughout your relationship.

Proverbs 3:3-4

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." (NIV)

Meaning: Don’t give up on love. Even when you experience bumps in the road, the Bible encourages you to stay committed to your beloved.

Ephesians 4:32

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (ASV)

Meaning: In this Bible verse about love, love is defined as acceptance and forgiveness, just as God shows us.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints." (ESV)

Meaning: This prayer asks God to strengthen your love—which are beautiful words to consider including in your ceremony script.

Romans 12:18

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (ESV)

Meaning: Throughout your marriage, choose peace over conflict with your partner. When disagreements arise, make an effort to resolve them with compassion and patience.

Colossians 3:13

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (NIV)

Meaning: Follow God’s lead and strive to forgive your partner, no matter how they’ve wronged you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (ESV)

Meaning: Instead of competing with one another, make your marriage collaborative and supportive.

1 Corinthians 1:10

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (NIV)

Meaning: This Bible verse about love stresses the importance of working toward unity with your significant other, even in the midst of arguments.

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