With its dramatic coastlines, gorgeous landscapes and endlessly beautiful views, Ireland is a land of romance. Add an element of enchantment and inject a little Irish touch into your Big Day with these special blessings. Whether you are after a special addition to your ceremony or a short and sweet toast, these Irish wedding blessings will melt hearts.
Irish has such rich history of storytelling and poetry and these Irish wedding blessings are incredibly moving, heartfelt and absolutely perfect. If you are Irish or tying the knot in Ireland, it’s a no-brainer to include one of these fabulous readings in your Big Day. And even if you aren’t Irish, what could be more special than saying ‘I do’ with a sentimental reading?
Bonus: There are many Irish wedding blessings that are gender-neutral, which makes them excellent for LGTBQ couples too!
Featured image credit: MP Harmony Photography
Irish Wedding Blessings for the Ceremony
An Irish classic:
“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.”
A Celtic blessing:
“May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
Quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but
Happiness from this day forward.”
Joining two families together:
“Here’s to you and yours and mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever come across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours,
As mine and ours have done for you and yours.”
An old Irish blessing:
“May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings
Right beside your door.”
A religious Irish blessing:
“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
A sacred vow, read by the celebrant/solemniser:
“Happy is the bride that rain falls on
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.
We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”
Irish Wedding Blessings for the Reception
A toast to friends or family before saying ‘cheers’
“May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!”
From the Best Man to the Groom:
“May you always have money in your pocket
a woman to love
and a smile on your face.”
The Irish Rainbow Blessing:
“Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!”
For the Champagne toast:
“Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play-
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song-
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long!”
