5 Blended Family Wedding Poems for a Joyful Ceremony

A blended family wedding is more than two people making a commitment to each other – it’s the big, beautiful celebration of two vibrant families coming together!

Honor your joyful, expanded family with one of these timeless wedding readings. These short poems make great readings for children, or ask a close friend or relative to deliver them during the ceremony.

Out of respect for each author’s copyrighted work, we have only included excerpts and insights below. The link below each sample reading will bring you to the full text of the poem. Enjoy!

Need a blended family wedding ceremony script? Try this one: Blended Family Wedding Ceremony Script with Sand Blending Ritual

5 Poems & Wedding Readings for Blended Families

1. Excerpt from “A Family is Like a Circle” by Nicole M. O'Neil

“A family is like a circle. / The connection never ends, / and even if at times it breaks, / in time it always mends,” O’Neil writes.

This sweet poem was published online nearly twenty years ago, and has become a favorite reading for family weddings and vow renewals. It reminds us that families have their ups and downs, sometimes change shape, and always find their way by working together. A beautiful message for a blended family!

“A family is like the stars. / Somehow they're always there. / Families are those who help, / who support and always care.” Lovely! Read just a few lines or all six stanzas of this poem at your wedding.

See the full copyrighted poem on FamilyFriendPoems.com: “A Family is Like a Circle” by Nicole M. O’Neil

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2. Excerpt from “Family” written by Alison Jean Thomas for LovetoKnow

This short wedding poem is a wonderful choice for a blended family that has grown stronger and happier by becoming a part of each others’ lives. A family that’s real with each other, playful, loving, and authentic!

“Family: A soft and gentle word for something strong / A foundation to stand upon when things go wrong, / A place built through years / Of squabbles and tears, / Of laughter and joy, / And of love.”

See the full copyrighted poem on LovetoKnow.com: “Family By Alison Jean Thomas”

3. Excerpt from "Blended Family" by Scott Edward Anderson

“When families are blended / it’s not like a smoothie,” writer Scott Edward Anderson begins in this funny family wedding poem – before making a poignant observation that each individual keeps their unique ‘flavor’ as they come together as a family. “You are “and” rather than “or.” / There is more of you…” he writes.

This poem was written for Anderson’s own wedding, which brought together three children from each partner’s previous marriages, and was read by his wife’s eldest daughter during the ceremony. The tone is lighthearted, sincere, and sweet without sugarcoating the day-to-day growing pains of a big, blended family.

“So praise our blended family, / let it bring abundance into all our lives,” he writes. “...And let each of us / make the best that is all of us / shine more brightly, now, together.”

You’ll love the full copyrighted poem, available on Scott Edward Anderson's Poetry Blog: Blended Family

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4. Excerpt from “Something Changes” by Claire Ferguson

Invite one of your children to read a poem at the wedding! This short poem is a good match for a young reader in their pre- or early teens, and was written by UK wedding celebrant Claire Lawrence (under her married name Claire Ferguson).

“Something changes the moment / You both say / 'I do' / For we're now something else, something precious and strong / And we're joined as the family / We were / all along.”

Deliver one or two of your favorite lines, or all of this short 20 line poem during the ceremony – and see how many relatives you can bring to (happy) tears!

Read the full copyrighted poem on Claire Lawrence’s wedding readings page: Something Changes

Related: How to Ask Someone to Officiate Your Wedding - Our Favorite Way to Say 'Will You Marry Us?'

5. Excerpt from “Blended Family Recipe” by Ron Tranmer

For Christian weddings, poet Ron Tranmer has written a sweet ‘recipe’ for happiness in a blended family. Tranmer tells us to mix together parents, children, patience (as much as you’ve got!), love, and blessings together in a pot, to create an “awesome, loving blended family.”

“Put a good and honest man / into a mixing pan. / Combine one loving woman / and blend well with the man,” the poem begins. And when it’s time to stir in patience, Tranmer says that exact measurements are necessary –  “If you're not sure just how much, / throw in all you've got.”

This is sure to get a laugh from your friends and family! The poem includes references to the “heavens” for a spiritual tone. The parents’ genders can be easily modified for LGBTQ+ families planning a Christian or interfaith wedding.

Read the full copyrighted poem on Ron Tranmer Poetry: Blended Family Recipe

Explore More Blended Wedding Ideas from American Marriage Ministries

• What to Say on a Wedding Invitation for a Second Marriage (Examples & Sample Cards)
• How to Include Family and Friends In Your Wedding Ceremony
• Fun Ways to Include Kids in Your Elopement Plans
• Wedding Ceremony Script With Covenant Of Children
• Simple Second Marriage Wedding Ceremony Script

Let Your Loved One Officiate Your Wedding or Elopement Ceremony! 

Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony! Having a friend officiate your elopement is a great way to ensure the wedding day is as intimate and personal as it can be. When the guest list is small, every moment means more! 

Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

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Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started!