Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116

Ah, Sonnet 116...Shakespeare's timeless take on what love really means. Sure, it’s over 400 years old, but it still hits the nail on the head when it comes to describing the kind of love we all hope to find. This isn’t about fleeting romance or hearts-and-flowers infatuation. It’s about the rock-solid, weather-the-storms, stand-the-test-of-time kind of love. Shakespeare tells us that true love doesn’t waver when life gets messy, and it certainly doesn’t fade with a few wrinkles or grey hairs. It’s constant, steady, dependable, and priceless (even if we can’t quite measure it).

That’s exactly why this sonnet makes such a perfect wedding reading. It reminds us that while the honeymoon phase might be sweet, real love is about sticking together through life’s ups and downs. Plus, let’s be honest, quoting Shakespeare at a wedding is a classic move. It’s poetic, profound, and just the right mix of romantic and wise, making it a beautiful tribute to the journey the couple is about to embark on. If you like this wedding reading, you can also download a free PDF copy!

Sonnet 116 

By William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds 

Admit impediments. Love is not love 

Which alters when it alteration finds, 

Or bends with the remover to remove. 

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 

That looks on tempests and is never shaken; 

It is the star to every wand’ring bark, 

Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken. 

Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 

Within his bending sickle’s compass come; 

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 

But bears it out even to the edge of doom. 

If this be error and upon me proved, 

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

If you like Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare, then we insist that you also check out our other wedding readings and poem roundups. Our wedding readings from books include some more recognisable readings from world-famous and iconic authors. If you loved the romantic language of this one, then our roundup of the best wedding poems is where you should browse next!