Yeah Weddings
bridal wedding vows

10 Creative Irish Wedding Blessings

Do you want to add a unique blessing into your wedding vow at the altar or the toast at the reception? Here are some sweet, emotional, and even humorous Irish blessings that can give any wedding a special twist.

These blessings can be read from the bride, groom, family member, close friend, or even the minister. Find your perfect vow or toast from this list of ten Irish wedding blessings. 

traditional Irish wedding

The Irish come from a long line of storytellers and music lovers. You can even hear their unique word usage in their blessings, specifically wedding blessings. Even if you are not of Irish descent, you can still include these beautiful Celtic wedding blessings in your wedding vows or in the toast at the reception ceremony.

Some of the blessings are short and sweet, some are more heartfelt, and some are even humorous. The bottom line is that there is a perfect Irish wedding blessing out there for every special wedding celebration.  

One-Lined Irish Blessing

friend hugging bride

Do you want to wish a couple to have happiness in a simple way? Keep it short and sweet with this one-line blessing: 

“May your joys be as bright as the morning, and your sorrows fade in the sunlight of love.” 

In just one sentence, you can express your emotional care in a well-worded blessing. This is especially useful when there are many friends and family members planning to give their own speech or blessing at the wedding reception. Save time while still showing your love towards the newlyweds. 

Irish Wedding Vow from the Bride and Groom

couple holding hands

A wedding unites two people in love. What better way to show this union than to recite a vow made for both the bride and groom. This four-lined vow not only takes very little time to recite but also gives a musical impression. 

“We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”

The Irish wedding poem is structured like a poetic stanza or a song, as it contains rhymes and a metric rhythm. If you want to share an emotional moment with your significant other, tie the knot with this beautiful Irish vow. 

Irish Wedding Vow from the Groom

groom reciting vow

If you are wanting to separate the bride and groom’s vows, there are also options for that, as well. Although this Irish wedding vow can be spoken by either partner, its poetic phrasing would warm any bride’s heart. 

“You are the star of each night,
You are the brightness of every morning,
You are the story of each guest,
You are the report of every land.
No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank,
In field or valley, on mountain or in glen.
Neither above, nor below, neither in sea,
Nor on shore, in skies above,
Nor in the depths.
You are the kernel of my heart,
You are the face of my sun,
You are the harp of my music,
You are the crown of my company.”

The blessing may seem lengthy, but it is a simple read and easy to memorize. Let these words speak your love on your big day.

Irish Wedding Vow from the Bride

bride reciting vow

Again, this blessing can be recited by either partner. However, with its clear point, the bride can portray her feelings and feel free to add on to these Irish vows. 

“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.”

Celtic Wedding Blessing from the Minister

minister reciting vows

Many couples feel uncomfortable reading their vows themselves. Luckily, there is a solution. Ministers can read your vows for you and add their own wishes for the couple’s married life. 

“May the gentle breeze bear witness to this ritual, and carry its message to all lands.
May the sun warm their hearts, and its ever-burning fire fuel their desire for each other.
May the water provide for them from its bounty, and comfort their souls with their sounds.
May the land lend its strength and reveal its mysteries.”

The Celtic tradition once again proves their Irish wisdom through their elegant word usage. This blessing is a heartfelt message that fully expresses the power of love.

From a Friend to the Couple at the Reception

wedding reception toast

The wedding reception is the best place for friends and family to give their speeches for the bride and groom. In this Irish wedding toast, the perfect toast can be made by a close friend.

“May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness.
From this day forward.”

Short, simple, and sweet. A perfect toast for your friend’s special day. 

From a Loved One to the Couple at the Reception

family toast

The family will want to put in their own blessings. If you have a sibling, parent, or a distant relative who is getting married, consider this traditional blessing for the grand toast. 

“May you both be blessed
with the strength of heaven,
The light of the sun and the
radiance of the moon
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of earth,
And the firmness of rock.” 

As it is from Celtic origins, this blessing has lasted lifetimes and thousands of magical weddings. Continue the Irish tradition by giving a meaningful wedding speech for the happy couple’s future lives. 

Humorous Toast for the Groom

best man duties

Want to add a bit of humor to your toast? Well, the Irish also has a blessing for that, too. 

“May you always have money in your pocket
a woman to love
and a smile on your face.”

Don’t be afraid to be a little silly at the wedding. After all, getting married is a joyous event. 

Humorous Toast for the Bride

maid of honor

This funny blessing is a situational toast. You should probably analyze your audience before speaking it. If your grandmother is at the reception, be prepared for a scolding. 

“May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my Grandmother’s teeth.”

Tongue-Twister Toast

reception

Irish toasts never cease to amaze. Do you want a confusing, yet meaningful toast? There is even a blessing for that. 

“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.”

Challenge yourself to a tongue-twister. You will either impress or confuse the bride and groom. 

Build Your Own

There are many options to use from Irish blessings. Although there are only ten listed, the Celtic tradition holds many many more. You can choose any of the traditional toasts or vows and add your own words on top of it or even use the layouts to create your personalized blessings.

Whether it is your wedding day or someone you love, be creative when expressing your graces, and best wishes to the lovebirds.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we'll earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Morgan Wilson

Add comment