Weddings should be memorable and special. Incorporating wedding poems into a ceremony is one way of achieving this.

In this collection, New Words for Weddings (Volume 1), I've brought together wedding poems I have written to celebrate the feelings associated with weddings, marriage and married love.

I've also written guidelines and advice on how and where you can incorporate these poems. At the conclusion of the book there are sample complete wedding ceremonies incorporating the poems.

Hi, I'm Melanie James. I'm a writer of wedding poems and a Hunter Valley marriage celebrant officiating at weddings (mainly in the Hunter Valley vineyards area) in Australia. I am happy when people incorporate the readings and poems I've written into their ceremonies - whether I'm their marriage celebrant or not!

When readings such as wedding poems are included in a ceremony, they help capture the moment. They help change the tempo of proceedings and give pause for reflecting on the wonder and possibilities of a new marriage.

Please use these poems if they are right for your wedding. If I am your marriage celebrant you have the choice of these or any other poems or readings that you choose (not just my writing!!) - I provide you with a selection from many writers.

If you are being married by another celebrant, or you are a celebrant looking for readings, all I ask is that I am acknowledged as the author and that you email me with your feedback. Thanks for those who have done this - very encouraging for me - I'm working on volume 2!

• Read a sample verse
• Guidance in using words about getting married
• Guidance in using words about being in love
• Guidance in using words about marriage
• Read a ceremony that incorporates my poems and readings
• Read another ceremony that incorporates my poems and readings
• View the complete collection