297 Irish Wedding Blessing: Traditional Irish Blessings

An Irish wedding blessing is a warm wish for a couple. It is poetic, short and easy to remember. This page has 297 Irish wedding blessings, toasts and prayers. You will find traditional lines, new wishes in the Irish style, ceremony readings and Bible verses. Pick one and share it.

Irish customs are loved around the world. The official tourism site Ireland.com shares Irish culture, travel and traditions. Many couples borrow from that heritage with a Claddagh ring, a blessing of the hands or a classic toast.

Short Irish Wishes for the Couple

Short lines fit on a card, a cake topper or a place setting. Each one is easy to say at the reception.

1. May your love grow stronger with every year.
2. May your home be filled with laughter and light.
3. May you grow old on one pillow.
4. May the road rise up to meet you both.
5. May your marriage be blessed from this day on.
6. May you always have a friend beside you.
7. May your hearts be as one.
8. May the luck of the Irish be with you both.
9. May your days be many and your troubles few.
10. May your love be a candle that never goes out.
11. May God bless the two of you.
12. May you have love that never ends.
13. May your hands always be held together.
14. May your life together be a happy one.
15. May your table always be full.
16. May you share every joy and halve every sorrow.
17. May your love be as deep as the sea.
18. May the sun shine warm on your married life.
19. May your first dance be the first of a million.
20. May you be rich in blessings and slow to make enemies.
21. May good fortune walk with you.
22. May you never be lonely again.
23. May your wedding day be the start of a lifetime of joy.
24. May you find peace in each other.
25. May laughter live in your house.
26. May your marriage be strong and your love be stronger.
27. May the wind be always at your back.
28. May God keep you in the palm of His hand.
29. May you be loved all your days.
30. May every day of your life be a blessing.

Traditional Irish Blessings for Weddings

These classic lines have been spoken at Irish weddings for generations. They fit a ceremony, a toast or a framed gift.

31. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.
32. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields.
33. May God hold you both in the palm of His hand.
34. May your joys be as deep as the ocean and your sorrows as light as the foam.
35. May there be a generous force of love behind you.
36. May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
37. May your troubles be less and your blessings be more.
38. May nothing but happiness come through your door.
39. May the roof above you never fall in, and may your friends gathered below never fall out.
40. May you have the hindsight to know where you have been and the foresight to know where you are going.
41. May God grant you many years to live, for sure He must be knowing, the earth has angels all too few and heaven is overflowing.
42. Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.
43. May you have warm words on a cold evening.
44. May you have a full moon on a dark night.
45. May you have a road downhill to your door.
46. May the Good Lord be with you.
47. May your neighbors respect you and trouble neglect you.
48. May the angels protect you and heaven accept you.
49. May the saints guard your home and heart.
50. May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you are dead.
51. May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
52. May the hand of a friend always be near you.
53. May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
54. May the Lord keep you in His hand and never close His fist too tight on you.
55. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet and enough trials to make you strong.
56. May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light.
57. May your love and laughter light your days.
58. May you always walk in sunshine.
59. May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house.
60. May the Great Spirit of love be with you both.

Irish Wedding Toasts

A toast is the voice of the reception. These Irish toasts are short, warm and sometimes funny.

61. Here is to the happy couple. Sláinte!
62. May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings.
63. To love, laughter and a long life together.
64. Here is to a love that grows stronger as the years go by.
65. May you grow old on one pillow.
66. Here is to marriage, a mixture of love, patience and good tea.
67. To the bride and groom. May your days be long and your love be longer.
68. May your love be as warm as the fire and as steady as the hearth.
69. Here is to you both. May you always have good friends and good cheer.
70. May you live to see your grandchildren’s grandchildren.
71. Here is to long life and happy days.
72. May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.
73. To the bride and groom: may your hearts always be young.
74. Here is to the couple who made us all believe in love.
75. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
76. Here is to a marriage built on love and laughter.
77. May the love you share be the best story you tell.
78. To your health, your happiness and your home. Sláinte!
79. May you always find a seat at the table.
80. Here is to cheers, tears and years.
81. May your love be as lasting as the Irish hills.
82. Here is to the groom who found his match and the bride who found her home.
83. May you both be blessed with peace, plenty and a good pint.
84. Here is to a lifetime of love. Slán agus beannacht!
85. To the happiest couple. May your hearts never part.
86. May your joy be as wide as the Irish sky.
87. To love, loyalty and a life of ease. Sláinte!
88. May every sunrise find you in love.
89. Here is to you both. May God keep you.
90. To the bride and groom. Sláinte mhaith!

Irish Blessings for the Bride and Groom

These blessings speak to the couple directly. They fit a card, a speech or a note on the morning of the wedding.

91. To the bride: may you be radiant today and every day.
92. To the groom: may you be a husband of kindness and strength.
93. May the bride and groom find joy in each other every morning.
94. May the bride be treasured and the groom be steady.
95. May you two always be each other’s best friend.
96. Bride and groom, may your hearts be home to each other.
97. May the groom’s hands be gentle and the bride’s heart be brave.
98. May your wedding day be as bright as your future.
99. May you walk side by side through every season.
100. May you always say yes to each other.
101. May you trust each other with every secret.
102. May you grow in wisdom as you grow in love.
103. May you be patient with each other’s flaws.
104. May you forgive quickly and love loudly.
105. May the bride never feel alone and the groom never feel lost.
106. May you laugh together at least once a day.
107. May your marriage be your safe place.
108. May your love be loyal and your words be kind.
109. May you always make time for each other.
110. May you build a home with love as the foundation.
111. May the little moments become your favorite memories.
112. May the bride and groom be blessed with children and joy.
113. May you grow old and still hold hands.
114. May you bring out the best in each other.
115. May your love be a light to those who know you.
116. May you never go to bed angry.
117. May your wedding vows be the start of a long, happy story.
118. May you cherish each other in sickness and in health.
119. May the love you share today only grow.
120. Bride and groom, may God bless your life together.

Irish Blessings for Your Home Together

A new marriage begins in a new home. These blessings wish the couple warmth, rest and welcome.

121. May your home be a haven for friends and family.
122. May the hearth of your home burn warm and bright.
123. May the kettle always be on in your kitchen.
124. May your door be open and your table full.
125. May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
126. May every room in your home be filled with love.
127. May your windows catch the morning sun.
128. May there always be a light on for the weary traveler.
129. May your first meal in your new home be a happy one.
130. May your home be a place where laughter lingers.
131. May no one leave your table hungry.
132. May your roof keep out the rain and keep in the joy.
133. May your garden grow as your love does.
134. May your home be built on faith, hope and love.
135. May your bedroom be a place of peace.
136. May the kitchen smell of fresh bread and good stew.
137. May your children find rest under your roof.
138. May the peace of heaven rest on your house.
139. May your home be a happy one from the first day.
140. May good neighbors surround you.
141. May the fire never go out in your hearth.
142. May you always find your way home to each other.
143. May the blessings of Ireland fill your home.
144. May your home be filled with music and song.
145. May your table be wide enough for all who come.
146. May the saints bless your hearth and home.
147. May your home be a sanctuary after long days.
148. May the walls of your home hold years of happy memories.
149. May God bless every corner of your home.
150. May your house always feel like home.

Irish Wedding Ceremony Blessings

These blessings fit the ceremony itself. A priest, a friend or an officiant can read them as the couple exchanges vows.

151. Today you join your lives. May God bless the joining.
152. As you stand before us, may your promises be strong.
153. May this ring be a sign of love without end.
154. May the vows you speak today be kept with joy.
155. We ask God to bless these rings and the hands that wear them.
156. May the Claddagh ring remind you of love, loyalty and friendship.
157. Let the hands that are joined today never be parted.
158. May the blessing of the hands be upon you both.
159. May these hands build a life of love.
160. May these hands comfort you in sorrow.
161. May these hands celebrate with you in joy.
162. We bless this union in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
163. May the Lord bless your marriage with peace.
164. May God give you the grace to keep your vows.
165. May the love between you reflect God’s love.
166. May your family and friends support you always.
167. May the unity candle burn bright for all your days.
168. May your hearts be tied like a knot that cannot be undone.
169. May the cord of three strands never be quickly broken.
170. May the Lord be at the center of your marriage.
171. May your commitment be as constant as the tides.
172. May your friendship be the root of your love.
173. May the angels witness your vows and bless them.
174. May the church bells ring for joy today.
175. May the music of today be the music of your life.
176. May you leave this place as husband and wife and as best friends.
177. May the blessing of the saints be upon your marriage.
178. May the God of love bless you both.
179. May you now be one, and may your love last forever.
180. Go in peace, and may God be with you. Amen.

Irish Blessings for Parents and Guests

Weddings gather many people. These blessings thank the parents and welcome the guests.

181. May the parents of the bride be proud and at peace.
182. May the parents of the groom see their son happy.
183. May God bless the mothers who raised you.
184. May God bless the fathers who stood beside you.
185. May the grandparents who are with us be honored today.
186. May those who are with us in spirit smile down on you.
187. May our families become one family.
188. May every guest leave with a full heart.
189. May the friends who came today stay in your life forever.
190. May the people who traveled far be blessed on their way home.
191. May the cooks, the musicians and the helpers be blessed.
192. May the flower girl and the ring bearer be blessed with joy.
193. May the wedding party be thanked and blessed.
194. May the priest or officiant be blessed for guiding us.
195. May every toast we raise bring luck to the couple.
196. May the dancers dance until dawn.
197. May all who gathered be blessed with health and joy.
198. May this day remind us of the power of love.
199. May the new in-laws love each other like family.
200. May the old stories be shared and the new ones begin.
201. May the old friends laugh and the new friends bond.
202. May we all be better for having been here today.
203. May we all find love like this.
204. May the couple feel the prayers of everyone in this room.
205. May our blessings follow you both home.
206. May all who bless you be blessed.
207. May our gathering be a sign of the community that holds you.
208. May God bless every table at this wedding.
209. May everyone here feel welcome, loved and thankful.
210. Cead mile failte to every guest. A hundred thousand welcomes.

Irish Wedding Card Messages

A good card message is short and heartfelt. These lines work in an Irish wedding card, a guest book or a gift note.

211. Congratulations. May your marriage be blessed.
212. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and luck.
213. May the luck of the Irish follow you both.
214. We are so happy for you. May God bless you.
215. Here is to a wonderful marriage.
216. May your love be as lasting as the Irish hills.
217. Warm wishes on your wedding day.
218. May your marriage be filled with joy.
219. Congratulations to a perfect couple.
220. Wishing you love, laughter and happily ever after.
221. May you grow old on one pillow.
222. Thank you for letting us share your day.
223. May this card bring you a little Irish blessing.
224. May God bless the two of you in all you do.
225. You are the perfect pair. Sláinte!
226. We pray for a long, happy marriage.
227. May this be the first day of a beautiful life together.
228. May you be rich in love and blessings.
229. Our hearts are full for you both today.
230. Wishing you the happiest of days.
231. May your wedding day be everything you dreamed.
232. May your marriage be strong and your friendship stronger.
233. May the road lead you both to happiness.
234. May your marriage be a joy to you and to everyone who knows you.
235. Congratulations to the bride and groom.
236. May your love story be the best one yet.
237. Wishing you all the best in life and love.
238. Love and blessings to you both.
239. May God watch over you always.
240. Congratulations. May the future be bright.

Irish Blessings for the First Year of Marriage

The first year of marriage sets the pattern. These blessings help a new couple through the early months.

241. May your first year together be your happiest.
242. May you learn each other’s habits and love them.
243. May the first fight be a short one.
244. May you be patient with each other as you learn.
245. May your first home be a happy place.
246. May you find joy in simple things.
247. May your first holiday as a married couple be a joyful one.
248. May your first anniversary be a sweet one.
249. May you always say sorry quickly.
250. May you learn to laugh at your mistakes.
251. May your friends become your family.
252. May you share chores and chuckles.
253. May you grow closer with every season.
254. May your first year bring peace and hope.
255. May you keep dating each other for life.
256. May you build a budget and a bond.
257. May your first meal at home be a good one.
258. May you both be blessed with good health.
259. May your jobs bring you joy.
260. May you each find time for your own dreams.
261. May you pray for each other each night.
262. May you always make room for God in your marriage.
263. May you never stop saying “I love you.”
264. May you keep your wedding vows in mind every day.
265. May you find strength in each other.
266. May your love grow roots this year.
267. May you be a blessing to your families.
268. May your first year together be the first of many.
269. May the love you feel today only deepen.
270. May God bless every year of your marriage.

Irish Wedding Traditions and Blessings

Irish weddings are full of symbols. These eight traditions each come with a short blessing you can say.

Tradition	What it means	Blessing to say
271. Claddagh ring	A heart for love, hands for friendship and a crown for loyalty.	“May love, friendship and loyalty be yours.”
272. Handfasting	The couple’s hands are tied with a cord to show their union.	“May this knot hold you together always.”
273. Blessing of the hands	The officiant prays over the couple’s joined hands.	“May these hands always hold each other.”
274. Irish wedding bells	Bells ring to chase away evil spirits and bring luck.	“May the bells bring you joy.”
275. Horseshoe	A horseshoe is carried for luck and good fortune.	“May luck always find your door.”
276. Wedding bread	Bread is shared as a sign of plenty in the new home.	“May your table always be full.”
277. Irish lace	Lace is worn or kept as a family heirloom.	“May your love be a treasure passed down.”
278. Sixpence in the shoe	A coin in the bride’s shoe wishes her wealth and happiness.	“May you be rich in all that matters.”

Bible Verses for an Irish Wedding

Faith runs deep in many Irish weddings. These verses come from the King James Version and fit a ceremony or a card.

Verse	Words to read	Best for
279. 1 Corinthians 13:4	“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not.”	Ceremony reading
280. 1 Corinthians 13:13	“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”	Love
281. Ecclesiastes 4:12	“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”	Unity
282. Genesis 2:24	“A man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.”	Marriage
283. Song of Solomon 8:7	“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.”	Lasting love
284. Ruth 1:16	“Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge.”	Loyalty
285. Proverbs 18:22	“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”	Blessing
286. Colossians 3:14	“Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”	Bond of love
287. Mark 10:9	“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”	Vows
288. Ephesians 4:2	“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”	Patience
289. 1 John 4:19	“We love him, because he first loved us.”	Faith
290. Psalm 128:3	“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house.”	Family blessing
291. Numbers 6:24	“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.”	Closing blessing
292. Proverbs 3:3	“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck.”	Faithfulness
293. Song of Solomon 2:4	“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”	Celebration

Closing Irish Blessings

End the ceremony or the reception with one of these closing blessings.

294. May the Lord bless you and keep you, today and always.
295. May the road rise up to meet you. Slán and God bless.
296. Slán agus beannacht libh. Goodbye and blessings to you both.
297. May love be with you forever. Amen.

Pick one blessing from this page and make it your own. Write it in a card, say it in a toast or frame it for the couple. A few kind words can last a lifetime.