Marriage Author Unknown A marriage is a promise that two hearts gladly make. A promise to be tender, to help, to give and take. A marriage is a promise to be kind and understanding, to be thoughtful and considerate, fair and undemanding. A marriage is a promise to share one life together. A love filled promise meant to be kept lovingly forever. This reading is suitable for a civil ceremony and is also one of the readings that I had during my own wedding ceremony. Return to Weddings - Readings index page.