McWhitney's Wedding Poetry Service
The poet Nathan McWhitney (Founder of McWhitney's Poetry Service) brings vintage charm, literary elegance, and heartfelt memories to your wedding reception.
During your cocktail hour and reception, Nathan writes custom (bespoke) poetry for you and your guests on a vintage typewriter based on the topics guests offer and the conversations that unfold.
Guests will often stop by his aesthetic poetry table (curated to fit your celebration) and take photos and video while he composes their personalized poems. His poetry table also becomes a place where guests will meet one an other and make meaninful connections.
"THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE FELT VINTAGE"
"Nathan is a talented artist who brought vintage charm to my sister’s wedding reception through his poetry services. It was the coolest experience to see the creation of the poem done on the spot, just based off a brief yet meaningful conversation.
From the antiquated type writer to the antique style paper he used, the whole experience felt vintage. I love the poem Nathan wrote for me about motherhood based off of my personal experience I shared with him. The words written leave a lasting memory, making it a unique and timeless party favor for any wedding or event!
I highly recommend McWhitney's Poetry Services for your next wedding, party, or event!"
- Candace (Posted on Wedding Wire, 11/15/25)
A Preferred Vendor of
About
Hi, I'm Nathan
For 20 years I have been writing poetry, all the while studying and teaching literary arts. In the Summer of 2025, I was a PhD candidate at the University of Southern California, studying the spiritual outlook of Western Romantics like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
I found that so much of formal academic life consisted of writing complex documents to be read by other scholars. Rather than write complicated articles about the art, I wanted to make the art. Further, I wanted to enroll my art into the service of others.
My sense was that this live poetry practice would bring artful memories and literary elegance to wedding receptions. To my delight, couples and their guests are affirming this! I look forward to meeting you and starting a conversation.
What to expect when working with Nathan
Once you connect, Nathan takes the time to learn about your story and your wedding vision, all to curate his poetry table, attire, and literary themes to compliment your special day. He can also tailor his conversations with your guests so as to align with your vision. For example, in an upcoming wedding, his client / couple envision a fantasy literature themed wedding at Mount Woodson Castle. They plan to assign each of their guests a Dungeons and Dragons characters, and during the reception, they can visit Nathan (who will be dressed like a wizard, a formal attire wizard) and he will write them each a short poem spell based on their character. In sum, Nathan likes to collaborate.
After you book your spot, Nathan maintains open communication with you and your vendor team as he curates his service in concern with your full wedding vision. During this time, he can even assist your wedding party in composing poetic material for speeches and toasts. Or he can work with your stationary provider in composing striking messages.
At the time of your wedding reception, Nathan requires little to no assistance setting up. Couples often like to book him for two to four hours, enough time to meet the popular demand for custom poems. He works cordially (with subtle charisma even) and diligently even, to produce an impressive output of personalized poetry for your guests. Guests will often gather around his poetry table and take video and photos, and chat with one another while they wait for their poems. This is a great corner of your reception space for your guests to meet each other and make meaningful connections! Upon receiving their poems, guests will often laugh, and even cry (in a good way). A personalized poem from McWhitney's is a memorable and fine art keepsake.
COUPLES AND GUESTS ARE DELIGHTED BY THESE ONE-OF-A-KIND POETRY ART PIECES AND WILL OFTEN FRAME THE POEMS IN THEIR HOMES.
