Unity Ceremonies
Unity ceremonies (aka rituals) are more than symbolic gestures of the two of you coming together — they’re opportunities to personalize your wedding, create a moment you’ll remember forever, and your guests will be talking about all night.
Since 2020, we’ve been collecting and crafting unity ceremonies for our couples — some original, some inspired, and others thoughtfully refined with the help of AI. We invite you to explore the ceremonies below – some have pictures! – and make them your own.
And if you’re looking for something truly custom, contact us and we’ll create one for you!
Not sure which unity ceremony fits your love story best?
Take our short Unity Ceremony Selector Quiz to discover ideas that feel as meaningful and memorable as your “I do.”
SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY
2 TAPER & 1 LARGE CANDLE
(PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will light the center candle from the other two. The three candles will remain lit. One candle for each of them, one candle for the unity of their new family.)
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 join their lives in marriage, they will also symbolize their unity through the lighting of a Candle. The lighting of this unity candle represents the merging of their individual lives into one shared journey.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, please step forward and light your individual candles.
You each hold a lit candle, representing your separate lives, families, and experiences. As you join your lives together, you will use these flames to ignite the Unity Candle, symbolizing the union of your two hearts and lives.
And now, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, please light the Unity Candle together, representing your commitment to share a single life as partners in love and marriage.
The Unity Candle is now lit, symbolizing the eternal flame of love that will forever burn within your hearts. May this flame serve as a constant reminder of the commitment you have made to one another today.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH CHILDREN
1 TAPER FOR EACH PERSON & 1 LARGE CANDLE
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 join their lives in marriage, they also unite their families. Today, we honor the inclusion of their children, _____________________________, in this beautiful ceremony.
(Officiant lights the couple’s candle)
This candle represents the individual lives of PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 which have brought them to this moment of love and commitment.
(Child 1 steps forward and lights his/her candle from the couple’s candle)
__________________, as you light your candle, you symbolize the light and warmth that you bring to this family. Your presence fills our hearts with joy and your love binds us together.
(Child 2 steps forward and lights his/her candle from the couple’s candle)
__________________, as you light your candle, you symbolize the harmony and strength that you contribute to this family. Your love connects us, creating a bond that will grow with every passing day.
(Once all the candles are lit, the couple and children jointly light a larger, central candle together)
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 and their children light this central candle together, they symbolize the merging of their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. May this flame burn brightly, representing the love and unity that will guide them forward as a family.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH MOTHERS
2 TAPER & 1 LARGE CANDLE
I invite PARTNER1 and PARTNER2’s mothers to come forward.
The two separate candles in front of you represent your children, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2. The candles symbolize their separate lives, separate families and friends. Let’s light the candles and pass them to your child.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, the individual candle represents your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your lives are now joined together as one and represents also the joining together of your two families and friends.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH PARENTS
1 TAPER FOR EACH PERSON & 1 LARGE CANDLE
I invite the parents to come forward.
Please light your candles and transfer the flame symbolizing your love to that of your children, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, your two outside candles reflect your life at this time. Each light is distinct, and able to dance and move in its own direction.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, you are two individuals who are both complex and unique. And the same Creator who granted individuality and uniqueness on each of you is now bestowing you to each other. May you bask in the splendor of your love’s light from this day forward, may its light shine bright and steady upon your journey together, and may its heat keep you warm for the duration of your life and beyond.
In unison together, light the larger candle.
As you light the unity candle, I ask you, and all your friends and family who are here today – to see the brightness of the flame as a metaphor of the radiance that your own life contributes to this new family.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY
2 TAPER & 1 LARGE CANDLE
(PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will light the center candle from the other two. The three candles will remain lit. One candle for each of them, one candle for the unity of their new family.)
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 join their lives in marriage, they will also symbolize their unity through the lighting of a Candle. The lighting of this unity candle represents the merging of their individual lives into one shared journey.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, please step forward and light your individual candles.
You each hold a lit candle, representing your separate lives, families, and experiences. As you join your lives together, you will use these flames to ignite the Unity Candle, symbolizing the union of your two hearts and lives.
And now, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, please light the Unity Candle together, representing your commitment to share a single life as partners in love and marriage.
The Unity Candle is now lit, symbolizing the eternal flame of love that will forever burn within your hearts. May this flame serve as a constant reminder of the commitment you have made to one another today.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH CHILDREN
1 TAPER FOR EACH PERSON & 1 LARGE CANDLE
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 join their lives in marriage, they also unite their families. Today, we honor the inclusion of their children, _____________________________, in this beautiful ceremony.
(Officiant lights the couple’s candle)
This candle represents the individual lives of PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 which have brought them to this moment of love and commitment.
(Child 1 steps forward and lights his/her candle from the couple’s candle)
__________________, as you light your candle, you symbolize the light and warmth that you bring to this family. Your presence fills our hearts with joy and your love binds us together.
(Child 2 steps forward and lights his/her candle from the couple’s candle)
__________________, as you light your candle, you symbolize the harmony and strength that you contribute to this family. Your love connects us, creating a bond that will grow with every passing day.
(Once all the candles are lit, the couple and children jointly light a larger, central candle together)
As PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 and their children light this central candle together, they symbolize the merging of their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. May this flame burn brightly, representing the love and unity that will guide them forward as a family.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH MOTHERS
2 TAPER & 1 LARGE CANDLE
I invite PARTNER1 and PARTNER2’s mothers to come forward.
The two separate candles in front of you represent your children, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2. The candles symbolize their separate lives, separate families and friends. Let’s light the candles and pass them to your child.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, the individual candle represents your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your lives are now joined together as one and represents also the joining together of your two families and friends.
CANDLE UNITY CEREMONY WITH PARENTS
1 TAPER FOR EACH PERSON & 1 LARGE CANDLE
I invite the parents to come forward.
Please light your candles and transfer the flame symbolizing your love to that of your children, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, your two outside candles reflect your life at this time. Each light is distinct, and able to dance and move in its own direction.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, you are two individuals who are both complex and unique. And the same Creator who granted individuality and uniqueness on each of you is now bestowing you to each other. May you bask in the splendor of your love’s light from this day forward, may its light shine bright and steady upon your journey together, and may its heat keep you warm for the duration of your life and beyond.
In unison together, light the larger candle.
As you light the unity candle, I ask you, and all your friends and family who are here today – to see the brightness of the flame as a metaphor of the radiance that your own life contributes to this new family.
We will now perform the Chocolate and Champagne ceremony. In your marriage, there will be days of great sweetness, and days of bitter sorrow. There will be celebrations, and there will be tears. There will be triumphs, and there will be tragedies.
Life holds indescribable happiness in store for you both – and unavoidable pain, as well. And so, to symbolize your acceptance of this reality, today you will share the bitter and the sweet, just as you will share them in the years to come.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, take and eat this bitter, dark chocolate. Taste in it the dark days which will test your marriage and test its strength. It represents disappointment, illness and grief. Know that these hard times will come, and with them, the opportunity to deepen your bond as husband and wife.
Now, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, take and drink this sweet Champagne. Taste in it the sweetness and light that will fill your marriage with joy. Savor the fruits of this wine, just as you will savor every happiness that you bring each other.
It represents shared laughter, your children’s first steps, your golden anniversary. Delight in it, as you will delight in your husband, your wife, and your life together.
At Jesus’ last supper with His disciples, He asked them to remember Him. As we too remember Christ’s body and blood given for the forgiveness of our sins, we are compelled to offer grace to one another in return. PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to take their very first communion as husband and wife in your presence to acknowledge the place that Jesus Christ will continue to have in their new life together. Christ will remain with them always in their hearts, souls, and minds.
So that the disciples would not forget the unity of spirit, Jesus asked that they take the bread and wine together in a Spirit of One.
Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Matthew 26:27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. “
The taking of this meal together, especially when remembering the life and sacrifice of Christ, ensures that we do not forget that we are all one body, one blood, and one spirit, and that the breaking of bread and sharing of a cup is more than nourishment or the quenching of thirst, but the sharing of ourselves, as this couple has done today.
Today, you’ve chosen to create a unique symbol of your union using crystals, each chosen with intention to reflect the energy, strength, and harmony you bring to each other. Crystals have long been cherished for their beauty, their grounding energy, and their connection to the earth—a perfect mirror for the qualities you seek to bring to your life together.
[To the guests, explaining the meaning]: In a moment, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will each place a crystal into a shared vessel, creating a lasting keepsake of their union. These stones represent the qualities you admire in each other, the intentions you set for your life together, and the love that has brought you to this day. Like these stones, love itself is both delicate and strong, resilient to time, and beautiful in all its facets.
[To the couple as they place their crystals]: As you place these crystals together, may they symbolize your unity—two souls joined as one, grounded in love, trust, and joy. May they remind you of the intentions you set here today and offer you strength, clarity, and peace through all the seasons of life.
A PLAYFUL & WHIMSICAL CEREMONY!
PARTNER1 and PARTNER 2 have chosen to celebrate their marriage with a splash of creativity.
In just a moment, they’ll paint each other’s hands and press their handprints onto a canvas.
Why? Because love—like paint—is sometimes a little messy, often colorful, and always better when shared. Each handprint is unique, just as each of them is unique. Yet together, they leave behind something lasting, something that couldn’t have been created alone.
This canvas will be more than a piece of art. It will be a reminder that life, much like love, is a work in progress—layered, imperfect, vibrant, and beautiful. May it always bring you back to this day, when your hands and hearts joined together to begin your masterpiece.
This hourglass represents both the time you have already shared and the new chapter that begins today as husband and wife.
Having spoken the promises that will guide your life together, you will now turn the hourglass as a symbol of your new beginning.
May it serve as a reminder to treasure each moment—those that have passed and those still to come. And as each grain of sand flows, may it reflect the countless moments of joy, growth, and love you will continue to create together.
WITH WINE/CHAMPAGNE
This keepsake box is a special one. PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will place in it a bottle of wine and two very special letters they have written to each other. This box will remain closed and at their one-year anniversary, they will be able to share a glass of wine and their letters. This is a symbolic gesture of coming together as one.
As you are about to put the bottle of wine and letters into the keepsake box, think about the strengths you both share now coming together as one.
You both are strong, passionate, loving, caring, and supportive of each other. And just as a fine wine gets better every year, it is our wish that your marriage will double in strength and get better and better every year.
Let’s place the items in the box now.
NO WINE
This keepsake box is a special one. PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have two very special letters they have written to each other. This box will remain closed and at their one year anniversary, they will be able to open it and share their letters.
As you are about to put the letters into the keepsake box as a symbolic gesture of coming together as one, think about the strengths you both share now coming together as one. You both are strong, passionate, loving, caring, and supportive of each other. As you put your letters into the box, your values will double in strength and get better and better every year.
Let’s place the items in the box now.
OPTION 1: This keepsake box is not just a container but a time capsule of love and intention. PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have each written letters to one another, sealed with thoughts and promises for pivotal moments yet to come—perhaps a big decision, their first disagreement, or even the birth of their first child.
These letters will be safely tucked away, waiting for the right moment when life presents the occasion to open them, and they can once again be reminded of the love that binds them today.
You may place the letters in the box now.
OPTION 2: This box is very special… it holds a moment in time.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have each written words they may not say out loud every day—reminders of who they are, what they’ve found in each other, and what they promise to protect moving forward.
Inside this box is also a bottle of wine, waiting patiently for the right moment—perhaps their first anniversary, or a day when life feels a little heavier and they need to come back to this beginning.
On that day, they’ll open these letters… and be reminded not just of what they felt today, but of who they chose to be for one another.
You may place your letters in the box.
To make a marriage complete, a marriage license is signed. Both PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have spoken their vows and exchanged rings as a commitment to each other. With each of their signatures on this marriage license, they are taking the next step for their forever commitment to each other.
At this time, PARTNER1, please sign your name here.
PARTNER2, please sign your name here.
Before we get to the vows, I’d like to ask PARTNER1 and PARTNER2’s parents to stand for the Blessing of the Parent.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 offer their gratitude to you for all the love and care you showed in raising them. The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today, and they thank you for guiding them to this celebration of their love. Without you, this day would not be possible.
With this in mind, I ask PARTNER1’s parents, as representatives of your family: Will you take this man/woman into your family and into your hearts?
(Parents: We will.)
And I ask PARTNER2’s parents, as representatives of your family: Will you take this man/woman into your family and into your hearts?
(Parents: We will.)
Thank you, you may be seated and may the blessing of their marriage extend throughout your families forever.
As we unite these two as one today, their beautiful family is uniting as well and I invite the children to come forward.
PARTNER, this is your promise to ___________________ as you officially join their family.
Please repeat after me:
______________________________,
Today I officially join your family.
I promise to provide for you,
Always protect you,
And always be there for you.
I love you.
At this time, let’s join in a big family hug.
(Say to the guests): They have a puzzle which is a symbol of their unity. As they all put this puzzle together, they are confirming with each other, how each piece may be different and unique, when they all come together, they are united as one. Just like the pieces of this puzzle fit together perfectly, this family, fits together perfectly.
Let’s put this puzzle together and unite as one.
Today, we stand by the water, a symbol of life, change, and renewal. Just as this lake reflects the world around it, so too do your hearts reflect the love and commitment you share. Water, ever fluid and ever present, reminds us of the beauty in life’s moments and the strength in its currents.
Together, you have chosen not to seek new rings, but to re-dedicate the ones you wear, symbolic of the journey you’ve already begun. These rings, having been with you as you’ve built your love, now take on new meaning as you seal your vows as partners in marriage.
Before placing the rings on each other’s fingers, we will use the water of this lake, a source that speaks to the purity of your love and the depth of your bond, to bless and renew your commitment.
[The couple dips their rings into the water.]
Now, with these rings, renewed and blessed by the waters of this lake, you will place them on each other’s fingers as a symbol of your enduring love and commitment.
PARTNER1, please repeat after me as you place the ring on PARTNER2’s finger:
PARTNER2, with this ring,
I rededicate my love to you.
I choose you today, and every day,
as my partner, my love, and my forever.
PARTNER2, please repeat after me as you place the ring on PARTNER1’s finger:
PARTNER1, with this ring,
I rededicate my love to you.
I choose you today, and every day,
as my partner, my love, and my forever.
As we begin the ceremony, we invite you to participate in a special tradition known as the ring warming ceremony.
The wedding rings symbolize the love and commitment of PARTNER1 and PARTNER2. It is widely believed that precious metals hold energy. The more enduring the object, the more the energy will be absorbed.
Each of you will have the opportunity to briefly hold them and silently warm them with your blessings, prayers, and wishes for their marriage and then pass them to the next person.
When it comes time for them to exchange the rings, the rings will have been warmed by the love and support of their closest family and friends as they embark on their journey through life together.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO EXCHANGE THE RINGS:
Thank you all for your participation in this beautiful ring warming ritual. The love and energy infused into these rings symbolize the love and support you offer PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 as they embark on their journey of marriage. May these rings forever remind them of the love that surrounds them and the blessings bestowed upon them by each and every one of you.
To symbolize the joining of their lives, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen a unity ceremony.
Salt has been used as a preservative and purifier to prevent decay and corruption since ancient times. It is the symbol of God’s character and dependability because it is eternal, enduring, never changing, and abiding eternally. Entering into a Covenant of Salt means tying oneself to another with utmost loyalty and truthfulness, even if it means death, rather than breaking the covenant.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, containers of salt stand before each of you, symbolizing your individuality as well as your aspirations, goals, desires, and pledges for the success of this marriage and the family it is becoming.
You create a Covenant by mixing your salt with each others’, symbolizing your acceptance of this marriage and to never break your vows.
At this time, I ask each one of you to take a pinch of your salt and place it in your partner’s container.
This salt exchange symbolizes the power of your marriage; by integrating your lives, you will be as difficult to separate as these grains of salt. Your agreement here today is the unbreakable contract that your union represents, and it will not be broken.
Adapted from https://www.ulc.org/wedding-ceremony-scripts/salt-ceremony-script
TREE PLANTING 1
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to symbolize their union and the joining of their lives with a tree planting ceremony. Just as a tree grows and flourishes, so too will their love and partnership. This tree represents their commitment to nurturing and supporting each other through all the seasons of life.
(PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 each take a small container of soil or water)
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, just as this tree will need sunlight, water, and care to grow, your relationship requires love, patience, and kindness. As you add soil to this tree, remember the strong foundation you have built together. As you add water, let it remind you to keep your love fresh and ever-growing.
(COUPLE add soil and water to the tree)
PARTNER1, as you add the soil, may it represent your promise to always support PARTNER2, to nourish his/her dreams, and to give him/her a stable foundation of love and trust.
(PARTNER1 adds soil)
And PARTNER2, as you add the water, may it symbolize your promise to nurture PARTNER1, to keep your love flowing and to always refresh his/her spirit with your kindness and compassion.
(PARTNER2 adds water)
Now, as you both add soil and water together, may it signify your combined effort to nurture and grow a beautiful life together. May this tree be a living testament to your commitment and the beautiful journey that lies ahead.
(COUPLE together add soil and water to the tree)
Just as this tree will grow and change, so will your relationship. Embrace the changes, enjoy the growth, and cherish the journey. Let this tree be a reminder of your vows and the strength of your love. And remember, just like this tree, your love can weather any storm and stand tall and strong.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, may your love be rooted deeply and your joy reach to the sky. Here’s to your beautiful journey together, filled with laughter, love, and endless adventures.
Throughout history, the cross has represented faith, hope, sacrifice, and love. Today, the Unity Cross will serve as a visible reminder of the commitment that PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 are making to one another and of the foundation upon which they are choosing to build their marriage.
PARTNER1 & PARTNER2, the Unity Cross is made of three pieces. Each piece represents an important part of the life you are creating together.
The outer cross represents the strength and support of your relationship—the promises you make today, the life you will build together, and the love that surrounds and protects your marriage.
PARTNER1, please place the outer cross into the base.
(pause)
The inner cross represents faith—the values, beliefs, and deeper purpose that guide your lives and your relationship. It serves as a reminder that a strong marriage is built not only on love, but also on trust, grace, and a shared commitment to something greater than yourselves.
PARTNER2, please place the inner cross within the outer cross.
(pause)
The final pieces – the pins – secure the cross and hold all the elements together. Today, it represents the support, encouragement, and wisdom that help a marriage thrive—from family and friends, from this community gathered here, and from the guidance that you will continue to seek throughout your lives together.
As a witness to the promises made here today, it is my honor to place the final pins.
(pause while placing piece)
Together, these three pieces create something stronger and more beautiful than any one piece alone. May this Unity Cross serve as a lasting reminder of this day, of the vows you have exchanged, and of the love, faith, and commitment that will continue to grow throughout your marriage.
CORD CEREMONIES
Many couples ask for the “cord” unity ceremonies… and there are several types.
Today you have chosen to braid three strands together into a single cord. Each strand has a significant meaning.
The White Strand represents God and His majesty.
The Brown Strands represents both of you and your lives.
(Couple braids cords)
In braiding these three strands together, you have demonstrated that your marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God as well. You have chosen to allow God to be at the center of your marriage, woven into every aspect of it.
As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reads, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Today you have chosen to braid three strands together into a single cord. Each strand has a significant meaning.
The White Strand represents God and His majesty.
The Brown Strands represents both of you and your lives.
(Couple braids cords)
In braiding these three strands together, you have demonstrated that your marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God as well. You have chosen to allow God to be at the center of your marriage, woven into every aspect of it.
As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reads, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Marriage is a beautiful journey where two souls come together to share their lives, love, and dreams. It is a bond that is strengthened by the challenges faced and the joys shared.
As a symbol of this union, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to tie a Fisherman’s Knot. This knot is known for its strength and resilience. When tied correctly, it only becomes stronger under pressure. It is a fitting symbol of the bond between two people who are committed to weathering the storms of life together.
Each rope represents your individual pasts, and the lives you lived up to today. Once tied, they symbolize your future together, which shall be forever weaved together just like the threads in the cord. From today forward, your lives will be forever intertwined, and your bond unbreakable.
Let’s tie the knot now.
As these two knots join together, they become one. Just as the ropes are now bound together, so too are PARTNER1 and PARTNER2. Their lives are intertwined, and their love will hold fast through all that life brings.
May this knot serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of your love and the commitment you have made to one another today.
HANDFASTING CEREMONY 1
The expression “tying the knot” refers to the traditional Celtic marriage ritual of Handfasting.
Please hold each other’s hands, (her hand resting in his). This cord symbolizes the life you have chosen to share together. Until now, you have been separate in thought, word, and deed. But as this cord is tied, so shall your lives be intertwined.
Let this cord represent the values you both hold dear in your marriage:
_____________________________________________
(Tie Knot)
The knot of this binding is not held by the cord alone, but by your own vows of love. May this ‘love knot’ always be a reminder of the binding together of your two hands, two hearts, and two souls into one. And so are you bound, each to the other, for all the days of your lives.
HANDFASTING CEREMONY 2 – WITH VOWS AND CORD COLOR SYMBOLISM
The expression “tying the knot” refers to the traditional Celtic marriage ritual of Handfasting. Today, handfasting is a symbolic ceremony to honor a couple’s desire for commitment to each other, and to acknowledge that their lives and their destinies are now bound together.
The cords we use are a physical symbol of a spiritual bond. The cord will be tied in an infinity knot, representing the unbreakable love the two share, and their commitment to honor and support one another always.
(CHANGE COLORS AND SYMBOLISM TO FIT CEREMONY)
The first cord is the color of the sunflower petals – yellow – symbolizing optimism, joy, happiness and friendship.
The second cord is the color of the heart of the sunflower – brown – symbolizing resilience, dependability, security and safety.
The third cord is the color of the sunflower stem – sage green – symbolizing wisdom, intelligence and experience.
Our last cord is the color of all colors – white – symbolizing purity, perfection, balance, and clarity.
These cords are a symbol of the intertwining of the life you have chosen to lead together.
(Ask couple to face each other left hand on top of left hand – the cords are laid over the hands).
PARTNER1, do you promise to love, respect, and honor PARTNER2 in health and sickness, through sorrow and success, for all the days of your life?
PARTNER2, do you promise to love, respect, and honor PARTNER1 in health and sickness, through sorrow and success, for all the days of your life?
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, this cord is a symbol of the life you have chosen to live together. Up until this moment, you have been separate in thought, word and action. As these cords symbolically bind your hands together, so your lives become intertwined and your lives and spirits joined in a union of love and trust.
If you will each grab the loose cords and as you remove your left hands, pull the end you are holding.
Keep this infinity knot with you for the years ahead and let it remind you of the promises you made here today.
HANDFASTING CEREMONY 3 – WITH MARRIAGE VALUES, I DO, AND VOWS
At this time I invite you to hold hands with PARTNER2’s hand resting on top of PARTNER1’s with palms touching.
This cord is a symbol of the life you have chosen to live together. Up until this moment you have been separate in thought, word, and deed. But as this cord is tied together, so shall your lives become intertwined. The cord represents the values you both share for your marriage. You shared with me the marriage values of: ___________________. Your marriage will be a beautiful blend of your values. Together, these values create a balanced and enriched marriage, characterized by deep emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and enduring happiness.
(Tie Knot)
PARTNER2, do you take PARTNER1 to be your wife/husband/partner?
PARTNER1, do you take PARTNER2 to be your wife/husband/partner?
PARTNER1/PARTNER2, please repeat after me:
I, PARTNER1/PARTNER2, take you, PARTNER2/PARTNER2,
To be my wedded wife/husband/partner,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward.
For better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
For all time.
I will love and honor you,
All the days of my life.”
The knot of this binding is not bound by the cord, but rather, by your own vows of love. May this “love knot” always be a reminder of the binding together of your two hands, two hearts, and two souls into one. And so are you bound, each to the other, for all the days of your lives.
HANDFASTING CEREMONY 4 – INDIVIDUAL RIBBONS WITH CHILDREN
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, please join hands. Today, you will make your vows, and your children will each place a ribbon over your joined hands, representing the love, strength, and joy that each of you brings to this family.
[As each child places a ribbon, the officiant says something like:]
The first ribbon represents love.
The second ribbon represents unity.
The third ribbon represents laughter.
The last ribbon represents courage and growth…
With these ribbons, your family is symbolically bound together, as you pledge your love and commitment to one another and to the life you continue to build as a family. Now, I invite you to exchange your vows, repeating after me.
[Insert repeat-after-me vows]
If you will each grab the loose cords and as you remove your left hands, pull the end you are holding. Keep this infinity knot with you for the years ahead and let it remind you of the promises you made here today.
Handfasting cords are more than just ribbons or rope—they’re a canvas for telling your family’s story. When blending families, the cords can be a beautiful way to include children and honor the journey that has brought you all together.
Braiding with Meaning
- Create three braids: one representing the groom’s children, one representing the bride’s children, and one representing the couple.
- Let the children pick out ribbons, fabrics, or colors that feel personal to them. It could be their favorite colors, fabric from a beloved blanket, or even pieces of clothing that hold sentimental value.
- Braid the three braids together before the ceremony.
- At the ceremony, while the couple remove their hands, invite the children to pull on the ends of the cords—symbolizing their role in uniting the family.
Other Personal Touches
Charms & Beads: Add charms that represent each child’s interests (a music note, a sports emblem, a book charm, etc.) or beads in birthstone colors.
Keepsake Tags: Tie small fabric or leather tags with names, initials, or words like love, family, or forever.
Natural Elements: Incorporate dried flowers, greenery, or pressed leaves from meaningful places (a family garden, a favorite hiking spot).
Cultural Symbols: Weave in patterns or fabrics that reflect cultural or spiritual heritage.
Handfasting cords are often saved as keepsakes, so these little details can transform them into family heirlooms—something everyone can look back on as the day the family truly became one.
CULTURAL TRADITIONS
Honor your heritage by including one of these cultural traditions.
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 wish to honor a Polish tradition by sharing bread, salt, and wine. Each of these elements holds special meaning as they begin their life together.
(The officiant holds up the bread)
Bread, a symbol of nourishment and sustenance, represents the hope that their home will always be filled with plenty and that they will never go hungry or lack the essentials of life.
(The officiant holds up the salt.)
Salt, an essential element of life, represents the difficulties that are a part of every marriage. It symbolizes the preservation of their love, resilience, and the willingness to overcome challenges together.
(The officiant holds up the wine.)
Wine, a symbol of joy and celebration, represents the hope that they will always celebrate the sweetness of life and the joy that comes from sharing a life together.
(The officiant offers the bread, salt, and wine to the couple. The couple each takes a piece of bread, dips it lightly in salt, and takes a sip of wine.)
As you share this bread, salt, and wine, may you always remember the strength of your bond, the sweetness of your love, and the resilience that will carry you through life’s challenges. May your life together be filled with abundance, joy, and unwavering support for each other.
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 wish to honor a Polish tradition by sharing bread, salt, and wine. Each of these elements holds special meaning as they begin their life together.
(The officiant holds up the bread)
Bread, a symbol of nourishment and sustenance, represents the hope that their home will always be filled with plenty and that they will never go hungry or lack the essentials of life.
(The officiant holds up the salt.)
Salt, an essential element of life, represents the difficulties that are a part of every marriage. It symbolizes the preservation of their love, resilience, and the willingness to overcome challenges together.
(The officiant holds up the wine.)
Wine, a symbol of joy and celebration, represents the hope that they will always celebrate the sweetness of life and the joy that comes from sharing a life together.
(The officiant offers the bread, salt, and wine to the couple. The couple each takes a piece of bread, dips it lightly in salt, and takes a sip of wine.)
As you share this bread, salt, and wine, may you always remember the strength of your bond, the sweetness of your love, and the resilience that will carry you through life’s challenges. May your life together be filled with abundance, joy, and unwavering support for each other.
BREAKING OF THE GLASS – HURRAH (NON-JEWISH)
We conclude this ceremony with the Breaking of the Glass.
The Breaking of the Glass at a wedding is a symbolic prayer and hope that your love for one another will remain until the pieces of the glass come together again, or in other words, that your love will last forever.
May the breaking of this glass remind you of the fragility of human relationships. May your bond of love be as difficult to break as it would be to reassemble this glass.
Our guests are invited if they wish to shout HURRAH upon the glass breaking.
(PARTNER steps on glass)
BREAKING OF THE GLASS – MAZEL TOV (JEWISH-Lite)
To conclude this beautiful ceremony and to celebrate and open your new beginning, we are going to break the glass as part of Jewish custom.
This ritual for today’s wedding symbolizes that in life, there are times of sorrow and there are great times of joy. No matter how challenging things are, this ritual reminds us that together you are strong, and together there are no challenges that you cannot overcome.
After PARTNER breaks the glass, I ask you all to shout “Mazal Tov” which congratulates them and wishes them good luck.
We end this ceremony with the African tradition of jumping of the broom.
As our happy couple jump, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. Today it represents great joy and at the same time serves as a reminder of the past.
It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into your lives. It is also a call of support for the marriage from the entire community of family and friends.
The leap they take together over the broom is a gesture they take of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead, as well as the easy times. They leave behind the past and jump into the future together secure in their love.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will now begin their new life together with a clean sweep!
(THE BROOM IS LAID ON THE FLOOR, THE PARTNERS HOLD HANDS AND JUMP OVER THE BROOM TOGETHER.)
LASSO CEREMONY (El lazo)
We now come to the lasso ceremony, a beautiful symbol of unity. The lasso, in the form of a figure eight, represents the infinite bond of love and commitment that PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 share. It is a reminder that their love and marriage are eternal and unbreakable.
At this time I would like to invite _______________ and _________________ to come forward to participate in the lasso ceremony.
(The lasso sponsors come forward and place the lasso over the shoulders of the couple in a figure-eight shape, starting with the bride and then the groom, or both together.)
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, as you are bound together by this lasso, may you always be reminded of the sacred bond that unites you as one. Just as this lasso forms a complete circle without beginning or end, so will your love and commitment to each other remain continuous and unbroken.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, bless PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 as they unite their lives together. May this lasso remind them of the strength of their bond and the support of their community. Grant them the wisdom and patience to nurture their marriage, and may their love grow deeper with each passing day. Amen.
(The same people who put on Lasso now take it off and give to bride for remainder of ceremony)
LASSO/COINS (El lazo y las arras)
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, you have just spoken vows that express your love and commitment to one another.
Now, we honor your union with two cherished traditions: el lazo and las arras.
As you begin your married life, this lazo — a cord shaped into a figure eight — symbolizes your unity. The shape reflects infinity, representing the everlasting nature of your love.
As it is placed around your shoulders, may it remind you that you are bound together in strength, grace, and love — two individuals, now joined as one.
The arras — thirteen gold coins — are a symbol of prosperity, trust, and mutual care. As PARTNER1 presents these coins to PARTNER2, he does so as a promise to build a life of abundance and generosity together. And as PARTNER2 accepts them, she promises to honor and steward that life with grace and gratitude.
Together, these traditions speak of love that is enduring, partnership that is equal, and a future built on shared purpose and faith.
BACKGROUND: The Oathing Stone is an old Scottish tradition where the couple place their hands upon a stone while saying their wedding vows. Taken from the ancient Celtic custom of “setting an oath in stone”, inclusion of the oathing stone ceremony in the vows can be deeply moving.
During the declaration of wedding vows or civil partnership promises, the couple hold the Oathing Stone, together in their hands. It is believed that holding the stone during the vows sets them in stone.
NEED: Stone, perhaps one collected at a favorite place. For a satin sheen, if desired, wash stone and rub with almond oil. Wipe dry.
Family and friends, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will now say their vows using the Scottish tradition of the oathing stone.
For those of you not familiar with this tradition it is when the couple either hold or put their hands together on a stone as they repeat their wedding vows, as an oath given near a stone or water was considered to be more binding.
Some believe that it is where the phrase ‘set in stone’ comes from.
Can I please ask _______________ to come forward with the stone.
Now that you have exchanged your vows and rings, I invite [Name of the special guest] to come forward and wrap PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 in a tallit as a symbol of the sheltering love and protection that surrounds them in their new life together. May this cloth represent the covering of love, faith, and commitment as you embark on your journey as partners for life.
Blessing #1: Love
May you be blessed with love. May your admiration, appreciation and understanding of each other foster a love that is passionate, tranquil and real. May this love between you be strong and enduring, and bring peace into your lives.
#2: A loving home
May you be blessed with a loving home filled with warmth, humor and compassion. May you create a family together that honors traditions old and new. May you teach your children to have equal respect for themselves and others, and instill in them the value of learning and making the world a better place.
#3. Humor and play
May you be best friends and work together to build a relationship of substance and quality. May your sense of humor and playful spirit continue to enliven your relationship. May you respect each other’s individual personality and perspective, and give each other room to grow in fulfilling your dreams.
#4. Wisdom
May you be blessed with wisdom. May you continually learn from one another and from the world. Together, may you grow, deepening your knowledge and understanding of each other and of your journey through life.
#5. Health
May you be blessed with health. May life bring you wholeness of mind, body and spirit. May you keep each other well-balanced and grounded, and live long that you may share many happy years together.
#6. Art, beauty, creativity
May your life be blessed with the art and beauty of this world. May your creative aspirations and experiences find expression, inspire you and bring you joy and fulfilment. May you find happiness together in adventures big and small, and something to celebrate each day of your lives.
#7. Community
May you be blessed with community. May you always be blessed with the awareness that you are an essential part of a circle of family and friends. May there always be within this group love, trust, support and laughter, and may there be many future occasions for rejoicing in their company.
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 honor the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony in a way that reflects their own journey as a couple. The tea ceremony represents respect, gratitude, and the blending of two families into one. Traditionally, tea is served as a gesture of respect, but today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will serve each other, symbolizing their partnership and the love they share.
(Couple pour tea for each other)
As PARTNER1 pours tea for PARTNER2, s/he offers his/her love, care, and respect. And as PARTNER 2 pours tea for PARTNER1, s/he does the same—affirming their commitment to stand by each other’s side.
(They each take a sip of the tea.)
With this simple act, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 unite their hearts and lives, honoring the beauty of tradition while embracing the future they will build together.
We will begin with a sacred and joyous tradition, the garland exchange or Varmala ceremony. This ritual represents the union of two souls, a mutual acceptance of love, respect, and companionship that will define their journey together.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, as you stand before each other holding these garlands, remember that this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. These garlands are more than just flowers; they symbolize your love, respect, and commitment to one another.
Please take your garlands, and as you place them around each other’s necks, let this act be a promise of your enduring love and devotion. As you exchange these garlands, you are accepting each other as partners in life, ready to share all that the future holds, hand in hand, heart to heart.
With this exchange, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have honored each other and their commitment to this sacred union. May their love grow ever stronger, and may they always find joy and peace in each other’s embrace.
GLASS / SAND / SALT COMBINING CEREMONIES
Combining different colors into a single vessel is a visual representation of the blending of your lives.
GLASS CEREMONY 1
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to symbolize their union through a beautiful ritual known as the Unity In Glass ceremony. This unique ceremony represents the blending of two individuals into one cohesive partnership, much like the blending of colors in a work of art.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, just as you bring your distinct colors and qualities into this relationship, you will now combine them into one vessel.
I invite you to pour your colors into the vessel, as a symbol of your commitment to blend your lives together in love and unity.
(CHANGE COLORS AS APPROPRIATE)
Tuxedo Gray = Protection
Pure White = Pure Love
Champagne = Comfort
Red = Desire
Deep Teal = Trust & Honesty
Robins Egg Blue = Commitment
Citron Yellow = Fun & Adventure
Brilliant Pink = Passion
This vessel represents the foundation of your marriage, a vessel that will hold the memories, experiences, and love that you will share together.
Remember that you both embody the essence and characteristics of what each hue represents. They are a part of yourselves and what you are made of — your strengths, your passions, and your unique personalities. As these colors intermingle and blend, they form a new, harmonious shade—a symbol of the unity you are creating today.
Just as a sculpture will be crafted from your combined colors, so too will your marriage be shaped by your shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
May this Unity In Glass ceremony serve as a lasting reminder of the bond you are forming today. May it remind you that, just as your colors are forever intertwined in this sculpture, so too are your hearts forever entwined in love and commitment.
GLASS CEREMONY 2
Before both PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 is a container of glass crystals, each represents their separate lives, friends, and families. They will pour the contents within each vase into the middle vase together. As the glass from each individual vase is blended together it symbolizes the joining of their separate lives, friends and family, into one union, the beginning of their journey as husband and wife.
This combined glass will be taken by an artist and blown into a beautiful vase, never to be separated again, so may their marriage be.
Marriage and this beautiful vase are alike. Both are examples of what can happen when raw, unfinished elements come together. They can be two separate entities, fluid and independent of each other and can have an exquisiteness of their own, but join them together and the result can be stunning in its beauty, inspiring in its strength, humbling in its function. Continual flow….no beginning and no end.
GLASS CEREMONY 1
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to symbolize their union through a beautiful ritual known as the Unity In Glass ceremony. This unique ceremony represents the blending of two individuals into one cohesive partnership, much like the blending of colors in a work of art.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, just as you bring your distinct colors and qualities into this relationship, you will now combine them into one vessel.
I invite you to pour your colors into the vessel, as a symbol of your commitment to blend your lives together in love and unity.
(CHANGE COLORS AS APPROPRIATE)
Tuxedo Gray = Protection
Pure White = Pure Love
Champagne = Comfort
Red = Desire
Deep Teal = Trust & Honesty
Robins Egg Blue = Commitment
Citron Yellow = Fun & Adventure
Brilliant Pink = Passion
This vessel represents the foundation of your marriage, a vessel that will hold the memories, experiences, and love that you will share together.
Remember that you both embody the essence and characteristics of what each hue represents. They are a part of yourselves and what you are made of — your strengths, your passions, and your unique personalities. As these colors intermingle and blend, they form a new, harmonious shade—a symbol of the unity you are creating today.
Just as a sculpture will be crafted from your combined colors, so too will your marriage be shaped by your shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
May this Unity In Glass ceremony serve as a lasting reminder of the bond you are forming today. May it remind you that, just as your colors are forever intertwined in this sculpture, so too are your hearts forever entwined in love and commitment.
GLASS CEREMONY 2
Before both PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 is a container of glass crystals, each represents their separate lives, friends, and families. They will pour the contents within each vase into the middle vase together. As the glass from each individual vase is blended together it symbolizes the joining of their separate lives, friends and family, into one union, the beginning of their journey as husband and wife.
This combined glass will be taken by an artist and blown into a beautiful vase, never to be separated again, so may their marriage be.
Marriage and this beautiful vase are alike. Both are examples of what can happen when raw, unfinished elements come together. They can be two separate entities, fluid and independent of each other and can have an exquisiteness of their own, but join them together and the result can be stunning in its beauty, inspiring in its strength, humbling in its function. Continual flow….no beginning and no end.
SALT COVENANT CEREMONY
As you have exchanged rings — a visible sign of your promise — we now turn to a tradition that symbolizes the enduring nature of that promise.
Throughout history, salt has represented purity, preservation, and lasting commitment. In ancient times, when two people entered into a covenant, they each brought a pinch of salt from their own pouch and poured it together into one vessel. Once the grains were mingled, they could never be separated again — a reminder that their lives, too, were now intertwined forever.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, as you (“pour your salt” or “place a pinch of salt”) into this shared vessel, you blend not only these grains, but your hearts, your laughter, and your dreams.
May this salt remind you always that your love is enduring, your bond unbreakable, and that your life together will be seasoned with joy, grace, and unwavering devotion.
SAND CEREMONY 1 – COUPLE ONLY
Today marks the blending of your lives. The two bottles of sand before you symbolize your unique journeys, your families, and your friends. Each grain represents the individual qualities and experiences that make you who you are.
If you will now take turns pouring the sand into the larger vessel.
(As they are pouring the sand, say this part) As you pour your sands into this single vessel, your lives unite. No longer separate, you become one, just as these grains mix together, creating something new and inseparable.
Just as it is impossible to divide these grains once combined, so too will your lives remain intertwined in this shared bond of marriage.
SAND CEREMONY 2 – COUPLE ONLY
To symbolize this special moment of unity, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 will perform a sand ceremony, a beautiful symbol of their commitment to each other.
Just as each grain of sand has its own unique beauty and texture, so do PARTNER1 and PARTNER2. Today, they bring forth their individual lives, their separate journeys, and their distinct experiences. The sands before us represent all that they have been, all that they are, and all that they will become.
PARTNER1, please take your vessel and pour a small amount of sand into the central container. This represents your unique qualities, your dreams, and your joys that you bring into this union.
PARTNER2 now it is your turn. Pour a small amount of your sand into the container, representing the individuality, aspirations, and happiness you bring to this marriage.
As these separate layers of sand are combined, we witness the blending of two lives, two hearts, and two families. Just as the grains of sand can never be separated again, so will their lives be forever intertwined.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 as you continue to pour the sand together, please remember that marriage is a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual respect. Like the ever-growing layers of sand in this container, your love will continue to strengthen and deepen throughout your lives.
With this act, you have symbolically joined your lives together. The unity of these grains of sand represents the unity of your spirits and the everlasting bond that you have created today. May your union be filled with harmony, support, and unending love.
SAND CEREMONY 3 – WITH SHARED CHILD
Today you join your lives as one. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are as an individual.
A third bottle of sand represents what you have created together, your child, _________________.
I invite you to pour your containers of sand into the third container where the sand will be joined together as one, creating something new.
Now, together, pour _______________’s container of sand into yours.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your lives be forever intertwined.
SAND CEREMONY 4 – HIS/HERS AND OURS
Today you join your lives as one—bringing together your histories, your hopes, and your hearts. The separate containers of sand represent your individual lives—your unique paths, your families, and your friends.
This larger container symbolizes the new life you’re building together.
First, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, I invite you to pour your sand, blending your love, your experiences, and your commitment to one another.
Next, we add CHILD1’s sand, representing the love and connection she brings into this family. Her place in your lives is deep and lasting, and this moment honors the importance of her bond with each of you.
And now, the final layer—CHILD2’s sand—representing the beautiful life you’ve created together and the joy he brings to this new family.
As the colors blend together, they create something entirely new—just as your lives, joined with love and intention, become something stronger and more beautiful than they were apart.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated again into their individual containers, so too will your lives now be forever intertwined.
FUN / LIGHTHEARTED
Who ever said a unity ceremony must be serious? Not us!
BEER/WINE BLENDING CEREMONY
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have selected two beers/wines to blend together today as part of their unity ceremony. These beers/wines contain within them certain properties that are sweet and symbolic of happiness, joy, hope, peace, love and delight. This same beer also holds bitter properties that are symbolic of disappointment, sorrow, grief, despair, and life’s trials and tribulations.
Together, the sweet and the bitter represent “Love’s Journey” and all of the experiences that are a natural part of it. May this drink be symbolic of the cup of life.
As you join together these liquids, you invite the full spectrum of experiences into your life. You accept the commitment to draw from your marriage all that you need to wash away the bitter and to savor the sweet flavors you will experience on your journey together. This liquid is also symbolic of the pledges you have made to one another to share together the fullness of life.
(BLEND NOW)
As you blend your beers/wines, you acknowledge to one another that your lives, separate until this moment, have now become one. Each beverage, incredible on its own – creates an even better blend together. Let it be a reminder that what you create together in your lives, will always be better than by itself.
WHISKEY BLENDING
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to symbolize their commitment to each other in a unique and heartfelt way through the blending of two distinct whiskeys.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, the whiskey you’ve chosen for this ceremony represents the individual journeys that have led you to this moment. Just as each whiskey carries its own unique flavor profile and character, so too do you bring your own distinct qualities and experiences to this marriage.
As the two of you pour your chosen whiskeys into this barrel, you share the essence of your past, your dreams, and your aspirations. Reflect on the symbolism of merging your own individual stories and creating something entirely new and beautiful.
Together, you embark on a journey of aging and maturation, much like the whiskey in this barrel. As time passes, the flavors of your love will mingle and deepen, growing richer and more complex with each passing day.
As you eagerly await the opening of this barrel on your first anniversary, let it serve as a reminder of the commitment you’ve made to each other today. Just as this whiskey will continue to mature, so too will your bond, becoming stronger and more resilient with each passing year.
WINE MIXING CEREMONY
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to include a wine mixing ceremony as a symbol of their unity. Just as two different wines come together to create a unique blend, so do two lives, two hearts, and two families join today to create something new and beautiful.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, as you each pour your wine, you bring your own strengths, hopes, and dreams into this marriage. The rosé wine represents PARTNER2’s kind heartedness and caring for others while the red wine represents PARTNER1’s joyfulness, stability, and strong character. Individually, each wine has its own character, but when combined, they create something richer and fuller, just like the life you are beginning together.
[Couple pours their wines into a single glass or decanter.]
May this wine serve as a reminder that although you are two distinct individuals, you are now joined as one. Invite you to pour one glass of wine and, as you each take a sip, may you share all the sweetness life brings, and may your love continue to deepen, grow, and mature like a fine wine.
[Couple takes a sip from the glass.]
BEER/WINE BLENDING CEREMONY
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have selected two beers/wines to blend together today as part of their unity ceremony. These beers/wines contain within them certain properties that are sweet and symbolic of happiness, joy, hope, peace, love and delight. This same beer also holds bitter properties that are symbolic of disappointment, sorrow, grief, despair, and life’s trials and tribulations.
Together, the sweet and the bitter represent “Love’s Journey” and all of the experiences that are a natural part of it. May this drink be symbolic of the cup of life.
As you join together these liquids, you invite the full spectrum of experiences into your life. You accept the commitment to draw from your marriage all that you need to wash away the bitter and to savor the sweet flavors you will experience on your journey together. This liquid is also symbolic of the pledges you have made to one another to share together the fullness of life.
(BLEND NOW)
As you blend your beers/wines, you acknowledge to one another that your lives, separate until this moment, have now become one. Each beverage, incredible on its own – creates an even better blend together. Let it be a reminder that what you create together in your lives, will always be better than by itself.
WHISKEY BLENDING
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to symbolize their commitment to each other in a unique and heartfelt way through the blending of two distinct whiskeys.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, the whiskey you’ve chosen for this ceremony represents the individual journeys that have led you to this moment. Just as each whiskey carries its own unique flavor profile and character, so too do you bring your own distinct qualities and experiences to this marriage.
As the two of you pour your chosen whiskeys into this barrel, you share the essence of your past, your dreams, and your aspirations. Reflect on the symbolism of merging your own individual stories and creating something entirely new and beautiful.
Together, you embark on a journey of aging and maturation, much like the whiskey in this barrel. As time passes, the flavors of your love will mingle and deepen, growing richer and more complex with each passing day.
As you eagerly await the opening of this barrel on your first anniversary, let it serve as a reminder of the commitment you’ve made to each other today. Just as this whiskey will continue to mature, so too will your bond, becoming stronger and more resilient with each passing year.
WINE MIXING CEREMONY
Today, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen to include a wine mixing ceremony as a symbol of their unity. Just as two different wines come together to create a unique blend, so do two lives, two hearts, and two families join today to create something new and beautiful.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, as you each pour your wine, you bring your own strengths, hopes, and dreams into this marriage. The rosé wine represents PARTNER2’s kind heartedness and caring for others while the red wine represents PARTNER1’s joyfulness, stability, and strong character. Individually, each wine has its own character, but when combined, they create something richer and fuller, just like the life you are beginning together.
[Couple pours their wines into a single glass or decanter.]
May this wine serve as a reminder that although you are two distinct individuals, you are now joined as one. Invite you to pour one glass of wine and, as you each take a sip, may you share all the sweetness life brings, and may your love continue to deepen, grow, and mature like a fine wine.
[Couple takes a sip from the glass.]
Want to do something fun during your ceremony? Immediately following your vows, capture the moment with a selfie.
Officiant says:
“Before we move into the ring exchange, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 want to pause for just a moment… and do something that feels very them.
Because while this day will be filled with photos taken by others… this next one is different.
This is the moment as they see it.”
Take a selfie at the altar, followed by your ring exchange!
Note: you can also do this right after the ring exchange.
LOVE LOCKS WITH PRONOUNCEMENT
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER2, in your hands you hold two simple locks — small in size, but rich in meaning. Each one represents who you are as individuals: your dreams, your values, your unique strengths, and the love you’ve each cultivated within yourselves.
Today, you’ve chosen to unite those lives. You’ve made promises not just for this moment, but for all the days ahead — to grow together, to hold space for one another’s joy, and to walk forward with honesty, compassion, and unwavering love.
These qualities are the true keys to a lasting, secure partnership.
To symbolize your bond — and the journey you now share — I invite you to lock your two lives together.
(The couple locks their locks together.)
From this moment on, may your love be the kind that stays strong through every season. May you remain grounded in who you are, while becoming even stronger together. And may the lock you’ve closed today be a lasting reminder: this love is built to endure.
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER2 — it is with great joy that I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may now lock lips!
Instead of a traditional unity candle or sand ceremony, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 chose something that reflects who they are in this moment.
They’re going to take a Polaroid photo of each other—an instant snapshot of how they see one another at the start of their marriage. This photo will capture the love, excitement, and reality of this exact moment—unfiltered and real.
As the images develop, they’ll serve as a reminder that their love, like these photos, will continue to grow and unfold over time—imperfect, spontaneous, and full of life.”
(Pause for photos)
These photographs will be a tangible keepsake of the moment they promised their lives to each other.
SHOT CEREMONY 1 – WITH GUESTS
As we reach the culminating moment of this joyous ceremony, and before we officially pronounce PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 as married partners, we invite you all to gather closer and partake in a meaningful tradition that symbolizes unity, love, and the bonds that tie us all together.
(PASS OUT SHOT GLASSES TO GUESTS)
With glasses in hand, let us take a collective moment to turn towards this radiant couple, toasting to their unwavering commitment, and showering them with heartfelt blessings. This unity shot serves as a poignant reminder that their journey of love and adventure is not taken alone but in the company of those who hold them dear.
As we raise our glasses high, let this celebratory moment etch itself into our memories, as a testament to the unbreakable bonds of family, and the profound love that surrounds PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 on this auspicious day.
Cheers to their new chapter, filled with endless possibilities and a lifetime of shared happiness.
SHOT CEREMONY 2 – COUPLE ONLY
Now, I invite PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 to celebrate their bond by sharing this special moment with a shot of ________, a symbol of their strength, passion, and the adventures yet to come.
(Couple takes the shot)
As you savor this moment together, may each shot you take, both today and in the future, remind you of the joy in your journey, the spice in your love, and the unwavering connection that will carry you through every twist and turn that life brings. Cheers to a lifetime of shared adventures!
UNIQUE CEREMONIES WE'VE DONE
Yes, we’ll create a ceremony for you… just as we have these unique ceremonies.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen a beautiful way to symbolize the union of their lives and the joining of their families. Today, they will create their own constellation—a unique pattern woven from the stars of those who love them most.
Family, as you each place a star upon this board, know that you are part of a constellation that has guided PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, a steady light through their journey. These stars represent each of you—your love, support, and all the moments that have led them to this day. I invite you to come forward now.
Now, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, you will take these stars and connect them, weaving gold thread to create a constellation that is uniquely yours. Like the night sky, it is bound by each of you and shines brighter together.
May this constellation remind you that, wherever life takes you, you will always have this circle of love to guide you home.
PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 have chosen a beautiful way to symbolize the union of their lives and the joining of their families. Today, they will create their own constellation—a unique pattern woven from the stars of those who love them most.
Family, as you each place a star upon this board, know that you are part of a constellation that has guided PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, a steady light through their journey. These stars represent each of you—your love, support, and all the moments that have led them to this day. I invite you to come forward now.
Now, PARTNER1 and PARTNER2, you will take these stars and connect them, weaving gold thread to create a constellation that is uniquely yours. Like the night sky, it is bound by each of you and shines brighter together.
May this constellation remind you that, wherever life takes you, you will always have this circle of love to guide you home.
In PARTNER1 and PARTNER2’s beautiful union, the volcano takes center stage as a symbol of their dynamic journey together. Just like the fiery eruption mirrors the depth of emotions in their marriage, their connection is a blend of passion, love, and shared experiences. This eruption becomes a metaphor for their ability to conquer challenges, emerging even stronger as a team. Their marriage, much like the shaping forces of a natural volcano, sculpts PARTNER1 and PARTNER2 into a harmonious unity.
This volcano unity ceremony is a heartfelt expression of their commitment to weathering life’s storms, embracing the ever-evolving nature of their love, and forging a connection as enduring and majestic as the forces of nature itself.