A Unity Ceremony is a mini-ceremony within your wedding.
Clicking on one of the links or photos will take you to that Page. Links marked with * have a section on this Page.
The unity candle represents your new life as one inseparable couple. Lighting the unity candle together is symbolic of joining your lives.
For a Unity Candle Ceremony, each of you begins with a taper candle that represents you as an individual. The unity candle (usually a large pillar candle) represents your new life together. Together you light the unity candle, symbolizing the joining of your lives. Just as it is impossible to split the flame, so your two lives are joined into one. Please see the Unity Candle Ceremony Page for other photos.
You might think "Sand Ceremony!" for a beach wedding, but how about for other locations?
In a Sand Ceremony, each of you begins with a container of sand that represents you as an individual. You pour sand into a container at the same time, symbolically blending your lives. Just as it would be nearly impossible to separate the grains of sand, so your two lives are joined. There are more photos on the Sand Ceremony Page.
The ancient custom of handfasting gave us the phrases "Tying the knot" and "The Bonds of Matrimony".
During a Handfasting Ceremony your hands are tied together, symbolically binding you. The colors of the ribbons or cords can be emblems of what you desire in your marriage. For example, green for growth, red for passion, and gold for wisdom. There are more photos on the Handfasting Ceremony Page.
Other Unity Ceremonies
Chocolate ceremony, loving cup, rose exchange, shell ceremony, red thread, beach glass ceremony, truce bell, bouquet of love and support, wine ceremony, Celtic pebble toss, Celtic Oathing Stone, hand washing, water blending ceremony, ...
... these are just some of your options! Because your love is unique, together we will design a unique unity ceremony that is yours alone.
Involving Other People
Whether you want to honor your parents, children, family, or special friends, we will find a meaningful way to pay tribute to those you love.
Children often feel the need to be included, especially the child or children of a parent taking a new partner. Having them take part in a Sand Ceremony or Handfasting is easy and safe. We can talk about including children when we meet.
Your parents can bring forward the candles for your Unity Candle Ceremony, for example, as well as escort you. (The days when only the bride was escorted down the aisle are fading fast.) Some couples honor the people who raised them by presenting roses during their wedding. A happily-married couple can pour sand as a base for your own sand during your Sand Ceremony, symbolizing the foundation of love that they gave you.
Members of your wedding party could tie the ribbons or cords of your Handfasting, if you would like to honor your special friends that way.
All of your guests are welcome to participate in your Celtic pebble toss, if you would like that ceremony!
This Site is intended to give you some basic ideas. Please call me at (860) 543-2334 to arrange a meeting to discuss your wedding. There is never a charge for the initial meeting!