Sample Unity Candle Ceremony #1 (Leaving All Candles Burning)
Sample Unity Candle Ceremony # 2 (Extinguishing Individual Candles)
Sample Unity Candle Ceremony #3 (Symbolic, Very Few Words)
There are endless possibilities for the Unity candle ceremony. Above I present
three of the most frequently selected. I have also conducted Unity Candle
ceremonies ceremonies that include/recognize
children (there are several ways to do this) and/or other family members. When
possible, the candles representing the bride and groom are lit before the
Unity candle ceremony begins by
someone with a special relationship (parent, relative, child, friend) to the
bride or groom. You can also have children or other family members join in
lighting the Unity candle with their own individual candle. When
you wish to involve children, the following (or something similar) can added to
the lighting ceremony wording. There is an additional smaller candle for
each child. The Bride and Groom light these candles, and then all together light
the center Unity Candle. The following is added to the Unity Candle ceremony:)
"The
lighting of the center candle represents not only the union of ____________ and
___________ in marriage, but the unity formed in this new family in which your
lives will now shine as one family."
If you wish to have a Unity candle ceremony as part of your wedding, I am willing to work closely along with you to develop a customized ceremony that fulfills your desires! Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Below is a link to many different suggestions for Unity Candle ceremonies if you would like to browse for more ideas.
http://www.weddinggazette.com/category/000800.shtml
Now,
Bride's name and Groom's name will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle (Bride
and groom walk over to the candles)
Light
is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses an inner glow that
represents our hopes, our dreams and aspirations in life.
Groom's name and Bride's
name, the two
distinct candle flames represent your lives before this day, individual, unique
and special. Please take the candle symbolizing your life before today, and
together light the center candle to symbolize the union of your individual
lives. (Place the tapers back into their
holders—join hands and remain near the candles)
As this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From
now on your thoughts will always be for each other rather than just your
individual selves. Your plans will be mutual, your joys and sorrows both will be
shared alike.
Although you are now entering into a marriage relationship, you do not, however,
lose your personal identity. Rather, you will use your special
individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore
all three candles remain glowing. The individual candles represent all that
makes each of you the wonderful and unique person the other admires and
respects. The Unity candle in the center symbolizes the union of your lives, families, and
friends, as well as your shining commitment to each other, and to a lasting and
loving marriage. (Walk back to wedding officiant)
(Optional
to be read by officiant, if you
choose, as you walk back to the altar for the wedding pronouncement)
May
the blessing of light,
Be with you always,
Light without and light within.
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another.
Now,
Bride and Groom will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle (Bride
and groom walk over to the candles)
Light is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses an inner glow that represents our hopes, our dreams and aspirations in life.
Groom
and Bride, the two distinct candle flames represent your lives before this day,
individual, unique and special. Please take the candle symbolizing your life
before today, and together light the center candle to symbolize the union of
your individual lives. (Place
the tapers back into their holders—join hands and remain near the candles)
As
this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From now on your
thoughts will always be for each other rather than your individual selves. Your
plans will be mutual, your joys and sorrows both will be shared alike.
Extinguish the two flames symbolizing your previous lives and you are forever
united together in love.
(Each blows out their individual candle and walk back together to the marriage
officiant)
(Optional
to be read by officiant, if you
choose, as you walk back to the altar for the wedding pronouncement)
May
the blessing of light,
Be with you always,
Light without and light within.
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another.
Sample Unity Candle Ceremony #3
Bride's name and Groom's name, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle.
The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one.