Looking for ways to incorporate a unity ceremony into your wedding but not sure the words to say or when to say them?
Today I’ll give you 16 scripts that you can use for 16 different types of wedding unity ceremonies! (And I’ll keep adding scripts as I learn about new unity ceremony ideas out there!).
From a sand ceremony to something more unique, such as a love lock unity ceremony or a wine bottle ceremony, you’ll be able to find something here that works for you!
Personally, my fiancé and I are hoping to add a handfasting ceremony to our wedding. If this interests you too, be sure to check out the ULTIMATE 10-Part Guide to Handfasting Ceremonies that I researched and wrote for other interested couples out there! 🙂
And anyone who would like a quick breakdown (audio-visually!) of the many unity ceremony ideas out there, I made a short video explaining them all which I’ll drop here:
Yes, I have an ALL-WEDDING YouTube channel (full of DIYs, tips, and tricks) which you can check out here!
PLEASE NOTE: I have made the gender pronouns in the following scripts “they/their/them” to keep things simple! Please adjust to suit you and your partner 🙂
What is a unity wedding ceremony?
A unity wedding ceremony is an act of symbolism performed during a wedding in which objects are used to represent the coming together of two individuals and two families into one union.
A unity wedding ceremony is usually performed as a small part of the larger wedding ceremony, often lasting about 5-15 minutes. Most couples decide to hold a unity ceremony right before reading their vows.
A unity ceremony can be religious or secular, and can either follow a particular religious script or be uniquely created for each individual ceremony.
Certain ceremonies on this list have religious or deep cultural roots and couples may want to do further research in order to enrich their own experiences of these rituals, including the unity candle ceremony, the sand/salt ceremony, and the handfasting ceremony.
Many of the other ceremonies on this list are more modern creations. All of the scripts have been written by (me!) the author of this blog — Please feel free to use them in your personal wedding ceremonies and alter them as you like for this purpose! 🙂
What do you say during a unity ceremony?
During a unity ceremony, the officiant will say words that illustrate the metaphor of the symbols being used and the couple being joined as one in marriage.
Below you find find 16+ scripts of exactly what you and your officiant can say during a variety of different wedding unity ceremonies.
#1: Sand Unity Ceremony
What is a sand ceremony? A sand ceremony (sometimes called a salt ceremony) is one of the most popular unity ceremonies used in weddings.
During this type of ceremony, the couple each holds a glass containing a different color sand. They each pour their sand at the same time into a third, empty container, thus creating a very beautiful mixed color effect.
Many couples choose to keep this third container as a decoration in their home and as a reminder of their union. You can actually find cylindrical vase sand ceremony kits on Amazon for this very purpose.
You can choose to try and make a planned sand design together (one layer of sand at a time) or simply pour the two colors in at the same time.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Sand Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: Now we will perform a ceremony symbolizing this couple’s new union. Today we join two people and two families, and we seek to honor those families who have helped to shape the two unique individuals standing here at this altar.
[At this point, you may want your officiant to ask certain family members to step forward and “present” each of the two bottles of sand — One representative from your family and one from your partner’s family. If not, you can just have the sand already sitting on the altar/table.]
Officiant: Would [Representative 1] please come forward and present the bottle of sand on behalf of [Partner 1’s] family and friends.
This bottle of sand represents [Partner 1] and all who know them, and who have helped to make them the person we see standing before us today. This bottle is full of [red] sand, just as [Partner 1] has been filled with the endless love and companionship of all of you sitting before us.
Would [Representative 2] please come forward to present the bottle of sand on behalf of [Partner 2’s] family and friends. This bottle of [blue] sand is [Partner 2] and all of their wonderful family and friends that have loved and shaped them over the years.
I now ask the couple to step forward with their bottles.
Two unique families, and two unique individuals have been brought together today to become one. To be successful in their union, they will need to rely on all of the lessons of compassion, empathy, and love taught to them by all of the people present in this space.
All of your lessons of love and kindness are brought together in these two people. As a symbol of this union, please now combine the contents of your bottles into a single vase.
[Couple pours both bottles of sand into the third bottle.]
May this vase serve as an everlasting reminder of your union, of the love and wisdom from two families coming together, for all the rest of your lives.
#2: Unity Candle Ceremony
What is a unity candle ceremony? A unity candle ceremony is a very popular form of unity ceremony performed during a wedding in which the couple, each holding one lit candle, light a third “unity candle” together at the same time.
Unity candle sets of all shapes and sizes can be found online, such as this set available on Amazon.
The ceremony represents the bringing together of two persons into one union. You’ll often see unity candle ceremonies performed in one form or another during religious weddings, but they can definitely be incorporated into secular, humanist wedding ceremonies as well.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Unity Candle Ceremony Script
Officiant: We will now perform the lighting of the unity candle, a ritual that symbolizes the decision of two individuals coming together freely to form one lasting union.
I ask the couple to step forward as I light each of their individual candles.
[The couple can hold the candles as the officiant lights them one at a time or the candles can be lit while on the table.]
Officiant: [As Partner 1’s candle is lit] This candle is [Partner 1], in whom a bright light shines — lit by years of guidance and love provided by their family and friends.
We send gratitude to all of these family and friends, those who are with us here today (and those who cannot be), for protecting this light, for nurturing it all of these years…
[As Partner 2’s candle is lit] This candle is [Partner 2], whose light shines equally as bright — as it was also lit and protected for years by the loved ones present here today.
Now the love of these two individuals comes together as one.
I ask that you light the unity candle together, and in doing so pledge to always be each other’s light, each other’s flame in the darkness… Today you promise to always light the way for one another.
#3: Handfasting Ceremony
What is a handfasting ceremony? As I wrote in my 10-Part Guide on how to have a handfasting ceremony at your wedding: “A wedding handfasting ceremony is when the couple combines their hands, traditionally right hand to right hand and left hand to left hand in a figure-eight, and the officiant joins them together with a ceremonial ribbon, thereby ‘tying the knot’ and joining them in marriage.
There are many variations on this ritual, including clasping just one hand together, or using cords instead of ribbons.
Handfasting was done traditionally in the British Isles before weddings were officiated by any church. Couples would simply stand in front of an officiant and a witness or two, say their solemn vows with a bit a cloth joining their hands, and that would be that.”
If you’re looking for handfasting cords or ribbons, I recommend “graduation”-style cords (found here on Amazon) because they can be found in many colors and you can select the ones that best represent you and your partner.
However, you can also find pre-knotted cords on sale too, and some couples prefer to use satin ribbons.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Handfasting Ceremony Script
Officiant: The couple will be celebrating today with an ancient handfasting ritual. I ask that [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] please join their hands, left hand to left hand, and right hand to right hand, forming the symbol for infinity.
I will now ask [FAMILY MEMBER’S NAME] to present the first cord
representing ‘s side of the family.
The color was chosen by the couple to represent_____________ in their marriage together. The [FAMILY NAME] welcomes their new son-in-law/daughter-in-law to the family with perfect love.
I will now ask [FAMILY MEMBER’S NAME] to present the second
cord representing [Partner 2’s] side of the family. The color was chosen
by the couple to represent_____________ in their marriage together. The
[FAMILY NAME] welcomes their new son-in-law/daughter-in-law
to the family with perfect love.
[Each of the two chosen family members presents their cord to the couple one at a time as the officiant calls their names, and drapes their cord over the couple’s clasped hands.]
Officiant: Finally, the couple has chosen a third cord in the color of
______ to represent _____ in their new life together.
Officiant: I will bind these cords now, as we all wish blessings upon the
couple and their union made this day. Tying these cords means that the couple is no longer two separate entities but joined as one, bound together in mutual love.
[The officiant ties a figure eight knot with the three cords, and the couple remains bound together. The officiant then says these words…]
[The Blessing of the Hands] “These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and as in today, tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”
#4: Beer/Wine Blending Unity Ceremony
What is a beer/wine blending ceremony? A beer or wine blending ceremony is when you and your partner each have a glass of wine (or each have a glass of beer — your decision!) and you pour your two glasses into one empty glass, signifying your union.
Then, each of you takes turns drinking from the “unity cup.” There are examples of unity wedding cups/glasses available on Amazon for the sake of convenience.
The beer or wine you choose can be your favorite type or a kind that has special significance to you, such as the brand you had on your first date together.
This type of ceremony can also be transformed into a non-alcoholic version, using juice, ginger beer, or any other type of drink you love!
Some couples prefer to do this with whiskey or other spirits, and some have a “shot” ceremony in which they make and take a shot together!
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Beer/Wine Blending Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: We will now perform a ceremony to symbolize the couple’s union (and to quench their thirst!).
Before us are three glasses. One represents [Partner 1] who has chosen a wine that perfectly balances sour and sweet. Much like their own personality. This wine will be joined by [Partner 2’s] choice, a dry white wine that doesn’t take any BS… [This section can be modified to match the drink choices and personality traits of the couple!]
I ask the couple to pour their glasses together into this chalice of unity, signifying the blending of their lives, their love, and in doing so — we see that two unique, free individuals can become one and can compliment each other in the sweetest of ways.
I ask you now to drink of the unity cup, to drink in your new found union and to keep this chalice as a keepsake. It will serve to remind you of this moment, the blending together of two beings to create something even more beautiful, all the days of your life together.
#5: Rose Unity Ceremony
What is a rose ceremony in a wedding? A rose ceremony is a wedding unity ceremony which involves the guests in your crowd more so than many other unity ceremonies.
Here’s how it works: Each guest, and the couple themselves, are given a single rose to hold. If you want, you can use two different color roses for each partner’s family/friends.
Your options for roses: You can use real roses, or go with faux roses (such as these ones from Amazon available in multiple colors) to keep them forever.
Personally, I love sola wood flowers from Oh You’re Lovely which are flowers made from wood. FYI: If you take the plunge on sola wood flowers, you can get 20 percent off your first order with my discount code: Wayfaring20 🙂
During the ceremony: First, the couple exchanges their roses, as a “first gift” to each other. Next, the guests line up and approach the altar, dropping their single roses into a vase or basket — or simply piling them on the altar/table loosely.
Symbolically, each person present has the opportunity to bless the union in the form of a rose.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Rose Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: We will now perform a ceremony that will require the help of all guests present with us here today. I’ll first ask the couple to lift up each of their single roses.
Each of them has chosen a different color representing their own individual nature and spirit. Today they will make promises to each other and with those promises, exchange the gift of one another’s personality, spirit, and love.
I ask each of them now to symbolize this joining of their union, this sharing of their love, with a simple “first gift” exchange. [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], please exchange your roses.
[Now the officiant addresses the crowd]
In just a moment, we’re going to need all of your help. The couple would like to invite all of you present here today to offer your own single rose as a token of your blessing — given from you to them — for their union.
Please close your eyes and place your “wish” or “blessing” for the couple “into” your rose. 🙂
I now ask that you all approach the altar in a single file, starting with the first row. Please quickly drop your rose in the basket here and return to your seat.
#6: Wine Box Ceremony / Wine Bottle Time Capsule Ceremony
What is a wine box ceremony? A wine box ceremony, wine box unity ceremony, or as it’s also called — a wine bottle time capsule ceremony — is REALLY cute, but requires a bit of will power, because you know… you have to lock something up and not open it for a specified amount of time!
So here how it works: You and your partner each write each other love letters (or whatever kind of letters you want!) before the wedding.
These letters go into envelopes and will remain a mystery to each other until whatever time you decide you want to open your time capsule. Many couples choose their one, five, ten, or even twenty-year anniversaries!
During the wedding, you place your letters, along with a bottle of wine (a good one that won’t go bad!) into a pretty box such as as this one on Amazon for adventurous-type couples or this really beautiful treasure chest wine box (also on Amazon).
If you want, you can choose to include other meaningful items as well, such as photos or keepsakes that are special to you both.
Put the box out of sight and out of mind until the agreed-upon date, at which point you’ll open up the box, drink the wine together, and read the letters! Another option is to always have the box on hand if you find your marriage in trouble in the future.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Wine Box Ceremony / Wine Bottle Time Capsule Ceremony Script
Officiant: We’ll now perform a unity wine box ceremony. The couple has each written a letter to one another. I’ll ask each of them to place their letters into this box.
Why are these letters significant? These letters represent their thoughts right now, at the time of their marriage… the day when they are immersed in the love of their friends and families and immersed in love for one another.
In time, their love will change, as they will change. But with effort and care, their love will grow stronger, more mature, an ever-present gift.
They shall place into this box: [the couple places the objects into the box as the officiant speaks] the letters, a bottle of their favorite wine, and several objects of importance to their relationship [you can explain what they are if you want!].
And now we ceremoniously seal this box as a time capsule of their young love and full of the joy surrounding us on this day.
The couple will display this box in their home as a constant reminder of this day but will not re-open it until their 20th wedding anniversary!
#7: Tree Planting Unity Ceremony
What is a tree planting ceremony? One of my personal favorite type of unity ceremonies is a tree planting ceremony! And if you can’t full-on PLANT A TREE, don’t worry! You could plant something (a flower or vegetable plant perhaps!) in a large pot instead.
As an apartment dweller myself, a potted plant would probably work best for me. I would personally choose to plant a potted bonsai tree (full kit available on Amazon) because I think they’re amazing and never grow very big.
Here’s how it works: The day BEFORE the wedding (this is important, so you won’t get all sweaty and dirty with your nice clothes on the day of your wedding), you dig a hole where you want to plant a tree during your ceremony …which will be a living representation of your union!
Pick a spot that gets enough sunlight and check first to make sure it’s okay that you’re planting a tree (if it’s not your property).
On the wedding day, you simply drop a seed and ceremoniously fill in the hole with a bit of dirt. You can always come back the next day and fix it up a bit if you need to.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Tree Planting Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: The couple will now plant a tree as a symbol of their union here today.
[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], being great lovers of nature, have chosen this living creature to represent the promise they are making to one another here today.
Just as they enter into this union with a solid foundation, nurtured by years of love and care from their friends and family… so as it will be with this seed.
Year after year, with a watchful eye and gentle care, this tree will grow strong, weathering every storm, thriving in the summer sunlight, weeping autumn leaves, protecting and sheltering others through every season, and enduring all — always with love.
I ask the couple to step forward to plant the tree, and cover its base with a bit of soil. From this point on, you are responsible for its care and will together be ever-watchful of its growth.
#8: Unity Blanket/Quilt Ceremony
What is a unity quilt ceremony? A unity blanket ceremony (or unity quilt ceremony) is a ceremony in which the couple asks specified guests before the wedding to bring with them a scrap of fabric that they love, or that is meaningful to them in some way — preferably in relation to the couple.
So for example, the bride’s mom might bring a scrap of fabric from the bride’s baby clothes.
It can be sentimental like this but it doesn’t have to be. It can simply be a piece of fabric that this person thinks is pretty.
During the ceremony, the officiant asks this group of people to bring up their scraps of fabric and deposit them into an attractive shadow box or treasure chest (both available on Amazon).
These scraps will be made into a “unity quilt” (either by a professional or a family member or friend) to be treasured in your home forever! This seems like an old-timey idea, and it is. It’s sweet though and super unique!
IF YOU WANT TO KEEP IT SIMPLE: You can make a “T-Shirt” quilt in just a few days as explained by this author who makes quilts out of — yep — old T-shirts! Ask each of your “special” wedding guests to simply bring an old shirt that’s meaningful to them!
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Unity Blanket/Quilt Ceremony Script
Officiant: We’ll now perform a unique ceremony that will require the help of several guests present here today.
Can I please ask [lists guest names that the couple has specified] to approach the altar with their gifts of fabric and place them in the box.
[as the guests are placing their fabric in the box…]
The couple has requested that these special pieces of fabric be placed in the box. Some represent special childhood memories. Some have been chosen for aesthetic purposes with the couple in mind.
In the coming weeks, they will be woven into a unity quilt, representing all of the memories and love that have come together in this room this evening — years of love and affection — in one blanket that will serve to envelope the couple.
It will protect them always during the long cold winters of their relationship… and offer warmth and comfort to visitors who come into their home.
This quilt will serve as an ever-lasting reminder that two are becoming one, that you have emerged from the love and comfort of your nearest and dearest. And that you are always to be comforted, and never alone.
#9: Hourglass Unity Ceremony
What is an hourglass ceremony? An hourglass ceremony is a type of unity ceremony in which the couple fills a decorate hourglass with sand and then turns it, symbolizing their union and the spending of eternity together as one.
How it works: This one is pretty simple! You’ll need an hourglass (there are plenty of fillable hourglasses on Etsy). The couple fills the hourglass and then ceremoniously turns it together.
If you want to make it easier, you can even leave out the “filling” part and just get a decorative hourglass that already has sand in it and is large enough like this one on Amazon. And simply do the “turning” of the hourglass together.
This ceremony is GREAT for a Harry Potter-themed wedding 🙂
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Hourglass Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: As [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] enter into a new phase of their lives, we take a moment now to pause and consider the preciousness of time.
As we know, time is fleeting — and somehow, when we are in love, it seems to run ever faster. We can sometimes lose sight in the day to day as to how important it is that we savor each and every moment that we have with one another, regardless of our daily anxieties, worries, and concerns.
I ask that the couple together turns the hourglass [pause to turn it] and as each grain pours down throughout the rest of our time here this evening, we will all be reminded to make the most of our time together, not to waste time on anger or jealousy, but to live with our hearts open and light.
As this couple heads into their union together, this hourglass will serve as a reminder to them daily.
#10: Hometown Soil Unity Ceremony
What is a hometown soil ceremony? In this unity ceremony, the couple each brings a bit of soil, dirt — even water if preferred — and combines it with their partners into a third “unity” bottle.
The couple can leave it at that, or combine the two parts of soil in a pot and plant a seed in it!
Couples may want to use something decorative for all three soil containers, such as these clear antique bottles on Amazon. Ideally, the couple would keep the third “unity” bottle as décor — or keep the potted plant!
I truly love this one! I think because I’m a military brat and grew up moving really often so I never really had a “hometown” so for me it’s kind of romantic 🙂
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Hometown Soil Ceremony Script
Officiant: The two people before us each come from different backgrounds, different families, and different hometowns.
They were raised in different geographic locations but what has brought them together, and what will make their union strong, is their shared values — Shared values which are the result of years of nurturing, love, and care from their families and friends.
Today the couple has each brought a bit of soil, taken specially from the very town where each of them grew up!
[The couple places the soil from their container into the “unity” container as the officiant speaks. The officiant might want to mention the specific spaces where the soil came from as well.]
They combine their pasts — all that has shaped them and made them the lovely humans standing here today — into this unity bottle.
Let this bottle serve as a constant reminder of where you both came from and how from this day forward, your present and future is forever intertwined.
#11: Wishing Stone Ceremony
What is a wishing stone ceremony? A wishing stone ceremony is a unity ceremony that involves your crowd — Each guest is given a flat stone on which to write a word or short message for the couple.
The flat stones can then be collected into a large jar or some kind of treasure chest (both of these options can be found on Amazon).
Guests should use some kind of metallic writing utensil such as gold or silver Sharpies to make it look as nice as possible.
ALTERNATIVE: Have your guests write on (the inside of) sea shells instead of flat stones!
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Wishing Stone Ceremony Script
Officiant: The couple has asked all guests present here today to offer your blessing of their coming union in the form of a wishing stone.
Please pick up your stone, hold it tight and put all the good vibes and energy you can muster into it! Think of one word (or maybe a few if you’d like!) that you want to wish for this couple and write it now on your stone.
[Make sure to have plenty of metallic Sharpies available.]
These stones will be collected into this jar, to be kept in the couple’s home from this day forward, a constant reminder of the love and blessings in this space today.
[Assign someone or several people to be responsible for collecting the stones at this point and placing them in the jar. Or ask all of your guests to come forward single file and drop them in the jar themselves!]
#12: Unity Puzzle Ceremony
What is a unity puzzle ceremony? A unity puzzle ceremony is when the couple puts together a unity puzzle representing pieces of their new family coming together. The puzzle is decorative, often in the shape of a heart or a puzzle-piece picture frame, and is kept in the home after the ceremony.
This form of unity ceremony works really well with blended families, as it provides the perfect opportunity for children to be involved in the ceremony.
Some crafty couple may even choose to make their own puzzle for the ceremony!
Just make sure and practice it a couple of times beforehand so you’re not up there all day trying to put together a puzzle in front of all your guests!
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Unity Puzzle Ceremony Script
Officiant: We know that life can be confusing at times… that marriage offers us new and unique challenges, that before this couple lies years of obstacles that they shall need to face together with strength and compassion.
Today they begin this journey of building their lives together, taking each challenges piece by piece, one at a time, as they create something beautiful together, as one.
[The officiant asks the couple to start piecing together the puzzle.]
May this unity puzzle forever serve as a reminder in their homes of this day — This day when they began the journey of two families, two pasts, two people — becoming one. This day when they began to build their future together.
#13: Book Binding Unity Ceremony
What is a book binding unity ceremony? A book binding unity ceremony is when the couple each brings their favorite (or one of their favorite) books to the wedding and each reads a passage from them. This works especially well when the couple chooses a book that inspired them as a child. It invokes nostalgia and an innocence that is really sweet for a wedding ceremony.
After that, the officiant “binds” the books together with a ribbon or string, and they are kept like that as a keepsake in the couple’s home, forever reminding them of where they came from and that they are now “one.”
This ceremony could replace the wedding readings in your wedding, and if you wanted — you could ask your readers to participate in your unity ceremony and read from your childhood books (instead of you and your partner doing it).
I have painstakingly collected a TON of wedding readings on this blog linked here if you’re at a loss for readings (from literature, movies, songs, and beyond!!).
The couple could choose to later get the books professionally bound together (have the covers removed and replaced with one single new binding and cover).
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Book Binding Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] have each chosen to read a passage from their favorite childhood books. In these passages, we get a glimpse into the words that helped guide and shape the two individuals who stand in front of us today.
[The two passages are read.]
And now we will bind the books together with ribbon, symbolizing the joining of two separate pasts —
From this day forward, these bound books will be displayed in your home as a reminder of this day, and as a reminder of where each of you came from. You’ll forever hold these stories close to your heart, just as you hold dear all memories of your past.
And now we move forward. In this union, you will turn many new future pages, write all new adventures and create endless stories… together.
#14: Display Box/Memory Box Unity Ceremony
What is a display box/memory unity ceremony? This is a ceremony in which the couple writes down memories (of their relationship) on individual pieces of paper. These can be short (2-3 sentences) but there should be A LOT of them. Preferably 20 or more.
These can be memories about times you’ve spent together, short stories, inside jokes, etc. And if you can include a photo with them — even better!
All of these should be placed into small individual envelopes.
During the ceremony, the officiant asks the couple to place the “memories” into a display box or shadow box that you’ll be displaying in your home after the wedding.
Each year on your anniversary, you take one memory out the box, open it, and enjoy over a nice dinner! Endless sentimental anniversary gifts for years to come!
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Display Box/Memory Box Unity Ceremony Script
Officiant: In each of these 20 small envelopes, the couple has written out (and collected photos) of 20 special memories from their time so far together.
Today, on their wedding day, they will place these memories into a shadow box to be displayed in their home for the rest of their lives.
[The couple should now place their envelopes into the box and close it.]
Each year on the anniversary of this day, they will remove one envelope, open it up and rejoice in the memory of their early times together.
Let this box serve as a source of light and joy, and as a constant reminder in your home that you share between you a deep well of wonderful memories.
And let this also be a reminder that, going forward, you have the opportunity to create infinite new memories together.
#15: Water Unity Ceremony
What is a water unity ceremony? This is a ceremony in which the couple each holds a glass of colored water and then pours them at the same time into a third glass to create a new, swirling color.
This can be done easily with food coloring and is one of the easier and more simple unity ceremonies to conduct.
The couple can choose to keep the third container (especially if they use a decorative apothecary bottle that can be sealed) or if they prefer, they can use a clear glass vase and have it be symbolic.
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Water Unity Ceremony Script
[This is the same as the Sand Unity Ceremony Script on this list, with some small tweaks!]
Officiant: I now ask that [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] step forward and lift their glasses.
Now we will perform a ceremony symbolizing this couple’s new union. Today we join two people and two families, and we seek to honor those families who have helped to shape the two unique individuals standing here at this altar.
[Partner 1 and 2 should each lift their glasses of water as the officiant speaks about them.]
This first glass of water represents [Partner 1] and all who know them, and who have helped to make them the person we see standing before us today. This glass is full of [red] water, just as [Partner 1] has been filled with the endless love and companionship of all of you sitting before us.
This glass of [blue] water is [Partner 2] and all of their wonderful family and friends that have loved and shaped them over the years.
I now ask the couple to step forward with their glasses.
Two unique families, and two unique individuals have been brought together today to become one. To be successful in their union, they will need to rely on all of the lessons of compassion, empathy, and love taught to them by all of the people present in this space.
All of your lessons of love and kindness are brought together in these two people. As a symbol of this union, please now combine the contents of your glasses into a single vase.
[Couple pours both cups of water into the third container.]
May this vase serve as an everlasting reminder of your union, of the love and wisdom from two families coming together, for all the rest of your lives.
#16: Love Lock Unity Ceremony
What is a love lock unity ceremony? A love lock unity wedding ceremony is when the couple turns a lock together and ceremoniously tosses the keys so that it can never be opened again — thus cementing their union in front of family and friends.
This is one of the more unique and unusual unity ceremonies on this list and is reminiscent of the popular “love lock bridge” in Paris.
ALTERNATIVES: The couple can keep it simple, locking just one padlock closed. Or they may choose to intertwine and lock two padlocks together. A third option is to also include a chain such as this one on Amazon, and lock two padlocks onto it so that it can be hung and displayed somewhere in the home.
Some couples may choose to use a simple common padlock and write their names on it in Sharpie (“P + B 4EVA” – style). Others may prefer a more antique lock and key set like this one on Amazon.
The important thing is to let your photographer know to capture the “tossing of the keys.”
The script that follows should be adjusted to represent your own personalities, gender pronouns, and general stylistic preferences 🙂
Love Lock Unity Ceremony Script
[This script uses two padlocks and a chain but you can alter it to be simpler and use only one padlock if you wish.]
Officiant: The couple has chosen to perform a brief love lock and key ceremony to symbolize their union here today.
I present this chain, a circle, with no beginning and no end — a symbol of infinity — representing the couple’s everlasting love and commitment to one another.
I ask each of you to now write your own names on your padlock.
[The couple should write their names on their locks.]
Today you came here of your own free will, entering into a union and promising to grow together, to support one another on this life’s journey.
I ask that you now place your individual locks onto this circle, and turn the keys to the locks, and in doing so pledge to be united in trust, in partnership and friendship, and always in great love.
[At this point the couple will be asked to turn toward a predetermined spot where they would like to toss the keys. This can be at a specific individual — tell them first! — or simply onto the ground.]
Now I ask the couple to toss away their keys, the keys which have made this solemn pact, never to be used again to break this chain, this circle of love.
More unity ceremony ideas
Sundial Unity Ceremony
What is a sundial unity ceremony? A sundial unity ceremony is a Celtic tradition in which a piece of cloth is pushed and guided through a hole in an ancient sundial, thereby joining the couple together as one.
This may be the most difficult unity ceremony to perform on this list because it requires… well, a giant sundial! If you’re interested in this one, I would reach out to celebrants (perhaps celebrants in Ireland) with more experience with this ancient tradition.
I hope this list and list of scripts helped you! What unity ceremony ideas are you using? Get on over to my YouTube channel and let me know! 🙂
