Unity Ceremonies
Your wedding day is filled with moments that reflect your unique love story, and one of the most beautiful ways to show that is through a unity ceremony. While not as popular as they once were, this symbolic act during your ceremony represents two lives becoming one—and there are so many creative ways to make this moment meaningful and totally yours. Whether you're traditional, sentimental, artistic, or fun-loving, there’s a unity ceremony option that will speak to your vibe.
Here are 8 unity ceremony ideas to consider:
1. Lighting a Unity Candle
The OG of unity ceremonies! Each partner lights a taper candle, and together, you use them to light one central candle—symbolizing the joining of two lives, families, and hearts. It's timeless, romantic, and perfect for traditional or religious ceremonies.
2. Letters + A Bottle of Wine (or Booze!)
Write heartfelt letters to each other before the ceremony and seal them in a box with a bottle of your favorite wine (or whiskey!). Open it on your first anniversary—or during your first argument. This one’s both sentimental and practical. Bonus points if you keep the tradition going every year.
3. Glass Pieces Turned Into Art
One of my favorites—because it's personal and lasts forever. Each of you pours colorful glass pieces into a vessel, which are later blown into a stunning piece of glass art for your home. One of our brides, Rachel, did this and now has a beautiful bowl that reminds her of the moment they said “I do.”
4. Trinity Braid (Cord of Three Strands)
This one’s full of symbolism. Three cords—often representing the couple and their faith or values—are braided together during the ceremony. It's especially popular in Christian ceremonies and results in a keepsake you can hang in your home.
5. Sand Ceremony
Each person pours a different color of sand into one vessel. The layers blend in beautiful ways, symbolizing how your lives are now intertwined forever. It’s a great choice for outdoor or beach weddings—and bonus: it’s kid-friendly if you’re blending families!
6. signing a bible
Highlight your faith by signing a family Bible together—marking a favorite verse or adding notes to each other. It becomes a spiritual heirloom you can read, pray over, and pass down.
7. Take a Shot (Yes, really!)
This one’s for the couple that likes to keep things light-hearted. Whether it’s tequila, bourbon, or a fancy cordial, clink those shot glasses and toast to forever. It’s unexpected, fun, and makes for a great photo op.
8. Plant a Tree Together
Symbolize growth and deep roots by planting a tree together. You each add soil or water to a sapling, and it becomes something you can care for and watch flourish over time—just like your marriage. Perfect for outdoor weddings or nature lovers.
No matter what you choose, a unity ceremony adds an extra layer of meaning to your “I do.” And if you’re stuck choosing, we always remind couples: go with what feels most like you? Need help figuring out which one fits your vibe or how to weave it into your ceremony? Let’s chat—I’d love to help make it uniquely yours.