Unity Candle Ceremony
This tradition is probably the most well-known wedding ritual that symbolizes unity.
The couple each hold a lit candle and combine their flames to light a third, larger candle. Sometimes the bride and groom's parents take on this task instead to symbolize the union of their families. You can also get the guests involved by displaying candles in the ceremony entrance and inviting friends and family to light one and say a blessing as they enter.
A Unity Candle Ceremony is placed near the end of the ceremony, following the ring e change. If parents are involved, often it is the mothers who light the two outer candles as they are escorted forward at the beginning of the ceremony.
This ceremony is not suitable for outdoor ceremonies as the slightest breeze will snuff out the candles.
If you are creating a new family you may want to include the children in the lighting of the Unity Candle. Often this is done by having the bride and groom lighting candles for the children and then everyone lighting the centre candle together. This is an excellent way to involve children from a previous marriage.
Sample Ceremonies:
Officiant: “The Unity Candle ceremony is a beautiful symbolic representation of your joining in marriage. Please take the two taper candles, representing your individual selves and light the centre candle representing your marriage. Notice that the flames burns brightest when both candles are participating, cooperating and present. A marriage is like that. Be forever present for one another, shining light and beauty.”
Officiant: “Please take the two taper candles, and light the centre candle representing your marriage. This candle you are about to light is a candle of Marriage. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. This candle before you is a candle of Commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle of Unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light. As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold, and strength and joy in your relationship. May your union be forever blessed.”
Officiant: “Please take the two taper candles, and light the centre candle representing your marriage. As the candle of your marriage burns brightly, remember that the two tapers of yourselves are not diminished. You do not disappear in marriage. You remain you. But in joining, both lights are brighter, each supporting the other. “
Officiant: “Please take the two taper candles, and light the centre candle representing your marriage. 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. The lighting of the centre 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.”
End of Ceremony
At the end of the Unity Candle Ceremony you have the option to leave your individual candles lit, or to extinguish them.
If you choose to extinguish your tapers, the Officiant will say:
“As _____ and ____________together light the centre candle, they will extinguish their own candles, thus letting the center candle symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light cannot be divided, neither will their lives be divided.
If you'd prefer to leave your tapers lit, the Officiant can say:
“_____ and ______ come into their marriage relationship as individuals and they do not lose their identity, rather they use their individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore, the three candles remain lit, one for each of them and one for their marriage, as symbols of their commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage.”