Ben Carter
Unity ceremonies are a way to symbolically and outwardly express the commitment between two people joining in marriage. The unity candle ceremony is a popular unity ceremony, where two taper candles are lit by the couple, their mothers, or another friend or family member, and then used to light a larger pillar candle in the centre. The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom that first became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. The ceremony is not mandatory and is not a part of Anglican wedding ceremonies, although it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbolically and outwardly express commitment |
| Symbolism | Two people joining in marriage, the passion in each individual's soul for their spouse, the Holy Spirit and Jesus |
| Religious Context | Christian tradition, based on Ecclesiastes 4:12 |
| Participants | Couple, officiant, friends and family |
| Timing | After vows are exchanged |
| Location | Indoor or outdoor, depending on the venue and weather conditions |
| Custom | Relatively new, first became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings |
| Variations | Use of flameless candles, inclusion of children or mothers in the ceremony, blowing out taper candles after lighting the unity candle |
| Colour | White or any colour of choice |
| Inscriptions | Names, wedding date |
| Music | A special song playing in the background |
| Vendors | Etsy, Zazzle, Amazon |
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What You'll Learn
Unity candle ceremony meaning
Unity candle ceremonies are a way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ceremony is usually led by a wedding officiant, who may say something like:
> "As you commit to each other today, you’re creating a family circle of love. So may you always carry that light within each other, may you nurture and tend to the flame in each other’s hearts as you recognize your continuing importance in each other’s lives."
The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom that first became popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings. It is believed that the use of a unity candle in a 1981 episode of General Hospital may have helped to popularise the practice. The unity candle ceremony is not a part of Catholic or Anglican wedding ceremonies, although it may be allowed at the discretion of the pastor.
During the ceremony, each member of the couple lights a taper candle and simultaneously lights a larger unity candle together. The ceremony may also involve other friends and family members, who light their own taper candles. The taper candles may be blown out after lighting the unity candle, symbolising the merging of two lives into one, or they may remain lit, symbolising that the married partners have not lost their individuality.
The unity candle ceremony is a way to personalise a wedding and can be made more meaningful with music or readings.
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Unity candle ceremony setup
Unity candle ceremonies are a popular way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ceremony typically involves three candles: two taper candles, one for each member of the couple, and a larger pillar candle to represent the union of the couple.
The unity candle ceremony setup will depend on the preferences of the couple and whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors. The unity candle should be placed in the centre, often on a candle stand, with the taper candles on either side. The taper candles should be placed in sturdy holders to avoid any accidents. If the ceremony is outdoors, it is important to consider the weather conditions and use a hurricane candle cover if it is breezy to prevent the candles from being blown out.
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place after the couple has exchanged their vows. The taper candles should be lit before the ceremony begins, either by the couple themselves or by their mothers or children. The couple will then simultaneously light the unity candle from their respective taper candles, symbolising the merging of their lives and families.
The unity candle can be personalised with inscriptions of the couple's names and the wedding date, or even family trees printed on the candle. The candles can also be chosen in colours that match the wedding theme. It is common to have music, a poem, or a meaningful reading in the background during the ceremony.
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Who lights the unity candle
Unity candle ceremonies are a relatively new trend, gaining popularity in the 1970s. The unity candle is typically lit by the couple during their wedding ceremony. The couple lights the candle together, each holding one of the two taper candles, to light the larger centre candle.
However, the taper candles are often lit by a parent or elder, and then passed to the couple to light the unity candle. The mothers of the couple usually light the taper candles, but it can also be fathers, siblings, or children. The taper candles can also be lit by the couple themselves before the wedding vows, and then the centre candle is lit together during the unity candle ceremony.
The unity candle ceremony can be personalised, with music, readings, or poems. The wedding officiant will explain the symbolism of the ritual to the guests. The unity candle symbolises the joining of two families and the creation of a new family unit.
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Unity candle ceremony script
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage. The ceremony involves lighting a unity candle, which represents the couple's marriage, with two taper candles, which represent their individual selves. The unity candle ceremony is a relatively new custom, first becoming popular in the second half of the 20th century in American Protestant weddings.
Officiant: The lighting of the unity candle will now take place. These two burning candles represent your lives at this moment. Each light is distinct and able to dance and move in its own direction, just as both of you are distinct, complex, and unique. Now, as you light the centre candle together, may your individual lights come together to shine brightly as one.
Bride and Groom: Together, the couple lights the centre candle.
Officiant: As you have lit these candles, so too have you illuminated the path of your future together. May the brightness of this flame be a symbol of your unity and a testament to your love. May your marriage be a source of warmth, light, and joy for you both.
The unity candle ceremony can also include friends and family. For example, the mothers of the bride and groom can light the taper candles, representing the love and support of their families. Alternatively, the couple's children can be included in the ceremony, lighting the taper candles alongside the bride and groom.
If the wedding is outdoors, it is important to consider the weather. A hurricane candle cover can be used to protect the flame from a slight breeze. For windier conditions, a sand ceremony may be a better option.
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Unity candle alternatives
Sand ceremony
One of the most popular alternatives to the unity candle is the sand ceremony. You and your partner pour different-coloured sand into a vase, shadow box, or hourglass, representing your individuality coming together to form a new combined unit.
Wine ceremony
The wine ceremony involves pouring two glasses of differently coloured wine into one container, blending them together. The red wine symbolises passionate love and health, while the white wine symbolises strength and longevity. Alternatively, you can place a bottle of wine and letters to each other in a box, nailing or locking it during the ceremony, to be opened on a future anniversary.
Planting a tree
Planting a tree is a unique and symbolic unity idea, representing the roots of your relationship and the growth of your love.
Bonfire
If you're having an outdoor wedding, a bonfire is a great alternative to a unity candle. Create a designated fire pit before the ceremony and spark the bonfire to signify your love.
Tying a knot
Tying a knot is a symbolic way to showcase your unity, literally tying a knot with a piece of rope to signify your bond.
Garland or Lei ceremony
In this ceremony, the bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers, representing a proposal by the bride and acceptance by the groom, as well as their new unity blessed by nature. In Hawaiian weddings, the couple exchange leis, which represent love and respect.
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