There are a variety of Unity traditions that may be included in a ceremony. Some are old and some are more recent, but unity traditions are growing in popularity because they add another level of commitment. They usually occur between readings and vows, but can also be at the beginning or just before the declaration of marriage. Below are some examples of popular unity traditions.

Certificate Signing

Typically, the officiant and two witnesses sign the certificate sometime after the conclusion of the ceremony in a semi-private setting, and then the certificate is officially handed to the bride and groom as part of a photo opportunity. One option is to include the certificate signing as part of the ceremony.

How it works: After the declaration of marriage and first kiss, but before the introduction, the officiant will say something like:

"Friends and family, to conclude this ceremony, will the designated witnesses please come forward and sign their names to the certificate of marriage."

Usually, the two witnesses are the best man and maid of honor but can be any two who attended the ceremony. Light background music can be played during the signing. Signing is then followed by the hand-off of the certificate, introduction, and recession.

Hand Fasting

After the readings and before the vows, the officiant will instruct the couple to face each other and hold hands. The officiant may explain the history of the handfasting ceremony being rooted in Celtic tradition as they wrap the couple’s hands and may say something like, "The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you seek to enter this ceremony?" The bride and groom say together, "Yes, we do." This is followed by the vows.

Custom braided and woven handfasting ribbons and cords can be ordered online here.

Branding Ceremony

For this, the couple will need custom branding irons made for the ceremony. The bride and groom will each have their own irons, such as initials in a heart. When they apply the brands to a board, the hearts should just touch. This makes an interesting display for the home.

First Fight or Anniversary Box

Originally known as the "First Fight Box," it can also be used as an Anniversary Box, which sounds a bit more positive. Start with a box that can be carved, painted, or decorated to fit the wedding theme.

How it works: Predrill the top so that the nails fit snugly but will pass through easily. Insert the nails before the ceremony, so that it will be ready.

During the ceremony, put wine and love letters inside, and then the bride and groom nail it shut. For the First Fight Box, it is to be opened after the first fight—letters read and wine drunk—to remind the couple of their commitment and love for each other. For the Anniversary Box, it will be opened on a specified anniversary (1st, 5th, or 10th are good choices). The officiant will explain the purpose of the box during the sealing. Personalize your wine box here.

Unity Candles

The bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity.

Variation 1: Each mother holds an unlit candle. Fathers light the mothers' candles, and then the mothers use those candles to light the bride and groom's candles. Finally, the bride and groom use their candles to light the larger unity candle.

Variation 2: The bride's mother passes a lit candle to the last bridesmaid, and the candle is passed ceremoniously up the line to the bride. At the same time, the groom's mother passes her candle to the last groomsman, ceremoniously passing the candle up the line to the groom. Then, the bride and groom turn with candles in hand to light the unity candle.

Variation 3: All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's candle is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.

Sample reading for candle ceremony: "And now, ______________ and __________, it is time to light your candles." Or, "And now it is time for the candles of unity."

(During Candle Lighting) "On this day, you make a new light together, symbolizing the two becoming one. May you also continue to recognize that separateness from which your relationship has sprung. May the lights of your own special lives continue to feed the new flame of love which will fuel your future together—through all its hopes and disappointments, its successes and failures, its pleasures and its pains, its joys and its sorrows—a future filled with the warmth and love of the flame you share today."

Bride and groom preparing to perform the unity candles ceremony — Photo by Tintin Wynn Photography and Films

Wine Ceremony

The bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour some into a single glass, which they both drink from. One carafe contains red wine, representing the deep richness of love and the robust energy of the relationship. The other carafe contains white wine, representing the strength and lingering taste of love. The combination creates a rosé, symbolic of their blending together through a committed relationship in marriage.

Officiant: "_________ and ___________, As your lives blend together, so shall your wines."

(The couple each adds wine from their carafe into the common cup.)

Officiant: "This cup is a sign of your unity. Although you are two distinct persons, both respecting the equal dignity of the other, you have chosen to unite your lives and to seek your happiness together. You drink from the same cup to symbolize your trust in each other and to be reminded that from this day forward, you will share all that is to come, encompassing all sorrows and joys, all hardships and triumphs, all the experiences of life. Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be sweet and full to overflowing."

(They place the wine glass back on the table and turn back to the officiant.)

Officiant: "May the robust energy, strength, and rich love you have for each other be with you always."

Variation: Tables with wine glasses are placed next to the seating area for guests to pick up a glass as they take their seats. When the bride and groom begin their drink, guests drink with them to symbolize their commitment to the couple.

Quaich Ceremony

A Quaich is a two-handled Loving Cup that signifies the trust and unity between the partners. The Quaich (pronounced "quake"), filled with wine or another favorite drink, either before or during the ceremony, sits on a pedestal between the bride and groom. At the appropriate moment, the groom picks up the Quaich by the handles, the bride places her hands on his, and they take turns drinking.

Example of reading for Quaich Unity: "The Quaich, a two-handled Loving Cup, is an ancient Scottish tradition that seals the bond of two people and marks the blending of two families. It symbolizes the love and trust implied by the bond as the new couple shares the first drink of their marriage together. _________ and _________, it is now time to complete your bond."

Water Ceremony

The couple each pours differently colored water into a single glass, creating a third color. If children are included, more glasses and colors can be added, making it a fun and meaningful experiment.

Sand Ceremony

Similar to the Water Ceremony, the bride and groom pour differently colored sand into a glass, taking turns to create colorful swirls and patterns. After the ceremony, the jar is sealed with hot wax and capped with a cork stopper or other lid, preserving the design for display.

Variation 1: Includes children or other family members, each with different colored sand, participating in the unity ceremony.

Variation 2: The bride's family fills one glass with different colored sands, and the groom's family fills another. The bride and groom alternately pour their family mixes into the large container.

Variation 3: Guests receive tiny vials of different colored sand to add to the carafe during the ceremony. Once all the sand is in, the carafe is sealed with hot wax.

Common reading for Sand Ceremonies: "Life's moments are as grains of sand, forever moving and shifting with the winds of time. Today, ________ and __________, you are making your eternal commitment to one another, blending the sands of your lives together. The separate vessels of sand you each hold represent your lives up to this moment. And from this moment on, as with the sands you now blend together, you shall become one; a family created."

Lasso Ceremony

This tradition, primarily from Mexican or Filipino cultures, involves the couple being bound together with a lasso, often in the shape of a figure eight. It symbolizes the couple’s union and the binding of their lives in love and commitment. The officiant or a family member drapes the lasso over the couple's shoulders or across their heads after they exchange their vows. The couple may then remain bound for the rest of the ceremony, signifying their eternal bond.

Sample reading for Lasso Ceremony: "Just as this lasso unites you physically, may it remind you of the spiritual and emotional unity you now share. May you walk together as one through all the days of your life."

bride and groom kneeling in front of the officiant performing the lasso ceremony — Photo by Maria Long Photography

Breaking Bread Ceremony

The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread and each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is shared with family and friends, symbolizing their future as a family together.

Variation: A large loaf of freshly baked bread is placed at the receiving line. The bride and groom tear off small pieces to hand to each guest as they are greeted.

Garland or Lei Ceremony

In Eastern European ceremonies, the bride and groom circle the altar three times, representing their first steps together as husband and wife. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents their unbroken commitment to each other.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Ceremony

For couples who want to add a playful and unique tradition to their ceremony, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Ceremony allows the bride and groom to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich together. This light-hearted act symbolizes the blending of their lives in a fun and meaningful way, acknowledging that love and marriage can be both sweet and simple.

How it works: The couple is provided with peanut butter, jelly, and bread. Together, they prepare the sandwich during the ceremony, serving it as a metaphor for their relationship — sometimes sweet, sometimes messy, but always better when shared together.

Sample reading for Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Ceremony: "As you share this simple sandwich, remember that life is about the little moments you create together. Sometimes it will be sticky and messy, but always sweet, and together you will build something wonderful."

Bride and groom under a large oak tree eating the peanut butter and jelly sandwich they made for the wedding unity ceremony — Photo For The Love of Gray Photography

Ring Warming Ceremony

In this tradition, the couple’s wedding rings are passed around to each guest before the ceremony begins. Each guest holds the rings for a brief moment, offering a silent prayer or blessing for the couple. By the time the rings return to the couple, they have been filled with the good wishes and love of all the guests.

How it works: The officiant explains the process to the guests, and the rings are passed around in a small pouch or on a pillow. Each guest holds the rings for a moment, offering a blessing or well-wishing silently or aloud. Once they return, the officiant may invite the couple to exchange their vows and rings.

Sample reading for Ring Warming Ceremony: "As these rings are passed through your hands, may your good wishes and blessings be passed to this couple. With each of you, they carry the warmth of your love and support, and may that strength be with them as they begin their journey together."

You can also include poetry, special music, photos, videos, and audience participation rites to you ceremony for a personal touch.

Thank you for exploring unity ceremonies with us! These are just a handful of the many creative ways to symbolize your union and make your wedding day truly personal. From incorporating meaningful traditions to crafting unique moments of connection, the possibilities are endless.

Which unity ceremony speaks to you and your partner’s story? Share your ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear about the special ways you’re planning to celebrate your love.

Looking for more inspiration or need help bringing your vision to life? Contact us today—we’re here to help make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Stay tuned for more tips and ideas to make your wedding uniquely yours!

Unity Ceremonies: Creative Ways to Symbolize Your Union on Your Wedding Day