The unity ceremony is a common part of wedding ceremonies from all cultures.  It symbolizes the two individuals or families coming together as one. Before I got married, when I thought “unity ceremony” I immediately thought of the unity candle.  You know, the two small taper candles that the bride and groom use to light a fat candle. And that fat candle will sit in their house to collect dust and maybe even melt in Arizona!  But that is no longer the only option! There are many unique unity ceremonies from you to choose from (or create your own!). This is a great opportunity to personalize your wedding ceremony without breaking traditions.  Here are my favorites:

1. Planting a Tree

Plant a tree together as a symbol of your growing love for one another!  This is especially cool if you are having a backyard ceremony, as you can plant it directly into your yard.  If not, you can still pot a tree from a smaller pot into a big pot together. And then you can plant it at your house when it is ready.  Not looking to get crazy dirty on your wedding day? Have the tree already planted and each of you put a bit of fertilizer and water on it.

2. Tequila Shots

This one come from a Cino De Mayo wedding I photographed!  They had a reading about how making tequila is like building a marriage.  And then the couple toasted and took tequila shots together!

3. Unity Ceremony Sandwich

Do you guys love food?  Then this might be right up your alley.  I have seen this done with a simple pb&j or a sub sandwich!  If the latter, I would suggest having the sandwich mostly pre-made and you each adding a topping and then sharing a bite together.  

4. Tea Pouring

Choose two complimentary teas to pour into one glass for you to share.  My personal favorite is the blooming teas in clear teapots.

5. Sand Ceremony

You each have a different color of sand and pour it into a container of your choosing together.  You can go with a more classic plain bottle, a box with your initials monogrammed, or even an hourglass.  This is also a cool option if you have kids you would like to include. They can have their own color sand to add to the mix.

6. Unity Locks

There are a few ways to do this one as well, but the main theme is that you are symbolically locking your love to each other.  You can each choose a lock to lock together. Or you can choose one lock to lock onto something that you will hang in your house.  (Art made of shutters or maybe a key sculpture.) Then, throw away the keys! You won’t be needing them!

7. El Lazo

This comes from Spanish traditions where the couple is lassoed together with a floral garland.  You can do this in an infinity symbol or just wrap it around you once. You can then use this garland to decorate your sweetheart table or have it dried to use as decoration in your house.

8. Handfasting

This one comes from Celtic traditions and where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ comes from.  With either ribbons, chords, or rope, your hands are tied together with a knot. There are many different variations on how to hold your hands together, how to wrap the chords, and different readings.  So, you are sure to find something you dig.

9. Beer/Cocktail Pouring

Similar to the tea pouring, but with a trendy twist!  Choose two complimentary craft beers to pour in a glass and share.  Or, make a simple cocktail together to share! The possibilities are endless.

10. Anniversary Box

You seal a box together to open on your first anniversary.  You can write letters to each other to read when you open the box.  It is common to put a bottle of wine in the box, but feel free to use your favorite bottle of liquor if wine is not your thing!

There are so many more unity ceremony ideas out there and new ones being created all the time!  I hope I have inspired you to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony with your unity ceremony.