Unity Ceremonies for Every Couple

As wedding planners and coordinators, we love seeing couples incorporate unity ceremonies within their weddings. These intimate, personal gestures reflect a couple’s journey and values. Whether you're deeply religious, seeking a modern twist, or somewhere in between, there’s a unity ceremony for every type of couple. Unity ceremonies symbolize the coming together of two lives, cultures, or families, and they’re a beautiful way to express what matters most to you. Let's dive into a mix of traditional and unique unity ceremony ideas, explore their symbolism, and share pro tips for making them memorable!

For the more traditional and religious couples, here are some ideas!

Yiddish Cup Ceremony (Wine Blessing)
For couples with Jewish roots, the Yiddish Cup ceremony involves sharing a cup of wine, symbolizing joy, love, and the intertwining of families. The cup may be passed down through generations, adding an extra layer of meaning.

Communion (For Christian Couples)
For Christian couples, taking communion together is a sacred act of unity, often paired with a prayer or scripture reading. The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ, and by sharing it, the couple acknowledges their faith and commitment to each other before God.

Candle Lighting
A timeless favorite, the lighting of a unity candle involves the couple each lighting a separate candle before jointly lighting a third candle together. While this ceremony is widely known, it’s essential to remember the wind can quickly turn this gesture into a challenge if you're outdoors. Plan to have your candles in a hurricane glass of some type to cover the candle and flame.

Handfasting Ceremony
A Celtic tradition, handfasting involves the couple's hands being tied together with a ribbon or cord. This beautiful symbolic gesture represents the couple’s commitment to each other.

Family Prayers or Blessings
In some ceremonies, family members are invited to offer prayers or blessings for the couple. This can be done collectively or individually. This addition to the ceremony emphasizes that the couple is surrounded by support, both from their families and their faith. It’s a moment to recognize the importance of community and love in building a marriage.

If you’re looking for something that stands out or reflects your unique personalities, here are a few out-of-the-box unity ceremony ideas.

Planting a Tree Together
Many couples choose to plant a tree during the ceremony, often incorporating dirt from each of their family homes. This is a stunning option for those who value nature and growth. The tree represents the couple’s growth together as they build roots in their marriage, just like the tree will continue to grow and strengthen over time.

PB&J Ceremony
This is an unexpected, playful way to bring your families together! Each person can take a turn spreading peanut butter or jelly on a slice of bread before the couple combines them to make a sandwich. It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge the blending of two families, creating something new and unique, just like the couple’s union. It’s especially fun when the couple has young kids they wish to incorporate into the wedding somehow.

Ring Warming Ceremony
The wedding rings are passed around to the guests during the ceremony, where each person holds the rings for a brief moment and offers a silent prayer or wish for the couple. Each guest is imparting their good wishes and love, wrapping the couple in positive energy. If you do a ring warming, we suggest passing the rings only among the front row during the ceremony for a more intimate moment, or you can set up a table for guests to leave their blessings before the ceremony begins.

Branding Ceremony
For couples who enjoy rustic or country themes, a branding ceremony can be quite unique. With a custom-made branding iron, the couple can brand a piece of wood, animal hide, or furniture, symbolizing their union.

Shot Ski Ceremony
This fun option is great for couples who want to inject some humor and fun into their ceremony. The couple (and possibly their bridal party) can take a shot together from a ski, symbolizing the couple’s shared experiences and adventures to come.

The unity ceremony you choose should reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you lean towards traditional religious ceremonies or embrace a more modern and creative option, the key is to ensure that it has personal significance. It’s a moment for you to share not only with your partner but also with your guests, showcasing your values, beliefs, and shared future.

Whatever you decide, remember: this is a moment of celebration, love, and commitment. It should be something that resonates deeply with you, your partner, and your families, leaving everyone with beautiful memories for years to come. If there isn’t anything that is calling to you - that’s okay! You are in no way obligated to have a unity ceremony because if you think about it, getting married is a unity ceremony in and of itself!