A great ritual for those who have the land to plant a tree. A sapling is usually brought in a pot. Couple then add soil to the sapling. (If possible and to create more meaning, have soil brought from where couple was raised, and have it added to the sapling. If this is not possible they can add any soil to the pot.) Make sure and let the venue know you are bring in a tree and soil. (A recent ceremony venue was under a 150 yr old tree and the concern was for bacteria spreading etc. We were able to do the ritual, just not right under the tree or root system)
Here is the suggested reading for the Officiant:
______ and ________ will now take part in a tree planning ceremony to symbolize the roots of their relationship and the continued growth of their love, as they become one today.
Love is the essence of human experience and emotion. It is the rot of all and in everything that we do. Love enriches our experience and fills our lives with meaning. It gives us a firm base from which to grow, to learn and change. let your relationship and your love for each other be like this tree that you plant today. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it stand sturdy during the harsh winds and rains and storms. May you like the tree, come through unscathed. Like a tree your marriage must be resilient It must weather the challenges of daily life and passage of time. And just like the tree that you are planting, marriage requires constant nurturing. As they provide the sun, soil and water for this tree, they will provide the encouragement, trust and love needed to consciously nurture their connection to one another. Today ________ and ___________ will unite their families. As they pour the soil from their childhood homes, they combine two families into one. The two trees represent themselves – two separate people with roots now beginning to grow together.