Unity Candle Ceremony
This ritual has been used in Wedding Ceremonies for a number of years. It can be adapted and changed to suit the needs of the Happy Couple.
You will need one larger center candle (pick out a candle that you can display later in your home should you choose) and two smaller candles to be placed on either side of the large candle.(tapered candles work best since you will be using them to light the center candle) Candle holders also are a good idea.
You can have the smaller candles already lit at the beginning of the ceremony, have the parents light them at the beginning of the ritual, symbolizing where you came from, or you can light them at the beginning of the ritual from a lighter.
If including Parents: “ I would like to invite the parents of _____ and ____ to come forward and light the side candles. This is to remind _____ and _____ of the important part you played in their lives as their parents.”
Invite the happy couple to come forward in front of the candles. They are each holding onto their own small candle, ready to light the central candle.
“The candle you are about to light is a symbol of the life you are beginning. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. This candle before you is a candle of commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle or unity because both must come together giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light. As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine through out your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold, and strength and joy in your bodies, minds and spirits. After lighting the center candle, you each keep your own individual candle lit, a symbol of the individuality that remains even as you are married. May your union be forever blessed.”