Lighting of the Unity Candle
The Unity Candle symbolizes the joining together or blending of separate lives. It is the coming together of two families and the merging of two individuals (sometimes more if the Unity Candle represents a family joining together into one). The Unity Candle is an arrangement of three candles - the center candle sometimes being larger than the other two (or more). The two side candles are lit before the wedding ceremony begins by the couple's chosen individuals. Lighting the Unity Candle normally takes place after the couple exchange vows and rings. The Officiant will share a few thoughts about the unity, after which the couple will take their respective candles and light the center candle together. The couple then extinguishes their respective candles by gently blowing out the flame, symbolizing that the are now "one." Sometimes the couple chooses not to blow out their candles to symbolize that, even though they are now one, they continue to retain their individuality.
Country Charm Chapel's Couple Unity Ceremony
[Name] and [Name]
You have chosen to light a Unity Candle in your ceremony today.
The light of each outer candle symbolizes your individual lives –
your heritage, your past, your family, and your heart.
(Couple move to Unity Candle and begin the lighting)
As you join your lights together, you do not loose your individualities,
but rather, join your love for each other into one strong light
as you walk down life's pathway together.
(Couple come back in front)
Country Charm Chapel's Family Unity Ceremony
Today isn't just the joining of two hearts in love,
it is the coming together of a FAMILY as well.
As [Name] and [Name] become united as one,
they are also joined by [list relationship and/or names].
Lighting this Unity Candle symbolizes the joining together and blending
of these [how many?] lives and these [how many?] hearts.
The light of each outer candle symbolizes the individual lives of
[list all names] –
their heritage, their past, their family, and their heart.
(Family move to Unity Candle and begin the lighting)
As you join your lights together, you do not loose your individualities,
but rather, join your love for each other into this new union called FAMILY.
*Candle appearance may vary.
