Unity Candle Ceremony Scripts, Scriptures and Readings with PDF's

Photo by Dimensions Photography

The Unity Candle is one of the most popular unity ceremonies used in weddings. I think it may be one of the most traditional as it's very commonly used in church ceremonies with "the light" representing the light of God. You can actually give the lighting of the candle any sort of meaning you want. Since I do a lot of secular ceremonies I've given the Unity Candle all sorts of meanings.

What does the Unity Candle Ceremony Look Like?

A Unity Candle Ceremony setup has one large pillar candle in the center with a taper candle on either side. The taper candles are lit by representatives of the couples families and then the couple uses those tapers to light the center pillar candle together.

What is the meaning of the Unity Candle Ceremony?

The two pillar candles represent each person getting married. Who they are today, and what and who made them who they are today. When the couples lights their candle together it represents the joining of the two unique individuals into one new synergistic relationship.

Who lights the pillar candles in a Unity Candle Ceremony?

Usually the couples mother's light the pillar candles. However, more and more weddings are no longer following those same traditions. It may be the mother and the father lighting the candle together. Sometimes mothers and stepmothers with light the candles together. Aunts or grandmothers may light the candles. I've had foster parents light the candles. Usually, it's whomever helped nurture the bride or groom.

When do the Unity Candles get lit during the ceremony?

Traditionally, the mothers light their pillar candle when they are escorted down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. Then, after the couple exchanges rings and vows, they light their candle together.

In the past few years, we've started having the mothers light the candles at the same time the couple light's their candle together. I talk about the meaning of the candles, the mothers then come light their and they couples takes the tapers and light their candle together immediately. It gives the ceremony more context and it's often safer than leaving candles lit throughout the ceremony.

Lighting of the Unity Candle with moms, Marry Me In Indy! LLC Wedding Ceremony Pro

Photo by Dimensions Photography

When is the Unity Candle Ceremony a good option ?

The Unity Candle Ceremony is a great options if your mother's really want to be involved in your ceremony. Some mothers have anxiously anticipating the wedding day and want to play up their role as the "Mother of the Bride" or "Mother of the Groom." If a couple tells me this is the case, it's the first thing I recommend. It's nice because the don't have to say anything! The mothers in the picture above wanted to be a part of the ceremony but one of them did NOT want a speaking part. This was perfect for them?

When is the Unity Candle Ceremony NOT a good idea?

I do not recommend the Unity Candle for outdoor weddings, simply because it's hard to keep the candles lit on a windy day. However, they now have remote control electric candles that work just fine!! Hurricane glass around your candles might help too.

Always ask your venue if they allow a Unity Candle Ceremony.

They may have policies when it comes to a fire hazard or wax residue on the carpet. Some all-inclusive venues provide a hurricane glass set up for the Unity Candle. You just have to provide the actual candles.

What do we say during a Unity Candle Ceremony?

You could get by without saying anything at all, if you like.

After you exchange vows and rings you just light the candle together. People are used to seeing it happen. It doesn't have to be that deep.

You can say anything you like.

Below are some suggestions. You can re-write one of the ceremonies to say what the Unity Candle Ceremony means to you or to suit your wedding ceremony. I've included general readings and scriptures about light you can utilize as well.

Scripture Readings about light.

I've included a collection of bible verses at the bottom of the page the speak about light. they can be used to give the light of the Unity Candle meaning for your in your ceremony.

Unity Candle Ceremony Script Option 1

You can download this jpg file, the PDF below or
click here to cut and paste

unity_candle_1.pdf
File Size:	48 kb
File Type:	pdf