Many of the weddings I officiate are multi-denominational and for couples of diverse backgrounds. Some couples choose to honor their cultural backgrounds  or diverse beliefs in their ceremony. I am very open and appreciative of couples who chose to do so (it’s interesting!). My only request is that I not be asked to do anything that your elders or spiritual community would find inappropriate because it is a ceremony or tradition reserved for “holy leaders” in your culture.

Honoring culture and beliefs can be a simple nod to a tradition or an elaborate incorporation of rituals as a main part of your ceremony or as a Unity Ceremony

 

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Some couples have global, inclusive spiritual beliefs and choose to incorporate many traditions, symbols and rituals into their ceremony. Steve and Melissa had pre-ceremony Reiki Healings.

 

They used Crystals, a Tibetan Singing Bowl, Celtic Handfasting, two Native American Readings and the Oriah Mountain Dreamer poem, The Invitation, in their ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kim and Arman incorporated a Persian Honey Tradition in their ceremony. The Honey represents the sweetness in life. They dipped their pinky fingers into the honey and fed each other, just before the kiss.
Photo by Erich Camping

Oxana and Zachary shared vodka in their Russian Spirit Ceremony.