Version 1: Sample short ceremony (tapers can be lit by moms or couple)
The taper candles represent not only _______and __________, but also their families; for it is their families who, through love and support, helped shaped who they are. The center candle represents their marriage- the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband/wife/spouse.. It is the light of love and the light of new beginnings. _______and __________, each time you light a candle from this point forward, in whatever traditions you create, remember this day, this moment in time.

Version 2: Tapers are lit by Moms
Now it is time for the Unity Candle ceremony, a visual representation of the joining of these two very special people. At this time I'd like the mothers to come forward to assist us in starting the Unity Candle ceremony, a ceremony of spiritual symbolism. _______and __________ candles were first kindled by their individual families. The candles the moms are lighting represent _______and __________, the love they carry from their families, and the compassionate and caring people they have grown to become. When two people fall in love, they kindle each other's candles, creating great light and joy and glorious expectations. Now, _______and __________ I'd like you to remember when it was in your relationship that you first realized you were truly in love and wanted to spend the rest of your lives together. And holding that thought....________, (pick up the other's candle), take this candle, symbol of the inner light in ___________, lit by the eternal light, with the dedication to rekindle it again and again, whenever necessary. And __________ (pick up the other's candle), take this candle, symbol of the inner light in ___________, lit by the eternal light, with the dedication to rekindle it again and again, whenever necessary.With these candles, we can see how to achieve a beautiful marriage. In your marriage, you will try to bring these lights, the symbols of yourselves, closer and closer to each other, until they become (join the flames) one great torch of light a radiant symbol of love, joy, peace and harmony. (hold flames together) This is the mystery of the union two becoming one.Yet, it is vitally important to remember that there are always really two (divide the flames) in a marriage, each with his or her own desires, yearnings, dreams and wishes. And these must be respected and responded to with great love, with great compassion and with genuine tenderness.We know that it is the prayer of your beloved, as it is the prayer of each of us here, that you will continuously light these candles of love, so that there will always be light and joy, peace and harmony in your hearts and in your home.

Version 3: Tapers are lit by the Bride and Groom
Now it is time for the Unity Candle ceremony, a visual representation of the joining of these two very special people. ______and ________ please light the two taper candles. These candles represent your individual spirits, your individual connections with God, all that you are and, all that you have been, and all that you will become.

The center candle represents your relationship. It is the symbol of your marriage, the symbol of the joining of 2 spirits, 2 lives, 2 souls. Now you will take the tapers and light the center candle. As you do so, keep in mind the pledge you made to each other today. It is the pledge of the truth and purity of your every breath. The constant friendship of your hearts. The passion and fire of your spirits and the deepest love your souls have to give. It is the pledge of all that is within you. The only true pledge that one heart can offer to another.

You are now as husband/wife/spouse and husband/wife/spouse offering yourselves, and all that has come to pass unto each other, towards the creation of your future, and to all that is yet to come. The candle of your marriage shall burn brightly, but the 2 tapers of yourselves are not diminished. You do not disappear in marriage. You remain you. But in joining, both lights are brighter, each supports the other and miracles can happen. True Love shines brightly and today is but a beautiful beginning of the miracles to come.


Version 5-Couple only-Short and Sweet

The Unity Candle ceremony is a beautiful symbolic representation of your joining in marriage.  Please take the two taper candles, representing your individual selves and light the center candle representing your marriage.  Notice that the flames burns brightest when both candles are participating, cooperating and present.  A marriage is like that.  Be forever present for one another, shining light and beauty.

Version 6-Combination of 1 and 5

The Unity Candle ceremony is a beautiful symbolic representation of a couple’s joining in marriage.  

 

The taper candles represent not only ________ and ________, but also their families; for it is their families who, through love and support, helped shaped who they are. The center candle represents their marriage- the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the light of love and the light of new beginnings.

 

Please take the two taper candles, representing your individual selves and light the center candle representing your marriage.  Notice that the flames burns brightest when both candles are participating, cooperating and present.  A marriage is like that.  Be forever present for one another, shining light and beauty.

 

______and _________, each time you light a candle from this point forward, in whatever traditions you create, remember this day, this moment in time.