Unity Sand Ceremony
Version 1- non religious:
_______ and ________, you have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other. We have witnessed your giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of vows. Now we will observe you create a lasting visual representation of these promises. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand into one container. You will note that the individual colors do not cease to exist, but that there are times when the two are blended. It is this blending that is marriage.
Version 1- non religious:
_______ and ________, you have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other. We have witnessed your giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of vows. Now we will observe you create a lasting visual representation of these promises. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand into one container. You will note that the individual colors do not cease to exist, but that there are times when the two are blended. It is this blending that is marriage.
Version 2 - with God:
______ and ________, you have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other. We have witnessed your giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of vows and a kiss. Now we will observe you create a lasting visual representation of these promises.
The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The third (insert color-usually white or gold) container represents God. (Minister, friend or family member pours the third container) Your spiritual beliefs are the foundation for your marriage. _______, pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual.______, pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual. (Minister pours more of the third container) Let God forever support you in your relationship. (name) and (name), now pour your remaining sand into the container together to represent the joining of your two individual lives into this union of marriage.
Version 3- Asking for marriage blessings based on a poem entitled "Wedding Gifts" by Katherine Murphy
_________and ______ have created a very special sand ceremony to demonstrate their prayer request for their marriage. As they pour the sand, they will be reading a prayerful poem entitled "Wedding Gifts” by Katherine Murphy Grant us O Lord, the gift of words, Kind and loving words that communicate and encourage, words of wisdom from you. (pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of attention, rapt listening to the needs of one another and the casting aside of all focus on ourselves.(pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of acceptance, the ability to recognize our differences and see in one another the unique person you created. (pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of patience, not only with each other as we grow and change but to know that all good things come in your time.(pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the greatest of all the gifts, Love – on this day and always – as we join together in the sacred union of marriage. (pour a color)
Additional options (including children, blended families and support of parents) can be found on the Reserved Unity Sand page
The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The (insert color) sand represents (name) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. The third (insert color-usually white or gold) container represents God. (Minister, friend or family member pours the third container) Your spiritual beliefs are the foundation for your marriage. _______, pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual.______, pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual. (Minister pours more of the third container) Let God forever support you in your relationship. (name) and (name), now pour your remaining sand into the container together to represent the joining of your two individual lives into this union of marriage.
Version 3- Asking for marriage blessings based on a poem entitled "Wedding Gifts" by Katherine Murphy
_________and ______ have created a very special sand ceremony to demonstrate their prayer request for their marriage. As they pour the sand, they will be reading a prayerful poem entitled "Wedding Gifts” by Katherine Murphy Grant us O Lord, the gift of words, Kind and loving words that communicate and encourage, words of wisdom from you. (pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of attention, rapt listening to the needs of one another and the casting aside of all focus on ourselves.(pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of acceptance, the ability to recognize our differences and see in one another the unique person you created. (pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the gift of patience, not only with each other as we grow and change but to know that all good things come in your time.(pour a color) Grant us O Lord, the greatest of all the gifts, Love – on this day and always – as we join together in the sacred union of marriage. (pour a color)
Additional options (including children, blended families and support of parents) can be found on the Reserved Unity Sand page