The Two and the One – A contemporary ceremony for lighting the unity candle
What greater thing is there for two souls than to feel that they are joined for life?
To strengthen each other in all labor,
to rest on each other in all sorrow,
to share all joy,
to be one with each other in silent,
unspeakable memories…
-Adapted from George Eliot
(Statement of Marriage)
Marriage brings two people together in a very unique relationship. In their togetherness, they may share many experiences as if they were one person. But each also retains his and her own identity. The miracle of love is that it allows us to overcome our sense of isolation, yet continues to permit us our uniqueness as persons.
From the prophet comes an affirmation of this understanding of togetherness and uniqueness that is at the heart of the marriage relationship.
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days…
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
And stand together, yet not too near together.
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
-Kahlil Gibran
(Lighting of the unity candle)
The poet, John Donne wrote, “Whatever dies was not mixed equally.”
_______________________ and ___________________, take the candles representing your individual lives and together combine your light with the center candle to symbolize the strength and beauty you bring to one another as husband and wife.
Optional: The following may be repeated after the officiant, following the lighting of the unity candle.
Bride and groom (together):
May our respect for each other continue to unite us as one.
(Statement of Hope)
______________________and_____________________, today you have pledged yourselves to a relationship of caring for one another in mutually fulfilling ways. May your togetherness always bring you joy and comfort and may your uniqueness continue to challenge you to live life with courage and creativity.
(A Blessing)
And may the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and Light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart until it glows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of your love for one another
And for the whole of creation. Amen.
Couple may kiss.
(Presentation of the New Couple)
It is my pleasure to present to you ______________________and___________________(0r Mr. And Mrs. _____________________) in their new relationship as husband and wife.
Directions for using the following unity wedding ceremonies:
Bold Print indicates statements to be read by the officiant or others
Italic print provides directions
Standard print refers to optional or alternative materials
Wedding Acts 