The Unity Candle ceremony became popular in Christian churches in the late 1970's.It is composed of two taper candles flanking a larger pillar candle and beautifully symbolizes the saying of the "two shall become one". The single (side) candles are sometimes lit by the mothers or parents of the Bride and Groom and represent the singleness of each prior to the wedding day. Lighting the center candle by the Bride and Groom symbolizes their joining to form the one light of their united being.

The Unity Candle is lit in the second half of the ceremony and is preceded by a brief explanation (by the officiant) such as the following:

____________________ and _____________________, the individual candles stand alone--symbolizing your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, signifying the belief that together you are greater than you are alone. (Optional additional sentence) The side candles remain burning to further symbolize the continuing importance of the individual integrity within the marriage relationship.

I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle.

Couple will light the Unity Candle. Sometimes a song is played or sung at this point. Couple should decide beforehand whether they will keep their individual candles burning (symbolizing their individuality within the marriage) or if they will blow out the individual candles (symbolizing the strength of their union over their individual selves)


After the lighting, said by the officiant:

1)        The light you have just formed together is a spiritual symbol of Life, Light, and the Eternal Spirit of love and caring. Tend this light vigilantly for it can be easily snuffed out by carelessness, thoughtlessness or the demands of our busy world.  Throughout the years of your life together, the winds of change will blow often, making it all the more necessary for you to nurture your joined spirits. Let the light of your inner spirit always be your guide. In times of worry and strife, simply be still….be still and know that the light and strength of your joined being will guide you safely home to your heart's desire.

2)        Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. The new fire represents a new beginning - a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you.

3)        The light you have made together represents not only your union but the unity formed in this new family in which all your lives will now shine as one. The candle you have lit is a light of marriage. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. It is a flame of commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle of unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light.

4)        As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness-warmth and safety in the cold. And strength and joy in your bodies, minds, and spirits. May your union be forever blessed.

5)        From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls who are destined to be together find each other, merge as one, their streams of light flow together, and a single, brighter light goes forth from their united being. In this spirit, _______ and ________ you have formed the new light of your joined being. May the light of love, the light of understanding, the light of respect, and the light of tolerance shine eternally for you both.

6)        As this one light burns undivided, so shall your love be. From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. May the radiance of this one light and their journey together be a testament or your unity.

7)        Today, _________ and _________ make a loving commitment to follow the greatest Commandment of all: "Love one another, as I have loved you." They do so, knowing that their union will become a symbol of God's promise to merge two lives into one. As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall their lives. From this day forward, they will journey the road of life together. May the radiance of this one light and their journey together be a testimony of love, devotion and lifelong unity.

Alternative options

Involving all guests
If you would like to have all your guests participate in the Unity Candle Ceremony, give everyone a candle as they enter. When lighting the Unity Candle, each of you turn and share your light with the first row of seated guests on your side. Let the guests share the flame from their own small candle with the person sitting next to them until all the candles are aglow and you are pronounced wife and husband. Your officiant will suggest that everyone make a good wish for the Bride and Groom and blow out the candles. Note-this only works for indoor ceremonies.

Involving Children

When there are children (Bride's, Groom's or both), then there will be a candle for each child in addition to that of the Bride and Groom. The children's candles would be smaller or of a different color to distinguish them from the bride and groom's. When the officiant gives the explanation, he or she will add the following:

Today we celebrate not only the union of your two hearts, but the formation of your new family. And because you are surrounded by (insert number of children) very special people whose lives are irrevocably intertwined with yours, I now ask that (insert children's names) come forward and take each of their individual candles, joining their lights to yours as you create the light of your new life together. 

Parents and children will come forward and light the Unity Candle together.

_____ and _____ as this new flame burns brightly, may you be reminded always that you are surrounded by family who love you and support your marriage. May the true light within you guide your way together. (Insert additional Unity Candle wording from above here.)

Overview Page  Ceremony Worksheet Ceremony Template Core Components Additional Options   Processional Options Processional Worksheet Sample Ceremonies Helpful Hints & How-To's