Unity Candle Ceremony Example 1
The Following is an example of how a unity candle ceremony is performed in weddings.

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

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“Let there be Light” - A traditional ceremony for lighting the unity candle
It is written in the Bible that a man shall leave his family and a woman shall leave her home and the two shall be as one. (So they are no longer two but one, Jesus declared) What, therefore, God has joined together, let no one put asunder.

(Statement of Marriage)
Marriage forms a new creation, for in marriage the old things have passed away and a new heaven and a new earth become our dwelling place. _____________________ and ______________________ today we celebrate your commitment to each other. But marriage itself is a relationship that only time, patience and understanding can fully reveal.

God may have created the universe in 6 days, but the sixth day was a very long day and the seventh day of rest was very, very short.Marriage as a relationship of two becoming one does not happen overnight. It is created over time, and your days of rest will also be very short.

(Lighting of the unity candle)
In the beginning, God said,”Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good...” (Genesis 1:3-4)______________________ and ________________________, now that you have pledged your love to one another through the sharing of vows (and of rings), you further symbolize your commitment to sharing life together through the creation of one flame.

Bride and groom take their individual candles, light the unity candle together, and then return the individual candles, still lit, to their holders.

(Statement of Hope)
_____________________ and ______________________, may your love for one another always burn brightly and may your life together be a light to others, an example of God's love made visible in the world..(As it is written in the Gospel of Mathew: “No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God who has brought you together.” (Mt. 5:12-16)

As an alternative, scripture the following may be read:
As the prophet Isaiah said: “If you alter your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10)

(A Blessing)
May the Lord bless you and keep you,May the face of the Lord shine upon you,and be gracious to you.May the light of the Lord be lifted upon you,and give you peace. 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.

Special thanks to Dr. Roger Coleman, Clergy Services, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., for allowing us to use his blessings, ceremonies, and explanations.