My Favorite Unity Ceremonies I've Seen As a Wedding Planner

Every year, I have clients ask me for unity ceremony ideas, but my favorite ideas are the ones my clients chose to do because the ceremonies resonated with them and were representative of who they were as a couple. If you're considering a unity ceremony, here are some of my favorites that my real clients have done! But I encourage you to choose a ceremony that resonates with you and your partner and not choose one just to fill time.

Handfasting

Photo by Taylor Denton Photography

I've had a handful of clients opt for this traditional Celtic ceremony, which is a symbolic ritual where a couple's hands are tied together with a cord or cloth by their officiant to represent their commitment to each other. To make it easy, you can easily find special handfasting cords on Etsy.

Tree Planting

Photo by Andy Anthony

I've only had one couple opt to do a symbolic tree planting and I've been waiting for another to do it, as it's such a great fit in the tree-loving PNW where I work. It's easier than you think! Just have a potted tree or plant at the Altar with a pot of soil and water and then you add those elements together during your ceremony. You may choose, as my clients did, to plant the tree or plant in the ground at home later.

Flower Circle

Photo by Alyssa Keys Photography

This was such a sweet, unique idea that a pair of my clients chose to do several years ago. They provided roses in a vase and had guests come up one by one, take a rose, and walk in a circle around the couple, placing a flower in a circle on the ground, giving well-wishes, to symbolize their unity and support of friends and family.

Rock Warming

Photo by No Rules Photography

Similar to the flower circle, a set of my clients last year chose to do a rock warming. Guests were encouraged to bring a rock and decorate and write on them, and we had rocks available as well with markers for those who needed, and, during the ceremony guests were told to warm their rocks with well wishes for the couple. They then brought their rocks and placed them on a tray that went home with the couple.

Statement of Affirmation

Photo by Andy Anthony

Several years ago, some of my clients chose to, instead of having a father give a bride away, have their officiant ask all of the guests, during the ceremony, to stand and state their support and affirmation of the couple. It was a really beautiful moment

You do not have to have a unity ceremony at your wedding, but if you want to, perhaps one of these resonated with you and will make your wedding a little more special.

Happy Wedding Planning,

Andy <3