Unity Sand Ceremony
~Sand Ceremony wording Options~
All wording can be changed to reflect same sex ceremonies,religious, non-religious, or vow renewal.
All wording can be mixed and matched and tailored to fit your desires.
You may choose a ceremony just like it is or perhaps you would like to combine them. I am happy to tailor them to fit you.
All wording can be changed to reflect same sex ceremonies,religious, non-religious, or vow renewal.
All wording can be mixed and matched and tailored to fit your desires.
You may choose a ceremony just like it is or perhaps you would like to combine them. I am happy to tailor them to fit you.
Beach Themed Option 1. To be used on the beach, starting with the Officiant, parents or other family member pouring sand from the beach we stand on as the “foundation” first.
You need a large keepsake vase, two smaller vases, as well as a seashell filled with a small amount of the sand from the beach you are standing on. This will be the first layer poured by the officiant (or parent, child or any loved one that you would like to start). It is to symbolize the “foundation” that a relationship is built on. It also serves as a memento of this special day!
You need a large keepsake vase, two smaller vases, as well as a seashell filled with a small amount of the sand from the beach you are standing on. This will be the first layer poured by the officiant (or parent, child or any loved one that you would like to start). It is to symbolize the “foundation” that a relationship is built on. It also serves as a memento of this special day!
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate ______ and ___ union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
We will start by adding sand from where Groom and Bride stand today as they commit their lives to each other.
A good partnership is founded and centered on our reliance on Love; (the officiant pours sand from a seashell filled with sand from the beach they are on.) this sand symbolizes the unconditional Love of Spirit. It is the foundation on which all true Love is built, it flows through all, binds us together in our diversity and it is the reason we celebrate here today.
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand; one, representing you, _____(he/she pours a portion of his/her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, ___, (she/he pours a portion of her/his sand on top) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase) the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Now we shall celebrate ______ and ___ union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
We will start by adding sand from where Groom and Bride stand today as they commit their lives to each other.
A good partnership is founded and centered on our reliance on Love; (the officiant pours sand from a seashell filled with sand from the beach they are on.) this sand symbolizes the unconditional Love of Spirit. It is the foundation on which all true Love is built, it flows through all, binds us together in our diversity and it is the reason we celebrate here today.
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand; one, representing you, _____(he/she pours a portion of his/her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, ___, (she/he pours a portion of her/his sand on top) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase) the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Beach Themed Option 2 (very much the same as option 1 but with additional wording about love)
You need a large keepsake vase, two smaller vases, as well as a seashell filled with a small amount of the sand from the beach you are standing on. This will be the first layer poured by the officiant (or parent, child or any loved one that you would like to start). It is to symbolize the “foundation” that a relationship is built on. It also serves as a memento of this special day!
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate ______ and ___ union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
We will start by adding sand from where Groom and Bride stand today as they commit their lives to each other.
A good partnership is founded and centered on our reliance on Love; (the officiant pours sand from a seashell filled with sand from the beach they are on.) this sand symbolizes love. Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is a quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is a loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness. This sand also represents the unconditional Love of Spirit. It is the foundation on which all true Love is built, it flows through all, binds us together in our diversity and it is the reason we celebrate here today.
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand; one, representing you, _____(he/she pours a portion of his/her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
And the other representing you, ___, (she/he pours a portion of her/his sand on top) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase) the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
You need a large keepsake vase, two smaller vases, as well as a seashell filled with a small amount of the sand from the beach you are standing on. This will be the first layer poured by the officiant (or parent, child or any loved one that you would like to start). It is to symbolize the “foundation” that a relationship is built on. It also serves as a memento of this special day!
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate ______ and ___ union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
We will start by adding sand from where Groom and Bride stand today as they commit their lives to each other.
A good partnership is founded and centered on our reliance on Love; (the officiant pours sand from a seashell filled with sand from the beach they are on.) this sand symbolizes love. Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is a quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is a loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness. This sand also represents the unconditional Love of Spirit. It is the foundation on which all true Love is built, it flows through all, binds us together in our diversity and it is the reason we celebrate here today.
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand; one, representing you, _____(he/she pours a portion of his/her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
And the other representing you, ___, (she/he pours a portion of her/his sand on top) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase) the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Beach Themed Option 3 (good on the beach or at a venue near the beach)
You need: A large keepsake vase, two smaller vases filled with two different colors of sand. One for each partner
Officiant:
___ and _____ may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other. You have just sealed your relationship by giving and receiving of rings.
This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand The first represents you , Groom/bride (he/she pours a portion of her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be,
And the other representing you Bride/groom (she/he pours a portion of her sand on top), and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else.
Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.
( together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
You need: A large keepsake vase, two smaller vases filled with two different colors of sand. One for each partner
Officiant:
___ and _____ may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other. You have just sealed your relationship by giving and receiving of rings.
This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand The first represents you , Groom/bride (he/she pours a portion of her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be,
And the other representing you Bride/groom (she/he pours a portion of her sand on top), and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else.
Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.
( together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Option 4: Simple (short) Sand Ceremony
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate ___ and _____'s union as it is symbolized through the pouring of two individual containers of sand. One represents Groom/bride (he/she pours a portion of her/his sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
The other represents Bride/groom (she/he pours a portion of her sand on top) and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, (together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase) the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, as they are now joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
Option 5. Choice of wording for the officiant to say while the couple pours their sand:
Officiant:
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
As you each hold your separate containers of sand they represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else
_____ Please pour a portion of your sand into the united container. This sand represents all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. (he/she pours some sand into the unity container)
___ Please pour a portion of your sand into the united container. This sand represents all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. (he/she pours some sand into the unity container)
As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one. (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.The life that each of you have experienced until now, individually, will hereafter be inseparably united, for the two shall become one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your union be.”
Of course if you prefer, a poem can be read instead.
All ceremonies can include children or other family members. All can be changed to personalize your ceremony as you desire.
Officiant:
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
As you each hold your separate containers of sand they represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else
_____ Please pour a portion of your sand into the united container. This sand represents all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. (he/she pours some sand into the unity container)
___ Please pour a portion of your sand into the united container. This sand represents all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. (he/she pours some sand into the unity container)
As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one. (Together they pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.The life that each of you have experienced until now, individually, will hereafter be inseparably united, for the two shall become one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your union be.”
Of course if you prefer, a poem can be read instead.
All ceremonies can include children or other family members. All can be changed to personalize your ceremony as you desire.
Option 6. Sand Ceremony to include Children
We are all members of one family, Gods family. (This line is optional) Today as _____ and ___ have sealed their commitment to each other with the exchange of rings they to make a commitment to their children. We recognize the significant role that (all of children's names) play in this marriage celebrated today. They will now join _____ and ___in this commitment to each other by contribution a part of each individual person into one blended family. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of this sand, each representing a member. As each individuals sand is poured into the family's one united container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will become the bond with your family
From this day forth, you shall be more than one couple or two individuals – you shall be a loving and united family.You are a family drawn together by love and held together by devotion.
(While pouring the sand the Officiant could read what is family poem)~ Bride and Groom can also have the option of pouring some sand first as in the traditional sand ceremony then adding this wording on.
You may choose to have the officiant read a poem while everyone pours their sand. Here is an example of one about family. Remember you may choose any poem you like.
What is a Family?"
Author Unknown
A family is .....
The sweetest feelings
The warmest hugs
Trust and togetherness
Unconditional love
The stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made
Treasured photos
Thankful tears
Hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another
Supporting and caring
Understanding, Helping, Sharing
Walking life's path together
And making the journey more beautiful because .....
We are a family.....And a family
is Love.
We are all members of one family, Gods family. (This line is optional) Today as _____ and ___ have sealed their commitment to each other with the exchange of rings they to make a commitment to their children. We recognize the significant role that (all of children's names) play in this marriage celebrated today. They will now join _____ and ___in this commitment to each other by contribution a part of each individual person into one blended family. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of this sand, each representing a member. As each individuals sand is poured into the family's one united container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will become the bond with your family
From this day forth, you shall be more than one couple or two individuals – you shall be a loving and united family.You are a family drawn together by love and held together by devotion.
(While pouring the sand the Officiant could read what is family poem)~ Bride and Groom can also have the option of pouring some sand first as in the traditional sand ceremony then adding this wording on.
You may choose to have the officiant read a poem while everyone pours their sand. Here is an example of one about family. Remember you may choose any poem you like.
What is a Family?"
Author Unknown
A family is .....
The sweetest feelings
The warmest hugs
Trust and togetherness
Unconditional love
The stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made
Treasured photos
Thankful tears
Hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another
Supporting and caring
Understanding, Helping, Sharing
Walking life's path together
And making the journey more beautiful because .....
We are a family.....And a family
is Love.
Option 7. Sand Ceremony wording to Include Children
Officiant:
Often a marriage ceremony is the union of two people; however this marriage not only unites _____ and ___ it unites their families as well. With the changing structure of what a family is in today’s world we are given wonderful opportunities to simply increase the amount of supportive, caring and loving relationships that we have in our lives.
_____ and ___ would like to acknowledge the significant role that (say children’s names) play in this ceremony today and would like to invite them to share in a unity family sand ceremony.
Officiant to Family: Each one of you has a container of sand. This sand represents your individual selves and the unique and special gifts you bring to this family.
Please take turns pouring your sand into the unity container
As each individuals sand is poured into the family's one united container it represents the blending of two families united in love. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will become the bond with your family. You are a family drawn together by love and held together by devotion.
I would like to share a poem that _____ and ___ have chosen for this special day (this is optional)
What is a Family?" (Author Unknown)
A family is .....
The sweetest feelings
The warmest hugs
Trust and togetherness
Unconditional love
The stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made
Treasured photos
Thankful tears
Hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another
Supporting and caring
Understanding, Helping, Sharing
Walking life's path together
And making the journey more beautiful because .....
We are a family.....And a family
is Love.
(We all walk back to our spots)
Officiant:
Often a marriage ceremony is the union of two people; however this marriage not only unites _____ and ___ it unites their families as well. With the changing structure of what a family is in today’s world we are given wonderful opportunities to simply increase the amount of supportive, caring and loving relationships that we have in our lives.
_____ and ___ would like to acknowledge the significant role that (say children’s names) play in this ceremony today and would like to invite them to share in a unity family sand ceremony.
Officiant to Family: Each one of you has a container of sand. This sand represents your individual selves and the unique and special gifts you bring to this family.
Please take turns pouring your sand into the unity container
As each individuals sand is poured into the family's one united container it represents the blending of two families united in love. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will become the bond with your family. You are a family drawn together by love and held together by devotion.
I would like to share a poem that _____ and ___ have chosen for this special day (this is optional)
What is a Family?" (Author Unknown)
A family is .....
The sweetest feelings
The warmest hugs
Trust and togetherness
Unconditional love
The stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made
Treasured photos
Thankful tears
Hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another
Supporting and caring
Understanding, Helping, Sharing
Walking life's path together
And making the journey more beautiful because .....
We are a family.....And a family
is Love.
(We all walk back to our spots)
Option 8- Wording for including mothers in sand ceremony:
Officiant:
_____ and ___ today you have agreed to share the rest of your lives together as a married couple.But long before today your parents provided you with a foundation of love and caring which has brought you to this point.
At this time I'd like to invite the mothers of the bride/groom and groom/bride to come forward and to pour the first layer of sand which represents the basis upon which you will build your lives.
~Mothers pour the sand and then return to their seats.
The union you are making is symbolized by these two individual containers of sand; one representing you, _____, and all that you were, and all that you are, and that you will become.
The other one representing you, ___, and all that you were, and all that you are, and all that you will become.
As these two containers of sand are poured into a third container, the individual containers of sand will cease to exist but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
(You can combine with other sand ceremony wording as well)
Officiant:
_____ and ___ today you have agreed to share the rest of your lives together as a married couple.But long before today your parents provided you with a foundation of love and caring which has brought you to this point.
At this time I'd like to invite the mothers of the bride/groom and groom/bride to come forward and to pour the first layer of sand which represents the basis upon which you will build your lives.
~Mothers pour the sand and then return to their seats.
The union you are making is symbolized by these two individual containers of sand; one representing you, _____, and all that you were, and all that you are, and that you will become.
The other one representing you, ___, and all that you were, and all that you are, and all that you will become.
As these two containers of sand are poured into a third container, the individual containers of sand will cease to exist but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
(You can combine with other sand ceremony wording as well)