Wedding Gazette

Humanist Unity Candle Ceremony

By Jennifer Baumann

This humanist unity candle ceremony accents the heritage of the bride and groom, and the blending of these two heritages in marriage.

Our community is shared, if in a different way, by those who have passed beyond this life. Their roles in the lives of (Name) and (Name) are no less remembered and honored as we savor today's joyous moments. Join with us, then, in fond memory of all these people, and in particular (Names of deceased family and friends). In their memory, let us be silent together.

In all the quiet of this very special moment, we pause, also, to give thanks for all the rich experiences of life that have brought (Name) and (Name) to this high point in their lives. We are grateful for the values which they have found by their own strivings. We are grateful that within them is the dream of a great love and the resources to use that love in creating a home that shall endure.

We are especially grateful for the values which have flowed into them from those who have loved them and nurtured them and pointed them along life's way. The heritage each brings to this marriage will continue to be an important element in their lives, but now will be shared between them. In commemoration of the merging of these two rich heritages and in memory of those, living and dead, who were part of these heritages, I now invite (Name)'s parents and (Name)'s parents to bring forth lighted candles, representing each of the families of this couple.

(Name) and (Name) will now light the flaming chalice with these candles, symbolizing the union of their two families in this marriage and the rich heritage each brings to it.

As (Name) and (Name) light the chalice, they do not extinguish their flames. Although they are embarking upon a new and unique relationship in the union of their lives in marriage, they, nonetheless, retain their own separate and unique identities and personalities.

Note: The parents of the couple each obtain a lighted candle from opposite sides of the front of the sanctuary or room in which the wedding is taking place, lighting it from stationary candles that have been burning throughout the service. They, in turn, present the lighted candles to their respective child. The couple then jointly light the flaming chalice at the center of the sanctuary. This ceremony signifies the heritage each is bringing to the marriage and the blending of these two heritages. If the third paragraph is used, the candles are not extinguished as the chalice is lit, but are placed in holders alongside. Appropriate music should accompany this ceremony.