Unity candle ceremonies have been lighting up weddings for decades, creating one of those picture-perfect moments that makes everyone go “aww.”
But when you’re standing there trying to figure out what to actually say during this symbolic moment, the pressure can feel real.
Let’s dive into ready-to-use scripts that’ll make your unity candle ceremony meaningful without the awkward silence.
Classic Unity Candle Script
The traditional version never goes out of style because it hits all the right notes without getting too complicated. This script works beautifully for couples who want something timeless and elegant.
Here’s the foundation script that’s been melting hearts for years:
“[Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], the two candles you each hold represent your individual lives, your families, and all that has made you who you are today. They represent the light of wisdom, love, and understanding you bring to this marriage.”
“As you light this unity candle together, you symbolize the joining of your separate lives into one shared journey. Though you are lighting one candle, the flames of your individual candles remain bright—just as you will remain individuals while becoming one in marriage.”
The beauty of this version lies in its simplicity. It acknowledges both the joining and the importance of maintaining individual identity, which resonates with modern couples.
Most officiants pause here to let the couple actually light the candle. The silence creates a naturally intimate moment that photographs beautifully and gives everyone time to absorb what’s happening.
Family-Inclusive Unity Candle Script
Sometimes the mothers or other family members light the taper candles before the ceremony begins. This version acknowledges their role and makes the moment about more than just the couple.
“The candles lit by [Bride’s] and [Groom’s] mothers represent not only their individual lives, but the love, support, and wisdom of their families. These flames have been passed down through generations of love and commitment.”
“As [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name] join these flames to light their unity candle, they unite not only their own hearts but blend the traditions, values, and love of both families into something entirely new.”
This version works particularly well when family dynamics are positive and you want to honor parents or grandparents. It creates a sense of continuity and tradition that older family members especially appreciate.
The extra acknowledgment adds maybe thirty seconds to your ceremony, but the emotional payoff for families can be significant.
Personalized Unity Candle Script
Cookie-cutter ceremonies aren’t for everyone. If you want something that reflects your specific relationship, this template gives you room to customize while maintaining structure.
“[Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], these individual candles represent the unique paths that led you to each other. [Insert personal detail about their journey—how they met, overcame challenges, shared dreams, etc.]”
“Today, as you light this unity candle together, you’re not just joining two flames—you’re creating something that never existed before. Your combined light will shine brighter than either could alone, illuminating the adventures, challenges, and joys that await you.”
The personalized section is where you can get creative. Maybe they met in a coffee shop, survived long distance, or share a passion for hiking. Whatever makes their story unique deserves a mention here.
Keep the personal details brief—this isn’t the time for their entire love story, just a meaningful highlight that makes guests smile knowingly.
Modern Unity Candle Script
Traditional language doesn’t speak to everyone. This contemporary version maintains the symbolism while using more casual, modern phrasing that feels authentic to couples who prefer less formal ceremonies.
“[Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], you’ve each brought your own light to this relationship—your personalities, dreams, quirks, and everything that makes you uniquely you.”
“Lighting this candle together represents your choice to share one life while staying true to yourselves. Your individual flames keep burning because the best partnerships don’t dim anyone’s light—they make it shine brighter.”
This version appeals to couples who want meaningful symbolism without feeling like they’re reading from a script their grandparents would have used. The language feels more conversational and authentic.
The message stays the same, but the delivery matches couples who prefer modern, relaxed ceremonies over traditional formal ones.
Religious Unity Candle Script
Faith-centered couples often want their unity candle ceremony to reflect their spiritual beliefs. This script incorporates religious elements while maintaining the core symbolism.
“[Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], the Bible tells us that ‘two are better than one,’ and today you demonstrate this truth as you join your individual lights into one unified flame before God and this community.”
“As you light this unity candle, may it remind you that Christ is the light of your marriage. Just as this flame burns bright when joined together, may your marriage shine as a testament to God’s love and faithfulness.”
Different faiths will want to adjust the specific references, but the structure works across denominations. Jewish couples might reference becoming “one flesh,” while other traditions have their own relevant passages.
The key is making sure the religious elements feel natural to your beliefs rather than forced or generic.
Short and Sweet Unity Candle Script
Not every couple wants a lengthy explanation. Sometimes brevity creates more impact than elaborate words, especially during emotional moments when everyone’s already feeling the significance.
“These two flames represent your individual lives and love. Together, you create something beautiful and new—a partnership that honors who you are while celebrating who you’re becoming together.”
That’s it. Sometimes the most powerful moments need the fewest words, letting the symbolism speak for itself.
This version works perfectly for couples who prefer minimal ceremony elements or when you’re trying to keep the overall ceremony length manageable.
Practical Considerations for Your Unity Candle Ceremony
Timing and Logistics
Unity candle ceremonies typically happen after the ring exchange but before the final pronouncement. This placement gives the moment proper weight without rushing through it.
Wind is your biggest enemy if you’re having an outdoor ceremony. Even a slight breeze can turn your meaningful moment into a comedy of errors with matches and frustrated attempts at lighting.
Candle Selection and Setup
| Element | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Taper Candles | 10-12 inches tall | Easier to handle, less likely to drip |
| Unity Candle | Pillar style, 3+ inches wide | Stable base, catches flame easily |
| Matches vs. Lighter | Long matches or extended lighter | Safety and ease of use |
| Placement | Sturdy table at altar level | Prevents awkward reaching or bending |
Your florist or wedding planner should handle setup, but double-check that everything’s positioned properly during your rehearsal. Nothing kills the moment like struggling to reach candles or fumbling with matches.
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes candles won’t light. Sometimes they blow out mid-ceremony. Sometimes the unity candle tips over (yes, this happens).
The best officiants prepare couples for these possibilities and have backup plans. A simple “let’s try that again” and a smile usually turns potential disasters into memorable moments that everyone laughs about later.
Alternative Wording Options
For Second Marriages
“Today, [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name] bring the wisdom of experience and the joy of new beginnings to this unity candle. Their individual flames represent not only who they are today, but all they’ve learned about love, commitment, and partnership.”
For Blended Families
“As [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name] light this unity candle, they symbolize not only the joining of their hearts, but the blending of their families into one loving unit. This flame represents the light and love that will guide their entire family forward.”
For Older Couples
“The flames [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name] bring today represent lives fully lived and hearts ready to share the journey ahead. Their unity candle symbolizes the beautiful truth that love has no expiration date and partnership can bloom at any stage of life.”
Making It Memorable
The words you choose matter, but the moment matters more. Practice the lighting beforehand so you’re not fumbling during the actual ceremony.
Consider having your photographer capture the moment from multiple angles—the lighting itself, your faces during the ceremony, and the reaction of your families. These images often become some of the most treasured from the entire wedding day.
Some couples save their unity candle to light on future anniversaries, while others prefer to let it burn completely during the reception. Either choice works; it’s about what feels meaningful to you.
Final Thoughts on Your Unity Candle Script
Your unity candle ceremony should feel authentic to your relationship and your style as a couple. Whether you choose traditional, modern, religious, or completely personalized wording, the most important element is that it reflects your genuine commitment to each other.
Don’t stress about getting every word perfect—your guests are there to witness your love, not critique your script.
Choose words that feel natural when you say them out loud, practice once or twice, and then trust that the moment will be beautiful because of what it represents, not because of flawless delivery.
The unity candle ceremony has endured because it creates a simple, visual representation of marriage that everyone can understand and appreciate.
Your script is just the soundtrack to a moment that’s already meaningful—let it enhance the experience rather than overshadow it.