Sand Ceremony Wedding Script

Wedding couple pouring sand in show of unity

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~12 Minute Ceremony

The mixing of sand from separate vessels into one - known as a sand ceremony - emphasizes a couple's commitment to one another and symbolizes the formation of their new union. The example on this page demonstrates one way to incorporate this popular unity ritual into a marriage ceremony.

Officiant Introduction

Officiant (to guests):

We’ve gathered here today for the marriage of _______________ and _______________. Each of you was invited to attend so that you could witness the joining of their lives and celebrate hereafter.

Officiant (to couple):

_______________ and _______________, today marks the end of your lives as two individuals and the beginning of your lives as a team. Look before you. Each of these vases filled with sand represents your individual life prior to your meeting. _______________, the vase on the right is yours. _______________, the vase on the left is yours. The vase in the middle represents your new life together, and at the moment, it is empty.

Speak Now (optional)

Officiant:

If anyone objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Vows

Officiant:

_______________ and _______________, at this point in the ceremony, you will now exchange vows. Please face one another as you give your vows before God and all assembled.

Let us begin with _______________.

Partner 1:

I, _______________, take you, _______________, to be my lawfully wedded partner. I promise to keep you through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you until death do us part.

Officiant:

_______________, you may now share your vow.

Partner 2:

Declaration of Intent

Officiant:

Would the couple please join hands? _______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?

Partner 1:

I do.

Officiant:

_______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?

Partner 2:

I do.

Sand Ceremony

Officiant (to couple):

Earlier, I mentioned that the vase representing your new life together was empty. While your marriage does represent a new beginning, it’s also important to recognize that life never truly presents fresh starts – each of you are coming to this marriage with a wealth of experiences and relationships that shape you as individuals.

But life does allow us to continually redefine ourselves. When you pour out your vase, I want you to think of how your life thus far may influence your relationship to your spouse, but you should also appreciate that your spouse will be your greatest teammate in pursuing life’s greatest promise: life is an experience that you are always invited to redefine.

_______________ and _______________, you are welcome to pour your respective vase into the middle vase. Your individual grains of sand will never be able to be fully extricated from one another – so will your lives be forever entwined from this point forward.

(Family members may also participate if the couple chooses)

Ring Exchange

Officiant (to couple):

We have reached the part of the ceremony where you both will exchange rings with one another. These rings are a symbol of the bonds of marriage and your love for one another.

Officiant (to Partner 1):

_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I give my marriage vows and promise my love and commitment.”

Partner 1:

With this ring, I give my marriage vows and promise my love and commitment.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I give my marriage vows and promise my love and commitment.”

Partner 2:

With this ring, I give my marriage vows and promise my love and commitment.

Pronouncement

Officiant (to guests):

By the power vested in me by the state of _______________ and the Universal Life Church, I pronounce _______________ and _______________ as married! Now, you may share a kiss!