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Sand Ceremony


If for whatever reason you choose not to use a Unity Candle during your ceremony, the sand ceremony can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your vows. Three or four containers can be used. One for you and your fiance to pour the sand into, two for each of you to pour the sand from and, if used, a fourth for the minister. You can find coloured or plain sand at most craft stores. After the officiant reads the text below (or any text you choose) pour the individual containers of sand into the larger container as required by the chosen ceremony. You may wish to leave a small amount of sand in each containter to symbolize that although you are now joined as one, you each remain individuals.

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_______ and _______, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and the exchange vows, and this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. The most beautiful example of this partnership is the marriage relationship. You have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of two individual containers of sand one, representing you, _______ and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, _______, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third 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 your marriage be.

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Love is the eternal force of life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage. But although you will be sharing one life, never forget you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Love each other. Keep your commitment primary. Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow. Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately. To symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of two lives into one entity, 3 colors of sand will now be layered into a base.

(Bride is handed a clear jar of Pink Sand, groom is handed a clear jar of Blue Sand. The minister has one small clear jar filled with a Neutral color sand and a large empty jar).

The Minister speaks again: We begin with a layer of Neutral Sand which symbolizes that the marriage is grounded. (The Minister pours a little of the Neutral Sand into the large jar)

Then we layer the individual colors. This symbolizes that the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals. (Groom poures a little of the Blue Sand in next, followed by a little more of the Neutral Sand from the minister. Bride then addes a little of the Pink Sand, followed by some additional Neutral Sand from the minister).

And now we combine the colors, which symbolizes two lives joined as one together forever. (Groom and bride simultaneously pour their remaining sand into the large jar until their jars are empty. The minister caps off the sand with the last of the Neutral Sand. The minister then holds the large jar up as if presenting to the wedding audience and places the jar to the side)

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