Unity candle lighting ritual.

Unity candle rituals are a popular addition to many weddings and symbolise the union of two individuals into one married couple. This type of ceremony typically involves three candles: one candle for each partner, and a larger central candle that represents the couple’s union.

During the ceremony, each partner will each take their respective candles and light the central candle together, symbolising their union as one. This is typically done after exchanging vows and rings, and before the couple is pronounced as married.

The unity candle ceremony is often accompanied by music or a special reading, and is a beautiful way to signify the merging of two lives into one. It can also serve as a meaningful way to incorporate important family members, such as parents or grandparents, into the ceremony.

While unity candle ceremonies are traditionally associated with Christian weddings, they can be customised to fit any religious or cultural tradition. For example, Jewish couples may choose to incorporate a unity candle lighting ceremony into their traditional Ketubah signing, while Hindu couples may use a Ganesha candle to represent the merging of two families.