Elements and Customs

The Sand Ceremony is the perfect unity ritual for beach ceremonies. It serves to represent the blending of two individual lives. Sand Ceremonies are a lovely way for children to participate in the ceremony by blending their sand with the couple into the vase.

Handfasting can be traced to ancient Celtic roots. It is believed that this is where the phrase "tie the knot" comes from. The couple joins hands and a ribbon or cord is wrapped around their hands by the Officiant or a family member. A blessing is read while their hands are joined.  

Together the couple creates a keepsake wine box with written notes (perhaps their vows or letters written to each other). Then place a bottle of fine wine in the box and lock it. Share the wine and contents of the box on their first, fifth, or tenth anniversary.  

Stones can be collected on the beach and then distributed to guests who will make a wish or blessing to the couple. The stones are placed in a circle around the couple so they are surrounded by the blessings and well wishes of their loved ones.  

Planting a tree is a unity ritual to symbolize the growth and connection you share as a newly married couple. Using a potted tree, the couple can place soil around the tree and water the tree together to symbolize the nurturing of their relationship.

Also known as a "God's Knot,"   the first two strands represents the couple and the third strand represents God. The three strands are then woven together to symbolize unity with each other and the Divine in their relationship. The Officiant reads a blessing.