Unity Candle

Many of my bride-groom clients would include the Unity Candle in their usual church ceremony (for catholics) - in fact the unity candle ceremony has really been part of many protestant and christian weddings.  But I guess it was in the 80's that catholic couples adapted it (though some catholic churches still doesn't follow it).

The Unity Candle Ceremony is a touching way to signify the union of two lives in holy matrimony. 

How is it being done?

• It usually starts with the Lighting of the Ceremonial Candles - any special someone chosen by the couple can light the taper candles (for christian ceremonies) but for catholic weddings that will be the responsibility of the Candle Secondary Sponsors;

• Lighting of the Unity Candle - this is always handled by the bride and groom and typically takes place just after the vows and rings have been exchanged; to light the Unity Candle the couple will be using their individual lighting candles for this part.

What is the symbolism of the UNITY CANDLE?

It is sometimes performed to symbolize the joining together of the two families, and their love for the bride and the groom, into one united family that loves the new husband and wife. More often it is to symbolize the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment.

As the bride and groom use these two flames to light the unity candle, they bring the love of both families together in a united love of the new couple.

Generally, the two ceremonial candles are left burning and replaced in their holders (because each family's love for their own will continue). However, in some ceremonies they may blow out their individual candles.


When the ceremony is alternatively performed to symbolize simply the joining together of the bride and groom, the ceremonial candles may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they may leave them lit beside the central candle, symbolizing that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality


If a couple would like to have the Unity Candle as part of their usual ceremony they should consider the following:

• Unity Candle
• Ceremonial Candles - the two medium size candles in front of the altar
• Lighting Candles of the Couple - small size candles that the couple will be using to get the light from the Ceremonial Candles so they'd be able to lit their Unity Candle

Below is a sample pic of a Unity Candle with the Lighting Candles of the couple:

and here is a sample of the taper or ceremonial candles: