There is something beautiful about weaving small, meaningful touches into a wedding ceremony. These little rituals help tell your story, bring your people into the moment, and create memories that feel grounded and personal. As a marriage celebrant, I often see couples choose simple gestures that carry deep symbolism and speak gently to the life they are building together. Here are ten ideas to inspire your wedding ceremony:
1. Tree planting
A young tree or pot plant becomes a living symbol of your marriage. You each add soil and water during the ceremony. Then, take it home after the wedding, and either plant it in your garden or place it in a very special spot in your house. You nurture it, and it grows as your married life does – slowly and steadily.
2. Warming of the rings
Your rings are passed quietly among your guests (or just your closest friends or family members) before the exchange, allowing each person to hold them and offer a silent wish or blessing. By the time the rings reach you, they are full of warmth and goodwill.
3. Handfasting
Before you exchange your rings, your hands are loosely tied with a long ribbon or peace of wool as a symbol of unity. It is soft, visual, and beautifully suited to relaxed ceremonies.
4. Family ribbon
A variation of the handfasting is when a long ribbon or piece of wool is passed from one family member to the next, symbolising the joining of households. Each person adds a gentle touch or blessing before it is tied loosely around your joined hands.
5. Candle lighting
Two individual candles are lit by each partner, then used together to light a single larger candle. It represents two paths becoming one, while still honouring where each of you come from. This looks particularly pretty during late afternoon or evening ceremonies.
6. Sand ceremony
You each pour different coloured sand into a shared vessel. Once blended, it forms layers and patterns that cannot be separated, symbolising partnership and connection. This is a great option for couples who may bring children from a previous union into their blended family, as the kids can also contribute by pouring in sand of their own colour.
7. Sharing a drink
Excellent for couples who love a tipple! It can be wine or a shot of your favourite spirit. You each pour from your own small carafe into one shared glass and take a sip together. It marks the sweetness, challenges and celebration of life ahead.
8. Time capsule
Write letters to each other, add small items from your relationship and seal them inside a box during the ceremony. Then, you can open it on an anniversary or during a moment when you need a reminder of why you chose one another.
9. Stone blessing
Guests are given smooth stones as they arrive. During the ceremony they each hold their stone and offer a quiet wish or blessing, then place them in a shared bowl. The stones become a tactile reminder of community and support.
10. Flower circle
A simple circular arrangement of native flowers can mark the space where you stand. It represents continuity and the cycle of life. After the ceremony, flowers can be gifted to guests or dried as keepsakes.
Some final thoughts
Your wedding ceremony is yours to shape. As marriage celebrant, I view it as my role to help you find the rituals and words that reflect your love, your story and your hopes for the future.
Whether you lean on family or cultural traditions, nature-inspired symbols, or modern rituals, the most powerful moments come when your ceremony feels authentic to who you are. I’d love to help you explore these options and craft a ceremony that is truly yours – memorable, meaningful and full of heart.
Much love,
Andrés ❤️
Your Adelaide Celebrant