In my homeland Australia it’s not unusual for Civil Marriage Celebrants to conduct 2, 3 or even 4 or more personalised and unique ceremonies in the same day, especially on weekends. When I get to conduct more than 1 ceremony in the same day here in Ireland, I am absolutely thrilled with the extra excitement it brings to the day!
Others claim to have a 1 ceremony per day policy for all ceremonies they “perform” – so they can “ensure your ceremony has their full attention”. This implies that others (like myself) who won’t hesitate to conduct more than 1 ceremony a day, won’t be capable of providing their full attention.
This claim is false and misleading on so many levels.
Here’s a couple of good questions to ask yourself about a Celebrant who makes such claims:
Would you ever trust a hairdresser who won’t book more than one client per day because if they did, they wouldn’t be able to give each client the full attention they deserve ? Or book your car into a motor mechanic who will only ever book one car per day because if they book more than one car per day, they won’t be able to give each car the attention it deserves? Does that sound like a suitably experienced professional who is able to stay focused enough to deal confidently and competently with the unexpected should it arise on your big day? I didn’t think so.
The mostexperienced and capable Celebrants (like myself and many others) won’t hesitate to conduct more than 1 ceremony a day if requested. Of course I do have certain criteria like they must be within 15 minutes drive and at least 3 hours apart. I have conduct ceremonies at 11am and 2pm, 12 noon and 3pm, 1pm and 4pm and so forth on the same day, each with my utmost attention and focus.
If you prefer that I don’t book any other ceremonies on your special day for any reason at all – that’s not a problem. You can choose my Exclusive VIP option – which guarantees that I won’t conduct any other ceremonies on your big day, guaranteed!
Many ceremonies I conduct will naturally fall into this category anyway due to their country location, or being on a weekend day, ie. when there is more traffic on the roads making it not at all ideal for more than one ceremony per day.
I don’t “perform” ceremonies, I conduct them. To me your ceremony is never a performance, to me it’s never about acting on a stage. To me your ceremony is real and authentic, a role which is so fundamentally missing from modern society, who have so drastically turned away from Religion and spirituality on such a vast scale.
Despite the many reasons this cultural shift is happening, what Religion did for ceremony is that it preserved a certain level of authenticity and dignity by turning a ceremony into a spectacular community and cultural event. When Religious ceremony is done well and with true honour and dignity held by a wonderful facilitator (and there are/were plenty of good ones!) Religion kept the Spirit and magic and the true art of ceremony alive!
For a ceremony without the Spirit and magic of celebration, is nothing more than a speech.
Now society is going full circle with the return of the art of ceremony to its native roots – where the ceremony was never defined by doctrines of a Religion, but was instead defined by the wishes and beliefs of the couple to give them good luck and a wonderful start and help to ensure their successful future together.
Celebrancy remains an essential community skill which is all about capturing the true Spirit and character of the couple and creating the special magic of the moment for them and their guests in the celebration of their new lives together.
No matter what kind of ceremony I create & conduct, the smiles at the conclusion of the ceremony is what makes all my efforts worthwhile,
With over 30 years experience in the art of ceremony – I have the expertise and experience you need to ensure your ceremony exceeds your expectations.
This is one of those questions which can have a different answer depending on which expert you ask. As a former College Lecturer I am confident I can explain the answer in a generic kind of way, I’ll do my best to keep it as short and simple as possible!
If you don’t agree with my explanations – that’s wonderful too, as it shows you are a free-thinker proudly exercising your own free will to decide what you believe for yourself based on your own life experience and what you believe is right, rather than taking any advice and information provided to you by others.
At the very least you will have some more food for thought, and further understanding about what a Spiritual Ceremony means for the majority of people here in Ireland who have some form of Spiritual belief but who would not necessarily classify themselves as being Religious.
If we are to go back to basics and define ceremony into it’s most basic form, you would have two ceremony types:
Spiritual or
non-Spiritual
The reason I placed Spiritual first at No.1 is not that it is any more important than a non-Spiritual ceremony but that a Spiritual ceremony is believed to be the first and oldest form of ceremony which has existed since the oldest original of ancient times. Ancient times when the world was at peace and everyone lived in harmony with nature and the land with their creation stories, which became the blueprint for modern Spirituality as we know it.
The original reason for holding ceremony in such ancient times, was to create a Spiritual connection to the Divine Creator and bring about a Divine blessing for a certain intention and/or outcome to occur.
For example in ancient Ireland there were annual ceremonies on the Celtic Calendar celebrate the seasons and invoke a Divine blessing from the Creator for example for an abundant harvest of crops along with various blessings on the people and their lives at certain times of the year.
Many people around the world have revived those ancient traditions and they are celebrated to this day. Here in Ireland for many families and communities, those spiritual ceremonies of the Celtic Calendar never stopped and have continued since time began.
In the case of a marriage ceremony, the Spiritual intention of the original ancient marriage ceremony was to create a connection to the Divine Creator (or Great Spirit) in order to invoke a Divine blessing of good wishes for the couple and good luck for their marriage.
Whereas others here in Ireland and around the world, who don’t believe anything unseen or magical is possible will refer to ceremonial traditions simply as “superstitions” – and that’s OK too because in modern times we are all encouraged to have our own free will.
The abolition and hijacking of indigenous Spirituality which occurred during the Middle Ages when Religions were introduced, meant that indigenous Spirituality including ceremonies became an essential part of Religious doctrines, which required that ceremonies had to be conducted a certain way.
In the modern times we are in now going back full circle – people living in Ireland are no longer required to follow a Religion in order to exist in society. Instead people are encouraged to have their own free will and beliefs about what Spirituality and the meaning of life is for them.
Because of this we now see the wonderful introduction of the non-denominational and non-Religious legal marriage ceremonies, along with completely non-Spiritual ceremonies for those who don’t have any Religious beliefs or any belief in Spirituality of any kind. Along with mixed faith and unique personalised ceremonies to suit the couples own wishes.
So in a nutshell – a Spiritual ceremony is any non-Religious ceremony created to suit the free will and Spirituality of the couple, rather than the Spiritual beliefs and rules of a Religion.
In its most basic form – a Spiritual marriage ceremony is a non-Religious ceremony with Spiritual elements included to suit the beliefs and wishes of the couple. Most often departed loved ones are welcomed to the sacred space of the ceremony along with the wedding guests and made to feel very much part of the celebrations.
There may also be a memorial candle lit and placed either on the ceremony table itself or on a nearby smaller table placed to the side of the ceremony table. Any such memorial candle may also be accompanied by cherished photograph of the departed.
Depending on the wishes of the couple, a Spiritual ceremony can also be designed with a Religious feel. This can be done by including Religious elements of the couples choosing, which can also include mentioning God where appropriate – which can be really wonderful for a Religious family, where their adult children don’t wish to be married in a Church.
As a non-denominational Holistic Minster, I am not required to wear vestments or robes or be addressed with a Religious Title during a ceremony unless the couple request it. Every marriage ceremony I create and conduct is designed to be unique and special to suit the beliefs and wishes of the couple every time.
This beautiful 500 ml heart shaped bottle will add a touch of luxury and elegance to your sand unity ceremony. Glass stopper has a plastic gripper coating around the tip.
Available to order: Estimated delivery to our centre in Cork City: 1-2 weeks. Requires 750 grams of sand to fill.
Price: €18
How to Order: Contact me directly to inquire about availability and to place your order. You can pay by card (%2 fee) or Paypal (5% fee)
Optional Extras:
Sand 750 grams in your choice of 2 or 3 colors. €14, Stock colors only until sold out. Please contact us to ask what colors are available.
A sand ceremony, or Unity sand ceremony, is a very beautiful way to declare your love for each other and further bind your marriage vows.
Typically conducted after the vows and ring exchange, a sand ceremony includes a blessing or reading spoken by the Celebrant / Officiant, along with the couple each taking turns pouring colored sand into a single glass jar, bottle or other container.
By the combining of alternating layers of colored sand, a beautiful and symbolic memento of your wedding day is created.The sand ceremony is suited to couples of all ages, and is also considered an ideal choice for couples with children, as it is a novel way to include the children in the wedding ceremony.
The sand ceremony also provides another opportunity for listening to music, and will provide some very memorable photo opportunities.
Sand Ceremony Bottles or Jars
If you would like to purchase a shaped bottle or jar for your sand ceremony from my designer range, I can supply you with your glass bottle (or jar) directly from the factory. Please see my Sand Ceremony Kits page for details.
How Much Sand Do you Need?
That’s a very good question. You want to be sure you can fill your bottle or jar right to the top. As a rule, 1.5 times the size of the bottle or jar. For example a 500ml bottle will need 750 grams of sand. I have certain colors of sand in stock at €16 kg. Colors I have in stock at the moment are: white, beige, several shades of blue, teal, green, eggplant (purple), red, orange, yellow and metallic silver.
Can We Use Beach Sand from our Favourite Beach?
If you would like to collect beach sand for use in your sand unity ceremony, it needs to be washed to remove any organic (& smelly) matter. Your beach sand must also be dried after washing and perfectly dry for your ceremony, or it simply won’t pour. It’s best to triple wash the sand in a bucket or large bowl, rinsing and washing three times. You can do this over a bath or laundry sink. Once washed, spread the sand in a glass baking dish (other kinds of baking dish may be damaged by the sand) and bake in a hot oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir through to check for any damp patches. If necessary, return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Allow sand to cool down fully before pouring into a storage container.
Sand Ceremony Example Scripts
The following are just some of the examples of how a sand ceremony can be worded. If you prefer, I can also work with you to create your own wording for your own very special Unity Sand Ceremony.
It can be time-consuming to find Unity sand ceremony examples and ideas for wording your ceremony, so I have collected some of the most popular sand ceremony scripts and wordings and provided them here for your convenience, to help get your ideas started.
The following is a selection of popular ideas and examples for your Unity sand ceremony, of course if you don’t like any of these you can always copy any parts or ideas you like and create your own script.
Sand Ceremony 1
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you will ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today.
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.
Sand Ceremony 2
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 you have sealed your relationship with your vows and by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.
Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One, representing you, PARTNER 1 and One Representing you PARTNER 2 and all that you were, 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, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.
Sand Ceremony 3
Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand.
One representing you PARTNER 1 and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be and the other representing you PARTNER 2 and all that you were, 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.
Sand Ceremony 4
Three colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer of neutral sand to symbolize that the marriage is grounded.
The next layers are the individual colors representing the bride and groom which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals.
The final layer is the bride and groom’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.
Family Sand Ceremony 5
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.
Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing you, PARTNER 1 and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, one representing you, PARTNER 2, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be and another container for each child.
There are children who will share in this marriage.
The gathering of this new family will have a deep influence upon them.
We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.
As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique.
As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.
You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children and bride and groom into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be.
Family Sand Ceremony 6
Four colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer from each mother. This is to symbolize that the marriage is grounded by each of their families.
The next layers are the individual colors representing BRIDE and GROOM, which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of each other as individuals.
The final layer is PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.
Family Sand Ceremony 7
Each of you in attendance this evening were asked to be here because you hold a special place in Groom’s and Bride’s life.
You came to honor and witness their love and commitment. PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 wanted to make each of you a tangible part of this ceremony therefore, as each of you arrived this evening and entered into this scared space you were asked to spoon a small amount of white sand into a container.
They chose white sand because of the purity of your love and support to them and their family.
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 have chosen varying shades of blue sand for themselves and for Children’s names.
Each shade of blue represents each one of them.
These blues stand for the peace and calm they feel when together. It stands for the ocean waters deep and full of mystery and beauty.
Water that sustains all of life…
Water a great conductor of energy…
Water a simple element yet it can change and adapt to any form or environment.
At this time I ask you, PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 to pour some of your sand into the container because your marriage is the foundation of your family.
Now, I ask that (Children’s names) join you in pouring their sand together with yours to create a beautiful flow of love and energy.
Lastly, I will fill the remainder of the container with more white sand.
This white sand stands for Universal Love…
A love that is eternal and never-ending.
(Family names) please hold hands.
I ask all in attendance to join me in a prayer of blessing upon this beautiful family.
Family Sand Ceremony 8
PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing you, PARTNER 1 and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, PARTNER 2, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.
At this time, I would invite the parents of PARTNER 1 and PARTNER 2 to come forward. These four vials of sand represent the bride and groom and each family.
You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the two families into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your families be.
Family Sand Ceremony 9
Parents, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.
Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing each one of you, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
There are children who will share in this marriage. The gathering of this new family will have a deep influence upon them.
We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.
As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique.
As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.
You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children and groom/bride and groom/bride into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be. With this marriage, these two families are joined.
(To the kids:)
Each of you are now a resource into which, as family members, you may come to, throughout your life times, for direction, meaning, and love.
Your Parents strive to provide not only the basic needs, but a nurturing and loving environment in which each of you find the confidence to reach the highest goals of your hearts, minds, and spirits.
This is part of their vision of what your family is. Do you each accept the responsibility of being an important part in the building of this family, and to forever contribute your best efforts to maintain the closeness and strength? If so, say, “We do.”
The Oathing stone ceremony hails from times of old where stones were considered sacred in ancient folklore. Many stone circles and megalithic sites still exist today, denoting the significance of stones ancient Celtic lore.
It is believed by many that stones are able to store energy and even knowledge & wisdom North American Indians consider stones and crystals to be alive and having a Spirit all of their own, referring to them as “mineral beings”.
The “Oathing Stone” ceremony as an addition to a Wedding ceremony is a lovely symbolic thing to do where a stone is either passed around to the guests, who each hold the stone in turn and infuse their blessing for the happy couple and their future life together.
The stone is passed back to the Celebrant and placed onto the altar table for the remainder of the ceremony, and the couple have a lovely keepsake of their wedding day.
Another idea is the Oathing stone can instead be held up by the Celebrant and guests asked to send their love and good wishes for the happy couple into the stone.
The Oathing stone is an extra seal and symbol of the Marriage Vows which have just been spoken.
Oathing stone can also be used as part of a Vow Renewal Ceremony, or Baby naming, or any type of ceremony where the wording can be adjusted to suit the context of their use.
Oathing stones are one of my specialities, I can help you to create a beautiful stone for your ceremony which you will cherish for years to come. Your stone can be carved with a special symbol, or your Initials, or names or other special word for example a symbol in Ogham tree language.
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