Sample wording for the wedding officiant to use when leading an Hourglass Unity Sand Ceremony

 

 

Including an hourglass in a wedding's unity sand ceremony can make the tradition even more symbolic. Not only does this unity ritual represent the blending of two lives into one, symbolized by colorful grains of sand mixing, it also represents ‘love lasting over time.’ 

 

An Hourglass Sand Ceremony involves all the same ingredients as a traditional Sand Ceremony: two colors of sand (one to symbolize each of the two partners), two small vessels (to hold the sand), and a larger keepsake container in which the two colors of sand are combined during the ritual. 

 

 

New to the Unity Sand Ceremony ritual? Check out this helpful guide: How to Perform a Unity Sand Ceremony (for Wedding Officiants)

 

Above: A beautiful example of a freestanding wedding hourglass, with two colors of sand (one for each partner!) (Photo: @sayanthingdesign on Instagram)

 

In an Hourglass Sand Ceremony, this large ‘keepsake’ is an hourglass. During the ceremony, the couple takes turns pouring their colorful sand into an empty hourglass. 

 

After the ceremony, the container is sealed with the sand inside, so that it can be used and admired for years to come. 

 

Why Use an Hourglass in your Unity Sand Ceremony? 

 

An hourglass represents many different themes related to time passing in marriage: It can serve as a reminder that good things take time to create; It may remind a couple that healthy marriages change and grow over time; and it may be a visual reminder that there is only so much time in this life, and that each moment together should be cherished.  

 

One lighthearted meaning of the hourglass tradition is as ‘timer’ during a disagreement. When an argument begins, one spouse can flip the hourglass over… And when the sand finishes pouring, the argument must also come to a peaceful resolution!

 

Use the sample script below to find the perfect wording for your Wedding Hourglass Ceremony. This example can be used ‘as-is’ by a wedding officiant, or modified to suit a couple’s unique style and personalities. 

 

What to Say: 
Hourglass Unity Sand Ceremony Script

(for the Wedding Officiant)

 

Read a full wedding ceremony script that includes this ritual: 

• HOURGLASS WEDDING CEREMONY SCRIPT (UNITY SAND CEREMONY)

 

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] are now going to partake in an Hourglass Sand Ceremony.” 

 

In this ceremony, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A] have each chosen sand in a color that symbolizes them as individuals – their personal histories, passions, and personalities, their challenges and triumphs, their hopes and plans for the future. 

 

As [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A] pour their sand into the hourglass, just as they’ll pour their hearts and minds into this marriage, the colors will blend and mix. The sand will blend together over time, with each shared moment and turn of the hourglass, becoming inseparable. Still, each color will remain bright and strong on its own – like [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A] – two people working together to build a happy and harmonious life. 

 

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE 

Each day that you look upon this hourglass, you will be reminded of the union and promise that you make to each other today, to live their lives together as one, and to cherish each moment as it passes. 

 

When the day comes that you disagree with each other, remember to pause before speaking or acting in anger. Flip this hourglass over and give yourself time to think and reflect! Then, if there are still words to say, flip it again. When the sand runs dry, let your disagreement dry up too! Life is too short for anything but love. 

 

 [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A], when you’re ready, please pour your sand into the glass. Friends and family, let’s cheer them on as they perform this symbolic act of love!"

 

DURING THIS TIME, MINISTER GUIDES BRIDE AND GROOM TO THE TABLE THAT HOLDS THREE GLASSES. AMBIENT MUSIC IS PLAYED UNTIL THEY HAVE FINISHED POURING THE SAND, AND THE HOURGLASS IS SEALED. 

 

Looking for a full wedding ceremony script? Click the link below! 

 

• HOURGLASS WEDDING CEREMONY SCRIPT (UNITY SAND CEREMONY)

 

---

 

You might also like: 

 

• Blended Family Wedding Ceremony Script with Sand Blending Ritual
   
• Don’t Use Sand! -- Creative Alternatives for Your Sand Ceremony

 

• Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Unity Ceremonies

 

Discover popular unity ceremony ideas for your wedding ceremony, when a unity ceremony usually takes place during the ceremony, what these traditions symbolize, and much more! Read the full article here. 

 

---