How to Include a Unity Cross Ceremony in Your Wedding (With Sample Officiant Script)

What to Say & Do During a Unity Cross Ceremony, for Wedding Officiants & Couples

 

Listen now: 

 

What is a Unity Cross Wedding Ceremony?

 

The Unity Cross Ceremony is a popular Christian wedding ritual that symbolizes the beginning of a married couple’s life together, joined in love and strengthened by their shared faith in God. During the ritual, a small decorative cross is placed inside of a larger cross-shaped 'frame,' and held together by three pegs.

 

Each piece represents something special: the larger outer cross symbolizes the groom, and his strength, security, and dependability; the inner cross symbolizes the bride, and her passion, love, and place at the heart of the family; and the three pegs that hold the crosses together represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [See the images below for examples.]

 

Related: 10 Popular Bible Verses about Marriage, Love, & Commitment

 

This ritual is also sometimes called God’s Cross. It's included in the wedding ceremony after the couple’s declaration of intent, and before they exchange personal written wedding vows and rings.   

 

The pieces used in the Unity Cross ritual are usually sold as a set to ensure they fit together perfectly. They can also be custom made and engraved with your names. 

 

After the ceremony, you can display your unity cross at home as a memory of the wedding day and a constant reminder to keep God at the center of your marriage.

 

Note: A similar Christian unity ritual, performed with three pieces of cord braided into the shape of a cross, is sometimes called a 'unity cross ceremony.' For this ritual, see: How to Include a Cord of Three Strands Ceremony in Your Wedding (With a Sample Officiant Script!)

|* ordination-button *|

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Washington DC Event Planner | Tara Melvin (@signatureconceptsllc)

(Above, a bride and groom perform the Unity Cross Ceremony. The caption reads: "The "Unity Cross".... "The Groom’s bold outer cross strengthens and frames his Bride while the Bride’s delicately carved inner cross brings fullness and beauty to her Husband’s life. During the ceremony, the Groom and Bride join their crosses together, and secure them with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. " (~Artist, Michael Letney)."

 

 

How to Perform a Unity Cross Ceremony 

 

This unity ceremony is a meaningful way to demonstrate your love for each other and God. Even better, it’s one of the easiest rituals to learn to perform! Below is a simple overview and step by step instructions on how to perform the unity cross wedding ceremony.

 

Overview: 

 

During the ritual, you and your partner will join two cross-shaped pieces together to form a single cross. This is done by placing a smaller decorative cross into a larger cross ‘frame.’ Once these pieces are assembled, you’ll secure them with three pegs and place your unity cross upright on the display stand and proceed with the rest of the wedding ceremony. You may also include silent or shared prayer if you wish.

 

Step by Step: Unity Cross & Prayer Ceremony 

 

• Wedding officiant announces the start of the unity ceremony, and directs the couple to the table where the crosses are waiting
• Wedding officiant talks about the meaning of the ritual, then instructs the couple to begin
• Groom holds the larger cross frame, and Bride holds the ornate inner cross
• Bride place the inner cross into the frame, working together with the Groom
• Officiant shares a prayer or Bible verse (optional)
• Once the cross is assembled, Groom places the unity cross onto the display stand
• Wedding ceremony continues

 

Related: 5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding

 

 

Sample Unity Cross Ceremony Script for the Wedding Officiant

 

This short unity ceremony script can be added to any full-length wedding ceremony script to create a custom experience. A unity ceremony like this one usually comes after the ‘declaration of intent’ and exchange of written vows, but the exact timing is up to you and your officiant.) Click the link below to browse sample wedding scripts in the American Marriage Ministries library:

 

• Christian Wedding Ceremony Scripts

 

 

• UNITY CROSS RITUAL

 

Officiant

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now perform a Unity Cross Ceremony as a symbol of their commitment to each other and their shared faith.

 

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], just as this cross is more than wood and metal, so too will your life together become more than the sum of its day, those simple joys and pains. May your love be a blessing and a comfort as you walk life’s path together, patiently, persistently, joyfully. Walk in love, as Christ loved us. Hold fast to each other, and love one another as dearly as Christ loved the Church."

 

[The couple assembles the cross and places it in the stand.]

 

Officiant to the Couple

 

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], let this cross be a daily reminder: 'So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.' (Matthew 19:6)

 

Lift each other up, support each other, hold tight to each other, and keep Him always the center of your hearts. Let His sacrifice be the example you follow each day, as you learn to be good and true with each other."

 

• QUIET MOMENT OF PRAYER

 

Officiant to Reception

 

"Let us now share a moment of silent reflection and gratitude for the blessings and happiness ahead for these two."

 

[Followed by any closing words and the officiant’s Pronouncement of Marriage.]

 

"After the wedding, display your unity cross on the mantle, place it on a kitchen table or bedside table, or hang it from the wall as a loving reminder of the wedding day."

|* mop-button *|

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Jade Sibert (@_jadesibert1__)

 

---

 

More Christian Wedding Ideas & Inspiration

 

• 12 Christian Wedding Readings That Aren’t Bible Verses
   
• Christian Wedding Script with Cord of Three Strands Ceremony
   
• 5 Examples of Heartfelt Marriage Vows Before God for a Christian Wedding
   
• VIDEO: Watch an example of a Simple Christian Wedding Ceremony

 

---

 

Love it? Pin it! Follow American Marriage Ministries on Pinterest

 

 

---