Hourglass Wedding Ceremony Script (Unity Sand Ceremony)

PROCESSIONAL

• GUESTS ARE SEATED.

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"Dearly beloved,

We are gathered here to unite [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in marriage. This commitment is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and sincerely, with a deep appreciation for the lasting joys, obligations, and responsibilities. 
Please remember that love, loyalty, honesty, and compassion are the foundations of a happy and enduring home."

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"Do you [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your [wife / husband / spouse], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and times of hardship, for richer or poorer, and to comfort and cherish [her / him / them] for as long as your love shall last? 

If so, answer 'I do'."

PARTNER A TO PARTNER B

"I do."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

"Do you [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your [wife / husband / spouse], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and times of hardship, for richer or poorer, and to comfort and cherish [her / him / them] for as long as your love shall last? 

If so, answer 'I do'."

PARTNER B TO PARTNER A

"I do."

HOURGLASS CEREMONY (UNITY SAND CEREMONY)

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

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

In this ceremony, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A] have each chosen sand in a color that symbolizes them as individuals – their 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 themselves into this marriage and its success, the colors will blend and mix. The sand will blend more and more over time, with each passing moment and turn of the hourglass, until it becomes an inseparable whole. Still, each color will remain bright and strong on its own – like [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A], 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.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"We wish you a long and happy marriage. May you be blessed with many happy days, joyful surprises, and opportunities for your love and yourselves to deepen and grow. 
By the authority vested in me by the State of [WEDDING STATE] and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you [husband and wife / husband and husband / spouses / married / etc!]

RECESSIONAL

• End of the Wedding Ceremony.