Introduction
A family unity ceremony is usually done when there are children and step-children involved. It is meant to symbolize the inclusion of the children in the marriage ceremony and as integral part of the marriage itself. Some couples may want to use this ceremony as a way to join both families involved with the couple- parents, uncles, etc.
Traditional family unity ceremonies involved saying something about the ceremony and then gifting those included (generally the children) with a small trinket, token, or piece of jewelry. However, using another ceremony such as the rose ceremony, unity candle ceremony, sand ceremony, knot ceremony, or hands ceremony is becoming more and more popular. The family unity ceremony is generally performed after the couple takes their vows to each other and, if it is a religious ceremony, the marriage is blessed.
Family Unity Vows
One Parent Vows
From this day forth, I promise to you (Child/Children's Names), that I will love you, protect you, nuture you, and provide you with a happy home. I present you with this token of our love and unity as a family.
I, (Bride/Groom), hereby vow to assume the responsibility of (this/these child/children). I promise to protect them, care for them, love them, and raise them as well as I am able. Just as I have pledged myself to my (husband/wife), I pledge myself now to (his/her) children. Together we will stand as a family.
Just as I have made a promise to your (father/mother), I now make a promise to you, (Child/Children's names). From this day forward, we are a family. We will love each other, care for each other, protect each other, and stand united together. As a symbol of our bond, I present you with (this/these gift/gifts).
Two Parent Vows
Officiant: Today we not only join a husband and a wife, but we create a new family as well. Would the children being celebrated within this marriage please come forward?
Do you, (Bride/Groom), promise to love, protect, care, raise, provide for, and otherwise be a reliable parent to (this child/these children)?
Bride/Groom: I will.
Officiant: As the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, we also recognize the children involved and the unique role they play in this union.
(Bride/Groom), will you always remember to cherish (this child/these children) as (a) special and unique individual(s), that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of them?
Bride/Groom: I will.
Officiant: Will you be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together? From this day forward, will you be (Child/Children's Names) home, comfort and refuge, your family strengthened by your love and respect for each other?
Bride AND Groom: We will.
Officiant: Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. We now celebrate the merging of two families into one.
Bride/Groom: I know that to make our family work, it will take love. (Child/Children's Names), I love you and I promise to continue to do so. It is because of the love (your father/mother) and I share and my love for you that we are here today. I know that to make our family work, it will take trust. I promise that I will always want the best for you and will always act in your best interest. To make a family work, it takes dedication. I promise I will stay open to you. We will learn and grow together. I promise that no matter what the future brings, we will go forward together as a family and hold true to the journey we begin today.
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