What is a Unity Tree Ceremony? A unity tree ceremony is when a couple places soil in a tree/shrub/houseplant pot together during their wedding ceremony to symbolize their marriage.
The plant is in fertile soil, and along with light and water is encouraged to develop deep roots. You then allow it to grow and bear fruit, pruning when necessary. The same goes for growing a healthy marriage. The soil you add might be from your childhood yards, a favorite outdoor place when your were dating, and your current living arrangement. The amount of soil doesn't have to be more than a cup for each location you want to symbolize. It symbolizes the continuity of family, your relationship now, and the roots that will grow in the future.
Music can be played while the couple performs the ceremony. If there is no music, the passage can be read while the couple performs the ceremony.
OPTION ONE
[name and name] will now take part in a Tree Planting Ceremony. This is to symbolize the roots of their relationship and the continued growth of their love, as they blend two families today. [Name and Name], please walk over to the table.
The tree will be planted with soil from each of your family homes. [Bride’s] soil is from [Town, State] and [Groom’s] soil is from [Town, State]. Each will blend together to nourish the roots of the tree and help it grow just as their families have helped them to grow into the individuals they have become.
The tree itself is an [name of plant]. It requires constant nurturing and nourishment, but given those things, it will continually grow year after year and strengthen over time. This symbolizes the ever growing love that [Name and Name] commit to today. Let your relationship and your love for each other be like this tree. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it stand during harsh winds and storms, and come through unscathed. Like a tree, your marriage must weather the challenges of daily life and the passage of time.
Place your soil on the seedling together as you vow to nourish each other with words of encouragement, trust and love for one another. [each pour the dirt into the planter]
[Name and Name] will plant this tree at their home to always be a symbol of their love for each other and the promise they make here today.
OPTION TWO
[Name and Name] will now take part in a Tree Planting Ceremony, to symbolize the roots of their relationship, and the continued growth of their love. It is a [name of plant] - a symbol of something long lasting and held dear within the heart. Love is the root of all and everything we do. Love gives us a firm base from which to grow, to learn, and to change.
Let your relationship and your love for each other be like this [plant] you see today. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it stand tall during the harsh winds, the rain and storms. Like a tree, your marriage must weather the challenges of daily life and the passage of time. Marriage requires constant nurturing and nourishment.
[plant the tree]
After the ceremony, the couple will plant the tree at their home in a special location.
The tree will symbolize the putting down of roots, longevity and strength in their marriage.
Another good resource on this topic is at WeddingBee - bit.ly/3JEc4Em