Ceremony Rituals: 5 Unique Ideas To Consider

Even in the stunning setting of Glacier National Park, you can make your ceremony unique and special to the two of you. Just like these two gorgeous brides – Payton and Kristan – did for their beautiful Montana elopement. Read on for five unique ceremony rituals for you to consider at your wedding or elopement. Written by officiant Audrey Hyvoven, Bespoke Ceremonies Montana, with photography by J Willis Photography.

Are you looking for ways to make your ceremony unique? Consider these five ways to make your ceremony feel special to the two of you:

Bless the rings through warming of the rings. In a smaller wedding, you can pass the rings around a circle of guests, inviting each to kiss the rings and whisper their hopes and dreams for the couple. This is a perfect intimate launch to a ceremony that includes kids and other immediate family. With a larger gathering, a greeting station with a ring guardian can welcome guests as they enter the ceremony space, with signage inviting their warm wishes to be placed on the rings with a touch and a kiss for the couple.

Exchange personalized vows. Whether shared publicly before witnesses, or privately in advance, vows use your own words and tailored promises hold a magic that resonates uniquely to your own connection as a couple. Don’t wait until the last minute; having a rough draft completed two weeks before the big day is a great target. Once that’s done, most couples feel relieved and can focus on other details.

Tie the knot with a hand tying ritual. A handfasting is a ritual that uses a chosen cord or rope, draped over the joined hands of a couple, to symbolize their union, and physically represent their shared promises. The officiant guides a wrapping and pull sequence that results in a knotted cord keepsake. This is a visual, tangible, and grand focal point during an occasion that can sometimes feel wordy or lofty. Choose cords of any color, assign meaning, and invite your wedding party to participate as a way to add a memorable and inclusive element to your personalized wedding ceremony.

Engage your friends and family through community vows. Many guests feel an obligation to attend a wedding but forget that it is an invitation for ongoing support. With a community vow, guests are asked to stand, pledge their support, and to show up for you as a growing and changing couple, just as you’ve shown up for them. Typically simple, short, and sweet – community vows combine all the top items on the modern couple’s list for a memorable ceremony.

Sign the marriage license as part of your ceremony. The convenience of consolidating paperwork for both legalities and love is one that most couples can get behind. With a license signing, you have the opportunity to involve more loved ones as witnesses with the added bonus that once you’ve signed, it’s time for the party!

–Audrey Hyvoven, Bespoke Ceremonies Montana