Unity Candle Songs

A question I often get regarding the lighting of the Unity Candle in a wedding ceremony has to do with whether or not a unity candle song is necessary.

It is good to at least have some music playing in the background as you light the candle. Otherwise it is too quiet. Plus every eye is on you (the couple) and it may make you a bit more nervous if every movement can be heard.

It is best to have live music. Musicians can go with the flow and wrap up their playing when you are back in front of the officiant.

If you want to have full song played or sung during the Unity Candle ceremony, then you might want to make sure it is not too long. It won’t take you long to light the candle and then you will be standing there for what seems like a long time. You can only gaze at each other lovingly for so long and then you get tickled. Again, everybody is looking at you. If a soloist is singing, that would take some of the pressure off you, because the guests will be looking at the person singing instead of staring at you the whole time.

One of the most beautiful songs I hear during this time is the Lord’s Prayer. It isn’t too long and the sentiments are beautiful and meaningful. Now, if you are fortunate enough to know someone talented enough to sing it well, you may be set.

But there are many other songs selected for the unity candle ceremony. Below are a couple of popular songs to get you thinking about what you might like. Get the hankie ready!

When I Said “I Do” by Clint Black & Lisa Hartman

These times are troubled and these times are good. And they're always gonna be, they rise and they fall. We take 'em all the way that we should. Together you and me forsaking them all. Deep in the night and by the light of day. It always looks the same, true love always does And here by your side, or a million miles away. Nothin's ever gonna change the way that I feel, The way it is, is the way that it was. 

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time. Be faithful and true, devoted to you. That's what I had in mind when I said I do 

Well this old world keeps changin', and the world stays the same. For all who came before, and it goes hand and hand. Only you and I can undo all that we became. That makes us so much more, than a woman and a man. And after everything that comes and goes around. Has only passed us by, here alone in our dreams. I know there's a lonely heart in every lost and found. But forever you and I will be the ones. Who found out what forever means. 

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time. Be faithful and true, devoted to you. That's what I had in mind when I said I do 

Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you. That's what I had in mind, that's what I had in mind. When I said I do. 

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up. And the sun does not appear…I...I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love…Hold my hand and have no fear…'Cause I...I will be here

I will be here...When you feel like bein' quiet…When you need to speak your mind
I will listen…And I will be here…When the laughter turns to cryin'…Through the winnin' and losin' and tryin'…We'll be together…'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up…And the future is unclear…I...I'll be here

Just as sure as seasons are made for change…Our lifetimes are made for years…I...I will be here…I will be here....You can cry on my shoulder…When the mirror tells us we're older…I will hold you…And I will be here…To watch you grow in beauty…And tell you all the things you are to me…I will be here

I will be true…To the promise I have made…To you and to the…One who gave you to me…I...I will be here.

And just as sure as seasons are made for change…Our lifetimes are made for years
'Cause I...I will be here....We'll be together…'Cause I will be here. 

There are many, many more appropriate unity candle songs. Like so many things, it comes down to personal preference. I’ve found that one couple can love something and a different couple will despise the same thing. Different strokes for different folks. 

Is ONE the perfect song for your unity candle ceremony? Whether it is or not I believe you will enjoy listening to this beautiful song.