Top 100 Wedding Unity Ceremony Songs (Candle, Sand, Rope)
Updated on February 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
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The unity candle ceremony is a symbol of two people joining as one.
Two families unite. Two souls unite.
It takes place during the wedding ceremony after the wedding couple exchanges their vows.
Traditionally, the bride lights a single candle for herself, and the groom lights a single candle for himself. Then, the wedding couple lights their “unity candle” together.
Choosing the right candle song is important; we have some suggestions.
We’ve talked to wedding couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide ceremony music.
We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique unity ceremony songs.
Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected unity ceremony songs that include many different eras and music styles.
My Top 7 Unity Candle Songs
1. “Canon in D” by Brooklyn Duo
2019 – With more than 15 million views on Youtube, this piano and cello duet is an instrumental cover of one of the most popular wedding songs of all time behind the “Wedding March”.
2. “One + One” by Lawson Bates feat. Olivia Collingsworth
2019 – If you are looking for a religious song for your unity ceremony, listen to this song as it describes a couple joining together with God.
3. “Hand in Hand” by David Arkenstone
2018 – This Celtic gem fits perfectly into any wedding ceremony. It can be used not only for the unity candle lighting but also for the rope ceremony or sand ceremony.
4. “Air on a G String” by Hauser
2020 – Hauser is a cellist and a member of 2Cellos. He broke out on his own on this widely popular instrumental wedding song.
5. “No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version)” by Us The Duo
2020 – Even though they did not win the season they were on America’s Got Talent, this song will win over your heart.
6. “I Would, I Could, I Do (Duet)” by Treela
2019 – This song is not by a superstar singer but this beautiful song has the perfect message for a message of unity during a wedding ceremony.
7. “Take My Hand (The Wedding Song)” by Emily Hackett feat. Will Anderson
2014 – This is a great love song in the singer-songwriter category. If you want to know the background of this song, read our interview with Emily.
Play Unity Ceremony Songs Playlist
What are popular unity ceremony songs by genre?
Folk
If I Didn’t Love You – Ben Abraham
Released in 2022, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
Would I be drifting
With nowhere to land?
I don’t know what I’d do
If I didn’t love you
Sing Me a Song – William Prince, Serena Ryder
Released in 2022, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
So sing me a song, babe
What kind of song, babe
The one you hear when you look into my soul
Hold Us Tight (Acoustic) – The Macarons Project
Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
Once again
Know that my heart
Will always be for you
Better Half – JJ Heller
Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
Any way you choose to do the math
You will always be my
My better half
I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You – Bob Dylan
Released in 2020, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
I’d preach the gospel, the gospel of love
A love so real, a love so true
I’ve made up my mind to give myself to you
No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version) – Us The Duo
Released in 2020, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
I won’t let you go
No matter where you are
No matter where you are, I’ll be there
Compass (Cinematic Version) – Analog Heart
Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
(Instrumental)
I Chose You – Caleb Edens
Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
That’s why you’re mine
That’s why I walk the line
So don’t ever question why
I Chose You
Forever From Now – Sheffield
Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
I will love you forever from now
And I will hold you like no one’s around
Forever from now
Hallelujah – Alison Sparrow
Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
(Instrumental)
Before You – Fortunate Ones
Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
And you can doubt every word I’ve ever said
Most of them are true
Like I can’t remember my life before you
Touching Heaven – JOHNNYSWIM
Released in 2016, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
I’m not just waiting for skies to part
You’ve been my glimpse of Kingdom right from the start
And you got me touching heaven
One Flame – Amber Norgaard
Released in 2010, Genre: Folk Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
As we go on this day
Commit to Thy Way
Forever in Faith
Together in One Flame
By My Side – Ben Harper
Released in 1995, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
My love is never-ending
You are my saving grace
By my side
Wedding Song (There Is Love) – Peter, Paul & Mary / Noel Paul Stookey
Released in 1969, Genre: Folk
Lovable Lyrics:
As it was, in the beginning, is now and til the end
Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again
And there is Love
Pop
Last Love – Jon Mullins
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Who cares about history
That’s all in the past
I knew the first time that I saw you
You’d be my last
Last love
Worth It – Ryan Cabrera
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I’m done with searching
‘Cause you’re worth it
It was all worth it
Songbird – Rita Wilson, Josh Groban
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
And the songbirds keep singing
Like they know the score
And I love you
I love you
Chance of a Lifetime (The Proposal) – Cory Singer
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I think you and me
Could make some memories
If you say yes my dreams
We will be complete
Make You Feel My Love – Blessing Offor, Bob Lanzetti
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
When You Married Me – Andrew Brien
Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
All of the times I’ll remember
Why it’s lucky to be me
Cause I’ll look back on every year
And I’ll remember that you married me
I Do – Monique Melendez, Byron Addison
Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I’ll stand by your side
Cause I promise to tell you, baby, I Do.
I Am Yours – Andy Grammer
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I am yours
Now and always
Wouldn’t dream to be anything more
Here, Right Now – Joshua Radin
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
‘Cause you’re here (I’m here)
Right now (right now)
Not lost (not lost) but found
And everything I’ve done
Has broughten me to you
The Only One – Music Travel Love
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Don’t you know that I’ll always be there
Baby, I swear, ’till my days on this earth are done
You’re the only one
Could I Love You Any More – Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Finding you is like a miracle
Only this wonder remains
Could I love you any more?
All My Life – SAILR
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I’m gonna stay right by your side
I’m gonna live to make you smile
Nothing Lost – The Alternate Routes
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Nothing Lost is ours to lose
You’ve got me, and I’ve got you
My heart lives where you are
I Would, I Could, I Do (Duet) – Treela
Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Would I, could I, shall I,
Spend the rest of my life with you?
I would, I could, I do
I Belong to You – Jacob Lee
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I belong with you
When they let us choose
I will say I do
Love Someone – Lukas Graham
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
If you love someone
And you’re not afraid to lose ’em
You probably never loved someone like I do
Today I Do – Tamia
Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Today I do, today I do
Today I’m saying I do to you
Today I do, today I do
Promise To Love Her – Blane Howard
Released in 2017, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
I promise to love her
With all that I have
I’ll put nothing above her
And I won’t turn my back
Yours – Ella Henderson
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
And I know every day you say it
But I just want you to be sure
That I’m yours
Take My Hand (The Wedding Song) – Emily Hackett feat. Will Anderson
Released in 2014, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Take my heart and take my hand
I’ll be your lover and I’ll be your friend
Take my heart and take my hand again, and again
Right where we stand
Guiding Light – Foy Vance feat. Ed Sheeran
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Oh and I will keep on moving ’till
‘Till I find my way home
When I need to get home
You’re my guiding light
The Wedding Song – Matthew Mole
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Heaven made your hand
To complement my hand
Like heaven made my heart
To complement your heart
I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Tell the world that we finally got it all right
I choose you
I will become yours and you will become mine
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Released in 2011, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Darling, don’t be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more
Ave Maria – Beyonce
Released in 2008, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
While you’re busy making plans
Suddenly hit you and then you realize
It’s out of your hands
Baby, you got to understand
Ave Maria
The Prayer – Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
Released in 2001, Genre: Pop
Lovable Lyrics:
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe
Yours, Mine & Ours – Teresa James & David Chamberlin
Released in 2001, Genre: Pop
Country
Our Forever – Spencer Crandall
Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
What you say we go and take on the world?
Just say the word and it’s you and I doing life together
This is the start of our forever”
Wherever Time Goes – Jake Hoot
Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
Deepest unforgettable
With all that I am, with my heart wide open
For the rest of my life, I promise you
Believe in Love – Charlie Worsham
2021, Country
Lovable Lyrics:
And you, you make me believe in love
You, you give me a reason to trust that there’s
A happy ever after
If It Were up to Me – Johnny and Heidi
Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
A love like we’ve never known
Forever never alone
Still, you and me when that sweet heavenly symphony calls us home
If it were up to me
I Prayed for You – 4th + Main
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
I belive, deep in my hear that
God would come through
Cause I prayed for you
Giving It All (To You) – Haley & Michaels
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
Giving it all to, you know I’m yours for worse or for better
I say I do, but I will forever
And I would wait at the end of the aisle my whole life
I’m giving it all to you
If I Know You – Justine Chantale
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
After all that we’ve been though
Here’s my vow to you
From this day forward, you don’t have to walk alone
One + One – Lawson Bates feat. Olivia Collingsworth
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
It’s gonna take help, it’s gonna take faith
But with you and God and me
One plus one equals three
All Your’n – Tyler Childers
Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
There ain’t two ways around it
There ain’t no trying ’bout it
I’m all your’n and you’re all mine
I Do – Casi Joy
Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
And I’ll spend the rest of my life
Proving how much I promise you
That I do
Greatest Love Story – LANCo
Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
And I said
I wanna be your forever
So baby will you be my wife
Yours – Russell Dickerson
Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
You put a new heartbeat inside of me
You make me better than I was before
Thank God I’m yours
Marry Me – Martina McBride and Pat Monahan
Released in 2011, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
I Could Never Love You Enough – Brian McComas
Released in 2002, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
Baby, I still can’t believe I found you
I could never love you
Never love you enough
When I Said I Do – Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black
Released in 1999, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
When I said I do, I meant that I will ’til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
Amazing Grace – Lari White
Released in 1997, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
I was once lost
But now am found
Was blind but now I see
From This Moment On – Shania Twain & Bryan White
Released in 1997, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
From this moment, as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
When You Say Nothing At All – Alison Krauss
Released in 1995, Genre: Country
Lovable Lyrics:
There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all
R&B
The Akindele Wedding Song (Eternity) – Dynamic Media Services
Released in 2022, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
We step into eternity
And how happy we’re gonna be
I’m yours
Faithfully – Brian McKnight
Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
Oh, I’m in love, I’m love, you’re a dream
I promise you forever
For always, faithfully
I Found A Love (Live at Levon Helm Studios) – José James, Taali
Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
I found a love
The kind to hold
The kind that lifts you from the bottom of your soul
Sent From Heaven – Rahsaan Patterson
Released in 2019, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
You know, you know you are
A beautiful expression
An expression of love so glorious
Yeah, yeah, you are
Sent from heaven
My Word – Derran Day
Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
We’ll never grow apart
I won’t let it happen
You have my word
I Choose You (Acoustic) – Kiana Ledé
Released in 2017, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
I’m good on my own, but with you, I’m something else
You’re telling me to choose up, but I already choose you
Fall for You – Leela James
Released in 2014, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
My heart is ready
For love and to be loved
And I chose you
Happily Ever After – Case
Released in 1999, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
Take you for my wife, the center of my life
And I will never ever fade
From this choice I’ve made
For You – Kenny Lattimore
Released in 1997, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
Nothing I’ve said is hard to understand
All I feel, I feel deeper still
And always will, all this love is for you
Always and Forever – Heatwave
Released in 1977, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
Me with you, you with me, we as one
Love together (Always forever love you) for a very long time
Loving you
Always, forever love you
Inseparable – Natalie Cole
Released in 1975, Genre: R&B
Lovable Lyrics:
Inseparable, that’s how it is
Inseparable, for the rest of our years
It’s so wonderful to know you’ll always be around
Indie
Lover of Mine – Louyah
Released in 2022, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
‘Cause lover of mine, you shine
You know I will care
For a love like this is rare
Ritual – Chadwick Johnson
Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
With the things we like to do
Enchanting ritual to hold on to
Little moments how they add up
I’m comforted in ritual and you
Anything – JJ Heller
Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
I’d give up anything for you
But I would not give you up for anything
Make You Mine – Meg Ammons
Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
I’m gonna love you ’til I die
From the moment I make you mine
I’m gonna make, gonna make you mine
For a Lifetime – Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard
Released in 2018, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
For a lifetime of “I love you”
Two hearts, one beat
You whisper to me
Be mine for a lifetime
I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis
Released in 2017, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
Oh believe me
I’ve been counting my stars
Cause I will spend my whole life
Loving you
I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Released in 2016, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
I get to love you
It’s the best thing that I’ll ever do
I get to love you
It’s a promise I’m making to you
The One – Kodaline
Released in 2015, Genre: Indie
Lovable Lyrics:
You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong
That’s how I know you are the one
Rock
All Because of You – O.A.R.
Released in 2019, Genre: Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
I wanna matter when we go outside and
Hold your hand when we say goodnight and
Tell you how I’m goin’ to make our dreams come true
All because of you
Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit
Released in 2012, Genre: Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
I’ll never stop opening your door
I’ll never stop choosing you babe
I’ll never get used to you
When You Say Nothing At All – Ronan Keating
Released in 1999, Genre: Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all
When You Love Someone – Bryan Adams
Released in 1997, Genre: Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
When you love someone
You’ll sacrifice
Give it everything you got
And you won’t think twice
All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
Released in 1967, Genre: Rock
Lovable Lyrics:
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
Christian
Always Be Yours – Scott Drury
Released in 2022, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
I promise from this day forward
That I will always be yours
Two Becoming One – Jonathan and Emily Martin
Released in 2013, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
Here’s my life, I lay it down
I give up myself for you
And here’s my will I submit to you
I will follow where you lead
When I Say I Do – Matthew West
Released in 2010, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
And now ‘for better or for worse’
Are so much more than only words
And I pray every day will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say ‘I do’
Flesh Of My Flesh – Leon Patillo
Released in 2007, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
I do give my life to you
Today and everyday
I will stand right by your side
Whatever comes our way
Faithful Friend – Twila Paris & Steven Curtis Chapman
Released in 2001, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
Anywhere you are, anywhere you’ve been
I will be an honest heart you can depend on
I will be a faithful friend
A Page Is Turned – Bebo Norman
Released in 1999, Genre: Christian
Lovable Lyrics:
A page is turned in this life, he’s making her his wife
And there is no secret to the source of this much life
When the grace that falls like rain is washing them again
Just a chance to somehow rise above this land
Classical
Air on a G String – Hauser
Released in 2020, Genre: Classical
Canon in D – Brooklyn Duo
Released in 2019, Genre: Classical
All Of Me – Daniel Jang
Released in 2014, Genre: Classical
Just the Way You Are – The Piano Guys
Released in 2013, Genre: Classical
One Hand, One Heart – O’Neill Brothers Group
Released in 2013, Genre: Classical
Other
Infinity (Piano Version) – Flying Fingers
Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Hand in Hand – Thad Fiscella
Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Make You Feel My Love (Acoustic Instrumental) – Casper Esmann
Released in 2022, Genre: New Age
Hand in Hand – David Arkenstone
Released in 2018, Genre: Celtic
Ave Maria – Luciano Pavarotti
Released in 1988, Genre: Opera
What is the unity candle ceremony?
The Unity Ceremony isn’t just about the wedding couple. When you marry, you also join families. A great way to involve your parents or grandparents is to have them light the candle for the bride and groom. It’s up to the wedding couple whether or not to extinguish their individual flames are left lit.
If you choose to honor your extended friends instead of the biological family, the best man and maid of honor can step in. It’s definitely up to you as the wedding couple.
This also works brilliantly in same-sex ceremonies. There is no gender-specific role. It’s about togetherness. One side lights each of their candles and passes that candle to the wedding couple. Their individual flames become one flame. It’s symbolic. It’s beautiful. It’s a tear-jerker. This is why choosing the right song for this part of the wedding ceremony is key.
What type of unity candle is best?
Unity candles are a big business for candle companies. They come in all sorts of sizes and colors. For the do-it-yourself bride and groom, they can buy a standard candle. Then, the candle can be decorated in your wedding colors with ribbon, beads, and whatever suits your fancy. Unity candles can be purchased as a single candle or in a candelabra setting with a single tapered candle on each side of the official unity candle.
Similar song lists for further reading:
Should I play a song during the unity ceremony?
This ceremony isn’t long. So be aware of the time. If you choose to not have others participate, it will be even shorter. Talk to your wedding coordinator and professional DJ for great suggestions. The last thing you want to do is stand there awkwardly thinking, “I didn’t realize the guitar solo was so long in this song.”
Traditional wedding Unity Candle songs celebrate the union of the bride and groom. Bridal couples can select romantic pop songs “I Was Meant To Be With You” by Diamond Rio, “True Companion” by Marc Cohn, and “Give Me Forever (I Do)” by John Tesh. Bridal couples can also select instrumental songs perfect for church weddings like “Wedding Song” by Kenny G. Since the candles are being lit, a theme-appropriate song would be “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone.
Is there an alternative to the unity ceremony?
An alternative to the unity candle songs ceremony is the unity sand ceremony. The sand ceremony is perfect for venues that don’t allow candles, non-religious ceremonies, and ceremonies on the beach — of course!
The unity sand ceremony can be done after the vows are read as the unity candle ceremony would be. Alternatively, it can be done during the vows — especially if you write your own. The sand ceremony uses multiple sand colors to fill a single glass container such as a vase. The bride and groom take turns filling a glass vase — also known as the unity vase. The sand colors can be coordinated with the bridal couple’s wedding colors. The same unity candle songs below are also fitting for the sand ceremony. (Just don’t pick “Dust in the Wind.”)
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About
Wedding Music Expert
Matthew (Matt) Campbell is the founder & editor of My Wedding Songs. He is a veteran wedding DJ and knows the latest music trends to help you pick your wedding songs quickly. His articles will help you find the bangers and romance for your wedding day – or simply earbud happiness. He is an active member in wedding planning and DJ Facebook groups. Matthew lives in Las Vegas, NV, and loves traveling with his wife in his spare time. Read Full Bio.
Question can more than one unity ceremony be done at a wedding???
Hi Teena. Absolutely. We have seen weddings with multiple events at a wedding celebrating two coming together as one such as the sand ceremony, unity candle ceremony, wedding rope ceremony, jumping the broom and more. It’s your wedding and do what makes you happy!
My daughter is getting married in the Fall in the mountains. Candles for the unity ceremony Wong work since its outdoors and may be windy. I’m thinking the sand unity is more for weddings at the beach. Any suggestions for a unity ceremony in the mountains?
Hi Fatims. Most of our unity candle songs will also be great for the sand ceremony as well. Just skip the songs with candle in the title of course.