Marriage Celebrant Weddings, Funerals South Canterbury Lake Tekapo
  • Home
  • Wedding Celebrant
    • Celebrant + MC Combo Ultimate $999.
    • Personalised Weddings Designed for You $499
    • Micro Weddings (25 guests) from $299
    • Elopement Weddings (8 guests) from $255
    • Timaru Registry Wedding $90
    • Elopement Packages from $1249
  • Packages
    • Tekapo 'Lakeside Love' Elopement Celebrant + Photographer
    • Lake Tekapo 'Morelea Lakeside' Elopement Package: Venue + Celebrant + Photographer
    • Lake Pukaki + Tekapo Lupins Weddings + Elopement Packages and Celebrant
    • Geraldine Stonebridge Elopement | Venue + Celebrant + Photographer
    • Timaru Elopement Package: Celebrant + Photographer
    • Timaru 'Kingsdown Manor Chapel' Elopement Package: Celebrant + Photographer + Venue
    • Tekapo Venue + Celebrant + Planner at Morelea Lakeside Weddings
  • Celebrate
    • All Celebration Services
    • Naming | Baby Blessing
    • Vow Renewal in Timaru, South Canterbury + Beyond
  • Blog
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • About
    • Jade the Celebrant
    • Current Prices
  • End of Life Services
    • Death Doula
    • Funerals
    • Memorials
    • The Ceremony
    • Pre-Written Funeral Ceremony - Your Last Wishes

Sand Ceremonies

"Discover my Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Wedding Sand Ceremony: Step-by-Step Advice and Meaningful Memories Await!"

​Unite Your Love or Special Event with a Meaningful Sand Ceremony.

Beach wedding sand ceremony. Jade Whaley Timaru and Lake Tekapo marriage celebrant in NZ
You can create any combo you wish This 'sand creation' has coloured sand and sand from the beach.
The wedding sand ceremony has become increasingly popular for couples seeking a unique and meaningful way to symbolise their marriage.

​Unlike traditional rituals such as the unity candle ceremony, the wedding sand ceremony involves blending coloured sand to represent the coming together in marriage.

It is not just for weddings. It can be any occassion.
​I have done a sand ceremonies at baby namings, a 50th birthday, a new business, vow renewals and a farewell for a child going overseas. 
​Although its origins are uncertain, it seems to have been started by either Hawaiians or Native Americans. They would each pick up sand or fine soil and through into the wind together. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, Maori will use soil from their town.city of birth for a "whenua merge". 

The sand ceremony typically occurs during the main wedding ceremony.  The timing nicely fits in after the signing, while they are still at the signing table. After the sand ceremony they can go back to end of the aisle for the final words as they walk down the aisle as a married couple.  
Wedding sand ceremony with orange and yellow with Jade Whaley marriage celebrant in Timaru, NZ>
I like a funnel with a small necked bottle or container to ensure the sand goes where it is suppose too.

How does it work?

The basic steps involve placing a clear glass vase (or bottle) on a small table at the ceremony location, with two smaller vases containing different coloured sands on either side. ( If you are including children or family members you may want a different colour fro each of them.)

​The couple then pours sand from their individual vases into the central vase, creating a layered effect.

Finally, they pour the remainder of the sand into the vase simultaneously so that the two colours combine and cannot be separated, symbolising their unity in marriage.

Of course, I can include variations to suit different types of weddings. 
​
For a small necked bottle: A funnel is a must; otherwise, it can get messy. Working out the amount of sand needed to fill the bottle is also essential. 
Three sands being poured into glass container for wedding ceremony. NZ Marriage celebrant Jade Whaley
We can incorporate family, children, beliefs, culture and religion.

Make it personal

Children
A sand ceremony is perfect for couples with children. You have each child pour sand from their small vase into the central vase, creating a layer that blends their sand with the couple

Parents and/or Whanau
The couple's parents, or broader family, take turns and pour sand into the central vase before the couple, symbolising their support for the union. It's nice to start with the eldest people first: grandparents, then parents, then the couple.
Religious or spiritual beliefs
A variation involves filling one-third of the central vase with white sand before the ceremony to represent God / Mother nature / Gaia.  You can of course have any belief that can be used as the foundation for the couple's happy marriage. 

What you need to know

Sand ceremony with six different colours for wedding ceremony with Jade Whaley, Timaru marriage celebrant for same sex couple.
BEFORE: David + Joshua included their four beautiful children in their wedding sand ceremony | Photo: Jade
The wedding sand ceremony is ideal for any type of ceremony, outdoor or informal weddings. It  needs to being on a sturdy table in a non-windy area. 

Wedding sand ceremony kits can be ordered online in various sand colours to suit any wedding theme —some craft shops stock them.

Once the ceremony is complete, the central vase can be sealed with wax or its cap.

A wedding sand ceremony offers a unique and personal way for couples to symbolise their unity and commitment to each other.

A sand ceremony is a great addition to any wedding, celebration, or vow renewal. It offers a special way to express your love and commitment to each other, and creates a lasting memory that you'll cherish for years to come.

​If you're looking for a unique wedding ceremony idea consider having a sand ceremony and celebrate your love.
Same sex couple have rainbow wedding and sand ceremony to include children with Jade Whaley, Timaru marriage celebrant, NZ.
AFFTER: How gorgeous is this beautiful keepsake. I am sure Joshua and David will treasure it for ever | Photo: Jade
Sand ceremony at Lake Tekapo wedding with Jade Whaley Timaru celebrant in NZ.
Courtney + Scott | Lake Tekapo | Photographer: Chris Stanley Focus Photography

Hot Tip!

If you use sand from your hometown beach, it must be cleaned, dried and prepared at least a few days before. When collecting beach sand, aim to take the light, dry sand near the dunes instead of the wet sand on the tide line. It is amazing how many insects and rubbish can be in the sand.  Scoop a little more than you think,  just in case you need it. 

Clean the sand well ( I like it cleaned twice) and dry spread out on a flat surface. ( use an old  baking tray)

More Ideas for Symbolic Enactments

Marriage celebrant Jade Whaley with family memory box ceremony at wedding at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, NZ
Family Memory  Box
Couple having cords tied with a wedding handfasting. Jade Whaley Timaru celebrant NZ.
Handfasting
Unity candle ritual during wedding ceremony. Jade Whaley, South Canterbury marriage celebrant in NZ.
Unity Candle
Tree planting ceremony at your wedding. Family looking at Jade Whaley marriage celebrant in Timaru, NZ.
Tree Planting
Picture
Sand Ceremony
Wine and whiskey box ceremony held by Jade Whaley marriage celebrant at Mt Cook Lakeside retreat, Pukaki Lake, Mackenzie country.
Wine or Whiskey Box

 Connect for an obligation free chat. Let's get you two lovebugs married!

Same sex couple married by Jade Whaley, Timaru and Lake Tekapo wedding celebrant.
David + Joshua married with a beautiful personalised ceremony and sand ceremony enactment. | Photo: From Couple
"​We can meet at my home in Queen Street, at a local cafe or bar, or we can zoom!

Let's chat and discuss what you want and need.
​
If you don't know what you want in a ceremony ​- ​not a problem, I am full of good ideas!"


Love, ​Jade x
Connect with Jade
Photo credits throughout this website to: Agnes Grace Photo + Film, Laura Johns Photography, Kate Baron Photography, Beth Lambourne Photography, Focus Photography, Claudia Pyke Photography, Joseph O"Sullivan Photography, Amerikiwi Photo + Film, Jessica Leigh Photos
​

♡♡♡  LGBTTQIA   ♡♡♡   Jade Whaley (she/her)   ♡♡♡   Everybody welcome  ♡♡♡ 
Email Jade
Ring Jade
Facebook Jade

WEDDINGS

Ultimate Love - Celebrant + MC $999

Personalised Marriage Ceremonies  $500 

Elopements: Timaru, South Canterbury + Beyond ​

Small Weddings ​
Timaru

Registry Weddings ​​$90
​

​Symbolic Enactments Wedding

packages

Morelea Lakeside Tekapo Elopement
​Package: Venue + Celebrant +  Photographer 

Tekapo 'Lakeside Love' Elopement Packages Celebrant + Photographer

Kingsdown Chapel Elopement Packages Celebrant + Venue + Photographer

Timaru Love Elopement Package Celebrant + Photographer 

END OF LIFE

All End of Life Services
 
Death Doula
​
​Funerals 

Memorials

Pre-written Funeral Ceremony
​

​Death Cafe Timaru

CELEBRATIONS

Naming Ceremony

Vow Renewal Ceremony

MC - Events + Weddings
​
​Speech Writing
​

Popular posts

Writing wedding-vows
Planning
wedding-planning
​

INFORMATION

Contact Jade
About Jade
​South Canterbury Wedding Vendors
Prices
Reviews
Blog
For You
​

Legal Info

Terms Of Use
​Privacy Policy
Jade is a Registered Independent Marriage + Funeral Celebrant in New Zealand. Validated Member of CANZ - Celebrants Aotearoa of New Zealand. Diploma in Celebrant Studies 2017 (NZ) from the Celebrant School Appointed by the DIA to conduct Registry Weddings 
Jade Whaley Timaru marriage celebrant seen in Bride and Groom, Canterbury Bride,  Stuff, The Courier, Nova, Pride Pledge and VCANZ celebrant.
Site made with 💜 in 🇳🇿 by Jade Whaley Celebrant © 2017 -2025
  • Home
  • Wedding Celebrant
    • Celebrant + MC Combo Ultimate $999.
    • Personalised Weddings Designed for You $499
    • Micro Weddings (25 guests) from $299
    • Elopement Weddings (8 guests) from $255
    • Timaru Registry Wedding $90
    • Elopement Packages from $1249
  • Packages
    • Tekapo 'Lakeside Love' Elopement Celebrant + Photographer
    • Lake Tekapo 'Morelea Lakeside' Elopement Package: Venue + Celebrant + Photographer
    • Lake Pukaki + Tekapo Lupins Weddings + Elopement Packages and Celebrant
    • Geraldine Stonebridge Elopement | Venue + Celebrant + Photographer
    • Timaru Elopement Package: Celebrant + Photographer
    • Timaru 'Kingsdown Manor Chapel' Elopement Package: Celebrant + Photographer + Venue
    • Tekapo Venue + Celebrant + Planner at Morelea Lakeside Weddings
  • Celebrate
    • All Celebration Services
    • Naming | Baby Blessing
    • Vow Renewal in Timaru, South Canterbury + Beyond
  • Blog
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • About
    • Jade the Celebrant
    • Current Prices
  • End of Life Services
    • Death Doula
    • Funerals
    • Memorials
    • The Ceremony
    • Pre-Written Funeral Ceremony - Your Last Wishes