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Couple planting a new tree.

Tree Planting Wedding Ceremony Script

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  • 12 Minute Ceremony

A tree planting ceremony is where the couple plants a tree together as a symbol of their love and commitment during their wedding ceremony. It’s a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate their union, and planting trees is an act of unity recognized in many cultures. It can be incorporated into nearly any type of wedding, regardless of faith, tradition, or venue.

Exploring the Value of a Wedding Tree Ceremony

Here are some of the benefits of a tree planting ceremony:

  • Symbolism: When a couple plants one together on their big day, they’re creating a visual representation of their commitment to each other.
  • Unity: The act of planting a tree together is a symbol of unity, togetherness, and cooperation. The couple is working together to plant something that is intended to last.
  • Sustainability: Planting a tree is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to celebrate a wedding. The tree can grow and provide benefits to the environment for many years to come.
  • Connection to nature: Planting a tree creates a connection to nature. The tree also establishes a symbolic and spiritual link between the wedding, the marriage, and the beauty of nature.

You can explore these themes in your tree planting ceremony wedding script.

Working Out the Details of a Tree Planting Ceremony

As the officiant, you don’t need to have a green thumb to develop a tree planting ceremony script or event. Consider these tips as you plan and prepare:

  • Choose the right tree. Look for one that is appropriate for the place where it will be planted. Be sure to consider the climate and soil conditions also.
  • Prepare the planting site properly. The hole for the tree should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. The soil should be loose in the bottom of the hole.
  • Plant the tree. Place the sapling or tree gently in the hole and backfill with soil. Remove any air pockets by tamping the soil down gently. Water the tree thoroughly.
  • Include your loved ones. You can involve others in the ceremony by asking them to assist in planting the tree. They can also contribute by helping to plant the tree, backfill the soil, or water the tree.
  • Use a pot. Plant the tree or large plant in a large pot if the venue isn’t the final location of the tree. Either the couple or others in the wedding party can carry out the potted plant as part of a recessional, symbolic of the outside support of the union.

Consider the sample tree planting unity ceremony script below:

OFFICIANT (to everyone):

Welcome, family, friends, and special ones to the wedding of _________ and _________. We’ve gathered here to witness their union and to celebrate their future as spouses.

_________ and _________ have chosen to plant a tree together today as a symbol of their love and dedication to each other. Trees are a symbol of life, growth, strength, and longevity. As the tree grows, puts down roots, and blossoms each season, so will their union.

We will begin with a reading about love.

Reading

OFFICIANT (to guests):

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is…Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.”

-”Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernieres

Declaration of Intent and Planting of Tree

OFFICIANT (to couple):

_________ and _________, is it your intent to take each other as spouses and life partners?

(Couple responds affirmatively and clearly)

OFFICIANT (to couple):

Please look at each other and repeat after me:

(Sample tree wedding ceremony script vow):

Today, I vow to love you unconditionally through every season, in sunshine and rain, through summer heat and winter cold, in times of bounty and times of scarcity, until our time on earth ends. I vow to be your best friend, your lover, and your partner in crime.

_________ and _________, you have pledged your love to another in word, now you will do so in deed. Please join me in planting this tree as a symbol of your love and lifelong commitment.

(The couple and the officiant walk over to the tree planting site. The couple shovels dirt into the hole around the tree. The officiant waters the tree.)

Pronouncement

OFFICIANT (to couple):

_________ and _________, as this tree grows, so too will your love for each other. May your marriage be filled with love, peace, and happiness. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you as married spouses. You may now kiss each other.