Symbolic ceremonies are short and sweet!
Most ceremonies last about 12-15 minutes, including the procession, readings and everything else. At some resorts, where the minister is a wedding coordinator or someone new to the job, we've seen 5-minute ceremonies as well (which usually feel a little too short).
If you have a symbolic wedding you might want to add a few things to make it a little more "special" and personalized. A reading, a sand ceremony, any kind of ritual or event with a meaning will add a little bit of interest to a short ceremony. Some of our couples decided to drink a shot of mamajuana during the ceremony to get the party started early and have some fun while getting rid of the stress at the same time!
A few things that we've seen at our symbolic ceremonies:
- Sand Ceremony
- Light a Unity Candle (Not a great idea on windy days or
- A special reading
- Passing a rope between guests to commit to supporting the marriage
- Putting stones in a jar with the guest's names in them after holding them and placing good energy on them during the ceremony
- Drinking colorful drinks or mamajuana shots
- Tieing a knot together, as a couple
- Jumping a broom
- Tieing the wife + husband hands with a ribbon
- Placing meaningful objects inside a box and open it on the same date, next year
Having a religious ceremony instead? They are a lot longer and most guests usually wish they were a little bit shorter when it's too hot outside. Most religious ceremonies -if not all- are held indoors and most of the time they last about 45 minutes. If you decide to have a religious ceremony please be aware that the time of the day that you choose will absolutely change how enjoyable your ceremony is. If you are dripping sweat for 40 minutes you might want it to end as soon as possible, and that's not the best experience for your wedding day.
