Starting your journey as a married couple on the first day of winter holds special meaning. December 21 is the winter solstice. It is also the shortest day of the year (for those in the northern hemisphere). Therefore, it is the longest night. Crisp air. The potential for a snow-covered backdrop. An appreciation and celebration of light and life!
Vows and Poetry
Solstice weddings can feel fresh and magical. They offer perfect opportunities to recognize life cycle traditions, and our connections to the earth and sun. Celebrate nature. If you have a December wedding planned, your Justice of the Peace will help you weave a nod to the winter solstice into your ceremony. Your wedding readings can also be chosen to acknowledge the restorative aspect of winter and the renewal of light that the solstice promises.
We commit ourselves to each other in a time of winter, but the love that brings us here today is the warmest thing I have ever known in my life.
I give myself to you as your partner from this day forward and know that a new life lies before us.
Traditions
Create new family traditions at your wedding ceremony.
- Select symbolic flowers like holly or mistletoe for your bouquet, and then decorate with the same in the years to come. Pine cones and dried berries are other favorites.
- The Yule log is a solstice tradition that started in Norway to welcome the longer days. It was adopted by Christians (Christmas Eve) and many Pagans and Wiccans, too. Light some candles or a fire (Yule log) as part of your ceremony. This can be especially toasty if you are having an outdoor wedding.
- Give back to nature and plant a tree or gift your guests with tree seedlings.
A winter solstice wedding is an opportunity to enrich the words of your ceremony with down-to-earth traditions that embrace the environment. Your professional officiant will know how to make your December wedding resonate with the assurance of the coming of spring and of new life. Find your perfect JP at findaJP.com.
This article was modified from the original written by Carolyn Egan on December 8, 2013.
Related Links
- Writing a ceremony with meaning offers additional tips on vows and readings that matter
- Successful outdoor winter weddings
Loretta Jay is the Managing Member of the Justice of the Peace Association. This is the membership organization for professional marriage officiants. All officiants’ profiles are searchable at findaJP.com, the place where Couples who Click can find their perfect JP.