"Gifts from the Sea" Necklace Ceremony

Bride and groom alternately give each other a decorative shell necklace (that are yours to keep) as the minister says the following! This can be a stand alone ceremony, or a fun addition to any of our offerings. We can also adapt this to include your children.

The minister opens with the following:

"The ocean, being the powerful force that she is, will often times grant gifts to those who embrace her with childlike love in their hearts. So please allow love for the mother ocean, her endless bounty, and all of our best wishes for this newly married couple to enter our hearts, as __ and __ present each other with some gifts of the sea."

The gift of patience

 Just as this barrier island withstands the tides of change, giving ground when needed, patiently rebuilding itself in ever-changing ways in response to the demands of nature, it’s never impatient, never anxious! Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.

Bride: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of patience.

The gift of forgiveness

Just as the tides sweep the sands clean of yesterday’s sandcastles and footprints- and yesterday’s history, the sea brings us the gift of renewal and forgiveness. Let every new day bring a new beginning to your life’s adventure, and forgiveness of hurt.

Groom: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of forgiveness.  

The gift of mystery

 Just as the waves that break before us arrive from unknown origins beyond the horizon, so does the sea offer us the gift of mystery.  May your love always have excitement and mystery, guided and buoyed by faith in your commitment to each other for all of your days.

Bride: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of mystery.

The gift of playfulness

Just as the seagulls drift and dip and float on the sea-breezes and rushing waves, let this necklace bring to this union the gift of playful abandon; of sandcastles and buried treasure, and of unhurried and buoyant floating on the waves of life. May you always be playful, spontaneous, and creative.

Groom: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of playfulness.  

The gift of eternalness

 Just as the cycle of tides and sunsets have always been and always will be, so too can you depend on the strength of your love and faith in each other. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean’s ebb and flow, so will every day begin and end with both of you loving each other with all your hearts. May your love and loyalty  always be as faithful and dependable as the tides!

Bride: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of eternalness.

The gift of love

 Just as the beach will always be a place for lovers, may your lives together be an endless lover’s stroll on a windswept shore. And just as the powerful landfall of the sea can be felt right through the beach and into your bodies, may the power of your love be felt through your hearts to find a home in each others arms.

Groom: With this necklace, I give to you a gift from the sea…the gift of my love.

This ceremony is the property of Beachpeople, and may not be used without our permission!