Modern Wedding Ritual: Wine Box Ceremony
Photography: Cappy Phalen | Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
You’ve heard of a sand ceremony and you’ve probably even heard of handfasting, but what is a Wine Box Ceremony?
Well first of all, it might be my personal favorite of ALL the added rituals!!
Most traditionally, partners are tasked to write each other a love letter sharing their hopes and dreams for one another. They bring that letter to the ceremony along with a bottle of wine and a wine box.
During the wine box ceremony, the officiant explains that the box will become a time capsule that the letters will now be placed inside of. The couple is instructed to open this box on their 10-year anniversary (or a timeframe otherwise designated by the couple) and enjoy the bottle of wine together as they read their love letters that have long been sealed in the box.
Other variations:
I’ve had couples write one letter together to their future selves.
I’ve had couples seal their personalized vows in lieu of letters as seen in the photo above.
I’ve also had couples add photos and concert tickets to the box in true time capsule form!
What I love about this ritual is its ongoing. I am all about an intentional marriage! This designated time of reflection gives couples the opportunity to not only celebrate their love but assess what’s working…and also what’s not working.
There’s an old proverb that says “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Well sure. Life is going to throw you curve balls. But building and maintaining trust throughout a relationship involves following through, not just for your partner, but for yourself. When you’ve got your plans (vows in this case) laid out, you know when you’re following through. You can hold yourself and each other accountable throughout your marriage.
Because your marriage is just beginning on your wedding day. And it’s up to both of you to keep showing up.
That’s why I love the Wine Box Ceremony. That…and because I love wine.
Customized wine box
Materials: Bottle of wine, a love letter(s) or vows, a wooden box with a lid that can hold the letter(s) and the bottle of wine, a table for it to sit on or a friend to hold the box as seen above. My couples have had great luck getting customized boxes on Etsy!
Officiant Script Example
At this time, PARTNER and PARTNER would like to do something special to remember this day called a wine box ceremony. Along with a bottle of wine, the couple will place the vows they’ve just shared inside of this box. These sealed letters will encapsulate their romance and affection as well as their hopes for the future as a married couple. It will serve as a living promise to each other.
On their 5th anniversary, they’ll open the box, enjoy the wine and read their vows. They’ll be able to reflect on how much they have grown as individuals and how their love and relationship has evolved and matured through marriage.
They will then continue this practice and create a new romantic time capsule every five years henceforth--renewing their vows and sealing them in the box with a bottle of wine. This process offers a continual time of reflection on all the reasons PARTNER and PARTNER fell in love and chose to marry each other here today. May it always remind you of the love you have for each other, be it the 5th or 50th year of your marriage. You may now seal the box.
Two friends attended this elopement ceremony to serve as witnesses and offer support during the ring and wine box portions of the ceremony.
