Tree Planting Wedding Ceremony: The Ultimate Guide to This Unique Unity
Are you a plant lover at heart? Then a tree planting ceremony might be the perfect unity ritual for your wedding day! Even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb (trust me, I once killed a cactus—how does that even happen?!), you can still take part in this beautiful and symbolic tradition. The idea behind a tree planting unity ceremony is simple yet powerful: just as you nurture the tree and help it grow, you and your partner will nurture your marriage and watch your love deepen over time.
Of course, if keeping plants alive isn’t your strongest skill, you can always choose a hardy, low-maintenance tree or potted plant that will thrive with minimal care. After all, the whole point is that the tree represents your marriage—so you don’t want to risk the symbolism by letting it wither! Hardy plants like olive trees, succulents, or evergreens are wonderful options that symbolize resilience and lasting strength.
The beauty of a tree planting ceremony is how versatile and customizable it can be. Some couples incorporate soil from each of their hometowns, others invite family members to pour water, and some plant the tree directly in their backyard or a special location that holds meaning. Whether you’re having a rustic outdoor wedding, a backyard celebration, or even a modern indoor ceremony with a potted tree, this unity ritual adds a personal and heartfelt touch.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about including a tree planting unity ceremony in your wedding. From its deep symbolism to creative ways to personalize it, this unique ritual might just be the perfect way to say “I do” while planting the roots of your new life together.
What is a Tree Planting Ceremony?
A tree planting ceremony (also called a unity tree ceremony) is a beautiful and symbolic ritual where a couple plants a tree together during their wedding ceremony to represent the joining of their lives in marriage. Just like traditional unity rituals such as the candle or sand ceremony, a tree planting adds a meaningful, hands-on element to your vows. During the ceremony, the couple typically adds soil and water to a potted tree, symbolizing their shared commitment to nurture and grow their relationship.
After the wedding, the couple takes the tree home—or plants it in a special location like their backyard, family property, or another meaningful place—and watches it flourish for years to come. This living reminder becomes a long-lasting symbol of their union, growing alongside their marriage.
One of the best parts about a unity tree ceremony is its flexibility. Not every couple chooses an actual tree; some opt for a potted plant, succulent, or even an herb garden. The key is choosing something that reflects your relationship and feels manageable for your lifestyle. For example, a couple who loves to cook together may choose to plant a rosemary or olive tree, while another couple might choose an evergreen to symbolize strength and longevity.
The symbolism behind planting a tree is deeply moving. Just as a tree’s roots anchor it to the ground, a strong marriage is built on a solid foundation of trust, love, and partnership. And just as branches stretch and grow toward the sky, your marriage will continue to expand and flourish throughout the years.
What Does a Tree Symbolize in Marriage?
Trees have been a universal symbol of life, growth, and stability across cultures for centuries, making them a powerful representation of marriage. In the context of a wedding, a unity tree ceremony embodies qualities every couple hopes to cultivate:
Strength and Stability – A tree’s sturdy trunk represents the foundation of your marriage, standing strong through life’s challenges.
Life and Vitality – With water and care, a tree continues to thrive, just as your marriage will when nurtured with love and effort.
Roots – The roots of the tree represent family, heritage, and the deep bond that grounds your relationship.
Growth and Renewal – As the tree grows and blossoms over time, it reflects the way your marriage will evolve and strengthen throughout the years.
When you choose to include a tree planting unity ceremony in your wedding, you’re not just performing a ritual—you’re creating a living, breathing reminder of your promises. Each time you see your tree or plant, you’ll be reminded of the vows you exchanged and the life you’re building together.
When Does the Tree Planting Ceremony Take Place?
One of the great things about a tree planting wedding ceremony is its flexibility—it can be incorporated at almost any point during your wedding day. That said, most couples choose to include it after exchanging their wedding vows and rings. This timing makes sense because it naturally flows as a symbol of the promises you’ve just made to one another.
Here’s how it usually works: after the vows, your officiant will pause to introduce the tree planting ceremony, explaining its meaning and why you chose this particular tree or plant. This moment allows your guests to understand the symbolism behind the ritual—how the tree represents your marriage taking root, growing, and flourishing over time. Then, you and your partner will add soil, water, or other symbolic elements to the pot or planter. Don’t worry—you won’t get too dirty! The act is simple but powerful, showing your commitment to nurture your relationship as you nurture the tree.
Once the planting is complete, the officiant will typically offer a reflection, connecting the imagery of the tree with your marriage: its roots symbolizing foundation and family, its branches symbolizing growth and expansion, and its resilience representing your ability to weather any storms together. This creates a deeply moving transition before the officiant concludes your ceremony and pronounces you married.
While the most traditional placement is after vows, some couples choose to incorporate the unity tree ceremony at other moments:
Before vows to set the tone of the ceremony.
During the unity ritual section, in place of a candle or sand ceremony.
As part of a family ritual, involving children or parents in the planting to symbolize joining families.
No matter where you place it, the tree planting ceremony adds a meaningful pause in your wedding that allows you—and your guests—to reflect on the importance of building a marriage that grows and thrives over time.
Set Up:
Its easier if you have the potted plant setup ahead of time so all you and your fiancé will need to do is add soil and water. You don’t want to spend 5 minutes up at the altar actually planting a tree, right?
With that being said, you'll need the following:
Table
2 small jars for the dirt (dirt can be taken from wherever it is significant to you and your fiancé, or you can purchase at a garden center)
One potted plant that is special to the couple
A watering can filled with water
A separate pot (optional)
Two shovels to move the dirt (optional)
Logistics of a Tree Planting Ceremony
When it comes to the logistics of planning a tree planting ceremony for your wedding, the good news is that it’s relatively simple and flexible. While most couples choose to perform this unity ritual outdoors—especially at rustic, garden, or backyard weddings—it can easily be adapted for indoor ceremonies as well. If you’re indoors, simply choose a smaller potted plant or sapling that won’t create a mess and can be transported easily after the wedding. Even houseplants like olive trees, succulents, or fiddle leaf figs work beautifully.
Here’s a breakdown of how the ceremony typically unfolds:
Introduction by the Officiant – Your officiant begins by explaining the significance of the tree planting ritual to your guests, sharing why you chose this particular tree or plant and what it symbolizes in your marriage. This step sets the tone and helps everyone present understand the deeper meaning behind the tradition.
Planting the Tree Together – The couple then takes turns adding soil to the pot, symbolizing the way each partner contributes to the foundation of the marriage. You may also choose to include soil from meaningful places—such as your childhood homes or current city—to represent your lives coming together.
Watering the Tree – After planting, the couple waters the tree together. This represents the love, care, and effort required to nurture a marriage and help it grow strong. Some couples even invite children, parents, or other family members to participate as a way to symbolize the joining of families.
Reflection from the Officiant – To conclude, the officiant reflects on the symbolism of the ritual, drawing parallels between your marriage and the tree itself. The roots represent strength and stability, the trunk symbolizes support and partnership, and the branches symbolize growth, renewal, and the ability to weather any storms together.
Different Ways to Perform a Tree Planting Ceremony
The beauty of including a tree planting ceremony at your wedding is that there’s no single “right” way to do it. This unity ritual is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize the tradition so it reflects your relationship, your family, and your wedding style. Whether you’re looking for something simple and symbolic or elaborate and interactive, here are a few popular approaches to inspire you:
1. Choose Between a Tree or Another Plant
Traditionally, couples plant a sapling tree to symbolize their marriage growing and flourishing over time. However, you don’t have to stick with a tree if it doesn’t feel practical or meaningful for you. Many couples opt for potted plants, succulents, or even herbs like rosemary or lavender. This is especially ideal if you live in an apartment or want a plant you can keep indoors after your wedding.
2. Plant in a Pot or Directly in the Ground
One option is to plant your sapling in a half-filled pot during the ceremony, which you can later transplant into your yard or another meaningful location. Alternatively, some couples choose to plant their tree directly in the ground during the ceremony—a wonderful option for backyard weddings or celebrations held on family property where the tree will remain for years to come.
3. Add Soil to a Pre-Potted Tree
If you’d rather avoid the mess of planting during your ceremony, consider starting with a pre-potted tree and simply adding jars of soil from meaningful places (like your hometowns or current city). Then, you and your partner can water the tree together. This still incorporates the symbolic elements without requiring you to handle too much dirt mid-ceremony.
4. Involve Family Members in the Planting
A family tree planting ceremony can be especially meaningful for couples blending families. You might invite children, parents, or even grandparents to join in by adding soil or water. Each person’s contribution represents their support in helping your marriage grow strong roots and thrive. This is a beautiful way to symbolize not just your union, but the uniting of families as well.
5. Skip the Planting, Just Add Water
If you’re worried about logistics or simply prefer a minimalist approach, you can also skip the planting altogether. Start with a tree or plant already potted and established, and simply water the tree together with your partner during the ceremony. This version is simple, elegant, and still carries the same symbolic meaning of nurturing your love and marriage.
Whether you’re planting a tree, a houseplant, or even herbs for your future kitchen garden, the most important part of a tree planting unity ceremony is that it reflects you as a couple. You can tie in cultural traditions, invite family to participate, or even use soil from places that represent your journey together. No matter how you perform it, this ritual serves as a powerful reminder that love—like a tree—requires care, patience, and nurturing to grow strong and last a lifetime.
Types of Trees and Their Symbolism in Weddings
While you could simply choose any tree for your tree planting wedding ceremony, many couples prefer to select a tree with deeper meaning. Incorporating symbolism into your unity ritual makes the moment even more personal and significant. Whether it ties back to your childhood, a special memory with your partner, or simply the values you want to carry into your marriage, choosing the right tree adds a beautiful layer of intention to your ceremony.
Here are some popular types of trees and what they symbolize in the context of marriage:
Apple Tree – Love, Fertility, Truth, and Beauty
An apple tree is a powerful symbol of love and fertility, making it a meaningful choice for couples starting a family or prioritizing growth in their marriage. Apples are often associated with abundance, sweetness, and health, reflecting the nourishing nature of a committed relationship.
Birch Tree – Adaptability, New Beginnings, and Regeneration
Known as a pioneer species that thrives in even the toughest conditions, the birch tree represents adaptability and resilience. Choosing a birch for your unity ceremony is perfect for couples embarking on a fresh chapter together, symbolizing new beginnings and the ability to regenerate through life’s challenges.
Elm Tree – Unity, Perspective, and Freedom
The elm tree is often associated with strength, dignity, and connection. In the context of marriage, it symbolizes unity and the balance of individuality and partnership. Planting an elm during your ceremony can represent the shared perspective and freedom you give one another within your marriage.
Fig Tree – Stability, Faith, and Enlightenment
For centuries, the fig tree has been tied to abundance, wisdom, and enlightenment. Choosing a fig tree symbolizes stability and a faith-filled marriage that thrives with care. Its nourishing fruit also represents prosperity and the growth of a fruitful life together.
Maple Tree – Longevity, Protection, and Abundance
The maple tree is a strong choice for couples looking to honor lasting love. Symbolizing longevity and protection, the maple reflects the enduring nature of marriage. If your relationship began under a maple tree or during autumn, this tree adds even more sentimental value.
Oak Tree – Life, Health, and Family Unity
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of strength, the oak tree represents life, stability, and deep family roots. Oaks grow strong and wide, with branches that stretch far and roots that run deep—making them a beautiful reflection of a marriage that prioritizes health, resilience, and unity.
Pear Tree – Good Health, Longevity, and Abundance
The pear tree is symbolic of wellness and lasting love. In many cultures, it represents immortality and prosperity. Planting a pear tree during your wedding can symbolize a healthy, balanced marriage that continues to flourish year after year.
Pomegranate Tree – Prosperity and Fertility
Rich with seeds, the pomegranate tree has long been associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity. For couples hoping to build a family or simply celebrate the fruitful aspects of love, this tree serves as a meaningful choice.
Willow Tree – Adaptability, Survival, and Renewal
Known for its graceful branches and ability to thrive near water, the willow tree represents flexibility and resilience. Choosing a willow for your ceremony symbolizes the ability to bend without breaking—an important quality for a long and successful marriage. It also reflects renewal, making it a beautiful reminder that love can grow even after challenges.
When selecting a tree for your wedding tree planting ceremony, think about what qualities you and your partner value most in your marriage. Do you want strength and resilience? Adaptability and renewal? Prosperity and abundance? Each tree carries its own symbolism, allowing you to personalize your ceremony in a way that reflects your unique love story.
You can also add sentimental meaning by choosing a tree tied to your history—perhaps one you grew up with in your childhood yard, or a type of tree that marked an important milestone in your relationship. By planting a tree with purpose, you’re creating a living legacy of your vows—something that will continue to grow with you throughout your marriage.
What to Recite During a Tree Planting Ceremony
One of the most important elements of a tree planting unity ceremony is the spoken word that accompanies it. The ritual itself is symbolic, but when paired with thoughtful wording from your officiant (or even from you and your partner), it becomes even more meaningful for you and your guests.
During the ceremony, I often encourage the officiant to explain not only the symbolism of the tree planting but also the personal details that make it unique to your relationship. For example, the officiant might share where the soil came from—did each partner bring dirt from their childhood homes, the house you now share, or a place that represents an important milestone in your love story? Adding these personal touches helps your guests feel connected to the ritual and highlights the significance of the moment.
The officiant can also describe the meaning behind the specific tree or plant you’ve chosen. Perhaps you picked a willow tree because it represents resilience, or an oak because it symbolizes strength and longevity. Explaining this during the ceremony not only educates your guests but also deepens the symbolism of the act.
Finally, the officiant (or the couple themselves) should tie the ritual back to marriage, reflecting on how love—like a tree—must be nurtured, watered, and cared for to grow strong and flourish for years to come.
Example Wording for a Tree Planting Ceremony
Here’s an example script your officiant could adapt:
“Today, [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] will plant this tree as a symbol of their marriage. Just as this tree’s roots will grow deep and strong, so too will their love be grounded in trust, respect, and commitment. The soil they add represents their past—their families, their histories, and the experiences that shaped them. The water they pour symbolizes the care, patience, and love they will give to one another throughout their marriage. And just as this tree will flourish with time and attention, so will their life together continue to grow, blossom, and endure.”
You can keep the wording simple, or add more personal anecdotes, such as mentioning the place you met, your first date, or shared values that inspired your tree choice.
Tips for Personalizing Your Tree Planting Ceremony Script
Include family members: Invite children, parents, or siblings to add soil or water, and ask the officiant to highlight the symbolism of blending families.
Tie in your love story: Share why you chose this ritual—was it inspired by your love of nature, a meaningful memory, or a family tradition?
Highlight symbolism: Make sure your officiant explains the specific qualities of your tree—strength, resilience, abundance, or growth.
Keep it authentic: Whether heartfelt, poetic, or even lighthearted, the recitation should feel true to you as a couple.
The act of planting a tree is powerful on its own, but adding intentional unity ceremony wording ensures your guests understand and appreciate its significance. By reciting words that connect the tree to your love story, your officiant helps create a ceremony that is not only symbolic but deeply personal and memorable.
A tree planting ceremony is one of the most meaningful and symbolic unity rituals you can include in your wedding day. Whether you choose a sturdy oak to represent strength, a graceful willow for adaptability, or a simple potted plant that you can nurture together at home, this tradition is a beautiful way to reflect the love, growth, and commitment that marriage requires. Beyond its symbolism, a tree planting unity is highly customizable—you can involve family members, choose soil from special places, or add personal recitations that make the moment uniquely yours.
By planting a tree together, you’re not only marking the beginning of your marriage, but also creating a living, lasting reminder of your vows. Just as your relationship will grow, adapt, and flourish over time, so too will the roots and branches of your unity tree. If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly, and heartfelt way to symbolize your love story, a tree planting wedding ceremony might be the perfect fit.