How to Include a Rose Ceremony in Your Wedding: A Timeless Ritual for Modern Celebrant Weddings in the UK, Spain & Beyond
Add a Touch of Timeless Romance with a Rose Ceremony
When it comes to personalising your wedding ceremony, symbolic rituals are a beautiful way to reflect your story and your values. One of the most elegant and heartfelt options I offer to couples planning their wedding in the UK, Spain, or anywhere across Europe is the Rose Ceremony.
Simple, meaningful, and versatile, this ritual adds a poetic moment of reflection and connection—perfect for couples who want something a little different, yet deeply symbolic.
What Is a Rose Ceremony?
Traditionally, a rose has symbolised love, beauty, and commitment. In a rose ceremony, the couple exchanges a single rose—often their first gift to each other as newlyweds. A red rose signifies enduring love, while other colours can hold their own special meanings.
This ritual can be placed at the end of your vows or included as a quiet, reflective moment just after the ring exchange. It serves as a reminder that even the simplest gestures—like giving a single rose—can carry profound meaning.
Real Ceremonies, Real Stories
The first time I included a rose ceremony was for Susanne & Jacob, a Danish couple who opted for a non-traditional wedding in Spain. With no vows, no ring exchange, and no readings, we knew we wanted something symbolic to mark the moment.
Susanne’s favourite book was The Little Prince, so I read the famous passage where the fox explains how his rose became unique—nurtured with time, care, and love. From there, we flowed beautifully into the rose exchange. It was quiet, sincere, and full of meaning—just like them.
Another couple, Mary & Mike, chose to include a rose ceremony because Mike had proposed with rose petals scattered across the floor. We followed a touching reading of Love Is a Beautiful Thing with the ritual, making it a romantic echo of their engagement story.
Every rose ceremony I craft is completely tailored—based on your personal story, values, and the emotional tone you want to strike.
Why Include a Rose Ceremony in Your Celebrant Wedding?
✅ Universally recognised symbol of love
✅ Easily customised to reflect your story, culture, or values
✅ Perfect for destination weddings in Spain, Italy, Portugal or France—language-free and visually powerful
✅ Ideal alternative to traditional elements (especially for non-religious or non-traditional couples)
✅ Beautiful photo moment—simple and intimate
You might also invite your parents, children, or even guests to be involved—by placing roses in a shared vase, forming a unity bouquet, or using them as part of a blended family ritual.
Creating a Ceremony That Reflects You
As a professional celebrant based between the Costa del Sol and the UK, and working across Europe, I specialise in creating bespoke ceremonies with heart, meaning, and plenty of originality. Whether you're marrying in an olive grove in Andalucía, a vineyard in Bordeaux, or a coastal venue in Cornwall, I’ll help you craft a moment that reflects who you truly are.
From symbolic rituals like the rose ceremony, to readings from your favourite books, to vow-writing support through my soon-to-launch service The Vow Atelier, everything I create is handwritten, heartfelt, and totally unique.
Looking for More Ideas?
I’ve written and delivered ceremonies featuring everything from cocktail rituals and handfastings, to wine box time capsules and guest-involved wish ceremonies. Head to my Real Life Ceremonies blog section for more inspiration and real couple stories.
Final Thought
The rose ceremony is a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, a single rose says everything.
If you’d like to include a symbolic ritual like this in your ceremony—whether in the UK, Spain, or anywhere across Europe—I’d love to help you bring it to life.
📩 Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your wedding day, your vision, and your love story. Let’s make something unforgettable, together.
