The Unity Candle is a dramatic symbol of marital unity. However, it is not a part of the Rite of Marriage. The primary symbols of the unity of husband and wife in marriage are the exchange of vows and the exchange of rings. The unity candle is both beautiful and sentimental and therefore tends to overshadow the primary and most important symbols of marital unity.
A unity candle ceremony may be more appropriate at the reception following the wedding. It may be a meaningful way of opening the reception with a prayer.