✨ Jumping the Broom Ceremony

Honouring Tradition. Celebrating Unity. Leaping Into Love.

The Jumping the Broom ceremony is a powerful, joyful, and unforgettable ritual that symbolises the beginning of a couple’s new life together. Often placed at the conclusion of a wedding ceremony, this vibrant tradition invites the newlyweds to literally leap into their future — hand-in-hand — while surrounded by the love and cheers of their family and friends.

More than just a charming gesture, jumping the broom carries a profound spiritual and cultural legacy. Rooted in West African customs and embraced over generations by African American and Caribbean communities, it represents courage, hope, and unity. For many, it is also a powerful way to reclaim a heritage that was once denied, and to honour ancestors whose voices still echo through this sacred act of love.

During times of slavery, when enslaved people were not permitted to legally marry, couples turned to cultural rituals to publicly declare their union. Jumping the broom became one such expression — a bold and beautiful ceremony that said, “We choose each other. We are united in love.” This tradition continues today, passed lovingly from one generation to the next, growing in popularity as couples seek meaningful ways to connect with history, heritage, and heart.

🌿 What Does Jumping the Broom Symbolise?

Jumping the broom is rich in meaning and emotion. Each element carries a deep and intentional significance:

A New Beginning – The jump marks the start of your married life, a fresh chapter filled with love, promise, and partnership.

Unity – It’s a declaration that you are now one — emotionally, spiritually, and publicly.

Respect for Ancestry – Honouring those who came before you, especially those who maintained this tradition through times of oppression and hardship.

Spiritual Cleansing – As the broom “sweeps away” the past, it symbolises letting go of negativity and embracing a hopeful future.

Family and Community Involvement – This is not just a moment for the couple, but a celebration shared with all who surround and support them.

How the Ceremony Works

A beautifully adorned broom is prepared in advance — often decorated with flowers, ribbons, family colours, or cultural symbols that reflect the couple’s journey. At a chosen point in the ceremony, usually before the pronouncement or during the closing moments, the broom is placed at the couple’s feet.

With hands joined, hearts aligned, and often accompanied by music or spoken blessings, the couple jumps together over the broom in a coordinated leap. The crowd cheers, claps, and sometimes even joins in with song or drum beats. It’s a beautiful, exhilarating moment — one that blends heritage, love, and joy into a single, unforgettable act.

Some couples choose to preserve their ceremonial broom as a keepsake, displaying it in their home as a symbol of their commitment and the joyful beginning of their married life.

 Who Can Include This Tradition?

The Jumping the Broom ceremony is available to any couple seeking to include a culturally rich, emotionally meaningful, and spiritually uplifting ritual into their wedding. You do not need to be of African heritage to embrace this tradition, but if you are, it offers a powerful connection to your roots.

Couples often choose this ritual for its symbolism, its dramatic beauty, and its ability to tell a story that is deeply personal. Whether you're blending two cultures, honouring your ancestors, or simply seeking something unique and heartfelt — this ceremony makes a powerful statement.

 Reverend Ben: Guiding You Every Step of the Way

Reverend Ben brings care, authenticity, and spiritual understanding to every ceremony he leads. If you wish to include Jumping the Broom in your wedding day, Reverend Ben will work with you to ensure it’s delivered with respect, clarity, and celebration. Together, you will design a moment that reflects your values, your heritage, and your love story.

With years of experience crafting bespoke wedding ceremonies across Kent, London, and the Home Counties, Reverend Ben brings warmth, inclusivity, and professionalism to each couple he serves.

“As you jump this broom, may you leap forward in love, courage, and unity — sweeping away what was, and stepping into all that will be. May your marriage be strong, your bond unbreakable, and your journey full of blessings.”

 Ready to Learn More?

If you’d like to include the Jumping the Broom tradition in your wedding ceremony — or just want to explore your options — contact Reverend Ben today. Together, you’ll create a personalised and unforgettable moment that will be cherished for a lifetime.

a📧 Email: ben@lifecelebrant.uk
Serving couples across London, Kent, and the Home Counties.