A salt covenant refers to the act of combining individual grains of salt into one vessel during the wedding ceremony. This procedure has its roots in the Old Testament of the Bible. Salt figures so prominently in this tradition because mankind has long considered salt to be a pure substance and representative of good luck. While there are no hard and fast rules for performing a salt covenant at a wedding ceremony, the traditional custom has a basic format.

Determine when you want to perform the salt covenant during the ceremony, which may be at any time.

Fill the two identical glass vials with equal amounts of salt before the wedding ceremony. Place the two identical vials and the one larger vial on a table near the altar.

Have the officiant or a member of the wedding party hand one of the identical glass vials each to the bride and groom at the appropriate time.

The officiant states something to the effect of how marriage symbolizes the joining of individuals into one unified entity, just as via the salt covenant, you are combining separate grains of salt into a single unity vial. Explain that the bride and groom cannot break the pledge and commitment they have made to each other, just as they will not be able to separate the grains of salt in the unity vial. The officiant also can cite a passage from scripture that alludes to the salt covenant, such as Chronicles 13:4-6.

The bride and groom simultaneously pour the vials of salt into the single vessel. Insert a stopper or cap on the larger vial. Place it in an area of prominence in the reception hall.