Handfasting ceremonies that don’t ask you to tone it down
Pagan-inspired weddings held in historic places, led by celebrants who make space for freedom, joy, and individuality.
Services
Handfastings
Celebration of Life
Vow Renewal
Naming Ceremonies
Service 5
Service 6
Handfasting ceremonies
However you choose to tie the knot, you’re welcome here.
If you’re reading this, you probably already know you want something a bit different for your wedding. Something with meaning. Something connected to nature, history, or old traditions. You might feel excited by the idea of a handfasting, but also have questions running through your mind. How does it work? Where can it happen? Will everyone feel comfortable? Will it flow? As trained civil celebrants, we guide you through the whole process, from the early ideas right through to the ceremony itself, so you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the big day.
How we guide pagan-inspired handfasting ceremonies
We don’t just arrive on the day and read some words. We’re involved from the start, helping you think through the place, the timing, the traditions, and how everything will feel for you and your guests. Every ceremony we lead is written from scratch, shaped around who you are and how you and your partner want to celebrate your love. There are very few rules beyond being respectful of the land and each other. Our job is to make sure it all comes together in a way that feels authentic to you, no matter how unconventional (yes, even if it’s au naturel!).
Unlimited consultation prior to the ceremony via email, phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp or similar.
A beautifully hand-crafted Celtic Handfasting Ceremony written exclusively for you
A signed commemorative Certificate
Preparation of the sacred circle
Handfasting ribbon or cord in the colours of your choice – yours to keep, knotted in the true tradition!
A handmade, traditional besom broom decorated with coloured ribbons of your choice
A silver Celtic Loving Cup for the toast, filled with mead, wine or water
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Historic wedding venues we know well in the UK
Many couples choose handfasting because of its connection to land and history. We’re fortunate to live among some remarkable ancient sites, and we’ve spent years getting to know how different places feel at different times of day and year. Some locations feel open and expansive. Others feel quiet and held. Some suit larger gatherings. Others are better for something more intimate. We’ll help you think it through and choose somewhere that suits you and the kind of day you’re imagining.
We regularly lead handfastings at:
Stonehenge
Avebury
Rollright Stones
Stanton Dew
We also know many lesser-known standing stones and woodland sites if you’re looking for something quieter or more private, and we can travel outside the UK if needed.
See all location optionsWhat the day felt like, in their words
Being invited into these moments is something we never take lightly.
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However you choose to tie the knot, you’re welcome here.
If you’re reading this, you probably already know you want something a bit different for your wedding. Something with meaning. Something connected to nature, history, or old traditions. You might feel excited by the idea of a handfasting, but also have questions running through your mind. How does it work? Where can it happen? Will everyone feel comfortable? Will it flow? As trained civil celebrants, we guide you through the whole process, from the early ideas right through to the ceremony itself, so you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the big day.
How we guide pagan-inspired handfasting ceremonies
We don’t squeeze this into a single call. We usually talk a few times over the months leading up to the day, getting to know you properly as ideas settle and take shape. By the time your ceremony arrives, everything feels familiar, thought through, and easy to step into.
We talk things through properly
We start with a proper conversation. Your ideas, beliefs, questions, and practical considerations are very important to us. There’s no rush.
We get to know you
We listen carefully to your relationship, your story, and the people around you. That understanding shapes the ceremony.
We guide the day itself
We write everything thoughtfully, check it with you, and then lead the ceremony so you can relax and be present.
What we bring to handfasting ceremonies
See why couples like working with us.
Ceremonies written from scratch
Nick writes every ceremony himself, drawing on his Druidry and bardic practice. The words are shaped around your story, your values, and the meaning you want to give the day.
A married celebrant team
We’re a husband-and-wife team, and we guide ceremonies the same way we live: together. That brings a calm, balanced energy that couples and families really feel.
Gentle guidance for everyone there
We explain what’s happening as we go and look after you and your guests. Even those new to handfasting tend to relax quickly and enjoy the experience.
Trusted, professional, and fully covered
We’re members of the Association of Independent Celebrants and fully insured. You get the freedom of a non-religious ceremony, held with professionalism and care.
Grounded understanding of pagan traditions
From handfasting cords and circle casting to loving cups and broom jumping, Nick draws on lived knowledge of pagan ritual, always chosen thoughtfully and explained clearly.
Deep knowledge of ancient places
We know these sites well: how they feel, how they work, and what’s allowed. That means fewer worries on the day and a ceremony that fits the place naturally.
What you might be wondering
People often come to us with lots of questions about handfasting ceremonies. Here are some of the ones we’re asked most often.
What is a handfasting?
A handfasting is an ancient form of wedding ceremony where a couple’s hands are bound together to symbolise commitment. Historically, it marked a couple choosing one another in front of their community. Today, many couples love it for its warmth, symbolism, and strong connection to pagan and Celtic traditions.
Is a pagan wedding legally binding?
In England and Wales, a pagan wedding ceremony (including a handfasting) isn’t legally binding on its own. Many couples choose to complete the legal paperwork separately, often with a simple registry office visit, and then treat the handfasting as the true heart of their wedding day.
Scotland works differently. In Scotland, celebrants can legally marry couples, and that includes pagan and non-religious ceremonies. This means a handfasting or pagan-inspired ceremony can be fully legally binding there, as long as the correct paperwork is completed in advance.
Who can perform a handfasting ceremony?
A handfasting is usually led by a trained celebrant with experience in pagan or non-religious ceremonies, like ourselves. The most important responsibility we have is understanding the tradition, guiding people clearly, and holding the ceremony with confidence and care.
Can you explain the meaning of the handfasting cord colours?
Colours are often chosen to reflect qualities that matter to you as a couple, like love, trust, balance, strength, or growth. There’s no single rule. We’ll talk it through with you and help you choose colours that feel meaningful and personal.
Can we use handfasting ribbons instead of cords?
Yes, absolutely. Some couples love the softness and colour range of ribbons, while others prefer the weight and feel of cords. The choice is yours!
Which Celtic wedding traditions can be included?
Depending on what feels right for you, we can include handfasting itself, calling in the four elements or directions, honouring ancestors, lighting candles, sharing a ceremonial drink from a loving cup, jumping the broom, or involving friends and family as guardians of the circle. We will discuss all your options and choose what feels good to you together.
Do you work at historic wedding venues across the UK and Scotland?
Yes. We regularly lead handfastings across the UK and Scotland at historic sites, stone circles, and ancient landscapes, always working respectfully within site guidelines.
What is allowed at historic or protected sites?
Every site is different. Some allow ceremonies freely, while others require permission or limit numbers, props, or timing. We’ll help you understand what’s possible and suggest locations that suit your plans and your guests.
Will you help us choose a location?
Absolutely. We know many sites well and are happy to suggest places based on atmosphere, accessibility, privacy, and the experience you want for the day.
Get started
Does this feel like your kind of wedding day?
Reach out and tell us a bit about what you’re hoping for. We’ll take it from there.