Handfastings

Handfasting is a beautiful rite of passage, during which you express your commitment and to the person you love.

Throughout life we experience transitions and transformations that we wish to mark and celebrate.

In many religions the marriage ceremony is when couples exchange rings which “bind” them together, and the priest performing the ceremony will also drape his scarf/stole over their joined hands.

A handfasting ceremony is a version of all of this without the constraints & pressures of any religion, but also you have the limitless choice of venues. Couples still exchange rings or other signs of their love; their hands are bound together (hand fasted) but the wording of the ceremony is created for them. Usually crafted & written by us as celebrants, to personalise their ceremony.

The limitless choice of venues means that for many couples being “handfasted” in an ancient stone circle also binds them with the elements, earth, wind, water & fire.

Many of the wording used in marriage today have their origins in the handfasting ceremony, like “tying the knot”; “jumping the broom”; “getting hitched” and of course “a binding ceremony”.

Traditionally a handfasting ceremony meant you were a couple for a year and one day. If after that period of time you were both happy with the relationship, you would then renew your vows to make the marriage permanent.

“Current” laws in England & Wales mean that this type of ceremony is not a legal civil marriage. A simple registry office wedding will be needed for the licence, however, your handfasting can still be the main event.