A handfasting ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate love and unity during a wedding or commitment ceremony. But how do you create a handfasting ceremony script if you’ve never been to one of these ceremonies?
We’re here to help!
In this post, we provide you with a handfasting ceremony script that you can customize to suit your unique love story. Let’s explore the steps and elements of a memorable handfasting ceremony.
What is a Handfasting Ceremony?
This ancient Celtic tradition has gained popularity in modern weddings for its symbolic gestures and personalization.
A handfasting ceremony is a symbolic ritual where a couple’s hands are bound together, symbolizing their union and commitment to each other.
Handfasting dates back to ancient Celtic traditions and was considered a temporary marriage contract. Today, it is a cherished symbol of love and commitment in various cultural and religious ceremonies.
Check out this real wedding with a pagan handfasting ceremony.
Elements of a Handfasting Ceremony
In order to create a handfasting ceremony script on your own, it’s important to understand all the elements that go into this type of ceremony.
Opening Words
Welcome the guests and express the significance of the handfasting ceremony in your relationship.
Acknowledge the ancient roots of the tradition and its relevance in modern times.
Explanation of Handfasting
Share the meaning and symbolism behind the handfasting ritual.
Discuss how it represents the binding of two souls and the commitment to journey through life together.
Set the stage for the handfasting ritual by explaining its significance to all attendees. Describe how it symbolizes the couple’s offering of their lives to one another and the binding of their futures in commitment and intention.
Exchange of Vows
Give each partner the opportunity to express their personal vows to one another.
Encourage them to share their promises, hopes, and dreams for their future together.
Handfasting Ritual
Introduce the ceremonial cord or ribbon that will be used for binding the couple’s hands.
Have the couple face each other, holding hands, with the cord/ribbon draped over their joined hands.
Tying The Ribbon Or Cord
Draping a ribbon or cord over the couple’s clasped hands is a pivotal moment in the handfasting ceremony. If the couple has specific preferences, accommodate them.
Otherwise, keep it simple and follow these steps:
- Ask the couple to hold one another’s hands, with the hands farthest from the officiant facing each other.
- Place the ribbon or cord over their joined hands.
- Say a few words to further emphasize the symbolism.
- Loop each end of the ribbon or cord over their hands once and tie a knot underneath
Words of Binding
As the couple’s hands are bound, recite words of binding that reflect their commitment and intentions.
This can include traditional vows or personalized promises that are meaningful to the couple.
Blessings and Wishes
Invite family members, friends, or selected participants to share blessings, well wishes, or readings.
This can be an opportunity for loved ones to offer words of support and encouragement.
Consider including the exchange of vows, offering a prayer or blessing, or providing a brief admonishment about the journey of their marriage. This prolongs the significance of the ritual and leads to the final declaration or the first married kiss.
Exchange of Rings (optional)
If desired, incorporate the exchange of rings into the handfasting ceremony.
This can be done before or after the binding of hands, symbolizing the everlasting nature of their commitment.
Final Blessing and Pronouncement
Offer a final blessing or prayer for the couple’s journey together.
Declare them as partners, officially united through the handfasting ceremony.
Untying The Hands
Ensure that the knot is secure but not too tight. If the handfasting occurs before the pronouncement and kiss, the couple can untie themselves at the signing table with less scrutiny.
However, if it is part of the vows, they will need to untie their hands in front of the guests. Keep the ribbon or cord loose enough for them to
Sample Handfasting Ceremony Script
Here is a sample handfasting ceremony script that can inspire you to create your own:
OPTION A: HANDFASTING BEFORE THE VOWS
Officiant: Dearly beloved, today we gather to celebrate the union of [Partner A] and [Partner B] in marriage. A wedding is a beautiful occasion filled with symbolism. Symbols have the power to make ideas tangible, reminding us of special moments, promises, and the merging of two lives. One such symbolic ritual we incorporate today is handfasting.
[Partner A] and [Partner B], please face each other and join hands.
[Officiant drapes the ribbon over their hands with the ends hanging down]
Officiant: Handfasting is an ancient tradition observed in various cultures around the world. By joining hands, [Partner A] and [Partner B] symbolize their free and voluntary commitment to one another. As I fasten your hands together, the ribbon represents the merging of your lives, the unity and bond you share. Today, as you embark on this journey together, your stories intertwine, and your dreams for the future become one.
[Officiant loops the ribbon over twice and ties the knot underneath their hands]
Officiant: [Partner A] and [Partner B], in this moment, I invite you to reflect on the joy and responsibility that awaits you. By entering into the commitment and intention of marriage, you promise to be a lifelong sanctuary for each other, a place of love, understanding, and unwavering support.
Now, as your hands remain bound, it is time for you to make your vows to one another.
[Partner A] and [Partner B] proceed to exchange their vows.
OPTION B: HANDFASTING BEFORE THE PRONOUNCEMENT AND KISS
Officiant: Dearly beloved, we have gathered here to witness and celebrate the love between [Partner A] and [Partner B]. Today, we incorporate a symbolic ritual called handfasting, which holds deep significance and serves as a reminder of the commitment you are making to each other.
[Partner A] and [Partner B], please face each other and join hands.
[Officiant drapes the ribbon over their hands with the ends hanging down]
Officiant: Handfasting is an ancient tradition found in various cultures worldwide. By joining hands, [Partner A] and [Partner B] symbolize their free and voluntary commitment to one another. As I fasten your hands together, the ribbon represents the binding of your lives. From this day forward, your paths merge, your hopes and desires intertwine, and you embark on this journey united in commitment and intention.
[Officiant loops the ribbon over twice and ties the knot underneath their hands]
Officiant: [Partner A] and [Partner B], as your hands remain joined, I invite you to reflect on the joy and responsibility that awaits you. The commitment and intention of marriage mean that you become a lifelong sanctuary for each other, a place of love, acceptance, and profound connection.
May you always remember that within this marriage, you are deeply known and deeply loved.
And now, with great joy, surrounded by your cherished loved ones, I pronounce you husband and wife!
[The couple shares their first married kiss.]
Incorporating Handfasting
A handfasting ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the unity and commitment between two individuals.
By incorporating this ancient Celtic tradition into your wedding or commitment ceremony, you infuse your special day with symbolism and depth.
Use this handfasting ceremony script as a foundation to create a personalized and memorable ceremony that reflects your unique love story.
May your bound hands be a lasting reminder of the love and unity you share as you embark on your journey together.
Handfasting not your vibe? Check out these other short wedding ceremony scripts.