Collection: Handfasting Ceremonies by Serendipity
What Is Handfasting?
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives. While it is most often included in Celtic, Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies, it has become more mainstream and pops up in both religious and secular Weddings. ( Even Harry & Megan had a handfasting at their wedding!)
The History and Meaning of a Handfasting Ceremony
The handfasting ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. In ancient Ireland when two people chose to be married, they were brought together to have a braided cord or ribbon tied around their hands in the presence of a priest. This act merely acknowledged the pair's engagement, which typically ran the length of a year. Today, the tradition is incorporated into the wedding ceremony or is the main event itself. In addition to the binding of hands, vows are also typically exchanged.
How to Have a Handfasting Ceremony
During the ceremony, I would begin by explaining the ritual and what it means to you. It would include you binding your lives together and the union of your hopes and desires. Beautiful Ribbons are wrapped around your hands. You could opt to useIndividual ribbons or twist or braid together a few ribbons and wrap them as one around your hands. You may even choose the Wand & hoop option.
When in the ceremony does it happen?
I usually conduct Handfasting at the end of a Civil ceremony after the vows and ring exchanges. I would bring in the Handfasting at the Element of Earth during a Sacred Ceremony. For a vow renewal you may only be choosing a simple and short handfasting ceremony and therefore we would bring in the vows and ring exchange within this process.
Handfasting at Events.
As I Love Fesitvals and I Love, LOVE, it with so much delight that I am happy to offer Handfasting ceremonies at Events and Fesitvals all over the UK. If you are organising one and would like to know more, please do book a discovery call and we can chat.
To find out more book a discovery call with Elle below.
I'm so excited to meet you 💕✨💕
I am happy to conduct a ceremony almost anywhere, however as I am based in East Devon I work in a 30 mile radius of Honiton Devon at no Extra charge. Travel outside of this area is possible, we just need to chat about location and incurred costs.
I always have an assistant with me to ensure the smooth running of your ceremony so all the prices are inclusive of both myself and my assistant.
History of Handfasting from Bride.com
