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What is Handfasting?

Updated: Oct 5


The beauty of a celebrant-led wedding ceremony lies in the freedom it gives couples to create a day that’s truly their own. One timeless and romantic tradition that many couples choose to incorporate is Handfasting.

Handfasting is an ancient ritual, dating back thousands of years, yet it remains incredibly popular in today’s weddings. It was especially common here in Ireland and in Scotland but evidence of forms of Handfasting can be found all over the world.

Couples who are looking for a deeply symbolic and spiritually rich tradition to signify their union often choose this ritual. Handfasting binds a couple’s hands together with ribbon or cord to symbolize their eternal love. It’s a heartfelt gesture that transcends religious or cultural boundaries, making it perfect for all couples—whether they are of strong faith, interfaith, or non-religious.

The Origins of Handfasting

Handfasting’s origins are rooted in Celtic and Druidic traditions. Long before Christianity, couples would use handfasting as their marriage ceremony, binding their hands with strips of fabric torn from old garments. The simplicity and accessibility of the ritual meant it was widely practiced, and today it’s still a beloved part of many wedding ceremonies. It is actually where we get the expression 'Tying the Knot' which has come to mean getting married or engaged.


Why Choose Handfasting?

Handfasting is much more than just a beautiful ritual. It offers couples the chance to celebrate their love in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Here are just a few reasons to consider adding handfasting to your wedding day:

  • Romantic and Timeless: Handfasting is a stunning gesture of love and commitment. Whether you’re tying the knot for the first time or renewing your vows, it’s a beautiful way to honour your relationship.

  • Personal and Symbolic: Couples can personalize their handfasting ceremony in endless ways. The cords or ribbons used can represent important people in their lives, their hopes and dreams, or the unique aspects of their relationship.

  • Opportunity for family & friends to take part: The Handfasting is a beautiful opportunity in the ceremony for loved ones to take part. They can come up and lay individual coloured ribbons across the couples hands or even tie the knot for them! This is a beautiful way to include children or parents in a ceremony.

  • Inclusive and Flexible: This tradition is perfect for couples of all beliefs and backgrounds. It can be as spiritual, nature-based, or secular as you want it to be, with no need to adhere to a specific religious tradition.

  • Cultural Significance: If you have Celtic roots, Handfasting can be a powerful way to honour your heritage and connect with the ancient traditions of your ancestors. I will always bestow a blessing in the Irish language, as Gaeilge which is particularly meaningful for couples with Irish roots.

  • Memorable Keepsake: The ribbons or cords used in your handfasting can become a lasting reminder of your union. Many couples choose to frame them or turn them into a beautiful wall-hanging.

How to Personalize Your Handfasting

One of the greatest joys of a Handfasting ceremony is how customizable it is. You can weave personal significance into every aspect of the ritual, from the type of fabric you use to the colours of the cords.

Here are some ideas for how to infuse your handfasting ceremony with meaning:

  • Colours and Symbols: The colours you choose can reflect your relationship and your shared values.

    For example, green symbolizes growth and balance,

    red represents passion, and blue conveys trust and loyalty.

    You can also choose colours to symbolize important people or moments in your lives, like your children, parents, or adventures together.

  • Unique Materials: Couples can use meaningful fabrics for the binding, such as cloth from a favourite place you’ve travelled, a section of a wedding dress, or even ropes that reflect a shared hobby like climbing or horseback riding.

  • Ceremonial Additions: You can incorporate readings, blessings, or prayers to enrich the Handfasting. Some couples include a fun, symbolic ending by jumping over a broom or tossing rose petals, making the experience playful and memorable.

  • Elemental Themes: For nature lovers, Handfasting can be tied to the earth’s elements—fire, air, earth, and water. You can have a real fire pit at your ceremony or a symbolic elemental table with candles, feathers, and other natural elements to set the tone.

A Ritual for Every Couple

What makes Handfasting so special is its inclusivity. It’s a tradition that can be embraced by couples of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds. Whether your wedding is a grand festival or an intimate gathering, Handfasting can be woven into your ceremony in a way that feels natural and significant.


So, if you’re considering adding this beautiful tradition to your wedding, embrace the endless possibilities. From the colours of the ribbons to the words spoken during the ritual, your Handfasting can be as unique as your love story.

Photo credit to the amazingly talented www.theodorophotography.ie


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