What is handfasting?
What is Handfasting? A beautiful, symbolic tradition to consider for your wedding ceremony
When my partner and I were planning our own celebrant-led wedding, we were introduced to the idea of handfasting by our celebrant. At first, we weren't sure it was "our vibe," but the concept intrigued us. I could tell it had a lot of potential to add something unique and beautiful to the ceremony. And sure enough, when I witnessed a friend's Scottish wedding incorporating the ritual, with family tartan woven into the cords, I realised just how visually stunning and meaningful it could be. Not only does handfasting carry deep symbolism, but it also creates a truly memorable moment for your guests—and let's be honest, it makes for amazing photos!
At Made with Love Celebrations, one of the most important things I do as your wedding celebrant is help craft a wedding ceremony that feels true to you as a couple. For some, that means including a special tradition like handfasting to make the wedding ceremony even more personal and unforgettable. Whether you decide to incorporate handfasting or explore another ritual, I'm here to guide you through the process and ensure your wedding ceremony reflects your unique love story. Contact me here if I sound like your cuppa tea!
Where did handfasting come from?
What does a handfasting include?
How can we make handfasting personal?
Is handfasting right for your wedding?
Ready to incorporate handfasting into your wedding ceremony?
Where did handfasting come from?
You may have heard the phrase “tying the knot” and wondered where it originated. Well, now you know—it’s rooted in the ancient tradition of handfasting! This practice dates back to Celtic times and was typically a part of ancient wedding ceremonies, symbolising the binding together of two lives. In fact, the term "handfasting" literally refers to the act of tying the hands together, which symbolises the couple’s union.
Historically, handfasting was part of Pagan, Wiccan, and Celtic wedding rituals, but it has become increasingly popular in modern celebrant-led weddings as couples seek to incorporate meaningful, symbolic practices into their wedding ceremonies. The beauty of this tradition lies in its simplicity yet profound meaning, making it a great option for couples looking to add a personal touch to their special day.
What does a handfasting include?
The handfasting ritual is visually stunning. Typically, the wedding celebrant (me, hopefully!) will take cords or ribbons and drape them over the couple’s hands as they exchange their vows. As they say their promises to one another, the wedding celebrant ties the cords together, often creating a knot in the shape of an “X.” The knot can represent the couple’s bond, intertwined forever—similar to the idea of a kiss shared between the couple after their vows. It’s the perfect symbol of love, unity, and connection. And it’s also a moment that truly resonates with your guests.
The beauty of handfasting is that it’s also highly collaborative. If you have family members or close friends who are involved in your wedding, the ritual can be made even more meaningful by including them in the process. For example, you can have different people tie a separate cord, each adding their own wishes for your marriage. It’s a great way to involve your loved ones, and it can be especially poignant in blended families. Everyone plays a part in your union, making the moment even more special.
How can we make handfasting personal?
Handfasting is a wonderful opportunity to get creative and personalise your ceremony in a way that is meaningful to you both. At Made with Love Celebrations, I believe in the importance of making your wedding day a reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple. That’s why I love working with couples to craft handfasting rituals that feel truly personal.
Here are a few ways you can make handfasting your own:
Choose your own materials: You can use ribbons, cords, or fabrics in any color that holds significance for you. For example, you might want to select your favorite colours, football team colours or Harry Potter house colors if you're big fans! If you’ve crafted something meaningful together (like a woven cord), that could be used as well to add even more sentiment to the ritual.
Family heirlooms: Consider incorporating family fabrics, tartans, or items passed down through generations to add a special connection to your heritage.
Handmade touches: For couples who are crafty, hand-making your own cords is a beautiful way to add a personal touch. You can choose materials that symbolise your love, such as silk for softness or leather for strength.
Themes and symbols: If you’re incorporating a theme for your wedding, your handfasting cords could match this aesthetic. For example, if your wedding has a rustic theme, you might choose twine or something eco-friendly. There’s no limit to how you can make this ritual uniquely yours.
Whatever you decide to use for your handfasting cords, the beauty of this ritual is that there’s no right or wrong way—the most important thing is that it holds personal significance for you both.
Is handfasting right for your wedding?
Handfasting can be a beautiful and deeply personal ritual for your wedding ceremony, but it’s important to ask yourselves whether it fits your vision for the day. Not every couple feels drawn to this particular tradition, and that’s perfectly okay! Some couples prefer to skip the ritual altogether, while others might choose to incorporate a different symbolic gesture.
The choice is entirely yours. If handfasting doesn’t quite feel right for you, there are plenty of other beautiful wedding rituals you can include in your wedding ceremony. Whether it's a unity candle, sand ceremony or ring warming, I can help you explore different ways to symbolise your love and commitment in a way that feels authentic to your relationship.
As your wedding celebrant, I’m here to help you navigate all of these options, ensuring that your wedding ceremony is exactly what you want it to be—beautiful, meaningful, and full of love.
Ready to incorporate handfasting into your wedding ceremony?
If you think handfasting could be a meaningful addition to your wedding ceremony, or if you just want to discuss your ideas further, feel free to get in touch with me at Made with Love Celebrations. I’d be honoured to help you create a wedding ceremony that’s as beautiful and unique as the love you share.
