Simple & Easy: Handfasting Ceremony Guide
For Elopements & Micro-Weddings
Have you been dreaming about a simple but meaningful wedding? A moment you can share with your closest relatives and friends with a touch of personal rather than traditional? Then, how about you give the handfasting ceremony a try? Don’t worry if you don’t know what handfasting is—many young couples don’t. That’s why we’re here! In this article, we’ll share everything we know about the handfasting ceremony so you can choose whether this intimate moment should grace your wedding.
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What Is Handfasting?
Handfasting refers to a simple ceremony that dates back to ancient Celtic traditions. During that time, people held a ritual during their weddings, which included tying the couple’s hands together with a ribbon or cord. The idea behind handfasting ritual is really simple—it’s a symbol of their endless unity from that day onward.
This ceremony is actually the birthplace of today’s “tying the knot” phrase. While it used to be a sign of betrothal in medieval times, today, many couples choose a handfasting ceremony as a way to show their endless love for each other, symbolically tying their souls together. It’s especially popular for couples who want to have an intimate outdoor wedding.
Handfasting can be part of a legal wedding or symbolically added to your commitment ceremony. The fact that it’s simple and heartfelt makes it a great choice for couples who want to elope or have a very quiet wedding by a forest stream or under the rustling leaves of a big willow.
How Is Handfasting Done?
The simplicity of the handfasting ceremony is what makes it so popular and attractive to many people planning a small mountain wedding. All you need is to follow these steps:
Setting Up: The bride and groom both stand facing each other holding hands—right hand in right hand, left hand in left hand.
Binging: The next step is to take a ribbon, scarf, cord, or any piece of fabric that’s meaningful to the couple and gently wrap it around their hands.
Speech: When the hands are tied, someone close to the couple or the couple themselves has to say a few words. These could be traditional vows, personal promises, or words of love and best wishes to the couple.
Unbinding: Most couples remove the bind after the words are said. However, you can choose to keep it longer to show your everlasting love. What’s more, you can also take the cord or ribbon and keep it as a keepsake.
As we mentioned a couple of times, a handfasting wedding is very personal, meaning you can add anything else you want to it. For example, you can ask some of the guests to share a few words or gather flowers from the surroundings and decorate the binding.
Another thing we’ve found some couples like is to combine other traditions with handfasting, such as ring exchanging or sharing a drink. Add music, make the ceremony shorter or longer—it’s all up to you!
What You Need for a Handfasting Ceremony
Again, simplicity is the core of the handfasting ceremony! You can see that even in the materials needed to conduct this ritual. We prepared a very simple checklist for you:
Ribbon, Cord, Cloth, etc. – Pick something you can tie the hands with, something with meaning. It can be a simple tie one of you wore when you first met or a chain of cords tied together. Another option is to choose ribbons based on your favorite colors.
Officiant – You must have someone who will officiate the wedding, as well as this ceremony. This can be a professional or just a close friend.
Vows – Don’t forget that one of the steps in the handfasting ceremony is giving a speech or vows. Usually, couples prefer to do this themselves, although sometimes others can give the speech for them.
Location – Since this is a very peaceful event, the location should match the vibe. A quiet mountain path, a cozy meadow, or even a simple backyard setting can be perfect for it.
Remember: You can also add anything else that makes this ritual more you. Include flowers, music, decorations… Do anything you and your partner will definitely enjoy!
Writing Your Vows for the Ceremony
One thing we’ve found many couples have trouble with is the handfasting vows. Don’t fret—we have you covered! Here are a few things you can say:
“I promise to be by your side in the sun and rain.”
“May this binging remind us of the connection we will forever share from this day on.”
“From this day on, I am yours and you are mine.”
Another idea is to use a poem to express your thoughts. E.E. Cummings or Shakespeare are always a great choice. Just imagine it: standing on a hilltop while the sun sets in the background and you’re reciting “I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E.E. Cummings to the person you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with!
You can also speak from your heart at the moment or choose a book you both like and quote a line—anything can be used as part of the handfasting vows. Or to put it simply, the opportunities are endless!
Final Notes!
For those couples who dream of having a small, quiet wedding or eloping with a few friends as their witnesses, the handfasting ceremony is a perfect addition. Its simplicity and flexibility give you enough room to add any other tradition you may want included or tailor the whole ritual to your liking.
This ceremony is very relaxed yet emotional, being the perfect thing to do while a waterfall splashes in the background or you are standing at the top of a hillside with the forest and mountains surrounding you.
Whether you’re eloping, having a small wedding, or even renewing your vows, handfasting is a tradition that can bring something special. Grab a ribbon, hold your hands tied fast, and speak for the heart. That’s all you need to start the first step toward your new life!
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