We offer our blessed couples the ancient ceremony of handfasting – a traditional Celtic declaration of commitment and love.
Handfasting is a deeply personal ceremony and a time- honoured tradition immersed in joy and reverence – for the union of two people, two lives henceforth bound together, for the journey ahead.
This is how our ancestors ‘tied the knot’ – with ribbons and colour, amidst nature, music, poetry, words and blessings offered – witnessed by family and community.
When our marriage laws were introduced in the 1700s many of the rituals of handfasting were included in church ceremonies and remain there to this day – incense, blessings and anointings, the priest’s stole as the handfasting.
Today we are witnessing a return to the option of handfasting ceremonies over church or civil ceremonies, as many long for a more joyful, more powerfully personal declaration of their truth, intentions and love.
A handfasting celebration is an emotional and immersive experience for family and friends as well as the couple. They say it takes a village and so in our sacred ceremonies, everyone has a part to play in supporting our beloveds in this new phase of life – be that a new commitment or a renewal of vows and promises.
Our ceremonies are crafted and created to exactly your wishes and all are held together by these beautiful, traditional features…
Our ceremonies are completely personal to each couple, reverently created around and within the container of the four elements – Air, Fire, Water and Earth – for the four elements encapsulate all that is life.
We, you, are the fifth element.
Each ceremony is crafted and created to exactly your wishes and all are held together by these beautiful, traditional features…
- The creation of an ivy circle upon the ground, the sacred space within which your celebration will be held
- The representation of the four elements - Air, Earth, Water, Fire - within the ivy wreath
- A grounding and centring meditation for all present, to bring us fully into the moment
- The calling in of the four elements to empower and bless your union
- Powerful and meaningful rituals at each of the four elements
- Readings, poems or music by three of your guests
- Sharing of vows, promises and rings
- And finally, the deeply emotional and sacred handfasting with ribbons or hoop and wand
Prices range from….
Wedding Celebration Ceremony / Couples Ceremonies
£250 – £1500
- Full consultation with the Ceremonialist for your bespoke Sacred Ceremony.
- Sacred Ceremony conducted by a Sacred Celebrant
- Decorated sacred Inner Circle, made with ivy and flowers.
- Ceremonial equipment, including incense, candles, chalice, sacred waters, ring cushion, ribbons, etc.
- Beloved couple wedding cups
- Wand & Hoop or handfasting cords/ribbons
- Pre Ceremonies: Sacred Incense Blending for Beloveds, Willow Hoop decorating.
- Additional Sacred Ceremonies: the Cake and Mead Ceremony, Besom & Broom.
- Additional assistant ‘Melissa’ to attend and prepare and assist in your ceremony.
- Certificate & Souvenir, a copy of your ceremony and a commemorative wedding certificate
Vow Renewal Ceremony
£250 – £900
- Full consultation with the Ceremonialist for your bespoke Sacred Ceremony.
- Sacred Ceremony conducted by a Sacred Celebrant
- Decorated sacred Inner Circle, made with ivy and flowers.
- Ceremonial equipment, including incense, candles, chalice, sacred waters, ring cushion, ribbons, etc.
- Beloved couple ceremony cups
- Wand & Hoop or handfasting cords/ribbons
- Additional assistant ‘Melissa’ to attend and prepare and assist in your ceremony.
Optional Extras
Rehearsal ……………….. £80
A quick run through of the ceremony, so that you and/or any particpants know what you need to do, on the day
Couple readings and Vow/Promises writing ……………….. £125
Need help revealing your story as a couple, or expressing your love in words? We will work closely with each of you to craft beautiful, heart-felt vows
Elemental Reader speeches ……………….. £150
Would you like us to work with your Elemental Readers on their speeches? We will help and guide in the writing and confident delivery of their speeches in the way that you want them.
Confidence Booster ……………….. £90
A bit nervous about delivering your speech? One on one sessions with Fiona or Izzy using their specialised thereapies, to boost your confidence and eridicate your public speaking fears.
Who is a Wedding Celebration Ceremony for?
A Wedding Celebration Ceremony is for:
- Couples who want to celebrate their marriage in a ceremony with Celtic cultural traditions.
- Couples who do not require a legally-binding ceremony.
- Couples who want children/grandchildren/family/friends to be fully involved in the ceremony.
- A ceremony that contains spiritual or symbolic elements that have a special meaning to the couple.
For more information, please see out FAQ page
Please note….
The Handfasting ceremony is not legally-binding (except in Scotland and within the Goddess Temple in Glastonbury) so you will need to work with your local Register Office if you wish to be legally married.
Isle of Man: The Handfasting ceremony is not legally binding on the Isle of Man. For legal marriage a warrant must be issued by the Registrar General.
Many wedding celebration ceremonies take place either on the same day or a few days after the legal formalities are held at a register office.