Marriage

::: Handfasting Ceremony :::

The Handfasting ceremony is where the expression “tying the knot” comes from. It is an ancient Celtic ritual, one of the oldest forms of marriage recognised, whereby the hands of the couple are joined together by a cord (or 3 or 6 cords) which forms a knot around their wrists symbolising their union. This is a spiritual rather than religious ceremony; a deeply personal commitment between the couple to one another in dedication of their love.

Traditionally, a handfasting was a promise to marry, ie a modern day engagement. The promise lasted for 1 year and 1 day after which the couple either parted ways or did indeed keep and renew their promise to stay together and were therefore married. Up until the marriage laws were revised in Scotland under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1939, handfasting was recognised as legally binding.

Today the ritual of binding the couple together in matrimony is a popular addition to the regular wedding ceremony. My own handfasting was scheduled after our ceremony, in the early evening . Unfortunately the celebrant failed to turn up (had double booked!!!) but we went ahead without the handfast, carrying out the quaiche ritual and the rest of the planned ceremony ourselves. On our 1st wedding anniversary in 2008 I wrote my first handfasting ceremony and handfast me and my husband myself. It was beautiful, despite being completely reversed from the traditional timeline…

The timing of the handfast depends very much on whether you view the ceremony as recognition of betrothal or matrimony, (engagement or marriage). Both are equally appropriate. If your handfasting is part of your wedding, the marriage must be officiated by a licenced officiant such as a registrar, religious leader or celebrant to be legally recognised. This can be done during your ceremony or prior, or post the handfasting.

The handfasting ceremony I create is personal and specific to you as a couple. As well as the tying of the knot (the cords from which are yours to keep) you may also wish to include the Quaiche ritual, the Oath Stone and/or the jumping of the Besom; other old Scottish wedding traditions.

Hand fasting Ceremony: £250 – £350 including £50 non-refundable deposit

::: Vow Renewal :::

You can renew (and/or rewrite) your vows at any time after your marriage, whether you wish to on your 1st anniversary or your 5th or 50th. This is a beautiful way to recognise and celebrate the life you have shared and recommitting to the the future you will create together.

Vow renewal ceremony : £250 including £50 non-refundable deposit

::: Sacred Marriage to Higher Self :::

Marriage to yourself, your higher self, is the union of your own eternal spirit with your own incarnated soul in its physical embodiment here on the earthly plane. In the ceremony you make the sacred commitment where you are married to your own spirit, honouring your own sovereignty. This rite is incredibly powerful to encourage and inspire you to live your life with purpose, truth, respect and reverence for both yourself and your entire being.

Marriage to Higher Self Ceremony: £125 including £50 non-refundable deposit