Comments on: How to Add a Handfasting to the Wedding Ceremony

By: Mark Allan Groleau

Mark Allan Groleau — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:23:48 +0000

In reply to Dr. Paul L. Cushman. Thanks so much, Paul - I'm thrilled to help!

By: Mark Allan Groleau

Mark Allan Groleau — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:22:30 +0000

In reply to Marisa.

Hey Marisa! No problem – you got this! I find that the best time for a unity ritual is right after the vows. It solidifies the vows they just made. As for the handfasting: this could go either way – either before or after the ring exchange. Here’s what to consider: you could do it before the ring exchange, but then they would have to remove the ribbon or cord (slip their hands out) to move on to the rings. OR: you could do the ring exchange and then the handfasting, so that the rings are already on and when you pronounce them and they kiss, their hands are fastened. Ask your couple which they prefer with those logistics in mind. I’ve done it both ways and it works both ways.

So to sum up, I would do Vows > Unity Candle > [Handfasting > Rings or Rings > Handfasting] > Pronouncement.

Make sense? Thanks for asking – all my best to you!

By: Marisa

Marisa — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:31:46 +0000

Hello Mark! I love how you have provided some good material and ideas on how to do the ceremony. I have a wedding coming up, short notice, in 2 weeks and the couple want to add the unity candle, and handfasting ceremonies along with the ring exchange and the vows. I am struggling with the order of how to do everything, and unsure of how to smoothly move on to the next thing…any ideas?!?!??!

By: Mark Allan Groleau

Mark Allan Groleau — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:31:25 +0000

In reply to CatherineC.

You’re welcome, Cathy! 6 weddings – you’re well on your way! Happy to help…

By: CatherineC

CatherineC — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 22:30:59 +0000

Mark,
I am a new Officiant, with 6 weddings under my belt. I will be performing my first handfasting ritual next week. I appreciate your casual yet confident approach.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Catherine, Austin Texas

By: Dr. Paul L. Cushman

Dr. Paul L. Cushman — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 19:41:13 +0000

Thank you so much for the information. I am doing my first handfasting after 50 years of doing weddings and this information was so helpful.

By: Mark Allan Groleau

Mark Allan Groleau — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 21:14:37 +0000

In reply to Alison Morley. Thank you so much, Alison! I also think these kinds of symbolisms are very helpful and important in making an idea concrete and visual. Glad I could be of service to you - and thanks for taking the time to comment! :-)

By: Alison Morley

Alison Morley — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 21:05:27 +0000

Thank you. I have been asked to do a hand fasting for a couple who are expecting their baby in April but their Church wedding is not till next year. It seems to be a lovely sign of commitment for them and I am really happy to do it. As an Anglican vicar with an Ecochurch mission and a newage youth all this seems very normal! I love that people are seeking rituals that speak to them. Thank you so much for this information and the words… really helpful.

By: Merl

Merl — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 22:34:08 +0000

Hello, I like how you give ideas of opening a ceremony. I’m getting married and doing my family’s Celtic HandFasting Ceremony that dates back a few hundred years. This is another idea for a Celtic HandFasting. First, we stand face too face and connect hands as if we are shaking hands. This leaves both left hands free. We symbolize the ring and have a family member hand each a ring to be placed on the finger. Second, depending on Vows, we use one ribbon for each vow. The vows start with “With these hands.[ vow]” The Officiate lays one of the ribbons over the hand and then move on to the next vow. At the end the Officiant tie all the ribbons in one loose knot. Pronounces us. Then we slip our hands out and hold the knotted ribbons up and do the kiss. Then we have the beautiful knotted ribbons as a reminder of our commitments and love.
Hope you like that idea, perhaps other will. Wish I could share a pictures of my ribbons with the a Celtic Trinity Knot.
I will be the first in 2 generations too do this. Everyone, is excited because of the HandFasting ceremony. Enjoy!

By: Mark Allan Groleau

Mark Allan Groleau — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 11:04:59 +0000

In reply to deborah suess.

You’re welcome, Deborah! Yes – handfastings seem to be getting more common. But now we’re ready for them! 🙂