Example of Ceremony With Pagan/Wiccan Handfasting
Example of a wedding ceremony with pagan/wiccan handfasting elements. This beautiful ceremony can be tailored to fit your desires. It can incorporate as many wiccan/pagan elements that you would like and I am happy to cast a circle, bless the rings with the elements or other wiccan/pagan traditional.
The greeting:
Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:
Welcome Friends, family and loved ones. We are all here today to witness ____ and ___ join hands and be bound together by their love, now and forever.
(If you would like to cast a circle this is when it would be done)
Today is a day to celebrate the love of ____ and ___. They are two people who are the halves of a whole. Two souls, coming together to form one single being; two hearts, beating in a single rhythm. Today we join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their love, their joy and their expectations.
Invocation or opening prayer (This can be changed to reflect a certain God or Goddess you are drawn to if you like):
Officiant: Let us now pause to establish ourselves in the consciousness of the Holy Presence as we pray,
We acknowledge Thy Presence and Thy Power, Blessed Spirit. We give thanks that these two souls have been drawn together by divine appointment, and will be held together by the power of divine love. We rejoice that through this mystical union, these two, now become one, will experience soul satisfaction and fulfillment, and that your blessing, Dear God, is upon them and that your love is expressing through them now and always. Amen
Charge to Bride and Groom (the charge is address to the bride and groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take)
Officiant:
________and ________, the estate of wedlock is a holy one, one not to be entered into lightly, but only under the guidance of Infinite Wisdom and the inspiration of Divine Love.
Dear Ones, you are entering into that relationship which is the expression of the uniting, harmonizing power of divine love. Marriage is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When there is a true bond such as this, it is proper that public acknowledgement of it be made. We are here to bear witness to your entering into this closer relationship of husband and wife, and we believe you are already one in spirit.
(If you would like to incorporate candle lighting we would put it here)
The greeting:
Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:
Welcome Friends, family and loved ones. We are all here today to witness ____ and ___ join hands and be bound together by their love, now and forever.
(If you would like to cast a circle this is when it would be done)
Today is a day to celebrate the love of ____ and ___. They are two people who are the halves of a whole. Two souls, coming together to form one single being; two hearts, beating in a single rhythm. Today we join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their love, their joy and their expectations.
Invocation or opening prayer (This can be changed to reflect a certain God or Goddess you are drawn to if you like):
Officiant: Let us now pause to establish ourselves in the consciousness of the Holy Presence as we pray,
We acknowledge Thy Presence and Thy Power, Blessed Spirit. We give thanks that these two souls have been drawn together by divine appointment, and will be held together by the power of divine love. We rejoice that through this mystical union, these two, now become one, will experience soul satisfaction and fulfillment, and that your blessing, Dear God, is upon them and that your love is expressing through them now and always. Amen
Charge to Bride and Groom (the charge is address to the bride and groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take)
Officiant:
________and ________, the estate of wedlock is a holy one, one not to be entered into lightly, but only under the guidance of Infinite Wisdom and the inspiration of Divine Love.
Dear Ones, you are entering into that relationship which is the expression of the uniting, harmonizing power of divine love. Marriage is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When there is a true bond such as this, it is proper that public acknowledgement of it be made. We are here to bear witness to your entering into this closer relationship of husband and wife, and we believe you are already one in spirit.
(If you would like to incorporate candle lighting we would put it here)
Blessing:
Officiant:
Today, we ask that the infinite light of the divine shine upon this union. In that spirit, I offer a blessing to this ceremony.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts from the east -- new beginnings that come each day with the rising sun, communication of the heart, mind, body and soul.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the south -- the light of the heart, the heat of passion, and the warmth of a loving home.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the west -- the rushing excitement of a raging river, the soft and pure cleansing of a rainstorm, and a commitment as deep as the ocean itself.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the north -- a solid foundation on which to build your lives, abundance and growth of your home, and the stability to be found by holding one another at the end of the day.
Bride and Groom these four simple blessings will help you on your journey that begins today. However, they are only tools. They are tools which you must use together to create the light, the strength, the infinite energy now and forever of a love you both so richly deserve.
Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will)
Officiant to groom: What is your name?
Groom Answer __________
Officiant to groom: And what is your desire?
Groom Answer: To join with ___, whom I love.
Officiant to groom: Will you seek to do her harm?
Groom Answer: I will not.
Officiant to groom: And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you seek to be honest with her in all things?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you support her in times of distress?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.
Officiant to bride: What is your name?
Bride Answer __________
Officiant to Bride: And what is your desire?
Bride Answer: To join with ___, whom I love.
Officiant to Bride: Will you seek to do him harm?
Bride Answer: I will not.
Officiant to Bride: And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you seek to be honest with him in all things?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you support him in times of distress?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.
Officiant:
Today, we ask that the infinite light of the divine shine upon this union. In that spirit, I offer a blessing to this ceremony.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts from the east -- new beginnings that come each day with the rising sun, communication of the heart, mind, body and soul.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the south -- the light of the heart, the heat of passion, and the warmth of a loving home.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the west -- the rushing excitement of a raging river, the soft and pure cleansing of a rainstorm, and a commitment as deep as the ocean itself.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the north -- a solid foundation on which to build your lives, abundance and growth of your home, and the stability to be found by holding one another at the end of the day.
Bride and Groom these four simple blessings will help you on your journey that begins today. However, they are only tools. They are tools which you must use together to create the light, the strength, the infinite energy now and forever of a love you both so richly deserve.
Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will)
Officiant to groom: What is your name?
Groom Answer __________
Officiant to groom: And what is your desire?
Groom Answer: To join with ___, whom I love.
Officiant to groom: Will you seek to do her harm?
Groom Answer: I will not.
Officiant to groom: And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you seek to be honest with her in all things?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you support her in times of distress?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom: These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.
Officiant to bride: What is your name?
Bride Answer __________
Officiant to Bride: And what is your desire?
Bride Answer: To join with ___, whom I love.
Officiant to Bride: Will you seek to do him harm?
Bride Answer: I will not.
Officiant to Bride: And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you seek to be honest with him in all things?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you support him in times of distress?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride: These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.
Exchange of rings:
Officiant: May we please have the rings
At this point the designated person will give the rings to the Officiant.
Officiant: (Blesses the rings)
May these rings be blessed with; Air for hopes and dreams; Fire for the spark of love; Water for harmony and healing; And Earth for strength.
The circle is the symbol of the sun, earth, and universe. It is the symbol of peace. Let this ring be the symbol of unity and peace in which your two lives are joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, return unto one another and to your togetherness.
Officiant:
Now, I bid you look into one another's eyes and hearts.
(To groom) ____, please place the ring on ___'s finger. Do you promise to show ___ your honor and fidelity, to share her laughter and joy, to support and stand by her in times of difficulty, to dream and hope together with her, and to spend each day loving her more than the day before?
____ I do
(To Bride) ___, please give ____ the ring. Do you, ___, promise to show ____ your honor and fidelity, to share his hopes and dreams, to laugh with him and share endless days of joy, to stand side by side with him in times of trouble, and to spend each day loving him more than the day before?
___ I do
By the exchange of these tokens of your love for one another, so are your lives interlaced. What one experiences, so shall the other; as honesty and love build, so will your bond strengthen and grow.
If the couple has written vows they wish to speak to one another, now is the time to do this.
The vows of love have been spoken. I ask you now to cross your hands over each other, and take one another's hands.
Officiant wraps the cord around the bride and grooms wrists, binding them together loosely and tying a knot.
Bride and Groom as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.
Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
Like the earth should your love be a firm foundation from which to grow stronger through the seasons.
Like a star should your love be a constant source of light.
Like a flame should your union be warm and glowing with love in your hearts.
Like the wind may you sail through life safe and calm.
Like water should your relationship remain clean and soothing, that it may never thirst for love.
May the God and Goddess bless this union. May all who encounter it be blessed with love. May your lives be full and your hurts be few. May you draw forth, each from the other, the highest and the best. May you be open and receptive to divine inspiration and guidance. May you express poise, patience and understanding with each other. May your lives blend together in harmony and joy and may you days be good and long upon the earth. By the Winds that bring change, by the Fire of love, by the Seas of fortune and the strength of the Earth do I bless this union.
As hands are still bound:
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife!
You may kiss the Bride!
Officiant will remove the cord while saying:
Bride and Groom this cord symbolize so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another.
Yet the knots of this binding are not formed by these chords- but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.
Officiant:
It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. _____
(If a circle was cast, then it is cleared)
Officiant: May we please have the rings
At this point the designated person will give the rings to the Officiant.
Officiant: (Blesses the rings)
May these rings be blessed with; Air for hopes and dreams; Fire for the spark of love; Water for harmony and healing; And Earth for strength.
The circle is the symbol of the sun, earth, and universe. It is the symbol of peace. Let this ring be the symbol of unity and peace in which your two lives are joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, return unto one another and to your togetherness.
Officiant:
Now, I bid you look into one another's eyes and hearts.
(To groom) ____, please place the ring on ___'s finger. Do you promise to show ___ your honor and fidelity, to share her laughter and joy, to support and stand by her in times of difficulty, to dream and hope together with her, and to spend each day loving her more than the day before?
____ I do
(To Bride) ___, please give ____ the ring. Do you, ___, promise to show ____ your honor and fidelity, to share his hopes and dreams, to laugh with him and share endless days of joy, to stand side by side with him in times of trouble, and to spend each day loving him more than the day before?
___ I do
By the exchange of these tokens of your love for one another, so are your lives interlaced. What one experiences, so shall the other; as honesty and love build, so will your bond strengthen and grow.
If the couple has written vows they wish to speak to one another, now is the time to do this.
The vows of love have been spoken. I ask you now to cross your hands over each other, and take one another's hands.
Officiant wraps the cord around the bride and grooms wrists, binding them together loosely and tying a knot.
Bride and Groom as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.
Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
Like the earth should your love be a firm foundation from which to grow stronger through the seasons.
Like a star should your love be a constant source of light.
Like a flame should your union be warm and glowing with love in your hearts.
Like the wind may you sail through life safe and calm.
Like water should your relationship remain clean and soothing, that it may never thirst for love.
May the God and Goddess bless this union. May all who encounter it be blessed with love. May your lives be full and your hurts be few. May you draw forth, each from the other, the highest and the best. May you be open and receptive to divine inspiration and guidance. May you express poise, patience and understanding with each other. May your lives blend together in harmony and joy and may you days be good and long upon the earth. By the Winds that bring change, by the Fire of love, by the Seas of fortune and the strength of the Earth do I bless this union.
As hands are still bound:
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife!
You may kiss the Bride!
Officiant will remove the cord while saying:
Bride and Groom this cord symbolize so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another.
Yet the knots of this binding are not formed by these chords- but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.
Officiant:
It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. _____
(If a circle was cast, then it is cleared)
