UNITY HANDFASTING CEREMONIES
Below are different options for Unity Handfasting ceremonies.
They include the cord of three strands.
3 strands is especially nice if you would like to involve your family
Option 4 is a handfasting blessing that can include as many people as you like
All wording can be mixed/matched and personalized to your liking
All wording can be tailored to reflect same sex ceremonies
~
Cord of 3 strands Option 1: The first two cords are placed by the mothers or other family members.
~ This ceremony symbolizes the couple’s individual selves, their families and two becoming one. *Keep in mind all wording can be tailored/mixed/matched and personalized for you.
Officiant: Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the very ancient tradition practiced by lovers of centuries past. Handfasting is literally “Tying the knot.” In this ceremony cords of three colors will be used, Yellow, Red, and Blue. (*pick any three colors)
_____and ___ come from two different families, two different heritages. We are especially grateful for the values which have flowed into them from those who have loved and nurtured them along life's way.
The heritage each brings to this marriage will continue to be an important element in their lives, but now will be shared between them. Out of these two families, a new family will be created.
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom will place the first two cords across their hands.
(Officiant to couple): These cords represent the basis upon which you will build your lives.
(Officiant to couple): I now ask you now to cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands
Yellow symbolizes friendship and communication which are crucial to any successful marriage
I would like to invite the mother of the bride to please come forward and lay the Yellow cord across _____ and ___’s hands
Mother comes forward and places the cord over their hands and says “We wish for you both a bright future, filled with joy and happiness” then takes her seat
Blue symbolizes fidelity, trust, compassion and the ability to adapt to the changes that will undoubtedly occur during their life together.
I would like to invite the mother of the groom to please come forward and place the blue ribbon across _____ and ___’s hands and says “We wish for you both good health, abundance and peace” then takes her seat
Red symbolizes the passion _____ and ___ feel for each other and warmth they will share through the future years.
Officiant to couple: This last cord represents your marriage-the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings.
_____ and ___ Just as your hands are bound together so now are your lives and spirits joined in a union of love and trust.
(Officiant places the last cord over the couple’s hands and then ties the cords together, binding their hands)
As you hold each other’s hands see the blessing they are to you
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
_____and ___ come from two different families, two different heritages. We are especially grateful for the values which have flowed into them from those who have loved and nurtured them along life's way.
The heritage each brings to this marriage will continue to be an important element in their lives, but now will be shared between them. Out of these two families, a new family will be created.
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom will place the first two cords across their hands.
(Officiant to couple): These cords represent the basis upon which you will build your lives.
(Officiant to couple): I now ask you now to cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands
Yellow symbolizes friendship and communication which are crucial to any successful marriage
I would like to invite the mother of the bride to please come forward and lay the Yellow cord across _____ and ___’s hands
Mother comes forward and places the cord over their hands and says “We wish for you both a bright future, filled with joy and happiness” then takes her seat
Blue symbolizes fidelity, trust, compassion and the ability to adapt to the changes that will undoubtedly occur during their life together.
I would like to invite the mother of the groom to please come forward and place the blue ribbon across _____ and ___’s hands and says “We wish for you both good health, abundance and peace” then takes her seat
Red symbolizes the passion _____ and ___ feel for each other and warmth they will share through the future years.
Officiant to couple: This last cord represents your marriage-the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings.
_____ and ___ Just as your hands are bound together so now are your lives and spirits joined in a union of love and trust.
(Officiant places the last cord over the couple’s hands and then ties the cords together, binding their hands)
As you hold each other’s hands see the blessing they are to you
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
Cord of 3 strands Option 2 : The first two cords are placed by the mothers or other family members. ~ This ceremony symbolizes the couple’s individual selves, their families and two becoming one.
Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the very ancient tradition practiced by lovers of centuries past. A handfasting ceremony is the eternal joining of two people in love. It is literally “Tying the knot”
Groom and Bride, today you stand before us ready to share the rest of your lives together as a married couple but long before today your parents provided you with a foundation of love and caring which has brought you to this point.
Will the parents of the bride (s) and the parents of the groom (s) please stand?
(parents of the bride’s names) have nurtured and cared for their daughter in a multitude of ways. Likewise, (parents of the groom’s name) have nurtured and cared for their son.
(Officiant to Parents) (say names of parents) As you have held your children close, fitting them for maturity, will you now willingly and freely release them to love and care for each other?
If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
Will you support them in their relationship? At times of conflict, will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern?
If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another? If so, please say we will. If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
Officiant to couple: Now, I ask you look into one another's eyes and hearts. Please cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands.
I would like to invite (groom’s mother) to come forward and place the first ribbon/cord over_____ and ___’s hands. This cord represents (grooms name) his family and the love they have for (bride’s name)
Mother comes forward and places ribbon over hands, then takes her seat
I would like to invite (bride’s mother) to come forward and place the second ribbon/cord over_____ and ___’s hands. This cord represents (bride’s name) her family and the love they have for (groom’s name)
Mother comes forward and places ribbon over hands, then takes her seat
The Officiant (or other family member/guest) will place the third cord over the couple’s hands and say: The last cord represents their marriage-the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings. Out of these two families a new family will be created.
Officiant wraps the cord around the bride and grooms’ wrists, binding them together loosely and tying a knot.
_____ and ___, this cord symbolizes so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another. May you be bound together by your love, now and forever.
Just as your hands are bound together so now are your lives and spirits 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 your lives blend together in harmony and joy and may your 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.
_____ and ___ The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
Groom and Bride, today you stand before us ready to share the rest of your lives together as a married couple but long before today your parents provided you with a foundation of love and caring which has brought you to this point.
Will the parents of the bride (s) and the parents of the groom (s) please stand?
(parents of the bride’s names) have nurtured and cared for their daughter in a multitude of ways. Likewise, (parents of the groom’s name) have nurtured and cared for their son.
(Officiant to Parents) (say names of parents) As you have held your children close, fitting them for maturity, will you now willingly and freely release them to love and care for each other?
If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
Will you support them in their relationship? At times of conflict, will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern?
If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another? If so, please say we will. If so, please say we will.
Parents: We will
Officiant to couple: Now, I ask you look into one another's eyes and hearts. Please cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands.
I would like to invite (groom’s mother) to come forward and place the first ribbon/cord over_____ and ___’s hands. This cord represents (grooms name) his family and the love they have for (bride’s name)
Mother comes forward and places ribbon over hands, then takes her seat
I would like to invite (bride’s mother) to come forward and place the second ribbon/cord over_____ and ___’s hands. This cord represents (bride’s name) her family and the love they have for (groom’s name)
Mother comes forward and places ribbon over hands, then takes her seat
The Officiant (or other family member/guest) will place the third cord over the couple’s hands and say: The last cord represents their marriage-the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings. Out of these two families a new family will be created.
Officiant wraps the cord around the bride and grooms’ wrists, binding them together loosely and tying a knot.
_____ and ___, this cord symbolizes so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another. May you be bound together by your love, now and forever.
Just as your hands are bound together so now are your lives and spirits 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 your lives blend together in harmony and joy and may your 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.
_____ and ___ The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
Cord of 3 strands Option 3: Short and Sweet Unity Handfasting
Officiant: Now we shall celebrate this union with a unity handfasting ceremony. Handfasting is literally “Tying the knot.” It is a very ancient tradition practiced by lovers of centuries past. In this ceremony cords of three colors will be used
(Officiant to couple): I now ask you now to cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
(Officiant places the first cord over their hands) This cord represents (groom/bride’s name) all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
(Officiant places the first cord over their hands) This cord represents (bride/groom’s name) all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
(Officiant places third cord over the couples’ hands), The last cord represents your marriage- the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings.
As you hold each other’s hands see the blessing they are to you
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
(Officiant to couple): I now ask you now to cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands
_____ and ___, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.
(Officiant places the first cord over their hands) This cord represents (groom/bride’s name) all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
(Officiant places the first cord over their hands) This cord represents (bride/groom’s name) all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
(Officiant places third cord over the couples’ hands), The last cord represents your marriage- the joining of two friends with the added roles of husband and wife. It is the cord of love and new beginnings.
As you hold each other’s hands see the blessing they are to you
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one. 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 direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):
Option 4 Unity handfasting (ribbon/cord blessing)
This ceremony is similar to a ring warmer but tailored to a unity handfasting
Use a reading as a blessing like the one below.
Choose how many ribbons you would like based on how many family members or friends you would like to participate.
Choose whatever colors you would like to use.
Break up the lines of the blessing based on how many people are involved.
The Officiant will print out the blessings for each person to read and give it to them at the appropriate time during the ceremony.
Here is an example of having a unity ceremony with 5 people:
Please note: Choose who you would like to particiate. It can be family members, your wedding party, friends, or a combination of all. You can use a different reading, less people, more people, however many ribbons or cords you like.
All wording can be tailored to same-sex weddings as well.
I would love to work with you to tailor this beautiful ceremony to your liking!
Example of a unity handfasting with a ribbon blessing
Officiant: Now we shall celebrate this new union with a unity handfasting blessing ceremony. A handfasting ceremony is the eternal joining of two people in love with ribbons that have been blessed by their family and friends.
As the ribbons/cords are placed over the couple’s hands I ask that all present say a silent wish or prayer for this couple, for their marriage, and their future.
Officiant: I would like to invite the bride’s mother to place the first cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Mother comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says: May you never take each other for granted but always experience the wonders of your union.
Officiant: I would like to invite the groom’s mother to place next cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Mother comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says May your love consist not only in gazing into each other’s eyes, but also in looking outward in the same direction.
Officiant: I would like to invite the bride’s sister to place a cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Sister comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says May your life together be a source of strength and inspiration to yourselves, your families and your friends.
Officiant: I would like to invite the grooms brother to place a cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Brother comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says May you never forget the beginning of your love for one another, take care of it, nurture it, and allow it to grow strong and firm in the years that are to come.
Officiant: I would like to invite the bride and grooms friend (say name) to place a cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Friend comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says May you always concentrate on making each other happy and secure in your commitment to one another and always rely on your ability to keep the promises you have made to one another today throughout the thick and thin of life’s experiences.
Officiant: I would like to invite the bride and grooms friend (say name) to place the last cord/ribbon over the bride and grooms hands.
Mother comes forward and places the cord/ribbon over their hands and says And may you always be in love. May your love be as beautiful each day you share as it is on this day of Your Wedding and may all of your wishes come true.
Officiant: These ribbons now contain in them the love, support and blessings of your family and friends. May you be bound together by your love, now and forever.
(Officiant will direct the couple to pull the cords as they take their hands out-this will form a love knot that will be a keepsake of their wedding day):