TRADITIONAL/PAGAN COMBO WEDDING

This ceremony, which is fairly long, incorporates elements from traditional weddings as well as pagan handfastings. To make it a Wiccan ceremony, cast a circle, etc, before beginning the ritual.

Welcome

Officiant: Welcome, friends and family! We are gathered today to celebrate the union of (bride) and (groom) in marriage. This ceremony is but an outward sign of their inward union of heart, mind and spirit, a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond exists between two people, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgement be made. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

Blessing of the Elements

Moving to the altar, officiant lights the incense and says: Powers of the air, weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit, and Love between (bride) and (groom). Let none undo the fabric of their love. Smudges the couple with incense.

Officiant lights candles and says: Powers of fire, ignite the passion and love for (bride) and (groom), ever burning yet never one consuming the other.

Officiant raise the chalice up to the sky, saying: Powers of water, bless (bride) and (groom) with a love as deep as any ocean. Sprinkles some water over the couple’s heads.

Officiant anoints the bride and groom’s foreheads with rose oil saying: Powers of the earth, bless (bride) and (groom) with strength and wisdom as long as life and love lasts!

Vows and Exchange of Rings

Officiant: Circles represent eternity, and though our lives are finite, love - the creative force that binds us together, the force that gives new life - is everlasting.

Let us bless these rings. The blessings of the wind upon these rings and your love, that you share communication and creativity. The blessings of fire upon these rings and your love, that you share passion and the spirit. The blessings of water upon these rings and your love, that you share love and compassion. The blessings of the earth upon these rings and your love, that you share health and sexuality.

Groom: (Bride), I give you this as a symbol of my eternal love and commitment. All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy. I, (groom), take you (bride), to be my wife, from this day forward. I will love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

Bride: (Groom), I give you this as a symbol of my eternal love and commitment. All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy. I, (bride), take you (groom), to be my husband, from this day forward. I will love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

Handfasting

Officiant: (bride), please face (groom) and hold his hands, palm up, so you may see the blessing that they are to you.

Bride and groom should be facing each other, his upturned hands resting in hers.

"With this cord, I bind you to the vows that you each have made." (Wrap the cords loosely around both arms) "May you be blessed with health and prosperity. For remember what one may not provide, the other may. So are you bound, each to the other, unto all of your days."

Bride and Groom together: Heart to thee, soul to thee, body to thee, forever and always.

Unity Candle

Couple and Officiant move to table where sits 3 candles. Officiant asks them to each light a candle.

Officiant: These two candles are yourselves. Each of you is a whole and complete human being.

Together, light the third candle, but extinguish not the first two. For in marriage you do not lose yourself; you add something new, a relationship, the capacity to merge into one another without losing sight of your individual self.

Feast of Cakes and Wine

Officiant: Handing chalice to groom May you drink your fill from the cup life. May you never thirst. Groom drinks and passes cup to bride, who drinks and returns the cup to the officiant. Alternately, they can each hold the cup while the other drinks.

Handing bread or small oatcakes to groom May you eat your fill from the food of the earth. May you never hunger. Groom eats and passes bread to bride, who eats and returns the bread to the officiant. Alternately, they can each hold the bread while the other eats.

Blessing

Officiant: May that glory which rests on all who love, rest upon you, bless you, and fill you with happiness and a gracious spirit. May all that is noble and lovely and true abound in your hearts, and abide within you. May it give you strength in all your days together. May you accept life's rewards and bear its burdens together for all time.

I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may embrace.

Jumping of the Broom and Sword

Officiant: This will be your first act of working together as a couple. May the sword cut all ties with the old and the broom sweep them away. (Officiants hold the broom and sword low to the ground while bride and groom jump).

This circle is opened, never broken.