Handfasting Ritual

Copied from Covencraft by Amber K

Preparation: The altar is set up, the circle decorated, and the guests seated. The couple wait at a distance with their escorts, on opposite sides of the circle but within sight of each other.

Welcome: (ring chimes)

HP: Dear friends – welcome! Out of affection for _________ and ___________ we have gathered together to witness and bless their vows which will unite them in marriage. To this moment they bring their loving hearts, the dreams which inspire their lives, and two unique personalities and spirits. We have been asked as a community of loving friends to share their joy with them, and to pledge ourselves to support and honor their love. No matter how strong their love for each other, they will need our support. I ask each of you present today to do all in your power to sustain and encourage _________ and _______ in their commitment to each other. We rejoice with them for this union of hearts, a union created by friendship, respect and love.

HPS: ___________ and __________ have chosen each other as partner and lovers, and the choice seems obvious and right to those who know them both. It is clear that they share so much: love and laughter, passion and curiosity, a sense of adventure and play, and their deep commitment to the same spiritual path. Their love, like any love between committed and responsible adults, is a reflection of that infinite, divine love which embraces us all. They have chosen to name their love and to honor it. Your support and sharing of their love, and their life together, will make their journey together fuller and richer. For this, they and we thank you.

Casting the Circle

Calling the Quarters

Inviting the God

Inviting the Goddess

Processional:

The couple are escorted by two chosen friends, from opposite directions. They meet before the altar.

Reading

Songs

The Charge to the Witnesses(chimes)

HP: To all of you who are here to witness this ceremony: you have shown your love and support for _________ and _________ as individuals. I charge you now to love them also as a couple, to honor and support their marriage, to rejoice with them in their successes and to help them through times of hardship. I know they will do the same for you, and together we create a loving community.

The Charges to the Couple:

These should be personalized statements of wisdom and counsel from both the HP and the HPS.

The Vows:

HP: Trials will come, and tests, for there is much in this world that would long to pull you apart. Do you bring strength and vision to your relationship, courage and understanding?

Response: I do (in unison)

HPS: Joys will come, graces and blessings will warm your souls and give you wonder. Do you bring thanksgiving and rejoicing to this relationship, laughter and abandon?

Response: I do (in unison)

HP: Do you __________, take __________ to be your beloved partner, to love, honor and cherish?

Response: I do

HP: Do you __________, take __________ to be your beloved partner, to love, honor and cherish?

Response: I do

Exchange of Rings:

A Child or Friend brings forth the rings on a wand and gives them to the HP. He blesses the rings and gives them to the couple, who place them on each others fingers while stating:

In the name of the Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone; and in the name of the God, with this ring, I thee wed.

Pronouncement:

HPS: _________ and __________, in the presence of this company and of the Goddess and God, you have spoken the vows and performed the rites which unite your lives. Therefore do we pronounce you joined together as partners in life, love and the spirit. (Pause) May your lives together be as sweet as this honey, a gift of the Goddess. (Place a little honey on the couples lips. They kiss, then offer each other the chalice.)

Affirmation by the Community:

HP: _________ and __________, you have proclaimed your commitment in this sacred circle before your community of family and friends. I now invite everyone to join me in the confirmation of this marriage.

HP: (to congregation): Please repeat after me:

In the presence of this good company

By the power of your love

You have exchanged vows of commitment

And we recognize, honor, and celebrate your marriage.

Blessing:

HP: To (Gods name), we thank You for Your presence, and invite You to stay for the celebration. To __________ and __________, may your lives together be joyful and content, and may your love be bright as the stars, Warm as the sun, accepting as the ocean, and enduring as the mountains.

Benediction:

HPS: To (Goddess’s name), we thank You for Your presence and invite you to feast with us. We come now to the close of this event, and for __________ and __________, the beginning of a new life together. We offer to them and to each of you, this blessing:

By the Earth that is her body,

By the Air that is her breath,

By the fire that is Her bright spirit,

By the living waters of her womb,

The circle is open but unbroken.

The peace of the Goddess and God go in our hearts.

Merry meet, and merry part and merry meet again.

Blessed Be!

Recessional

Rose petals are tossed on the couple as they leave the altar, and music plays