Handfasting
An Adventure in Love
A Handfasting is essentially a wedding. The term comes from ancient cultures that used to "tie the knot" around married partners' hands as a sign of unity. This traditional ceremony has been adapted to modern life for our everyday pagan community.
Here at 4OLK we have 4 ordained ULC ministers who are happy to perform a handfasting! They've even been through the process themselves, so if you need real life examples of simple, pagan friendly ceremonies we're just the place!
Handfasting (Definition)
" plural -s. archaic : betrothal. : an irregular or probationary marriage contracted by joining hands and agreeing to live together as man and wife. also : the living together under such an agreement." (Merriam Webster)
"Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives."(Brides)
"The phrase refers to the making fast of a pledge by the shaking or joining of hands." (Wikipedia)
"M​ay define an unofficiated wedding (in which a couple marries without an officiant, usually with the intent of later undergoing a second wedding with an officiant), a betrothal (an engagement in which a couple has formally promised to wed, and which can be broken only through divorce), or a temporary wedding (in which a couple makes an intentionally temporary marriage commitment)" (Wikipedia)
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Officiants Role
Our Intuitive Consultants are all ULC ordained Ministers from various backgrounds.
3, 6, or 9 months of Pre-Marital Spiritual Coaching
Vow Writing Assistance
Ceremony Scripting
Day of Ceremony (Outdoor Option)
Marriage Altar Smudge Box
Ceremony Group Smudge
After Service Check-in Coaching
Group Rate for Bachelor/ette Parties.
Life-time discount on Birth Blessings
Married House Smudge Discount
Two-for-One 2 Hour Reiki Massage
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History
Handfasting ceremonies date back to ancient times, particularly within Celtic and Norse cultures. Historically, it was a common form of marriage in pre-Christian Europe. The ceremony was recognized as a legally binding union, often lasting a year and a day, after which the couple could decide to remain together or part ways.
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Handfasting is an ancient ceremony rooted in pagan traditions, symbolizing the binding of two souls in marriage. The term "handfasting" comes from the act of tying a couple's hands together with a cord, symbolizing their union. It was practiced by Celtic, Norse, and other ancient cultures as a public declaration of a couple’s commitment.
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Unlike traditional weddings, which are often governed by religious or legal institutions, handfasting focuses on the spiritual bond between the couple, making it deeply personal and customizable.
