The promises you make on your wedding day are the reason for it all. A handfasting ceremony can make everything a little more meaningful. The modern ceremony binds the hands of the couple as it did in ancient Celtic times. There are many variations to the words spoken during the ceremony, and couples can create their own vows. We are sharing a sample script to help you create your handfasting ceremony vows.
Introduction to Handfasting Ceremony Vows
The introduction to the handfasting ceremony vows sets the stage for the rituals that follow. The officiant usually welcomes the guests and explains why they have been invited to gather. The officiant might begin with the following:
Today, this couple comes before us to enter into the sacred covenant of marriage, vowing to be partners through the trials and triumphs of their shared life. They are declaring to each other and to all of us present that they will be by each other's side, no matter what life brings their way.
We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but the marriage ceremony is regarded as one so meaningful that we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others. Love is the great unifier — our one universal truth.
No matter who we are, where we come from or what we believe, we know this one thing, love is what we're doing right. Love is why you both are standing here. That's why you all have been invited to witness this moment and be reminded that unconditional love is the most precious gift a person can give and receive.
Declaration of Intention
The declaration of intention is an important part of the handfasting ceremony, just as with every wedding. This is the segment of the ceremony where the officiant will ask a series of questions. You might recognize it as the "I do's." Whether the bride and groom respond with "I do" or "I will" depends on how the question is phrased. The following is an example:
As I ask you both these questions, please respond together, making your promises before this circle of witnesses.
[Groom] and [Bride], will you honor and respect one another? (We will)
Will you remain loyal, committed and by each other’s side through all of life’s twists and turns, ups and downs, and in good times and bad? (We will)
Will you share each other's laughter and joy and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other? (We will)
Is it your intention to bring peace and harmony into your everyday ways of communicating, and to grow together in a strong union? (It is)
And when you falter, will you have the courage and commitment to remember these promises and take a step back and towards one another with an open heart? (We will)
The Cord and Handfasting Ceremony Vows
The modern handfasting ceremony binds the hands of the couple. The couple holds hands while facing each other. The officiant wraps the cord three times around their hands while explaining the symbolism and meaning behind the ritual.
This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle, yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth.
Please join hands.
And now, as your hands are bound together, I ask you to declare your vows to each other, repeating after me.
[Groom], please repeat after me as you look at [Bride].
I, [Groom], promise you, [Bride] that I will be your husband from this day forward, to love and respect you, to support and to hold you, to make you laugh, to be there when you cry, and to be your companion and your best friend on this journey that we will now make together as one
[Bride], please repeat after me as you look at [Groom].
I, [Bride], promise you, [Groom] that I will be your wife from this day forward, to love and respect you, to support and to hold you, to make you laugh, to be there when you cry, and to be your companion and your best friend on this journey that we will now make together as one
As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. Keep this cord as a visible reminder of your promise to one another, and let no one unbind it as long as you both shall live.
Ring Ceremony
The ring ceremony is the most recognized and important symbols of marriage. A handfasting ceremony also consists of a ring ceremony. The couple exchanges their rings as the officiant explains the symbolism.
Who has the rings? (We Do)
You fell in love by chance, but you're here today because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other, because you want to share the rest of your life with someone who makes you dream big, who makes you think deeply, who makes you laugh uncontrollably and love unconditionally. Your wedding rings are a symbol of your love and a constant reminder of your promises. It will always be with you, visible, worn openly, and worn with pride.
[Groom], please take [Bride’s] hand, place the ring on her finger, and repeat after me as you look at her:
I give you this ring in token and pledge of my abiding love
[Bride], please take [Groom’s] hand, place the ring on his finger, and repeat after me as you look at him:
I give you this ring in token and pledge of my abiding love
The Pronouncement of a Handfasting Ceremony
The officiant will make the pronouncement of marriage during a handfasting ceremony to declare the couple husband and wife.
May you enjoy a lifetime of love, peace, happiness, and prosperity. By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. [Groom], you may now kiss your bride! I now present, Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's Last Name]!
Crystal Ballroom Rock Hill
Crystal Ballroom Rock Hill is an all-inclusive wedding venue that includes all of the furnishings and designs to create the perfect backdrop for your handfasting ceremony. Meet with professional wedding designers and planners that are dedicated to designing and staging every element of your wedding day, from ceremony to reception. Meet the design team, and pick and plan your traditions and décor for all of your magical moments. Plan with Crystal Ballroom, and vow to the one you love in a ballroom designed just for you.
