The Complete Guide to a Handfasting Ceremony: Everything Modern Couples Need to Know

handfasting ceremony

A handfasting ceremony is an ancient Celtic tradition where couples literally ‘tie the knot’ during their wedding ceremony. This meaningful ritual has captured the hearts of modern couples seeking to blend tradition with personal significance in their wedding.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need about handfasting ceremonies, from their ancient origins to modern adaptations. You’ll discover the rich symbolism behind the cords, and learn how to incorporate this tradition into any wedding style.

Whether you’re drawn to handfasting for its Celtic heritage, spiritual significance, or visual beauty, this guide will answer all your questions about including this meaningful ritual.

Table of Contents
handfasting ceremony

What is a Handfasting Ceremony?

A handfasting ceremony is a unity ritual where couples have their hands bound together with cords or ribbons during their wedding ceremony, literally “tying the knot.” Dating back to ancient Celtic tradition, this meaningful ceremony symbolizes binding two lives together in marriage. During the ritual, which typically lasts 3-5 minutes, an officiant wraps colorful cords around the couple’s joined hands while speaking blessings or vows for each tie.

The ceremony can be customized in several key ways:

  • Choose 3-6 cords in colors that represent different aspects of marriage (like red for passion or gold for prosperity)
  • Include family members by using meaningful materials like family tartans or heirloom ribbons
  • Incorporate personal vows or traditional Celtic blessings
  • Combine it with other wedding traditions like ring exchanges

While handfasting originated in Celtic and Pagan traditions, modern couples of all beliefs now include this ritual in their weddings because of its visual beauty and deep symbolism. It works equally well in religious, secular, or interfaith ceremonies, making it a versatile choice for contemporary weddings. The physical act of binding hands creates powerful imagery and an intimate moment between couples, while the cords serve as a meaningful keepsake after the wedding day.

Unlike other unity ceremonies that are purely symbolic, handfasting creates an immersive experience where couples can feel connected during the ceremony. Some couples stay bound until they reach their reception, adding an extra layer of meaning to their first moments as a married couple.

Handfasting ceremony example at a wedding

What happens at a handfasting ceremony?

At a handfasting ceremony, the couple follows these traditional steps during their wedding: First, the officiant introduces the ritual’s significance, often explaining its Celtic origins and symbolism. Then, the couple joins their hands together – typically right hand to right hand or crossing both hands at the wrists, forming an infinity symbol.

Next, the officiant or chosen family member wraps 3-6 colorful cords or ribbons around the couple’s joined hands. Each cord is draped over their wrists and carefully tied, while the officiant speaks about its symbolic meaning. For example, a red cord might represent passion, while a gold one symbolizes prosperity. The binding process typically takes 3-5 minutes.

During the binding, couples can choose to:

  • Exchange special vows or promises
  • Have family members present different cords
  • Include traditional Celtic blessings
  • Incorporate personal meanings for each cord color
  • Play meaningful music during the ritual

After all cords are bound, the officiant offers a final blessing. Some couples slip the cords off carefully to preserve them as a keepsake, while others choose to stay bound until their reception entrance. The entire ritual, including the introduction and final blessing, usually takes 5-10 minutes within the larger wedding ceremony.

Modern couples often personalize their handfasting by using meaningful materials like family tartans, pieces of their parents’ wedding attire, or handmade cords crafted by loved ones. The ceremony can be as traditional or contemporary as desired, making it a versatile addition to any wedding style.

handfasting ceremony

Handfasting ceremony wording

During a handfasting ceremony, the officiant typically delivers three key parts of spoken word: an introduction, individual cord blessings, and a final blessing. The ceremony begins with the officiant explaining the ritual’s significance with words like: “Today, [Couple’s names] will participate in the ancient Celtic tradition of handfasting, literally tying the knot to symbolize their binding commitment to one another.”

For each cord placed, the officiant speaks a specific blessing that represents its symbolic meaning:

  • First Cord: “With this red cord, we bind [Name] and [Name]’s love and passion for one another.”
  • Second Cord: “With this blue cord, we celebrate the trust and loyalty that flows between you.”
  • Third Cord: “With this gold cord, we bind your promise of prosperity and abundance.”

The ceremony concludes with a final blessing, often using traditional Celtic words: “These are the hands that will love and support you through your marriage. As these cords bind your hands, may they represent the binding of your hearts, spirits, and lives together. May your love grow stronger with each passing day.”

handfasting ceremony

What cords to use for handfasting

For a handfasting ceremony, couples typically use 3-6 cords, ribbons, or braided ropes about 4-6 feet long. The most traditional materials include silk ribbons, braided rope, cord, or tartan fabric, though modern couples often choose materials with personal significance.

Common cord colors and their symbolic meanings:

  • Red: passion, love, strength
  • Blue: tranquility, devotion, sincerity
  • Gold or Yellow: unity, prosperity, wisdom
  • Green: growth, fertility, harmony
  • Purple: spirituality, power, nobility
  • White: purity, peace, devotion
  • Silver: creativity, success, protection

Couples can personalize their handfasting cords by:

  • Using family tartans to honor Scottish heritage
  • Incorporating lace from family wedding dresses
  • Braiding ribbons in their wedding colors
  • Using handmade cords crafted by loved ones
  • Weaving in meaningful charms or trinkets

The cords should be durable enough to tie securely but soft enough to not cause discomfort when bound. Many couples preserve their handfasting cords as wedding keepsakes, displaying them in shadow boxes or storing them with other wedding mementos. For practical purposes, each cord should be long enough to wrap around both wrists at least once with enough length remaining to tie a secure knot.

Pro Tip: As a wedding videographer, I recommend choosing cords that contrast your wedding attire to ensure they’re visible in photos and videos. Metallic or richly colored cords typically photograph beautifully against white wedding dresses.

Other Handfasting Ceremony FAQs

The specific hand used can vary based on cultural or personal preferences, but traditionally, the right hand is the more commonly used hand.

In many cultures, the right hand has been historically associated with strength, skill, and honor. Consequently, using the right hand in the ceremony represents these positive qualities and the sincerity of the couple’s intentions. However, it’s essential to remember that the choice of hand may depend on individual beliefs, cultural practices, or the preferences of the couple conducting the ceremony.

Ultimately, the handfasting ceremony is a symbolic ritual, and the most important aspect is the meaning and commitment behind it, regardless of which hand is used.

A handfasting ceremony can be performed by various officiants, as it’s primarily a symbolic ritual rather than a legal requirement. While the handfasting portion itself can be conducted by anyone, the legal aspects of your marriage ceremony must still be performed by a qualified officiant according to your local laws.

Yes, anyone can participate in a handfasting ceremony, although the central participants are typically the couple getting married and the officiant who performs the ceremony. In the video above you’ll see the bride and groom have a number of their family members each tie a ribbon.

The exchange of rings in a handfasting ceremony can happen either before or after the actual handfasting ritual, depending on the preferences and customs of the individuals involved. There is no strict rule on the timing of the ring exchange, and it can be adapted to suit the couple’s wishes and cultural traditions.

In a handfasting ceremony, each cord color carries specific symbolic meanings that represent different aspects of marriage and commitment. These traditional color meanings help couples choose cords that reflect their values and wishes for their marriage:

Red: Represents passion, strength, fertility, courage, and romantic love Blue: Symbolizes tranquility, patience, devotion, and sincerity Gold/Yellow: Signifies unity, prosperity, intelligence, and wisdom Green: Represents growth, fertility, balance, harmony, and nature Purple: Symbolizes spirituality, power, wealth, and nobility White: Represents purity, peace, devotion, and new beginnings Pink: Symbolizes romance, happiness, and honor Brown: Represents earth, home, and stability Silver: Signifies creativity, success, and protection Black: Represents empowerment and deep commitment

Modern couples often personalize their cord meanings by:

  • Choosing colors that match their wedding palette
  • Using family tartan colors to honor heritage
  • Selecting colors that represent significant moments in their relationship
  • Incorporating metallic cords for added symbolism (gold for prosperity, silver for harmony)

Most couples choose 3-6 cords for their ceremony, selecting colors whose meanings resonate most with their relationship and future aspirations. Some choose to have their officiant explain each color’s significance during the binding, adding deeper meaning to the ritual for their guests.

Pro Tip: While these are traditional meanings, couples can assign their significance to each cord color, making the ceremony even more meaningful to their unique relationship.


Photos courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography.

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