Where to Buy the Best Handfasting Cords and Ribbons

A handfasting ceremony turns “tying the knot” into a beautiful, symbolic act—blending timeless tradition with modern flair and surging in popularity for today’s weddings. The best handfasting cords can elevate this ritual, making it unforgettable.

Etsy overflows with artisan shops crafting stunning options, from Celtic knots to eco-friendly designs. In this guide, I’ve curated top sellers with standout cords—complete with affiliate links to simplify your shopping. Let’s find the perfect cord to bind your love story!

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What to look for in handfasting cords

Before diving into the best shops, here’s what to consider when choosing handfasting cords:

Length: Aim for 6-9 feet. Too short, and it’s tricky to tie; too long, and it can feel unwieldy during the ceremony.
Material: Satin ribbons offer a smooth, elegant finish, while cotton brings a rustic charm. Eco-conscious? Look for sustainable options.
Customization: Match your wedding colors or add charms for a personal touch that reflects your story.
Shipping: Weddings come with tight timelines—opt for sellers with fast, reliable delivery.
These factors ensure your cord is both beautiful and practical for your special moment.

Top Etsy shops for the best handfasting cords

Embracing Cords (2300+ 5-star reviews)

Embracing Cords, run by Irish couple Will and Niamh from Portugal, blends Celtic tradition with contemporary flair. Inspired by a request for a vegan Irish “crios,” they craft high-quality cotton cords with stunning knotwork and braids. Their select designs add magic to weddings and offer personalized options for couples seeking a unique touch.

Why It’s Great: Crafted by Will and Niamh, an Irish duo in Portugal, this shop offers modern takes on Celtic handfasting cords using fine cotton. Their passion for color and beauty shines in eco-friendly, vegan designs—perfect for a stylish knot-tying moment.

Best For: Eco-conscious weddings with a minimalist aesthetic.

Standout Product: Double Heart Knot Cord—symbolic and sustainable.

Embracing Cords Shop on Etsy

“GORGEOUS!!! I love everything about it. My fiancee loves it, too! The length is perfect, and the colors are perfect. We are a dual-spiritual couple, and I chose charms to represent that. The cord is just perfect.“

Ceotha Handfasting Cords (2400+ 5-star reviews)

Ceotha began years ago as a passion project, making handfasting cords as engagement gifts before launching on Etsy in 2018. Now a thriving shop, it’s driven by an artisan’s joy in creating luxurious, custom cords from top-tier materials. They cherish handfasting’s versatility, collaborating with couples to design cords that perfectly suit their love story and ceremony.

Why It’s Great: Born from gifting cords to friends, Ceotha has blossomed since 2018 into a beloved Etsy shop, crafting unique, high-quality cotton cords with Celtic flair. Each bespoke design is made with love, tailored to reflect a couple’s unique bond.

Best For: Couples wanting a traditional vibe with a modern twist. I’ve filmed these cords in action—they drape beautifully for close-ups.

Standout Product: Celtic ‘Nine Knots’ Design

Ceotha shop on Etsy

“Customer service is phenomenal! We ran into a little bump but Ceotha remedied it immediately and the cord is beyond beautiful! I appreciate how much care she put into making things perfect, it’s for my wedding so it’s deeply meaningful to me and I felt as though it was meaningful to her too to make sure everything was perfect for us.“

Creative Knotie (600+ 5-star reviews)

Why It’s Great: Handmade cords with a focus on creative, one-of-a-kind designs—think unique braids or unexpected color combos. Offers personalization for a truly bespoke touch.

Best For: Couples who want a standout cord that’s as unique as their love story.

Price Range: 60-90 USD with free delivery

Standout Product: Custom Braided Unity Cord—playful yet elegant.

Creative Knotie Shop on Etsy

“The colors are accurate as advertised. The cord is a perfect length to not only do a hand tie, but also have some grace and flow with the extra material. Super soft, very beautiful, and well crafted. Tracking wasn’t provided for me, shipped from Ireland to the US, but it arrived a week earlier than expected!”

Toadstool Garden (2500+ 5-star reviews)

The Toadstool Garden brings ten years of expertise to every handfasting cord, ensuring quality and care. Run by an artisan who supplies celebrants across the UK and USA, the shop creates each cord with love and positive energy, aiming for fast shipping (1-2 weeks during peak times).

Why It’s Great: With a decade of crafting handfasting cords, this shop blends reliability with heartfelt artistry, using recycled cotton for elven-inspired designs in earthy tones. Each cord is made to order with love and positive intent.

Best For: Woodland or boho weddings seeking an ethical, rustic touch.

Standout Product: Celtic Forest Braided Cord—textured and organic.

Toadstool Garden Shop on Etsy

“Lovely handfasting ribbon arrived very quickly considering it was made to order. Ribbon quality is good and the finished article is perfect. The charms just finish it off.”

Tips for choosing the best handfasting cords

Picking the perfect handfasting cord can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Here are some simple tips to help you choose one that fits your ceremony and style:

Match Your Theme: Go for colors or materials that complement your wedding—earthy tones like sage or brown for a rustic vibe, or rich hues like burgundy for a bold statement.
Consider Comfort: Soft materials like cotton or satin feel pleasant during the tying process, especially if the cord will be wrapped multiple times.
Think About Knots: A 6-foot cord is ideal for a single knot, while 9 feet gives room for more elaborate designs—check with your officiant on what’s planned.
Personalize It: Add charms, beads, or custom embroidery to make the cord a keepsake you’ll cherish long after the day. Test your choice ahead of time with a quick practice tie—it’ll ensure everything goes smoothly when it counts!”

FAQs for buying handfasting cords

Cotton is soft and natural, satin shines elegantly, and silk feels luxurious—choose based on your style and comfort for a standout ceremony cord.

For a traditional handfasting ceremony, the best length for handfasting cords is typically between 4 to 6 feet long. This length allows for:

Comfortable wrapping around the couple’s joined hands
Enough slack to create beautiful draping and symbolic knots
Flexibility for different binding styles and ceremonial preferences

Pro tip: If you’re making or selecting cords yourself, err on the side of slightly longer (closer to 6 feet) as you can always trim excess, but you can’t add length once the cords are cut.

Yes, handfasting cords often make wonderful keepsakes for couples! They carry deep symbolic meaning beyond the wedding ceremony and can become treasured mementos of the wedding day. Here are some reasons why handfasting cords make excellent keepsakes:

Emotional Significance

They represent the literal and metaphorical binding of two lives together
Each cord can be chosen to represent specific aspects of the couple’s relationship
The physical act of being “tied together” becomes a lasting memory

Preservation Options

Many couples carefully preserve their cords in wedding memory boxes
Some frame the cords alongside wedding photos or certificates
Cords can be displayed in shadow boxes or incorporated into home decor

Future Meaningful Uses

Some couples use portions of their handfasting cords in later anniversary celebrations
They can be passed down as family heirlooms
Crafty couples might incorporate cord pieces into quilts, ornaments, or other commemorative items

When selecting handfasting cords intended as keepsakes, choose materials and colors with personal significance that will also maintain their condition over time.

Some photos courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography.

Where to Buy the Best Handfasting Cords and Ribbons

What to look for in handfasting cords