Hand-fasting is a marriage ceremony in the Scottish tradition. It probably draws from Scandinavian Christian and pre-Christian practices and was popular in the 1500 – 1600s.

These ceremonies hold no legal standing in their own right, but are great fun and full of meaning. Often the “hand-fasting” service can follow immediately on from civil or humanist ceremony, alternatively we have had couples married in a very simple service earlier in the day and then later have the “hand fasting” service in front of their guests. Sometime couples have been married weeks before overseas or elsewhere and are now having a larger celebration with their wider friends and family to mark their union.

Each celebrant has their own way of conducting the services, indeed some as well as fastening hands also get the couple to “Jump the Besom” (an old broom). It is highly likely that the well known saying “tying the knot” comes from these ancient Handfasting ceremonies.

The “service” is very flexible, not religious as such but more about nature, the elements of Earth, Wind and Fire and the individuals themselves, although religious elements may be incorporated of desired.  The celebrant works closely with the couple for some weeks before the ceremony tailoring the service to their unique individual wishes.

Please contact our wedding co-ordinators for more information and details of Celebrants who can provide this style of service.