Traditional Handfasting:

While it is unfortunate that many countries do not recognize Handfasting as a legal marraige in the eyes of the law, it is very real, and not some rite you perform in your teenage years to express your feelings of love to one another. This ceramony isn't some joke to be taken lightly. This is the real deal.  In the eyes of any Witch, two people who have gone through a Handfasting ceramony performed by a Pagan reverand are married. No if's ands or buts.

Setting: Bedeck the ritual area in flowers of many types, particularly the favorites of the couple, and roses. The altar should be
arranged as usual, plus 2 white candles, incense of a flower scent, and a willow wand. Dress is up to the couple. Celtic tradition
is that the bride where's some kind of veil or netting and an article of scarlet. The couple should bring wedding rings and small
symbolic gifts for each other if desired. The priest/ess fits the rings over the willow wand, then lay them on the altar..

After lighting the candles and incense, the priest and priestess face the gathering, backs toward the altar.

Priest:

     May the place of this rite
     be consecrated for the Gods.
     For we gather here in a ritual of love
     With two who would be wedded.
     _______ and _______ please come forward
     and stand here before us, and before the gods of nature.

They couple comes forward and stands before the Priest and Priestess, groom in front of Priestess, bride in front of Priest.

Priestess:

     Be with us here, O beings of the Air
     With your clever fingers
     Tie closely the bonds between these two.

     Be with us here, O beings of Fire
     Give their love and passion
     your own all consuming ardor

     Be with us here, O beings of Water
     Give them the deepest of love
     and the richness of the body, of the soul and of the spirit.

     Be with us here, O beings of Earth
     Let your strength and constancy
     Be theirs for so long as they desire
     to remain together

     Blessed Goddess and Laughing God
     Give to these before you, we do ask
     your love and protection
     Blessed Be.

All:

     Blessed Be.

Priestess and Priest hold up the wand between them with the rings upon it.

Priestess:

     Place your right hands
     over this wand and your rings
     his hand over hers

     Above you are the stars
     below you are the stones
     as time does pass
     Remember
     Like a star should our love be constant
     Like a stone should your love be firm
     Be close, but not too close
     Posses one another, but be understanding
     Have patience each with the other
     For storms will come, but they will go quickly
     Be free in the giving of affection and warmth
     Make love often, and be sensuous with one another
     Have no fear and let not the ways or words
     of the unenlightened give you unease
     For the Goddess and the God are with you,
     Now and Always.

(Pause for five heartbeats)

Priestess: I

     s it your wish, _bride's_ name to become one with this man?
     (bride gives her answer)
     Is it your wish, _groom's name_ to become one with this woman?
     (groom gives his answer)
     Do any say nay?
     Then, as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones
     Are witness to this rite
     I now proclaim you husband and wife.

A kiss is appropriate at this time, and the tokens may be exchanged. The ceremony is then over and the cakes and wine on the
altar should be served at the revel that follows.