Sacred Celtic Handfastings
A powerful, transformative ceremony of love, nature and ancient tradition
A Sacred Celtic Handfasting is far more than a wedding ritual – it is a soul union.
Rooted in ancient Celtic tradition, this timeless rite weaves together love, spirit, nature, and the elements to celebrate the joining of two hearts, two lives, and two destinies.
This is how our ancestors once tied the knot, amidst nature, colour, poetry, music and blessings, surrounded by their loved ones and community.
Today, many couples are returning to handfasting for its joyful authenticity, sacred symbolism, and deep emotional power.
An Unforgettable Experience
A handfasting is a ceremony in its own right, a profoundly moving and immersive experience that honours love in its most sacred form.
Depending on the package you choose, your celebration can unfold as a half-day, full-day or two-day event, with time for preparation, ceremony, feasting, and connection.
The ceremony itself typically lasts around 45 minutes, held within a beautifully created sacred circle and guided through elemental blessings, readings, and rituals.
“We wanted something magical, grounded and unforgettable – Isabel gave us a ceremony that felt like a blessing from the land itself.”
Crafted in Harmony with the Elements
Every handfasting is bespoke, designed with reverence for your unique story and guided by the four sacred elements – Air, Fire, Water and Earth – the forces that sustain all life and love.
You, the couple, are the fifth element, the living spirit completing the circle.
Your ceremony may include:
- The creation of a decorated ivy circle, the sacred space where your vows will be spoken
- The calling in of the elements to bless and empower your union
- Guest readings, poetry or music, chosen to honour your journey
- Vows, promises, and the exchange of rings
- The deeply symbolic binding of hands with ribbons, cords, or a ceremonial hoop and wand
These ancient rituals are crafted around your love, energy and intention, making your ceremony uniquely yours.
What’s Included
Every ceremony includes a full consultation and sacred preparation to align with your vision.
Depending on your package, your experience may include:
- Decorated sacred circle made with ivy, flowers and elemental offerings
- Ceremonial tools including incense, candles, chalice, sacred waters, ribbons, and wand or hoop
- Sacred celebrant to lead and hold your ceremony
- Beloved couple wedding cups for shared blessings
- Optional assistant (“Melissa”) to prepare and support on the day
- Keepsake copy of your ceremony and a commemorative certificate
Optional enhancements:
- Pre-ceremonies such as sacred incense blending or hoop decoration
- Cake & Mead Ceremony or Besom & Broom Ritual
- Vow and reading coaching to help you or your guests speak confidently and beautifully
- Full rehearsal to ensure you feel completely at ease on the day
Handfasting Packages
What’s Included in Your Fee
Your Handfasting Ceremony includes more than just the day itself.
It covers creative, spiritual, and practical preparation, ensuring a deeply meaningful experience for all involved.
Includes:
- Personal consultation & planning call
- Ceremony script writing
- Travel & site visit (where needed)
- Ritual setup & teardown
- 1–1.5 hours ceremony time
- Aftercare & follow-up guidance
Each ceremony is infused with love, intention, and reverence for the sacred traditions of the Celtic Handfasting lineage.
The Sacred Handfasting Ceremony
- Discovery call + full consultation (1.5–2 hrs)
- Bespoke script & ceremony design
- Four Elemental blessings (Air · Fire · Water · Earth)
- Handfasting ribbons (red & white as standard)
- “Read & Repeat” ring exchange (if desired)
- Coordination with venue/photographer
- Use of altar items & celebrant’s candles
- Travel within 25 miles of the Isle of Man
- Ceremonial certificate signing
Typical ceremony 45–60 mins · Total working time 12–15 hrs (consultation, writing, rehearsal/site visit, setup, ceremony & follow-up)
Add-On Ceremonies (Bolt-Ons)
- Cake & Mead Blessing - share abundance with guests · ~20 mins · £75–£120
- Couple’s Ring Blessing - four elemental altars · 20–25 mins · £150
- Bridal Hoop & Besom Crafting - sacred making · 1.5–2 hrs · £120 (materials included)
- Couple’s Incense Blending - Vesica Piscis layout · ~45 mins · £75
- Sacred Land Blessing - honour the spirits of place · ~45 mins · £95
- Pre-Wedding Elemental Blessing - cleanse & attune · ~30 mins · £75
Optional Extras
- Additional Handfasting Ribbons - custom colours · £10/m
- Personalised Printed Ribbons - names & date · £25/set
- Decorated Besom Broom - keep / borrow · £50 keep / £20 borrow
- Blessing Tree or Willow Hoop - for guest ribbons · £35–£60
- Custom Incense Blend - elemental recipe · £20
- Keepsake Certificate - art print parchment · £25
- Travel Beyond 25 Miles - £0.50/mile (round trip)
- Overnight Stay (if needed) - at cost
Booking Information
- Deposit: £150 non-refundable to secure your date
- Balance: due 14 days before the ceremony
- Instalments: available on request
- Agreement: simple service contract provided upon booking
- Weather/Force Majeure: flexible rescheduling where possible
Optional Festival Handfastings
| Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Handfasting (Symbolic) | 20-minute mini ceremony for couples at festivals and events. Includes circle, certificate, and blessing. | £95 |
| Festival Day Rate | Up to 6 symbolic ceremonies per day. Includes setup, decor, and festival coordination. | from £450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Handfasting a legal marriage?
In many parts of the UK, a Handfasting is sacred rather than legal. Most couples do their legal paperwork at a registry office and hold the Handfasting as their spiritual celebration. - How long does a Handfasting last?
Typically 45-60 minutes. With photos and add-ons, plan 75-90 minutes. - Can we customise the rituals?
Absolutely – choose the elements, add readings, invite family blessings, or weave cultural traditions. - Do you travel?
Travel within 25 miles of the Isle of Man is included. Beyond that, mileage is £0.50 per mile; overnight stays at cost if needed. - What if it rains outdoors?
We’ll set a clear Plan B in your site visit. Most elements adapt under cover. - How do we book?
Enquire to check availability. A £150 deposit and signed agreement secure the date; then we schedule your consultation and craft your ceremony.
A Note on Legalities
Handfastings are not legally binding on the Isle of Man (as in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
If you wish your marriage to be legal, you will also need a civil ceremony at a Register Office, either before or after your handfasting.
Your Ceremony Awaits
If you long for a ceremony that feels ancient, alive, and utterly your own, this is it.
A Sacred Celtic Handfasting is more than a celebration; it is a threshold crossing, a sacred beginning, and a memory you and your guests will carry for life.