Ivorie and Shaun's Handfasting Ceremony Script

This ceremony script is adapted from a version published on the Universal Life Church's website.  Ivorie found it and wanted it for her wedding!  

Welcome Statement

Welcome friends, family, and loved ones - all who come in peace to witness the union of Name and Name. We are here today to celebrate with them and to share in their triumph as they proclaim their love for one another and the bond their souls have formed together.

For those who my not be familiar, a Handfasting ceremony is a little different from a traditional wedding ceremony in that it recognizes that love, like life, is dynamic. Traditionally, these ceremonies were done in Celtic lands, and vows could be taken for a year, or they could be taken forever, because those Celtic ancestors understood that love changes from moment to moment, and that every couple is unique - as is every relationship.

Name and  Name have chosen to commit to one another today for the rest of their lives, but they understand that the love they commit to is dynamic and fluid, and what we celebrate is the eternal connection between their souls, no matter what physical form their love may take.

The connection between their two souls is evident. It’s in the way Name smiles when she sees Name come into the room or when she lights up ever so slightly at the mention of his name. It’s the gleam in Name’s eye when he talks about Name, or the way he holds her close when they’re together. There’s no denying that their souls are connected - and that is what we’ve gathered to celebrate - here in this moment - the love shared between their spirits.

Declaration of Intent

Name and Name, let there be no mistake. While the tradition of handbinding recognizes and accepts love as dynamic in nature, it is not to be entered into lightheartedly because it is a sacred vow.

The vows you make today signify that your souls are bound eternally, whether or not your bodies are. You make these vows today with the understanding that you are committing to be a partner to one another and to honor the connection your souls now share. These vows are sacred, and they should not easily be broken, as you make them to one another.


Knowing this, Name and Name, is it your intent to enter into this commitment to one another?
COUPLE: It is.

Handbinding Ceremony

OFFICIANT (to couple):
Then let us begin.

You will be making six vows in total to one another. For each, I will ask Name for his commitment first. Then, Name, I will ask you. Once you have both affirmed, we will move to the next vow.





OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s pain and seek to protect her/him/them from it and ease her/him/them of it?

Name: I will.OFFICIANT:Name, will you share in Name’s pain and seek to protect her/him/them from it and ease her/him/them of it?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s joy, rejoice in it with her/him/them, and look for the best in her/him/them always?

Name: I will.

OFFICIANTName, will you share in Name’s joy, rejoice in it with her/him/them, and look for the best in her/him/them always?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s hardships and toil so that the two of you may grow together?
Name: I will.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s hardships and toil, so that the two of you may grow together?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s dreams and work with her/him/them to fulfill them?

Name: I will.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you share in Name’s dreams and work with her/him/them to fulfill them?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you use your anger to strengthen and temper the bond between you and Name?

Name: I will.

OFFICIANT:

Name, will you use your anger to strengthen and temper the bond between you and Name?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

OFFICIANT: 

Name, will you honor and respect Name, treating her/him/them as an equal in this bond?

Name: I will.

OFFICIANT: 

Name, will you honor and respect Name, treating her/him/them as an equal in this bond?

Name: I will

OFFICIANT: Then let the binding be so.

Vow/Ring Exchange

Now that the binding ceremony is complete, it’s time to seal your bond with the exchange of rings. The ring has a special significance within Wiccan, Pagan, and Celtic cultures because it is a symbol of unbrokenness. It is also a symbol of completion - as the two of you are now complete.


Name, please repeat after me:

Name, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us.

Name, please repeat after me: Name, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us.

Pronouncement

Name and Name, having proclaimed the bond of your souls together, and based on the strength of that bond, and the power vested in me by the state of Indiana, I now pronounce you married.

Please seal your bond with a kiss!

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