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Bride and Groom would like to take a moment to thank you all for being here with them today. You have shared in some of their best and worst days, and you are an irreplaceable part of their yesterdays, their today and all of their tomorrows. We’d like to take a moment to remember those who are not here today. We know they are here with us in spirit There is a term that we hear often at events such as this with very little explanation. The term is “Perfect Love and Perfect Trust” or “Unconditional Love” In the case of a marriage, and in the case of all loving, caring, committed relationships the ideal that this speaks of is not about perfection, but of expecting and accepting imperfection and human frailty. It means that a couple must say to one another: ‘I accept and I expect that on occasion you will anger me as I will anger you, and that you will hurt me as I will hurt you; But I know in my heart that between us there is love and affection and friendship that is stronger. I trust that at our best we will live together in love and joy and harmony and at our worst we will fight, with and for and beside each other, for the greater good without fear of abandonment. For the divinely inspired desire to be together for a lifetime in indeed something well worthy of fighting for. And these, dear friends, are the promises that you have been invited to bear witness to this day. To the children: Is it your wish that your parents be married today? Hopefully they say yes This may be the first time that some of you are attending a handfasting. Bride and Groom thought you might be interested in the symbolism of what you will see today. The circle in which you all stand is symbolic of the cycles of life, the womb of the Great Mother, a sacred place created for mortal and divine interaction, in which any negativity from the mundane world can be left outside and all the love and joy we feel for Bride and Groom contained within. Marriage is very much a sacred union, for it is a union of souls in which the bride and groom pledge unto one another their higher selves and all that is divine within themselves. In the Earth based traditions, it is considered the marriage of the God and Goddess within. If you are a Princess Bride or Braveheart fan - they were hand fasted. Those of you who have been to a Greek Orthodox ceremony will undoubtedly recognize the symbolic binding of the hands at the end of the service that inspired the terms “Bonds of Holy Matrimony” and to “Tie the knot.” This custom has also been known the world over, through many different periods in history. It was observed the world over long before there were legalities to marriage . During the Middle Ages to be seen in public holding hands was a sign that a couple were exclusive to one another. And while rings were for the very rich, love knows no bounds and a simple cord such as a vine would do just fine. Some couples practice handfasting once per year as part of their personal spiritual practice. They reaffirm their commitments and love each time to keep the importance of their relationship fresh. Bride and Groom chose the handfasting ceremony to honor their Celtic heritage. Today, they’ve chosen their own ribbons with colors and meaning important to them. The ribbons will be a part of their home for their lifetimes as a memory of today, all of you, and, the promises they are making today. We are also personalizing this handfasting in order to bind the family as one. As you can see, traditions, and love, get better with age. Today they are also going to jump a broom! And no, it’s not a competition to see who is in charge of the housework. During the Renaissance period the jumping of the broom at the closing of the ceremony symbolically sweeps clean the past reminding our Bride and Groom that the power to create the future ahead and the quality of life that they both so richly deserve is their own. The actual ceremony begins with an Elemental Blessing. Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for Bride and Groom the blessings of Nature’s Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well. The place they have chosen to do this surrounded by the fresh air, the water of the lake, the freshness of the earth around us and, (the fire of the candles lit here)if not actual fire, the fire that burns within for each other. “We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. “Spirits of Fire, we ask that their passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. “We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our Bride and Groom. “Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill their destiny. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. “Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love.” Drawing Down the God and Goddess In the drawing down of the God and Goddess into the Bride and Groom, it connects them with the divinity within themselves, reminding us that in marriage it is our higher selves and the best that we have to give, that we offer to one another. Moreover, you cannot "draw down" the God or Goddess. They are within you and we ask that arise within you and part of you. Bride bows head Bride, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you, Let it come forth and shine. In you dwells the essence of the Great Mother and the divine feminine principle of the Universe You are She who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages You are wife, mother, lover, friend, prophet, and confidant In you is everything that any one could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine dear one and show your true nature as Goddess. Groom bows head Groom, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you, Let it come forth and shine. In you lives the essence of the Gods The active force that has sparked and powered all life You are He who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages You are husband, healer, protector, visionary, friend, and confidant In you is everything that any one could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine mighty one and show to all the God within. Ring Exchange The ring, a circle, is one of nature’s simplest forms. The arc of the rainbow, the halo of the moon and the smallest of raindrops simulate the circle. When a stone is cast upon a pond, it generates waves in ever expanding circles. Consider this marriage as being two stones striking the water simultaneously. The ensuing waves interlock, and the growth of the enlarging circles show the combined energies of the lives of Scott and Annemarie. The interlocking of these two lives will be symbolized in the exchange of rings. (Mention that we have written our own vows and will say them now) We will both have this at the end of our vows: BRIDE/GROOM, I give you this ring as a sign of my devotion and love and with my all my heart I promise to you all that I am. With this ring I marry you and join my life to yours. Handfasting Is it also your wish today that your hands be fasted in the ways of old? Bride and Groom: It is Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind… Tartan/chord is held aloft The role already taken by the song your hearts share shall now be strengthened by the vows taken. All things of the material world eventually return to the Earth unlike the bond and the connection your spirits share which is destined to ascend to the heavens. May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of you Bride and Groom’s hands are bound You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride!” The Broom Brooms are used for cleaning and sweeping. Therefore that they are used to symbolize the sweeping away the remnants of the past which no longer serve us is appropriate. As the Bride and Groom jump they are reminded that remaining vigilant over these aspects of the day to day shall help them to achieve the quality of life that they aspire to. Child/other, will you now lay down the Broom. Broom is laid Now putting the past behind you, and remembering always that the power to create the future ahead of you is your own, jump together into your common future! The couple jumps, kisses again, Family Handfasting What we envision is mentioning a little bit about each child and the colors they are bringing into the circle and “tying them in” one at a time. These are not cords, but are ribbons and each child will have 4 of them. We thought you could somehow loop them in, each is around 4 ft Daughter brings in TEAL- a combination of blue and green. With her calm and strength like the waves of an ocean and her love and awe of nature..- it is no wonder teal is her favorite color, Along with teal she brings PURPLE, GOLD, and WHITE. Son brings in RED, BLACK, GRAY…some of Son’s favorite colors to wear..and SILVER. These colors are bold or they can blend..reminding us of Son’s courage and ability to recognize when a hero is needed as well as solitude. Daughter brings in YELLOW..a favorite color since birth it seems! Like the sun..her smile lights up even the darkest of corners. She radiates joy ..yet welcomes a cloudy day to hide away for a bit. She also brings in ORANGE, BROWN, and PINK. Apache Wedding Blessing Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth. I do not claim to be the original author of this script. I am sharing it like this to make it easier for anyone to use. 6/25/2024 Brian and Leigh's HandfastingWelcome! Good Morning! We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love. Leigh and Brian, in their devotion, respect and love for each other wish to unite in marriage. In doing so, they are choosing to dedicate themselves to each other’s happiness and well-being as life mates and partners. On behalf of them, I welcome you all. Each of us knows that a marriage is not created by a law or a ceremony; rather it occurs in the hearts of two people. It grows out of loving, caring, and truly sharing ourselves with another. The ceremony you are about to witness today is not magic, it will not create a relationship where one does not already exist. Rather, it is an outward celebration of the commitments that Leigh and Brian have already made to each other, both large and small, in the days since they first met. Today’s ceremony will serve as a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the vows that they’ll make to each other — to live their lives together and to love and support each other above all others. Each of you is here because in some way — whether large or small — you have been an important part of Brian and Leigh’s lives. Their parents not only brought them into the world, but worked hard to create the loving and nurturing environment that would serve as the foundation for who they would ultimately become. Thank you, all three of you, for your steadfast love, support and encouragement throughout the years. At this time, I would like to formally ask you to extend your love and support to the person they have chosen to spend the rest of their lives with. Dawna and Doug? Do you offer Brian and Leigh your blessing? Do you welcome Leigh as a member of your family? Parents: We do. Earlene? Do you offer Brian and Leigh your blessing? Do you welcome Brian as a member of your family? Mom: I do. While parents are responsible for much, it is also their wider community of family, friends and experiences that has resulted in the Brian and Leigh you see before you today. All of you here today are all honored guests because of the different roles you’ve had in helping them become the people they are. Thank you for the love, support, wisdom, laughter and tears you’ve shared. As they enter into marriage, I ask you all, Will you who are present here today, continue to surround Brian and Leigh in love and friendship, supporting them in their marriage? If you do, please say “we will.” All: WE WILL! Thank you! In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift. Marriage is the ultimate relationship between two people. It is a great and challenging adventure into the depths and heights of human caring, Affection, trust and understanding. Today as you make your vows, your lives are intermingled As the waters of two streams become one, Flowing together into a mighty river. Marriage is a journey of transformation into the profound mysteries of life and creation. In marriage, we do not give ourselves to another, but rather surrender into something greater. We surrender to love itself. Today, you step into a much fuller experience and expression of the mysteries and miracles of love. Your precious union is lovely in its innocence, Mighty in its strength, And abundant with possibilities. It belongs to you both. Over time you will continue to give it identity. We wish for you the wisdom, strength of character, and divine creativity To make this a happy marriage, A safe harbor. And a joyful journey to share. Declaration of Intent Brian, from this day onward, do you choose Leigh to be your wife, your best friend, and your only love? To live together, play together and laugh together; To work by her side and dream in her arms; To fill her heart and feed her soul; To always seek out the best in her; Always loving her with all your heart, until the end of your days? Leigh, from this day onward, do you choose Brian to be your husband, your best friend, and your only love? To live together, play together and laugh together; To work by his side and dream in his arms; To fill his heart and feed his soul; To always seek out the best in him; Always loving him with all your heart, until the end of your days? Ring Exchange You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. A ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of unity and love, representative of the greater circle of life of which we all spiritually are a part of. Having neither beginning nor end but a continuous cycle of which you are an element. For you, it begins with the gift of life and will continue through the end of time. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that you’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one another today. Brian, as you place the ring on Leigh’s finger, please repeat after me: I Brian, take you, Leigh to be my Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you, for as long as we both shall live. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you. Leigh, as you place the ring on Brian’s finger, please repeat after me: I Leigh, take you, Brian to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you, for as long as we both shall live. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you. Handfasting This may be the first time that some of you are attending a handfasting. Marriage is very much a sacred union, for it is a union of souls in which the bride and groom pledge unto one another their higher selves and all that is divine within themselves. In the Earth based traditions, it is considered the marriage of the God and Goddess within. The custom of handfasting has been known the world over, through many different periods in history. It was observed the world over long before there were legalities to marriage. During the Middle Ages to be seen in public holding hands was a sign that a couple were exclusive to one another. And while rings were for the very rich, love knows no bounds and a simple cord such as a vine would do just fine. Fastening the hands together could be where the term “Tie the knot.” came from. Do you both wish to have your hands fastened together today as a symbolic gesture that you choose to walk through all the days of you life together, hand in hand? Both answer: We do. This is the cord with which I will bind their hands. This cord will be a part of their home for their lifetime as a memory of today and the promises they are making. While tying first knot: Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. While tying second knot: Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. While tying third knot: Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. With hands on top of knots Now you are two bodies, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth. Today we have witnessed the union of man and wife: one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever. I now declare you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!! Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you the happily married couple!! Audience cheers and waves bells/wands. 6/25/2024 A Traditional Hanfasting Ceremony ScriptA Traditional Handfasting Ceremony Script
Good afternoon and welcome! As this may be the first time that some of you are attending a handfasting our Bride and Groom thought you might be interested in the symbolism of what you will see today. Much of which are familiar in all but their context. The circle in which you all stand is symbolic of the cycles of life, a sacred place created for divine interaction, in which any negativity from the mundane world can be left outside and all the love and joy we feel for Bride and Groom contained within. We celebrate the divinity within each of us and how we are all interconnected. The circle in which you all stand is a sacred space for a sacred event to take place. Much of the symbolism of the huppa and the wedding hold true in the circle. It is often thought of as the sacred womb from which the two are born again as one and the symbol of eternity. Although for many the sacred and the mundane meet and coexist as often as is humanly possible, marriage is very much a sacred union, for it is a union of souls in which the bride and groom pledge unto one another their highest selves and all that is divine within themselves. You will also hear an elemental blessing. All the world's religions still parallel the agricultural calendar, because the natural world speaks its lessons softly and constantly. In the blessing we simply ask to understand and be able to see the how the attributes of each element can help us on our journey Almost all cultures and faiths have a sacred meal of communion with the divine. During a wedding it has the added meaning of feeding on and drinking in of the promises that a couple has made. Those of you who have been to a Greek Orthodox ceremony will undoubtedly recognize the symbolic binding of the hands at the end of the service that inspired the terms “Bonds of Holy Matrimony” and to “Tie the knot” This custom has also been known the world over, through many different periods in history. During the Middle Ages to be seen in public holding hands was a sign that a couple were exclusive to one another. And while rings were for the very rings, love knows no bounds and a simple cord would do just fine. Those of you who are fans of the Renaissance period will be happy to see the jumping of broom at the closing of the ceremony which symbolically sweeps clean the past reminding our Bride and Groom that the power to create the future ahead and the quality of life that they both so richly deserve is their own. Groom, if you will now join me your beautiful Bride awaits! Welcoming of the Guests Bride and Groom would like to take a moment to thank you all for being here with them today. They know that making the journey took considerable effort for a good many of you and for this they are deeply grateful. All of you are the most important people in their lives. All of the time and conversations that you have had with Bride and Groom before they even met helped to make them who they needed to be to find first themselves and then each other. You have shared in their best and their worst days, and you are an irreplaceable part of their yesterdays, their today and all of their tomorrows. So as you can see although many of you don’t live right around the corner you are never far from their hearts. I look out at you now and I see a rich and diverse weave of differing beliefs, lifestyles, ages and viewpoints. Yet you are all here celebrating your love for bride and Groom, wishing for them all that they would want for themselves, rather than what our own hopes many have been. It sounds more like an ideal but it isn’t, and it is in part what makes their life together a thing of such great beauty. There are many reasons that we share in life’s celebrations with those we love. Ritual itself is designed to cause a change in our lives. The promises that a couple makes must be practical promises that when lived by will actually help them to safeguard their future. Another important aspect of ritual is that in being here we somehow feel closer to the couple by being allowed a peek into their innermost thoughts and feelings at this intensely personal moment of their lives. It reminds the couples here of when it was their special day and the promises they once made, and allows us all to somehow feel closer to one another as the community of family and friends that we truly are. There is a term that we hear often at events such as this with very little explanation. The term is “Perfect Love and Perfect Trust” or “Unconditional Love” In the case of a marriage, and in the case of all loving, caring, committed relationships the ideal that this speaks of is not about perfection, but of expecting and accepting imperfection and human frailty. It means that a couple must say to one another: ‘I accept and I expect that on occasion you will anger me as I will anger you, and that you will hurt me as I will hurt you; But I know in my heart that between us there is love and affection and friendship that is stronger; And I trust that no pain is caused out ill will, or malice, or pettiness, just as I trust that we are together for a reason and that we will never throw each other away. I trust that at our best we will live together in love and joy and harmony and at our worst we will fight, with and for and beside each other, for the greater good without fear of abandonment. For the divinely inspired desire to be together for a lifetime in indeed something well worthy of fighting for. And these dear friends are the promises that you have been invited to bear witness to this day. Elemental Blessing Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for Bride and Groom the blessings of Nature’s Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well. We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom. Spirits of Fire, we ask that Bride and Groom’s passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life. We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our Bride and Groom. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure. Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast plains and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them. Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love. Drawing Down the God and Goddess In the drawing down of the God and Goddess into Bride and Groom, it connects them with the divinity within themselves, reminding us that in marriage it is our higher selves and the best that we have to give, that we offer to one another. As a sacred spiritual union to become the embodiment of the God and Goddess serves as a reminder that as above, so below, honoring the God and Goddess within themselves and their mate. Bride bows head BRIDE Lady Bride, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you, Let it come forth and shine. In you dwells the essence of the Great Mother and the divine feminine principle of the Universe You are She who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages You are wife, mother, lover, friend, prophet, and confidant In you is everything that any one could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine dear one and show your true nature as Goddess. Groom bows head Lord Groom, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you, Let it come forth and shine. In you lives the essence of the Gods The active force that has sparked and powered all life You are He who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages You are husband, healer, protector, visionary, friend, and confidant In you is everything that any one could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine mighty one and show to all the God within. BRIDE Queen most Secret, touch with your grace and fill this woman with your beauty and strength in the unending cycles of growth and change that are the years and seasons of lives spent together in love and wonder. Share with her your fertile nature from which all abundance flows. GROOM Lord of light and life, touch with your power and fill this man with your knowledge and wisdom to guide him in this divine alchemy which is the union of two souls. Share with him the secret union of heart and mind upon which this union known as marriage must be based. Blessing of the Rings Best Man and Maid of Honor will you now hold out the rings entrusted to you by Bride and Groom? Your hands beneath serve as a symbol of how Bride and Groom and their marriage are supported upon this earth by the love of their friends and family as blessed from above.” Best Man and Maid of Honor hold out the wedding bands in the palm of their hands Celebrant continues: Lord and Lady, guardians of all that is seen and unseen, Bless these rings and this couple who shall wear them. Keep them safe through adversity forever supported by your eternal blessing. Celebrant takes rings “The ring finger of the left hand, the side of the body that holds the heart, has been used for the wedding band because for centuries people believed that there was a vein that ran directly from that finger to the heart. They also believed that the words that were spoken during the placing of the ring would resonate over and over, like the circumference of the band itself, through to the heart and soul of both giver and receiver of the most monumental promise of all, the promise of a lifetime as husband and wife." Sword, Chalice and Ring Exchange* *Adapted from Ed Fitch's "Rights from the Crystal Well" “Lord Groom, if it is truly thy desire to become one with this with this woman: Then present unto her a symbol of thy pledge, and a token of thy love.” Groom drops to one knee, and presents Sword with ring on it Lady Bride, you are the most gracious and lovely one that Groom has ever seen, for he understands the essence of thy true self. The beauty which radiates around thee can only be rivaled by the beauty which radiates from within thee. The pledge of his sword is as the pledge of his soul. It is his prowess, his fire, his passion, his strength & courage, His ability to protect, defend and care for thee. With the strength of his blade and the endurance of its steel to represent what is in his heart, take from him now, as his beloved, the ring that rests upon it, and choose him to be your own. Bride takes ring from Sword BRIDE: “I accept the pledge of thy blade and the eternal promise of this wedding band.” Bride takes sword from Groom and places the blade from left shoulder to right shoulder to the top of his head. The motion, as in bestowing knighthood upon him while saying: BRIDE: “For the boy thou were, For the man thee art, And for the Husband thou shall be to me, I do choose you to be mine own.” Bride returns sword BRIDE: “If thou wilt now place this ring upon mine finger, I shall from this day forth, ‘till beyond the end of time, Take thee to be mine own.” Bride opens hand presenting Groom with the ring which he then places upon her finger GROOM: With this ring I thee wed. I take you as my friend, my lover, my wife from this day forth and into the fullness of time where we will meet and remember and love again. Lady Bride, if it is truly your desire to become one with this man: Then present unto him a symbol of thy pledge and a token of thy love. Bride bows before Groom and presents Chalice with ring inside Lord Groom, in the eyes of this woman thou art the only man in the world. Yours is the voice of sound reason and unwavering support. You the spark to the bonfire of her passions and yours are the arms in which she would have lay down to rest. The pledge of her chalice is the pledge of all that is within her, Her felicity and devotion. The place in her heart where two souls can be sheltered and nourished, that they may grow together, ever closer, and flourish as the leaves on the trees and the fruits of the vine. As the depth and bounty of her chalice foretell the richness of your future together, take from her now the band that lies there within, and do choose her as thy own. Groom takes ring from chalice, Bride still holding chalice Groom: I accept the pledge of your chalice and the eternal promise of this wedding band. Groom pours wine into chalice then takes it from his Bride Groom: For the girl thou were, For the woman thou art And for the wife that thee shall be to me, I toast and drink to thee! And do choose you to be mine own Groom makes toasting gesture, drinks and returns chalice to Bride Groom: “If thou will now place this ring upon my finger, I shall from this day forth, ‘till beyond the end of time, Take you to be mine own. Groom opens hand presenting Bride with the ring which she then places upon his finger Bride: With this ring I thee wed. I take you as my friend, my lover, my husband from this day forth and into the fullness of time where we will meet and remember and love again. Cakes and Ale “As the Lord and Lady are separate yet one. so have your pledges made you. Drink now of one another’s love and know that you will never again thirst in your heart or in mind, for what each of you lacks the other has to give and the wellspring of love flows eternally for those who drink often of it’s waters. Bride and Groom sip from chalice As food and drink nourish the body, so does love feed the soul of marriage. Feed now one another, feed forevermore the spirit of your union and be filled always. Bride and Groom feed one another of the cake Handfasting Is it also your wish today that your hands be fasted in the ways of old? Bride and Groom: It is. Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind. Cords are held aloft “The role already taken by the song your hearts share shall be now be strengthened by the vows you take. All things of the material world eventually return to the Earth unlike the bond and the connection your spirits share which is destined to ascend to the heavens. May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of you Bride and Groom’s hands are bound You are now as your hearts have always known you to be,Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride! The Broom and Sword Brooms are used for cleaning and sweeping. Therefore that they are used to symbolize the sweeping away the remnants of the past which no longer serve us is appropriate. The sword symbolizes the wielding of power and personal responsibility. As the Bride and Groom jump they are reminded that remaining vigilant over these aspects of the day to day shall help them to achieve the quality of life that they aspire to. Maid of Honor and Best Man will you now lay down the Sword and Broom.” Maid of Honor lays down Broom Best Man crosses it with the sword Now putting the past behind you, and remembering always that the power to create the future ahead of you is your own, jump together into your common future! The couple jumps, kisses again, and exits to greet their guests as the circle is quietly broken down. I do not claim to be the original author of this script. I am sharing it like this to make it easier for anyone to use. 6/25/2024 June 25th, 2024Intimate Handfasting Ceremony Script
Family, friends and guests gather around and for a circle around the bride and groom Bride and Groom, it is our joy to witness and celebrate your wedding in a rich celebration, sustained as we are in the mysterious power of all creation and whose core is Love. You come here today as individuals. You come to become one - of course not to lose yourselves, but instead to promise a new life of unity and love. And we, your family and friends, have gathered here to share in your joy and to ask the infinite power in creation to bless you. We hold that marriage is a gift, sealed by an achiest, lasting sacred covenant. Giving of the Bride & Groom Who presents this couple to be married? Bride and Groom have chosen a traditional handfasting ceremony. In Europe, until the mid 1700’s, few unions were sanctified in a church or synagogue. Rather, they were celebrated by a simple handfasting ceremony in which the two partners joined hands over the village anvil, in the fields or in the groves of trees. Today, we build upon this tradition. The couple linked hands, to form an infinity circle, symbolizing the entirety of the universe as represented in their relationship. Groom and Bride, please join hands in the infinity circle. Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be hand fasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to God. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you still seek to enter this ceremony? Couple: Yes, We Seek to Enter. Dedication (Blessing) of the Hands These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized. Prepare the cords Back in earlier years, the hands would be bound with whatever was available - vines, colorful cords, or scarf. Today we will use this cord to symbolize the binding, or promises. The first promise (also known as the binding) Groom, Will you be Bride’s faithful partner for life? Yes Bride, will you be Groom’s faithful partner for life? Yes Will you be each other’s constant friends and one true love? Both answer: Yes And so the binding is made. The cord is wrapped around the couple's wrist. The second promise Bride, do you promise to love Groom without reservation? Yes Groom, do you promise to love Bride without reservation? Yes Will both of you stand by one another in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want? Both answer: Yes And so the binding is made. The cord is wrapped around the couple's wrist. The third promise Bride, will you stand together with Groom your times of joy and sorrow? I will Groom, will you stand together with Bride your times of joy and sorrow? I will Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union? Both answer: Yes, we will And so the binding is made. The cord is wrapped around the couple's wrist. The fourth promise Groom will you always to be open and honest with Bride, for as long as you both shall live? Yes Bride, will you always to be open and honest with Groom, for as long as you both shall live? Yes Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes for this marriage? Yes And so the binding is made. The cord is wrapped around the couple's wrist. The fifth promise Bride, Will you honor this man? I will Groom, Will you honor this woman? I will Will you both seek to cherish and strengthen that honor? We will And so the binding is made. The cord is wrapped around the couple's wrist. Binding of all promises Remove cord while saying: The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union. Once chord is removed, it is placed on altar Blessing and Exchange of Rings Who holds the rings? Witnesses: We do Couple holds their hands up to display the rings and holds them up to be blessed Let us all bless these rings! These rings are circles, symbols that remind us of the Sun, and the Earth, and the universe. Symbols of holiness, of perfection and peace ... that which has no beginning and no end. And so, in this moment, let us all bring our blessing to these rings so that they may remain symbols of unity and commitment. Grant that the love which Bride and Groom have for each other now may always be as unending as these rings. These are the rings that Bride and Groom will wear for the rest of their lives, that express the love that they have for one another. Let us take a moment and send our prayers, our thoughts and our love to these rings, so that as they wear them, they will carry our love with them as well. Exchange rings and state for each: With this ring, I thee wed, let it ever be a symbol of my love.” Recognition Of Marriage Only a couple can seal the promise of a marriage to each other, and only a couple can bind it. No power vested in me by the state can grant me the authority to declare what only these two hearts can declare, and what only these two souls can make real. And so now, inasmuch as you, Groom, and you, Bride, have announced the truths that are already written in your hearts, and have witnessed the same in the presence of these, your family and friends, -- we observe joyfully that you are now husband and wife. I present to you Mrs. and Mrs. !!!! I do not claim to be the original author of this script. I am sharing it like this to make it easier for anyone to use. 6/25/2024 Multi-Cord Handfasting Ceremony ScriptMulti-Cord Handfasting Ceremony Script
This intimate ceremony had everyone in attendance participating. Each person brought a different colored cord to tie the couples hands. Each color had a meaning as it pertains to marriage. You could use this ceremony with the multi-colored cords without each of them being presented too. Green: We will begin the handfasting ceremony with the Bride’s Dad. He is presenting the first cord, Green, wishing his daughter and future son the Nourishment of Family and Love. Much like sun and water, these elements will allow their union grow into a home shared with each other, regardless what garden the two find themselves in. Silver: The second cord woven of silver is being presented to the couple by the Bride’s mother. Silver traditionally represents wisdom and respect, and let it be so here today. Let this cord not only represent the wisdom the two of you have shown in taking this step together, but may it also serve as a blessing, so that this union remains strong enough that life never grinds the two of you down to the point that you take each other granted. Red: A blessing of passion is being presented to the couple by The Groom’s mother. As she ties the couples' hands in the red cord, may she fasten into your lives and hearts not only the passion of young love, but the thick, slow burning embers of lifelong Passion. Brown: The brown cord symbolizing dependability and grounding binding the couple's hands is being tied by the groom’s father. With this blessing, may the two of you always be able to lean against each other, find support in each other's arms, and keep each other centered; and when one of you stumbles, know that the other will catch you before you can fall. Gold: The Bride’s sister will be tying the gold cord. With this cord, she brings a blessing of depth and value reminding the pair to hold each other with highest regard throughout their life together. For love is the greatest currency. White: It is the Bride’s that brings forth a blessing of light and nourishment to the young union as represented by the white cord she ties around the couple's hands. May you find in each other a cure for your emotional hurts and may you find yourselves sharing more joys together Black: The Groom’s brother shall be tying the black cord a blessing of Empowerment and vision to recognize and draw upon the young couples true love in all perils they shall face throughout their union. Pink: The Bride’s sister will be tying the eighth cord, pink, bringing to the couple a blessing of spontaneity to their lives. Memories are not only made of grand moments, but are also hiding in the simple adventures of daily life. May the two of you remember to allow your lives to dictate your schedule, and always remember to make time for life to happen. Blue: The blue cord is presented by the Bride’s best friend, symbolic of water and a blessing for your love, that it may flow and fill you to your depths. May this love ease pain and suffering and bring you joy. Purple: I, the officiant, shall be tying the purple cord for the couple today. Long regarded as the color of nobility. Purple also represents the color of mystery. It will be the last cord being tied during this ceremony, and a blessing for the couple as they explore so many different mysteries together. Mysteries not only imposed on them from without, but the mysteries hidden within each other and this brave new adventure they embark on. Bride and groom may kiss to seal their bond. We slip off the cords I do not claim to be the original author of this script. I am sharing it like this to make it easier for anyone to use. 6/25/2024 A Simple, Romantic, Handfasting ScriptSimple Romantic Handfasting Ceremony Script
Hello and Welcome! Thank you all for being here today. You who are here in person and all of you joining us by way of the interwebs. Today is a wonderful day. Today is the day Bride and Groom are proclaiming their love for each other through the joining of hands and exchanging of vows. . They are pledging themselves to each other for life through marriage. They’ve decided to celebrate their marriage with something a little different. Today, they will be handfasted. This is actually a very old tradition. They chose it for the Romance. Braveheart, The Princess Bride, Bride and Bride, Groom and Groom, Bride and Groom. It’s a tradition of many cultures and also of the Pagan faith. One of the traditions that can make us all stop and think is the fact that Pagans, traditionally, are handfasted for a year and a day. Now, this may sound like an easy out. You just have to get through a year…. They are of course signing a marriage license today so this day it’s a little different when you add a legal contract. But, The idea of making a conscious decision to pledge their lives to each other like this really has many good points. I usually tell couples I’ve been married for 28 years and we are having a good year. I wish everyone very many good years. Sometimes it’s easier to think about things in small increments. Sometimes getting through a moment or an hour is how you have to break it down. Sometimes a day. In respects to a marriage lasting a lifetime, a year at a time is very good choice. The way of our lives is to keep moving. To go through the seasons, to learn and to grow. Breaking it down into smaller pieces can be a good thing. At this time we also ask those here present to remember that just because a couple had made a commitment and is married, they still need support to keep a good thing going! Thank you for being the community that surrounds them. Now, for the binding… What we are doing is taking a chord that Bride and Groom have made. They put thought into it and we are using it today for the handfasting but they will also have this chord as a memory. Bride and Groom join hands and Officiant ties the chord In days of old, rings were not exchanged or worn when a couple married. Bride and Groom are waiting on rings too. The way the hand of the couple are joined when they are crossed like this to make the symbol for infinity. With this, may your love for each other be infinite and may you draw up on the infinite force of love that flows through the universe to flow through and support you. Now, I ask You: Do you promise to be there for each other when you need each other? We do. Do you promise to fill each other’s days with sunshine? We do. Do you promise to comfort each other We do Do you promise to encourage each other? We do Do you promise to help each other reach your goals? We do Do you promise to be best friends forever? We do. And do you promise to love each other with all your hearts? We do. May the words you have chosen to share today stay with you throughout your lives. May they have meaning for you in the days to come - Through the triumphs and challenges of life, through plenty and want, through sickness and health. May you continually bring all you have into your relationship and may you continually be replenished from the source of love itself. Now, some old cultures used to leave the couple’s hands bound for the first 30 days of their marriage. Only 2 of their hands, not all 4. How’s that for real? Now, I’ll remove this cord, may it’s symbolism stay with you always. I wish you the strength To be true to the vows You have made here today. May you always have the wisdom To cherish the precious love you share. May you Nurture yourselves and this marriage With acceptance, understanding,Cooperation and loving. May the life you share Be peaceful, healthy and filled With blessings and joy. Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other; Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other; Now there will be no loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, But there is one life before you. As you leave here To enter into the days of your togetherness, May your days be good and long upon the earth. So, by joining hands and looking into each other's eyes, let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime, and that this bond is sacred and eternal. And now that you have exchanged these rings and these vows, I witness and affirm your union of love and it gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are and will continue to be partners for life. You are married! You may kiss!! I do not claim to be the original author of this script. I am sharing it like this to make it easier for anyone to use. |
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Diversity Statement
Marry Me In Indy celebrates the diversity of the human race. We are open to marrying anyone. Every race, creed, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, or neuro-diversity. All are welcome here! Our goal is to meet each couple where they are and help them have a positive wedding experience. We approach every wedding with an open mind - We don’t know anything about you until you tell us, and that’s only if you choose to tell us. Wedding ceremony scripts have been written for years for brides and grooms. Some couples are choosing to forego traditional gender roles altogether and are using the terms spouse or partner. If you have made the choice to use non-traditional pronouns, please let me know, and I will be happy to honor your preferences. Any wedding ceremony script can be changed to reflect your personal preferences. The only second language we speak is German, but we do our best to communicate with everyone.
Marry Me In Indy celebrates the diversity of the human race. We are open to marrying anyone. Every race, creed, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, or neuro-diversity. All are welcome here! Our goal is to meet each couple where they are and help them have a positive wedding experience. We approach every wedding with an open mind - We don’t know anything about you until you tell us, and that’s only if you choose to tell us. Wedding ceremony scripts have been written for years for brides and grooms. Some couples are choosing to forego traditional gender roles altogether and are using the terms spouse or partner. If you have made the choice to use non-traditional pronouns, please let me know, and I will be happy to honor your preferences. Any wedding ceremony script can be changed to reflect your personal preferences. The only second language we speak is German, but we do our best to communicate with everyone.
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