Pagan weddings and handfastings are joyous and meaningful ceremonies, bringing those a ceremony is for together as equal partners. Pagans are followers and worshippers of nature and nature plays a big part in Pagan weddings.
Pagan Weddings
There are many branches on the tree of Paganism, and all Pagan weddings are different. Customs and traditions including handfasting, jumping the broom and mead ceremonies, but there aren’t any rules to follow on what must be included. What you want to include can be decided based on what Pagan path you follow.
Find a Pagan Celebrant
Many Pagans are lone Pagans and do not have access to a Priestess or a Priest. Some are eclectic and do not follow one path or pantheon. If you do not have a Priestess or a Priest and you are planning to have a Pagan wedding, search for a Pagan celebrant who has a knowledge of Pagan ceremonies.
Paganism is a spiritual belief, and many celebrants declare they create and lead Pagan ceremonies. Finding the right celebrant or person to create and lead your ceremony is essential. There is a huge difference between a Pagan wedding ceremony and a Pagan themed wedding. If deities are requested to be called upon or are mentioned during a ceremony, being knowledgeable and respectful is important. If you decide to have what has come to be known as a ‘Viking wedding’ but you do not follow the Norse pantheon, calling the Norse Gods and Goddesses forward isn’t advised. This wouldn’t happen for any other spiritual or religious beliefs, and it shouldn’t happen for Pagan themed weddings.
When is the Best Time of the Year to Have a Pagan Wedding?
Pagans follow the Wheel of the Year which is eight festival celebrations called Sabbats. The Sabbats celebrate the changes in nature and deities associated with them.
Pagan weddings are usually held outdoors (regardless of the weather). As the weather in the UK is variable regardless of what time of the year it is, ask your guests to be prepared for inclement weather, including heatwaves. Providing seating and shelter from the sun and rain are things to consider, especially for young, older or four legged guests, and those with health issues.
Ceremonial fires, sharing of seasonal foods, being out in nature, wearing flowers, celebrating nature and planting seeds are all associated with Pagan celebrations. Being respectful to the natural environment and the wildlife which resides there is also a priority.
Weddings at Samhain
Samhain is the third harvest and the Pagan new year; one of the four greater Sabbats. Samhain is about death and connection to ancestors as the veil between the two worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Pagans who are goths, into metal and rock music and many alternative people choose Samhain (Halloween) to hold their wedding.
Weddings at Yule
Yule is the winter equinox and the shortest day of the year with the least amount of daylight hours. Some Pagans avoid having a wedding or ceremony at Yule and some choose to as Yule is the time we give gifts of love to those we care about. There isn’t a greater gift to give to someone you love than the gift of unconditional love.
Weddings at Imbolc
Imbolc celebrates the first signs of new life as the earth comes to life after winter. Imbolc is one of the four greater Sabbats and the chosen wedding Sabbat for many Pagans who want their wedding to celebrate new growth.
Weddings at Ostara
Ostara is the spring equinox and the Sabbat celebrating new life. Celebrating new life roles as husband(s) and wife (wives) is why some Pagans choose Ostara as the time to hold their wedding.
Weddings at Beltane
Beltane is one of the main Sabbats and it is the Sabbat of life and the traditionally favoured time of the year for Pagan weddings. Beltane was the time of the Great Wedding of the God and the Goddess and is one of the four greater Sabbats.
Weddings at Litha
Litha is the summer solstice/summer equinox. The longest day with the longest amount of daylight hours, and a requested time for Pagan weddings and ceremonies to be held on the first day of summer.
Weddings at Lughnasadh/Lammas
Lughnasadh (also known as Lammas) is one of the greater Sabbats. It is the first harvest and those choosing to have a wedding or handfasting during this time, celebrate what they have planted, grown and harvested between them during their relationship.
Weddings at Mabon
Mabon is the autumn equinox and the second harvest. A time of reflection and balance marking equality of daylight and darkness hours. Symbolic for a ceremony.
As the wheel of the year turns, what time of year is right for your Pagan wedding or handfasting? Once you have decided, it is now time to start planning your Pagan wedding and gathering the items you will need or what you want to include.
Setting a Wedding Altar
Setting an altar to your deities, calling in the quarters, giving offerings and creating a sacred ceremonial space are important elements of your Pagan wedding. Altars are important to Pagans and whether you set it yourself or ask your Priestess/Priest/celebrant to do is your choice.
Handfasting, the Pagan Wedding Custom
The wedding custom many branches of Paganism include in a wedding is handfasting. Handfasting is the Pagan wedding custom where the term ‘tying the knot’ comes from. ‘Handfasting’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘Handfesta’ meaning to bind (something I first wrote about over 15 years ago when I started to research handfasting as a newly qualified wedding celebrant). This information is now commonly found on many wedding and celebrants websites.
Handfasting cords/ribbons are braided together or set with the personal intentions of those the ceremony is for. Making your own handfasting cords or asking a Priestess or Priest to do this for you, is something many Pagans do. Though they are now readily available online, making your own is meaningful.
Image by: My Beautiful Adventure Photography
Handfasting Colours
Choose whatever colours you like for your handfasting braid, as again there aren’t any rules stating specific colours are required. Some choose seasonal colours, elemental colours or their ceremony theme colours. You might want one single binding of one colour; the choice is personal to you.
Handfasting cords are personal to those they are binding together and adding personal charms or items to them is favourable for many. If you can plait, you can braid your own cords. They are easy to do and there aren’t any right or wrong ways of making them. There are online videos showing you how to do this.
You can find further information on handfasting in my Ultimate Handfasting Guide blog, and on my dedicated handfasting page.
Pagan Wedding Vows
Wedding vows are usually said during or just after the handfasting ceremony takes places. Writing you own vows or asking your Priestess/Priest/Pagan Celebrant to write unique vows for you is a consideration.
Exchanging Rings or Other Items
Most wedding and marriage ceremonies regardless of a belief or non-belief involve the exchanging of wedding rings or items of jewellery. Viking couples will exchange swords or arm rings. Many Pagan couples choose to exchange necklaces or bangles rather than wedding rings. A few decide to exchange both, the choice is yours.
Your Pagan Wedding
Pagan weddings should be unique and based on your personal beliefs, your dedications to your deities and your relationship story.
Who you invite to celebrate your union with you is your choice.
Where you hold your ceremony it is your choice.
What time of the year you have a ceremony is your choice.
What your choice to wear is your choice
Pagan Celebrant for Pagan Weddings and Handfasting
As a Pagan, a Priestess, and an alternative Pagan wedding celebrant, I can create you a wedding, handfasting or ceremony perfect for you and your beliefs. Specialising in handfasting, Pagan and alternative ceremonies, I am based in Whitby North Yorkshire. I cover all of Yorkshire and the North East. If you require further information. Please contact me.
Main image by : Gearheart Photography
