A Sample Handfasting:

The Welcoming:

Officiant:  “We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of [Bride] and [Groom].  [Groom] and [Bride] would both like to thank you for coming here to be with them on this special occasion.

The joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures.  With regard to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths, and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes from time and patience. 

The law of life is love unto all beings and marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.  As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs; and it is with this understanding that, [Groom] and [Bride] have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.”

Declaration of Intention

Officiant: “Others would ask, at this time, who gives this bride in marriage?  But as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own free will.  [Bride], is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?”

[Bride]: “Yes, it is true.

And I would ask the same of the groom. [Groom], is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?”

[Groom]:  “Yes, it is true”.

Officiant:  “Please join hands;

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant.  Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage.  Let the strength of your wills bind you together.  Let the power of your love and desire create your home together and the strength of your dedication give honor to one another.

Be close, but not too close.  Possess one another, yet be understanding.  Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly.  Be free in giving affection and warmth.”

Exchange of Rings and Vows

Officiant: “May I have the rings please.”

Officiant: “Please place the ring on the third finger of the left hand of your betrothed and repeat after me: “I, [Groom's Full Name], in the name

of the Spirit of the Divine

that resides within us all,

by the life that courses within my blood

and the love that resides within my heart,

take thee, [Bride's Full Name],

to my hand, my heart, and my spirit,

to be my chosen one. 

To desire thee and be desired by thee,

I promise to love thee

with a pure and faithful heart.

wholly and completely without restraint,

in sickness and in health,

in plenty and in poverty,

I shall not seek to change thee in any way.

I shall respect thee, thy beliefs,

thy people, and thy ways

as I respect myself.”

Repeat for the Bride:

Officiant: “Please place the ring on the third finger of the left hand of your betrothed and repeat after me:

I, [Bride's Full Name], in the name of the Spirit of the Divine

that resides within us all,

by the life that courses within my blood

and the love that resides within my heart,

take thee, [Groom's Full Name],

to my hand, my heart, and my spirit,

to be my chosen one. 

To desire thee and be desired by thee,

I promise to love thee

with a pure and faithful heart.

wholly and completely without restraint,

in sickness and in health,

in plenty and in poverty,

I shall not seek to change thee in any way.

I shall respect thee, thy beliefs,

thy people, and thy ways

as I respect myself.”

Repeat for the Groom.

Sharing of Wine and Bread

Officiant:  (Hands chalice to Groom, saying): “May you drink your fill from the cup of love.”

(Groom holds chalice Bride while she sips, then Bride takes chalice and holds it to Groom while he sips.  The chalice is then handed back to the Officiant, who sets it on the table.) 

Officiant:  (Hands plate of bread to Groom, saying):  “Eat from the bread of life.”

(Same procedure repeated with bread; Groom feeding Bride and Bride feeding Groom.)

The Handfasting

Officiant: (To attendant):  “May I have the Cord, please”. 

“These ribbons represent the four directions:  This yellow ribbon is east, the power of air.  A red ribbon represents the south, the energy of fire.  The blue ribbon stands for the west, the power of water; and the green represents the north the element of earth.  The weaving around their hands creating a handfasting knot, binds two lovers' hands together, signifies their sincere and hopeful intention of union. Love made fast by symbolically tying them together.”

Pronouncement and Introduction

Officiant:  “And now with the giving of rings, exchange of vows, the sharing of food and drink, the lighting of candles, an the weaving together by the cord, by the power vested in me by God/Goddess and the State of [Name of State], I now pronounce you husband and wife.  May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.  Blessed be!”  (the cord may be removed and placed on the altar)

Officiant places a broom in front of the couple saying:

“By seed and root, by leaf and stem, by bud and flower and fruit, by life and love, may you be blessed.  Congratulations!

Please seal your promise with a kiss and step over the broom into and Mr. & Mrs. _____.”