This handfasting ceremony was created for the elopement of a nonbinary Pagan couple. Only the officiant and two witnesses were present in a private suite where the couple was spending the weekend.
Ceremony Script
Gathering 11:30am
Partner 1 and Partner 2 give officiant the rings. Partner 1 and Partner 2 stand facing each other in front of the officiant. Witnesses stand opposite officiant.
Create Sacred Space
Partner 1 and Partner 2, I am happy to be here with you today, in this beautiful place, as are your friends, to hold space as you declare your love for each other.
Let’s now invite spirit into this sacred space.
Call Directions
Officiant walks around to the directions. Partner 1, Partner 2, and witnesses turn on their spots.
Facing east.
Spirits of the east, powers of air! Soaring birds in flight, fragrance of a rain-washed spring morning, bringer of the rosy dawn, bless these lovers with every breath they take. Hail to all new beginnings!
Facing south.
Spirits of the south, powers of fire! Sun-scorched desert, high noon of summer heat, lava of the volcano, gentle hearth fire, bless these lovers with warmth and adoration. Hail to all great passions!
Facing west.
Spirits of the west, powers of water! Vast and endless ocean, salty womb from which we sprang, rushing river, still lake, bless these lovers with love that runs deep and strong. Hail to all engulfing emotions!
Facing north.
Spirits of the north, powers of earth! High mountain chain, green hills, midnight valley cloaked in snow, solid rock beneath our feet, bones, hard and old, bless these lovers with a strong foundation on which to stand. Hail to all firm commitments!
Officiant returns to original position. Partner 1 and Partner 2 face each other again.
Partner 1 and Partner 2, spirit is present. You stand at the center of the universe, and all powers are listening to you in this moment, in this sacred space, witnessing this rite.
Wedding Address
When we were planning this ceremony, I asked what marriage meant to you, and I heard action, work, effort – a love that is worth caring for and tending into the future. And as you spoke about each other, you admired the creativity and determination in the other, the qualities needed to nurture this commitment you’re making today.
This ceremony is only the beginning of the grand adventure of marriage. I know you still have some challenges to face before you’re together in a home, surrounded by pets and friends, but let the adventure continue to be fun. Keep moving forward. Love changes, evolves, but keep nurturing the feelings you share. May your travels always lead you to your forever love.
Declaration of Intent
And so, Partner 1 and Partner 2, if it is your intent to be joined together in marriage, take each other’s hands.
Couple faces each other and joins right hands together and left hands together, forming an infinity sign.
Do you, Partner 2, take Partner 1 as your partner and spouse, offering respect, trust, friendship, and love, in good times and in difficult times, as you create your future together?
[Partner 2] I do.Do you, Partner 1, take Partner 2 as your partner and spouse, offering respect, trust, friendship, and love, in good times and in difficult times, as you create your future together?
[Partner 1] I do.Partner 1 and Partner 2 continue to hold hands for the handfasting.
Handfasting
And so, let us symbolize your intent to be bonded in marriage.
Officiant lays first cord over joined 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.
Officiant lays second cord over joined hands.
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 whenever you struggle through difficult times.
Officiant lays third cord over joined hands.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you work for can be realized.
Officiant ties the cords so they will tighten into an infinity knot when hands released.
(Grab front 3 with left hand and hold. Bring back 3 forward, cross in front (t), then behind, then tuck under cords on top of hands, drape behind from top.)
Partner 2 and Partner 1, as I fasten your hands together and tie the knot, I invite you to reflect on the joy and responsibility that awaits you. From today, you are bound together as lifelong partners in this ongoing adventure of love.
I now invite you to make your vows to each other.
[Partner 2] Reads vows. [Partner 1] Reads vows.Officiant holds the ends of the cords and tightens the knot as Partner 1 and Partner 2 remove their hands.
May you keep these knotted cords as a visible reminder of your promises to one another.
Officiant will hold the cords until the end.
Exchange of Rings
Officiant holds the rings.
These rings represent commitment and love that, like a circle, has no beginning and no end. Partner 1 and Partner 2, let these rings that you exchange be an outward sign of your love and remind you always of what you’ve promised today.
Partner 2, please place this ring on Partner 1’s finger and repeat after me: “Partner 1, I give you this ring as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Partner 2 repeats
Partner 1, please place this ring on Partner 2’s finger and repeat after me: “Partner 2, I give you this ring as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Partner 1 repeats.
Pronouncement and Kiss
Partner 1 and Partner 2, you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage before me and this witness. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you married. You may kiss.
Officiant gives cords to Partner 2 and Partner 1. Witness and Officiant sign marriage certificate. Take a few pictures if desired before departing.