This is the basic script used for Infinity Knot package handfasting ceremonies, ideal for elopements and small gatherings. Your vows and the officiant’s address will be customized, as noted, and the ceremony wording can be adapted for same-sex couples. Other small changes may be made to accommodate logistics at the venue and the number of participants in the ceremony.
Ceremony Script
Processional or Gathering
Depends on venue and couple’s desires.
Welcome and Remembering of Loved Ones
If chairs are available: Please be seated.
Welcome! It’s wonderful to be here with you today. I’m Reverend Debbie Philp and I’m so happy to be officiating today. On behalf of Groom and Bride, thank you for being here to witness and support them as they unite in marriage. Our thoughts are with loved ones who have passed on, including names provided by couple. May their spirits be present in our hearts today.
Wedding Address
Written by officiant based on interview with couple.
Declaration of Intent
And so, Bride and Groom, 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.
Will you, Groom, take Bride as your wife/spouse/partner, and will you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
Will you, Bride, take Groom as your husband/spouse/partner, and will you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
[Bride] I will.Couple continues to hold hands for the handfasting.
Handfasting
In a wedding, symbols are important and helpful, because they serve as a powerful reminder of this time and place, the feelings shared, and the promises made, when the memories of those start to fade over time. Handfasting is a symbol like this. It is one of the world’s oldest wedding traditions. In fastening their hands together, Bride and Groom symbolize their commitment to journey through life hand-in-hand.
Our couple has asked some special people in their lives to present the cords.
Three people come forward, one at a time, and lay the cords. This can also be done by the officiant.
[Participant 1 or officiant] These are the hands of your best friend, full of love for you. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. [Participant 2 or officiant] These are the hands that will love you, cherish you, and comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. [Participant 3 or officiant] These are the hands that will tenderly support your family with you. And these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.I tie the cords so they will tighten into an infinity knot when hands released.
Groom and Bride, 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 journey of love.
Groom and Bride will now make their vows to each other.
Hands stay bound. Custom vows are written by couple or officiant based on interview. I will hold a printed copy of the vows for each so can be read if necessary.
Vows
Groom, I invite you to speak your vows to Bride.
Groom reads personal vows.
Bride, I invite you to speak your vows to Groom.
Bride reads personal vows.
I will hold the ends of the cords and tighten the knot as they remove their hands.
May you keep these knotted cords as a visible reminder of your promises to one another.
I will hold the cords until the end.
Exchange of Rings
Another wedding symbol is the ring, representing commitment and love that, like a circle, has no beginning and no end. Bride and Groom, let these rings that you exchange be an outward sign of your love and remind you always of what you have promised today.
Groom, please place this ring on Bride’s finger and repeat after me: “Bride, I give this ring to you as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Groom repeats
Bride, please place this ring on Groom’s finger and repeat after me: “Groom, I give this ring to you as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Bride repeats.
Pronouncement and Kiss
Bride and Groom, you have publicly committed yourselves to each other in marriage. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.
Recessional
Depends on venue and couple’s desire.