A traditional wedding or handfasting is a marriage ceremony with Celtic and Norse roots. The term comes from Old Norse hand-festa (to join hands, to be betrothed).The ceremony often involved the couple's clasped hands being lightly bound with cords or ribbon at a point in the proceedings. This symbolised their union. It also gave rise to the phrase to tie the knot. Today these weddings can be performed in a fully legal manner in Scotland. This means that anyone travelling here from England, Wales or overseas can be officially married in the traditional way. Handfastings performed in Scotland are recognised as fully legal weddings throughout Britain and abroad. 


©blueskyphotography.co.uk Handfasting at Linlithgow Palace in June 2009


Handfasting at Boleside, Galashiels, May 2011

As such weddings have no strict form, they provide the perfect choice for couples who wish to have a wedding with elements that suit them personally from start to finish. The ceremony can be Celtic, Norse, Highland or nature based or a combination of these. Couples wishing to arrange this kind of wedding are often Pagan or Humanist, but many are simply Nature lovers, and/or atheists who do not want a conventional church wedding but are looking for something more personalised and meaningful than a Registrar's wedding. You can have as many or as few guests as you choose, but for those who want something small and simple, there still must be at least two witnesses. One of your celebrants can stand in as one of these witnesses if necessary.

Given its origins, a traditional Celtic wedding is perfect for nature lovers, and for that reason these ceremonies are often conducted outdoors, especially in a country setting. But they are also performed indoors. Outdoor venues include estates and castles that can be hired for the occasion. Conventional dress of suit, tie and wedding gown can be worn or the kilt for that special Scottish feel. Period outfits of a traditional Celtic, Norse, Highland or even Rennaissance attire is equally appropriate. Another aspect of a handfasting that can be included is jumping over a broomstick together at the end of the ceremony. The broom symbolises hearth and home. It also signifies making a clean sweep and embarking on a new life together.


Jumping the broomstick, Dunbar's Close Garden, May 2011

We also offer a Highland Rose Handfasting in which the couple have the romantic option of giving each other the gift of a single rose to say "I love you" as part of the Handfasting ceremony.




For more information on getting married in Scotland please click on the link to the Scottish Government webpage in our Links section.



© blueskyphotography.co.uk
Lighting the Unity Candle, Linlithgow Palace, June 2009


After the exchange of rings, Elie June 2010


Wedding at Cammo Estate, June 2009


© Highland Handfastings 2011