This is adapted from "Magical Rites from the Crystal Well" by Ed Fitch and is a combination of their handfast ritual and american indian ceremonial prelude. I'll skip over the consecration as it is a standard one and get straight to the ritual itself. We had a Priestess only, so this was written with that in mind but could easily be adapted for a Priest and Priestess.
At this time and in this place
Do we call upon the Spirits of the Land
As well as the Mighty Ones of the Skies.
We call upon the Gods of our own distant past
From lands far away.
We call upon the Gods of our spiritual brethren
Who once called this place
Their own.
Witness and rejoyce with us in this moment
As love is affirmed.
__Groom's name__ and __Bride's name__ step forward Stand before the Gods and those who witness on Earth
__Groom's name__, if it is your wish to become one with this woman Will you pledge your love through all that may come As long as love shall last?
<Groom replies: I so pledge>
__Bride's name__, if it is your wish to become one with this man Will you pledge your love through all that may come As long as love shall last?
<Bride replies: I so pledge>
Does any say nay?
As the Gods and the Old Ones are witness
With those of us present now,
I now proclaim you man and wife1
Thus are thy hands fasted...
The Two are now One,
This work is done
And joy is yet begun!
There is also a portion for the rings using a wand that was left out of ours but is normally placed immediately after the vows and is as follows...
The rings are placed upon the wand before the ritual and the wand upon the altar. (This is written for bot Priest and Priestess present)
The priest picks up the wand and holds one end before him in his right hand, the priestess likewise holds the other end in her left hand.
Place your right hands
Over this wand.
.. And your rings...
His hand over hers.
Above you are the stars
Below you are the stones
As time passes, remember...
e a star should your love burn brightly,
Like the earth should your love be firm.
Be free in giving of affection and of warmth.
Have no fear, and let not the ways or words
Of the unenlightened give you unease.
For the Gods are with you,
Now and always!
The rings are exchanged during the vows.
Handfasting (Celtic)
This is a copy of a Celtic handfasting I found in the book Finn Mac Cool by Morgan Llywelyn.
Bride and Groom repeat the following together:
You cannot possess me for I belong to myself. But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me for I am a free person. But I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand. I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night, and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite from my meat and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care. I shall be a shield for your back, and you for mine. I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel, we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances. This is my wedding vow to you. This is the marriage of equals.
The Priest or Priestess says:
These promises you make by the sun and the moon, by fire and water, by day and night, by land and sea. With these vows you swear, by the God and Goddess, to be full partners, each to the other. If one drops the load, the other will pick it up. If one is a discredit to the other, his own honor will be forfeit, generation upon generation, until he repairs that which was damaged and finds that which was lost. Should you fail to keep the oath you pledge today, the elements themselves will reach out and destroy you.
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