Handfasting is the Wiccan word for the marriage ceremony. The difference between a handfasting and the Christian wedding ceremony, is this. In the Christian Ceremony, couples are joined "till death do us part", even if they find out later on that they aren't meant for one another later on. The Wiccan handfasting joins a couple "for as long as love shall last". When the couple wishes to part, be it for lack of love, or if they outgrow tolerance for Handfasting, an explanation:one another, they are free to part their ways.
NOTE: This ceremony should be done in a decorated turf. Decoration for this ceremony.. There should be a TON of flowers everywhere. This ceremony is usually performed during the waxing of the moon. Rings are traditionally used and should be upon the altar, a wand is used as well. Candles should be placed not only on the altar but around the room. Usually in the RW an incense burner is usually also presence, You can probably construct one using steaming cups, etc... and hiding them behind a small trinket or something to create a censer (incense burner). Of course all this is up to you. Be as creative as you like. There are many items we do not have in world so just do what makes you happy.
People placements: Before opening your turf to allow your guests to arrive, your officiate should be in place at the center of the room. a table or altar of some sort should be set up directly before that person. (note above for decorations) It would be a good idea to have bride and groom facing one another in the front of the officiate.. I would also have anyone you want standing with you down on the ground before opening access to your turf for the ceremony.
Opening of the ceremony:
Officiate:
Blessings and Merry Meet. We are here today to join [woman] and [man] together; they have asked you here to share in their joy, and to declare their love for one another before you, as a community.
Officiate: [woman] What is your desire ?
Bride: To be made one with [man]
Officiate [man] What is your desire ?
Groom: To be made one with [woman]
(the officiate at this time would take up a wand and sprinkle it upon the bride)
Officiate:
Repeat after me: I [woman], do come here of my own free will, to seek the partnership of [man]. I come with all love, honor and sincerity, wishing only to become one with him, whom I love. Always will I strive for [man's] happiness and welfare.
(the officiate would sprinkle the groom at this time)
Officiate:
Repeat after me, I [man] do come here of my own free will, to seek the partnership of [woman]. I come with all love, honor and sincerity, wishing only to become one with her, whom I love. Always will I strive for [woman] happiness and welfare.
(at this time the officiate would sprinkle the rings with her wand and take them up, handing the brides ring to the groom and the grooms ring to the bride)
Officiate:
As the grass of the fields and the trees of the woods bend together under the pressures of the storm, so too must you both bend when the wind blows strong. But know that as quickly as the storm comes, so equally quickly may it leave. Yet will you both stand strong in each others strength. As you give love, so you will receive it. As you give strength, so will you receive strength. Together you are one, apart you are as nothing.
Know that no two people can be exactly alike. no more can any two people fit together, perfect in every way. There will be times when it will seem hard to give and to love. But see then your reflection as in a woodland pool, when the image you see looks sad and angered, then know it is the time for you to smile and to love. It is not fire that puts out fire.
In return will the image in the pool smile and love. So change your anger for love, tears for joy. It is no weakness to admit a wrong: more is it a strength and a sign of eternal growth.
Ever love, help, and respect each other.
The constant circle of love you share is symbolized in these rings. Let them be a token of your friendship and the partnership you have come to celebrate on this day. When the waters are rough, let these rings remind you of the ebb and flow of life. Let them remind you of the happiness you feel at this moment, and let your memory soothe your spirit.
(the bride and groom would exchange rings at this time)
(if there are any things that the bride and groom would wish to say to one another, now is the time for such a thing. If they don't have anything, then close the ceremony with...below)
Officiate:
It is with great happiness that I present you to the community as husband and wife now. May you always remember the love that brought you here on this day. You may now seal your love with a kiss !
