Ancient Traditions Reborn: A Norse Pagan Wedding at Berkeley Castle

On a crisp November day, Mel and Justin, two unapologetic history buffs, stepped into the annals of time with a wedding that was as unique as their love story. Their Norse Pagan wedding at the legendary Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire was a celebration steeped in history, symbolism, and just the right touch of magic. With nods to gaming, a sprinkling of crystals, and ancient traditions galore, this was no ordinary wedding — it was an epic saga come to life.

Every part of this wedding from the proposal to the unique ceremonial elements was carefully and intentionally curated to celebrate the unique love and reflect the path this couple have chosen to walk together.

Overseen by award-winning Celebrant Miranda Ash, this unique ceremony was a masterclass in infusing traditions, passions and beliefs into a unique celebration of love!

A Castle Fit for a Norse Love Story

What better setting for this historical and spiritual union than Berkeley Castle? This 900-year-old fortress, still inhabited to this day, provided the perfect backdrop for Mel and Justin’s enchanting day. Built in 1153, the castle has witnessed royal dramas, mysterious murders, and countless generations. For Mel and Justin, its rich history and medieval allure aligned seamlessly with their shared love of the past and Justin’s Norse Pagan faith.

Every corner of Berkeley Castle seemed to hum with ancient energy, creating an ambience that felt otherworldly. From its grand halls to its serene gardens, the venue captured the essence of a timeless love story — and on this day, it was all about Mel and Justin.

A Love Story Born in the Digital Age

Mel and Justin’s story began not in a castle but in the virtual realm of Discord during the pandemic. Mel was co-managing a server dedicated to pagan education, cosplay, and gaming — her passions rolled into one space. When Justin joined, their shared interests led to endless conversations, quickly forging a connection that transcended the digital divide.

Fast forward to December 2021: Mel flew across the Atlantic to meet Justin in Colorado. That first meeting was brimming with excitement, nerves, and an undeniable sense of destiny. Their relationship blossomed like a saga penned by the gods, culminating in a proposal straight out of a Viking tale.

A Puzzle Lovers Proposal

What do you get when you cross Norse pagan traditions with a love of puzzles? A unique and memorable proposal that’s as far away from traditional as you’ll find. It started with a Puzzle etched in Norse Runes at the Bletchley, a World War II-themed bar, once solved, it revealed two simple words… “Marry Me?” and so the next part of their journey began.

A Ceremony Filled with Ritual

At the heart of their wedding was a ceremony rich in symbolism and intention, drawing on Norse Pagan traditions that honoured Justin’s beliefs and their shared journey.

Central to their ceremony was a rune altar featuring a stone carved with 12 Elder Futhark runes. Each rune was carefully chosen to represent their hopes and dreams for the future. In Norse mythology, Odin’s sacrifice to uncover the wisdom of the runes speaks to devotion and insight, a tale that resonated deeply with Mel and Justin. This rune altar stood as a testament to their commitment, imbued with the metaphysical energy of faith.

Ring Warming: A Community Blessing

In a touching gesture, Mel and Justin invited their loved ones to participate in a ring-warming ritual. Their wedding bands were passed from guest to guest, allowing everyone to silently bless the rings with love, positivity, and good intentions. By the time the rings reached the couple, they were infused with the collective support and affection of everyone present.

A personalised Handfasting: Tying the Knot

To honour an ancient Pagan tradition, Mel and Justin included a Handfasting ritual. With a plaited cord that Mel had crafted herself in hues of purple, green, and gold, their hands were bound together, symbolising their unity. The cord was adorned with Hugin and Munin (Odin’s ravens) charms and Yggdrasil, the World Tree, encapsulating their connection to each other and the Norse cosmos.

Raising a Rune Stone: An ancient tradition reborn

As a powerful finale, Mel and Justin revived the ancient Norse custom of rune raising. On a slab of Irish limestone, they carved symbols representing their union and their shared hopes for the future. In a ceremony not seen in England since the early 12th century, the couple unveiled the stone to their guests, symbolising the permanence of their love. The raised rune stone stood as a monument to their marriage, a bridge between ancient traditions and modern love.

Crystals and Cosmic Energy

The ceremony room was adorned with hundreds of crystals, carefully selected for their unique energy. Throughout the day, these crystals added an extra layer of magic and meaning to the celebration. Strategically placed around the venue, they infused the atmosphere with their unique energies:

• Aventurine: Invited prosperity and luck.
• Amethyst: Brought clarity and wisdom.
• Rose Quartz: Symbolised unconditional love.
• Clear Quartz: Amplified positivity and balance.

These weren’t just decorative accents; they were intentional, spiritual elements that mirrored the couple’s journey. In a thoughtful gesture that extended the day’s magic beyond the ceremony itself, guests were each given crystals to take home, allowing them to carry a piece of the celebration’s energy with them.

A Feast for the Ages

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a banquet in the castle’s magnificent Great Hall. With its soaring ceilings and historic grandeur, the setting was nothing short of magical. The tables, adorned with jewel-toned florals, candlelight, and crystals, exuded warmth and charm.

The menu was a delightful blend of tradition and indulgence. Guests dined on dishes like Cauliflower Cheese Risotto with black truffle, Loin of Venison, and a trio of decadent desserts: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Crumble Cake, and Pecan Pie. Later in the evening, a hog roast ensured everyone’s appetites were satisfied long into the night.

Gaming, Mead, and Tarot: Unique Touches

Mel and Justin’s wedding wouldn’t have been complete without nods to their shared passions. After dinner, guests were treated to a guided tour of some of the fortress. In the castle’s drawing room, guests found a haven of fun and relaxation. There were gaming stations featuring their favourite titles (yes, Elder Scrolls Online made an appearance), a mead-tasting bar, and even tarot card readings. These thoughtful touches made the day not only deeply personal but endlessly entertaining.

Meet Miranda Ash: The Celebrant Behind the Magic

Miranda Ash, an award-winning celebrant with 12 years of experience, was the perfect choice to bring Mel and Justin’s vision to life: They bonded over their shared love of History. Known by her couples as the “Magician of love stories” and the “Celebrant of Joy,” Miranda brought her unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to this extraordinary ceremony.

Miranda is a history buff who LOVED diving down the rabbit hole to learn about the Ancient Rune Raising Ceremony. Her dedication to research and authenticity ensured that this rare ritual, not performed in the UK since the early 12th century, was conducted with both historical accuracy and personal meaning for the couple.

In 2023, Miranda won The Wedding Industry Awards Celebrant of the Year award, a testament to her exceptional ability to craft ceremonies that truly reflect the couples she works with. Based near Winchester in Hampshire, she performs ceremonies across the UK and beyond, living by her motto: “Have passport, will travel!”

For Miranda, being a Celebrant is “all about meeting people, building relationships and telling stories in a unique way.” She describes it not as a job but as “a mission,” where she gets to be present for the joyful moments in people’s lives. This passion and dedication were evident throughout Mel and Justin’s Norse Pagan wedding, where every element was thoughtfully curated to honour both ancient traditions and the couple’s personal journey.

Find Miranda on The Celebrant Directory

A Love Rooted in Authenticity

Mel and Justin’s Norse Pagan wedding was more than a celebration of their union; it was a reflection of their values, passions, and unwavering bond. Their relationship, built on friendship, mutual respect, and shared adventures, shone brightly throughout the day. Despite their challenges — from long-distance love to health struggles — their resilience and devotion have only grown stronger.

Their wedding at Berkeley Castle was a testament to the beauty of authenticity. By blending ancient traditions with modern personal touches, they created a day that was entirely their own. For anyone dreaming of a wedding as unique as their love story, Mel and Justin’s celebration proves that magic happens when you stay true to yourself.

Mel and Justin, your wedding was nothing short of legendary. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and epic adventures. Skål!

Create Your Own Unique Love Story

Every love story deserves to be told in its own unique way. Whether you’re drawn to ancient Norse traditions like rune raising and handfasting, or have your own vision in mind, an independent celebrant can help bring your ceremony to life.

A celebrant-led ceremony offers the freedom to:

• Incorporate cultural or historical traditions meaningful to you
• Blend ancient customs with contemporary celebrations
• Create personalised symbolic rituals that reflect your values
• Choose a location that connects with your ceremony’s spirit

Ready to find your perfect celebrant match? The Celebrant Directory features rated and reviewed celebrants who specialise in creating ceremonies as unique as you are.

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Your heritage is part of your story. Your ceremony should honour it.

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• Photographer & Videographer – Adam & Lucy Drake
• Celebrant – Miranda the Celebrant