Real Handfasting Ceremony at England’s Medieval Festival

When Alma and Bettina chose to enhance their recent legal marriage in Switzerland with a traditional handfasting ceremony at England’s Medieval Festival, they were seeking something truly spiritual and meaningful. Despite language barriers—the couple communicated in “pigeon English” as described by celebrant Glenda Procter—they found a profound connection through the ancient ritual performed by the woman known in celebrant circles as the “Queen of Handfastings.”

Under the open skies of East Sussex, with the horizon as their walls and the earth as their floor, their commitment was honoured in a ceremony that blended Celtic and Viking traditions, creating a magical addition to their honeymoon journey through England.

With thanks to Celebrant Glenda Procter for sharing this beautiful Real Wedding Ceremony with us

From Dream to Reality: Creating Sacred Space at a Festival

Alma and Bettina discovered the Medieval Festival through an online search, drawn to the immersive historical experience it offered. Upon arriving at the festival grounds, they were referred to Glenda, whose reputation for authentic handfasting ceremonies made her the perfect choice for their vision.

The celebrant recalls meeting the young couple on the Saturday, the first day of the Bank Holiday weekend festival. Recognising the language barrier, Glenda thoughtfully adapted her ceremonial script, simplifying the language while maintaining the profound spiritual significance of each ritual element.

Medieval Majesty: The Festival Setting

England’s Medieval Festival transformed an ordinary field into an extraordinary ceremonial space, filled with hundreds of stall holders and entertainers creating an authentic historical atmosphere. Rather than elaborate decorations, the natural setting and festival ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for this ancient ritual of commitment.

The medieval theme permeated every aspect of the ceremony, creating an immersive experience that transported the couple and any onlookers to another time—a fitting setting for a tradition that spans centuries.

Elemental Blessing: Opening the Sacred Ceremony

The ceremony began with Glenda’s welcome and elemental blessing, honouring the natural forces that surround us. This ancient practice created a sacred container for the couple’s commitment, connecting their love to the fundamental elements of life.

As Glenda often says during her ceremonies at public festivals: “This couple are about to partake in a HANDFASTING CEREMONY with one another. It is a very poignant and special event in their lives and I ask you all to respect their moment of personal commitment.”

These words created a reverent atmosphere, even in the bustling festival environment.

The Handfasting Ritual: Binding Hearts and Hands

The central ritual—the actual handfasting—followed a reading of “These are the Hands,” a poem by Scottish poet Michael Rosen originally written as an ode to the NHS. It can also speak to the practical and emotional support partners provide throughout life’s journey. With their hands bound together symbolically, Alma and Bettina exchanged their pledges, vows, and words of endearment.

Though the ceremony details were simplified due to language considerations, the emotional impact remained powerful. As Glenda often tells couples during this profound moment: “May your hands be forever joined in friendship and your hearts in love.”

A Handfasting Reading: These are the Hands

These are the hands
That touch us first
Feel your head
Find the pulse
And make your bed.

These are the hands
That tap your back
Test the skin
Hold your arm
Wheel the bin
Change the bulb
Fix the drip
Pour the jug
Replace your hip.

These are the hands
That fill the bath
Mop the floor
Flick the switch
Soothe the sore
Burn the swabs
Give us a jab
Throw out sharps
Design the lab.

And these are the hands
That stop the leaks
Empty the pan
Wipe the pipes
Carry the can
Clamp the veins
Make the cast
Log the dose
And touch us last.

Michael Rosen

Musical Magic: Ancient Sounds for an Ancient Ritual

Adding to the medieval atmosphere, a live musician played the lyre—an ancient instrument that created a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack for the ceremony. The music, reminiscent of times long past (similar to Koth Na Kiach, as referenced by Glenda), enhanced the mystical quality of the handfasting.

The melodic strains of this historical instrument created an authentic soundscape that transported everyone present to another era, perfectly complementing the ancient ritual being performed.

Ring Blessing and Cake and Ale: Honouring Special Requests

Alma and Bettina specifically requested two additional elements for their ceremony: a ring exchange with blessing and the traditional “cake and ale” ritual. True to Viking tradition, the couple drank mead from a ceremonial horn, a moment they later described simply but powerfully as “magic.”

This sharing of food and drink, a common element in handfasting ceremonies, symbolises the couple’s commitment to nourish each other both physically and spiritually throughout their journey together.

Jumping the Besom: A Leap into Their Future

One of the most memorable moments came at the ceremony’s conclusion. Rather than using the besom (broom) to symbolically sweep away their past, Alma and Bettina chose to sweep a path clear into their joint future together.

They then took “a leap of faith” together over the broom and into their shared tomorrows—a powerful visual representation of their commitment to moving forward as a united pair. This creative adaptation of the traditional ritual perfectly captured their forward-looking love.

Love in the Details: A Ceremony Woven with Meaning

Despite the language barriers, every aspect of Alma and Bettina’s ceremony was infused with intention and meaning. Though they came alone to the festival, without friends or family present, their commitment was witnessed by the ancient tradition itself and honoured through rituals that have celebrated love for centuries.

Their entry in Glenda’s ceremony book captured the essence of their experience in just a few words: “The Handfasting was magic on our honeymoon to England. We drank mead.”

Meet Glenda Procter: The Celebrant Who Weaves Magic into Handfastings

Glenda Procter, founder of Cloud9Ceremonies based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, has earned her reputation as the “Queen of Handfastings” and “Queen of Festivals” through her deep knowledge of pagan traditions and her ability to create profoundly moving ceremonies.

A former marriage registrar, Glenda became disillusioned with the lack of romance and genuine sincerity within legal marriages and “ripped up the rule book” to focus on creating meaningful, heart-centred celebrations. Her background as a registered spiritual healer brings a unique energetic dimension to her work.

“With the horizon our only walls, the sky our only ceiling and the earth our floor, we meet here in nature… to affirm your love,” Glenda often says, capturing the essence of her approach to celebrancy.

Glenda is specially invited to England’s Medieval Festival by the organisers, where she enhances the festival experience through her authentic ceremonies.

Ask The Celebrant: Creating Your Own Magical Handfasting

“Handfasting ceremonies are bespoke to any couple,” Glenda explains. “They follow an order of ritual within the ceremony, but the personal parts are unique to each couple.”

For those considering a handfasting, Glenda emphasises the importance of personalisation:

• The story of how you create your hand-ties adds meaning to the ritual
• Choosing the drink and food for toasts and sharing creates personal connections
• Adding personal vows, readings, and words of endearment creates a unique atmosphere
• Consider how location enhances your ceremony—whether a medieval festival, sacred site, or meaningful personal space
• Remember that while handfasting has pagan roots, it can be adapted to honour various spiritual paths

“The beauty of a celebrant-led handfasting is that it can be as spiritual or themed as you wish,” Glenda notes. “What matters most is that it feels authentic to your love story.”

Learn more about The Art of Handfasting

Create Your Own Unique Love Story

Every love deserves to be celebrated in its own unique way. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient traditions of handfasting, medieval themes, or have your own vision in mind, an independent celebrant like Glenda can help bring your ceremony to life.

A celebrant-led ceremony offers the freedom to:

• Blend ancient traditions with contemporary elements
• Incorporate rituals that speak to your spiritual values
• Choose a location that holds meaning for you
• Create a ceremony that truly tells your love story, even across language barriers
• Celebrate love in ways that transcend conventional expectations

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 love story is one-of-a-kind. Your ceremony should be too.