Handfasting vs Handtying: A Guide for Couples

With the growing popularity of Handfasting as a ritual to include in a ceremony, you may have come across beautiful images and braids on Pinterest. But did you know that there is a difference between a Handfasting and a Handtying? The Celebrant Directory member Glenda Procter shares her guide on differentiating between a Handfasting and a Handtying. There’s nothing that Glenda doesn’t know about this ancient ritual! She is a double award-winning celebrant with years of experience conducting all types and styles of Handfasting and Handtying Celebrations. She is not known as the Queen of Handfasting for nothing. If you’re a couple seeking a Handfasting, this blog is written just for you, to better understand what it is you are actually…

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Real Wedding Ceremony: Raj & Joe

Couple: Raj & Joe Venue: Ashover Parish Hall in Derbyshire Celebrant: Helen Jubb The couple What struck me about Raj and Joe after chatting with them was the journey of discovery they had been on. This is a couple who had to find their own path, balance their differing cultures and religious beliefs whilst navigating the untrod path of love and sharing a home.  On the day Raj and Joe did their legal paperwork earlier the same day with family members so when they arrived at Ashover Parish Hall in Derbyshire there was a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Joe had been wearing a traditional Western suit for the registry office but before the celebrant led ceremony began he changed into…

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Real Handfasting Ceremony at Stonehenge Wiltshire

A Handfasting Ceremony at Stonehenge Inner Circle Jessica and Philip celebrated their love with a special handfasting ceremony officiated by Glenda Procter known as the Queen of Handfastings. Torrential rain did not dampen their spirits nor take away any of the romance and love that radiated between them. The rain-soaked them through and the umbrella they shared did little to keep them dry… but they had their love to keep them warm. Glenda shared their story with us.     Many couples look on a Handfasting Ceremony within the Inner Circle at Stonehenge as the ultimate venue for their spiritual Handfasting. Conducting a handfasting ceremony at Stonehenge within the Inner Circle is just so special. To be invited at short…

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The Art of Handfasting: A complete guide to handfasting ceremonies

Handfasting Ceremony

In the tapestry of wedding traditions, few threads shimmer with such ancient magic as handfasting. This captivating ritual, with its roots in Celtic and pagan customs, transcends mere ceremony. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from history, symbolism, and profound love, finding renewed relevance in modern wedding celebrations. Whether you dream of a classic ceremony or a whimsical elopement, handfasting offers a way to bind your love story with an enduring thread, forever etched in the memory of yourselves and your guests. Let’s delve into the art of handfasting, exploring its history, significance, and how you can weave it into your own modern fairytale. What is Handfasting? Handfasting is a beautiful, symbolic marriage ceremony or ritual and is believed to span…

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Bespoke rituals for bespoke weddings!

Having a Celebrant led wedding is all about choice and all about you! There are no rules, anything and everything goes, with the ultimate goal of creating something completely unique that is all about you, your love story and, fundamentally, about making the ceremony at the very heart of your day to create lasting memories. Why settle for anything less? In the same way, working with a Celebrant means that you don’t have to settle for ‘off the shelf’. When I work with couples, I take time to get to know them and have designed a series or questionnaires which are fun to complete and ensure that I get them talking about all those funny stories. I want to know…

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