Based in ancient Celtic tradition, a handfasting is the connecting of two souls for life, and the choice to never be parted. It is a unity ceremony, similar to lighting a candle or the pouring of sand – something that represents the coming together of two people.

Dori, the friend who officiated our wedding, did all the research into this special portion of our ceremony. She practiced endlessly wrapping the rope around our hands before the wedding so when we pulled it, it would form an infinity knot. She had it down to perfection. Then… in a hilarious twist (see what I did there?), during the ceremony, we pulled the rope and I looked to Dori to see if it was an infinity knot. She grimaced and quietly said, “Nope.” You could see her swift irritation at the knot, before letting it go to move on to the next part of our ceremony. Everyone else watching wouldn’t have even known there had been a mistake, but I was super amused. That is still one of my favorite memories of our wedding.

Whether the knot was perfect or… not (see what I did there?), it was the perfect way for us to show our unity and a memento we can hold onto for the rest of our lives.

There are loads of resources out there that are helpful if you are looking to do this type of ceremony. You can Google “handfasting ceremony” or “Blessing of the Hands.” Dori recommends this link if you would like to learn more about it.

I do believe the words Dori used during our handfasting were absolutely perfect for us. Here is the script, if you are interested in using it for yourself:

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love.

These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you always.

These are the hands that will comfort you when fear and grief fill you.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will lift you up to fulfill your dreams.

These are the hands that will ground you when life’s current feels too strong.

These are the hands that, when wrinkled and aged, will still reach for yours, and remind you of all the memories you have made and will continue to make with them.

Like the knots binding your hands, so too are your souls bound by the promises you make in your hearts and uphold each day through your actions.