Celtic Wedding Ceremony Script with Handfasting & Elemental Blessings

CELTIC WEDDING CEREMONY SCRIPT

(OPTIONAL) BLESSING OF THE CEREMONY SPACE 

• The officiant may call the corners and cast a circle around the wedding altar (a Pagan practice), bless the space, or invoke other spirits / ancestors, depending on the couple’s faith and spiritual practices.

(OPTIONAL) UNPLUGGED CEREMONY / ‘NO PHONES’ WEDDING ANNOUNCEMEN

• Guests are seated. Officiant is at the front / standing at the wedding altar. 

WEDDING OFFICIANT

"Hello everyone! On behalf of (Partner A) and (Partner B), we ask that you put your cameras and phones away during this ceremony. (Partner A) and (Partner B) want you to be truly present with them during this special moment, and they promise to pose for lots of selfies, fun family videos, and tipsy dance floor memories during the reception. Ok? Thank you! 

Take a moment to make sure those ringers are silenced, and settle in for a beautiful ceremony!"

THE WEDDING PROCESSION / PROCESSIONAL

• Beginning of the wedding ceremony.  The wedding attendants and the couple  make their entrance. 

+ BROWSE WEDDING PROCESSION IDEAS

THE INVOCATION

Officiant to the Reception

"Dearly beloved, we’re grateful to gather here today to celebrate (Partner A) and (Partner B) as they take the next big step in their lives together – the adventure of marriage! 

Each of you are a part of (Partner A) and (Partner B)’s story. You are part of the unknowable magic that brings us here today, and that binds these two bright souls in spirit.  Whether you met them long ago or recently, as family or friend, your presence and support is a gift to them. Thank you for being here! 

As we get started, let’s pause for a moment and picture our favorite memory with these two, (short pause), do  you have it in your mind? Now take a look at them here today, isn’t this wonderful? How far they’ve come, and how far their love will take them! All the beautiful memories they'll make in the years to come. 

Tell me, are you ready to get these two married?

• pause BRIEFLY for cheers , ‘yes!’ from the guests

Alright then, let’s do it! "

DECLARATION OF INTENT TO MARRY (THE 'I DO'S)

• THIS DECLARATION OF INTENT WORDING IS INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL CELTIC WEDDING VOWS, WHICH EMPHASIZE EQUALITY,  AUTONOMY, PROTECTION, AND MUTUAL RESPECT. 

Officiant to Partner A

"[PARTNER A], do you take [PARTNER B] to be your (husband / wife / partner), to love, honor, and protect (her / him / them) as your equal, just as they are, for all the days of your life?"

PARTNER A TO PARTNER B

"I do."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

"[PARTNER A], do you take [PARTNER B] to be your (husband / wife / partner), to love, honor, and protect (her / him / them) as your equal, just as they are, for all the days of your life?"

PARTNER B TO PARTNER A

"I do."

+ SEE CREATIVE DECLARATION OF INTENT IDEAS

FOUR ELEMENTS RITUAL / BLESSING OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS

• PREPARATION: Before the ceremony, arrange a table beside the altar with symbols of the four elements. These include soil or sand in a decorative container, two taper candles and a unity candle, two small glasses of water or alcohol, and a stick of incense or herbs / sage bundle. Don’t forget a lighter or matches to use for the candles and incense!
• Optional: Add a unity shot in place of water. Choose your favorite drink – whiskey, wine, mead, etc – and toast to the future ahead.

WEDDING OFFICIANT

"On the table beside you are the four elements – symbols of earth, air, water, and fire. They are the foundations of life, symbolizing a bridge between the physical world and the spirit realm. Like all powerful things, these elements must remain balanced and in harmony with each other to thrive. No one element should overpower the others, though each may lead at times. We ask for their blessings.

First, the earth element."

• The officiant lifts a small vessel containing soil or sand, taken from a meaningful place. They take a small amount and sprinkle it at the couple’s feet.

"May it protect, nourish, and hold you. 

Next, the water element. (Partner A) and (Partner B), please lift a glass and drink deeply. May you be blessed with wisdom, intuition, and a clarity of mind and heart. 
Now, the air element."

• The officiant lifts a small bowl of burning incense or herbs, circling the couple’s hearts and heads in smoke.

"May it bless you with a sharp mind, imagination, and endless wonder.

And finally, the fire element. (Partner A) and (Partner B), please each lift a flame, and light the candle between you."

• The couple takes the small lit candles from the table and use them to light the unity candle.

"Like the warmth of the sun and the spark of your love, this light follows the seasons but never goes out. May it bless you with passion, strength, and courage. May the light of your union guide you, always."

+ NOT THE 4 ELEMENTS YOU HAD IN MIND? TRY THIS INSTEAD: Tasting the Four Elements - An African Inspired Wedding Tradition

MARRIAGE VOWS & WEDDING RINGS EXCHANGE

Officiant to the COUPLE

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], it’s time to exchange your rings and the vows you’ve written.”

• The couple reads their written vows and exchanges rings.

HANDFASTING CEREMONY & TRADITIONAL CELTIC WEDDING BLESSING

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION

"Now, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have asked us to join them in a final symbolic ritual, a traditional handfasting ceremony. 

Handfasting is a very old tradition, a timeless demonstration of devotion. The joining of two hands symbolizes two lives becoming one. The woven cord, symbolizing the spirit and magic that surrounds and binds you in love, is unbreakable, flexible, sturdy, and true.

(Partner A) and (Partner B), please take each other’s hands.

• As the officiant wraps the handfasting cord around the couple’s wrists and hands, they’ll repeat the Celtic wedding blessing below.

“May you always be blessed with walls for the winds, 
a roof for the rain, 
tea beside the fire,
 laughter to cheer you, 
those you love near you, 
and all your heart might desire.”

• Alternative opening line, “May you always have walls for the wind”
• After the cord is wrapped, the couple continues to hold hands while the Officiant addresses the Reception

OFFICIANT CONTINUES

With the exchange of rings and this handfasting, you are now bound one to the other with a tie not easy to break. May the years ahead be gentle and slow, and teach you all you need to know together,  as you grow in wisdom and love for each other."

+ MORE HANDFASTING IDEAS & HOW TO TIE THE CORD

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE & OFFICIANT'S FINAL BLESSING

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, it’s my joy to pronounce you (husband and wife / wife and wife / married / partners for life / etc.)

'Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh,'
Good health and every good blessing to you! 

You may kiss!"

+ BROWSE CREATIVE WEDDING PRONOUNCEMENT IDEAS

WEDDING RECESSION / RECESSIONAL

• THE CEREMONY ENDS, THE COUPLE MAKES THEIR EXIT AND THE OFFICIANT CLOSES THE CIRCLE

+ SEE CREATIVE WEDDING RECESSION IDEAS