WorldTree

“Mi'le fa'ilte dhuit le d'bhre'id,
Fad do re' gun robh thu sla\n.
Mo'ran la'ithean dhuit is si'th,
Le d'mhaitheas is le d'ni'bhi fa\s. "Elder

WorldTree Celebrants perform all manner of handfasting services with flexible and open minds. We are happy to prepare a custom service to meet any wedding needs, from dress rehearsal to traditional toasting of the Bride and Groom and from Scottish & Irish traditions to a modern or classic wedding with Rings, Vows, and more. The cost of your services goes toward supporting our Charity, Youth, Elders and outreach programs.

Handfasting is the predecessor to the modern wedding ceremony. In all countries, save for Scotland, this practice is not a legal marriage contract on its own, which is why it is commonly incorporated into a civil ceremony or done by a registered celebrant or Clergy. The ritual itself usually includes a binding together of the hands of the couple with cords, hence the name, which means “hand fastening.” It is also the origin of the slang phrase “to tie the knot.” Handfasting is a symbolic ceremony to honour a couple’s desire for commitment to each other; see more detail in our Handfasting planning and program suggestion on the side link.

Please recommend us to your friends. 

Welcome friends to our brief section on Handfasting. There are a great many views historical and fictional around handfasting/marriage/betrothal services. So, if you have stumbled upon this site by chance we hope this brief introduction helps you in your understanding. This is but one of many views and we encourage you to do your own research and ask lots of questions. 

Handfasting-Pagan or Christian?

While many web pages each make claim to the validity of their original ties to historical records and handfasting practices; the reality is that the term does not belong to any one tradition it is non-religion-specific. The typical North American view is that Handfasting is an alternative to civil marriage service (justice of the peace, commissioner) and/or that of a Church performed service. Thus, many modern Earth traditions, by virtue of often not having what would be viewed as a formal “Church”, promote handfasting alternatives. Our view is that all practices, be they formal religious/church service or personal ceremonies, are in fact just an elaboration of the customs and practices of the day. Handfasting is tied to our cultural roots and practices and should honour our beliefs and practices around union and family and community.

Handfasting vs. Marriage Commissioner are they legal?

The right to seal a legal marriage is Canada is managed by the Provincial Vital Statistics offices. If a person is registered with them, they may perform the legal act. We have been registered in Canada for many years, as well as, holding certification from INAC to perform alternative marriage agreements, likewise in the USA and afar.

Marriage Commissioners or Justices of the Peace are community members who have been contracted by the government to perform marital services for a fee. Their ceremony ranges from non-existent, to a very fixed plan service, usually less then an hour in time. These services are very efficient, but often lack the personal touches or flexibility of a handfasting. In our view, Handfasting adds the additional choices that honour Multi-faith, Un-named faiths as well as those of modern society who may not belong to any organization, to make their wedding service, vows, and reception a special occasion.

We hope you will consider our services. We look forward to hearing from you.

“A thousand welcomes to you with your marriage kerchief, may you be healthy all your days. May you be blessed with long life and peace, may you grow old with goodness, and with riches."-Elder