Handfasting Ceremonies in Scotland

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that has seen a modern revival, especially in Scottish wedding ceremonies. It involves binding the couple’s hands together with cords or ribbons to symbolise their union. A celebrant usually ties the ribbon while the couple exchanges vows. While not legally binding on its own, handfasting can form a meaningful part of a modern wedding ceremony. Alternatively, it may be used as a way of celebrating an engagement, renewing vows or expressing commitment to one another.

A celebrant tying the Bride and Grooms hands — The celebrant ties the couple’s hands together to signify unity

The history of handfasting in Scotland

The tradition of handfasting in Scotland goes back thousands of years. During the handfasting ceremony, the couple’s hands were bound together with a ribbon or cord, which symbolised the joining of two people. It was a legally binding form of marriage when performed in front of witnesses, until 1939. After losing its legal status, the custom declined for a time, but then experienced a revival as part of modern Celtic celebrations. Today, handfasting has become popular among wedding couples who wish to honour their Scottish or Celtic heritage.

Holding a handfasting ceremony in the Highlands

Here at Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness, we host wedding receptions for between 50 and 90 guests. For couples that would like to hold a handfasting ceremony, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor locations nearby that would make the perfect setting. The Ness Islands, just a short walk from our 5-star venue, is our favourite spot. This is an enchanting and secluded place, ideal for a handfasting ceremony under the trees or beside the water. We can also recommend local celebrants, such as Halde Pottinger, to conduct a wonderful, personalised Humanist ceremony. After the ceremony, we can host a magical wedding meal and reception to complete your celebrations.

Bridge over to the Ness Islands in Inverness — The Ness Islands is a beautiful location for outdoor wedding ceremonies in Scotland

How to personalise your handfasting ceremony

Modern wedding ceremonies can be very personal to you. Your chosen celebrant will perform the legal parts of the ceremony, but they can also tailor parts of it to you as a couple. So make sure you spend time with them to discuss everything that you’d like to include. You could write your own vows and include personal stories and meaningful readings. For the handfasting, you could use a family tartan ribbon, or get a custom-made handfasting cord for the occasion. Above all, let the ceremony reflect your love, values and the path you will walk together.

Find out more

To discover more about holding your destination wedding at Ness Walk Hotel, and options for outdoor handfasting ceremonies beforehand, please get in touch. You can also explore our wedding blogs for more inspiration.