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In this post in my Handfasting series, I just wanted to answer some common questions. Please contact me if you have any others or want some more information.
Is a handfasting recognized as a legal marriage?
No, not on its own. You still need to get a marriage certificate, have your ceremony ordained, and all that good stuff.
Do you have to be Pagan to have a handfasting?
No. People have a handfasting for many reasons. Some people have it because they are of Scottish descent and it is tradition. Some people just think it's a beautiful ceremony and want to make it a part of their special day. It is not a closed practice, and it's not cultural appropriation to have one.
Can you still have a ring exchange if you do a handfasting at your wedding?
Of course! You can incorporate as many traditions into your ceremony as you would like.
Can you have a handfasting without doing a whole wedding?
Yes! You can do a handfasting as part of your engagement, a renewal of vows, or as a personal commitment between you and your partner. Traditionally, handfastings were even performed for business partnerships, not just romantic relationships.
Do you need an officiant for your handfasting?
If you want your handfasting ceremony to be recognized as a legal marriage, you will need someone ordained to officiate your wedding. However, you don't have to involve your officiant in your handfasting if you don't want to. Many people have their friends or family tie the cord or even the couple can tie the cord themselves. This is a good idea if you can't find an officiant well-versed in handfasting ceremonies or if you would just like for your handfasting to be a more private and intimate part of your ceremony.
Can you make your own cord?
Of course! You absolutely do not have to buy one or spend a lot of money on one. You can make it, you and your spouse can make it together, you can have your mother-in-law make it...it's really up to you.
Other topics I will cover in this series are:
An Overview and History of Handfasting
Scripts for Your Handfasting Ceremony
How to Have a Pagan Handfasting When Your Family is Not Pagan
Choosing Colors for Your Handfasting Cord
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