Hi, beautiful beings and welcome to Wiccanow! Previously we’ve explored a topic that interests many people, namely what happens in the Wiccan Afterlife. Today we’ll explore a topic that’s also close to many Wiccans hearts, Wiccan weddings! Whether Wiccans celebrate marriage in a traditional sense, what a Wiccan wedding is called and how a Wiccan wedding is celebrated are all topics that we’ll explore in detail. If you’re interested in partaking in a Wiccan wedding yourself or you’re just curious about the topic, I’m sure you’ll find all of the information you need in the post below. Enjoy!
If you are interested in reading more about Wicca check out these posts on what Wicca actually is, one about what Wiccans believe, a great post about how to become Wiccan, the complete text of the Wiccan Rede and a post detailing what the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft actually is.
Wiccan Weddings – A Heavenly Handfasting Ceremony
Yes, Wiccans celebrate weddings! In fact, Wiccans have their own version of the wedding ceremony called a ‘Handfasting’.
A handfasting ceremony joins two Wiccans in symbolic marriage. Often the handfasting vows will take place between two members of the same coven. However, it also perfectly normal for members of different covens to marry so not to worry if you fall in love with a witch from another coven!
A Wiccan wedding, or Handfasting, has a few key differences compared to a traditional Christian wedding. One of those differences is that the handfasting vows generally do not include the phrase ‘till death do us part’. In fact, Wiccans often use the vows ‘as long as our love lasts’. This allows both to go their separate ways should they ever fall out of love with each other.
Furthermore, it is quite common for Wiccans to have a trial marriage of one year and one day, so 366 days, before committing to a full handfasting ceremony. If at the end of the 366 day period both partners still believe in the marriage and are happy within the relationship then the marriage continues and a formal handfasting ceremony can take place. However, if after 366 days the couple is unhappy, they can break the marriage and go their separate ways.
A Wiccan handfasting ceremony is traditionally performed by the High Priestess or High Priest of the coven. White robes are often worn by all who attend the ceremony. Some couples prefer to be ‘skyclad’ (nude) for their wedding ceremony. Similar to a Christian wedding, rings in gold or silver are exchanged between the couple to formalise the bond.
The hands of the couple may also be bound together with a consecrated cord to symbolise the that they have been joined together in union.
Historically the couple would travel to the ceremony on a small cart which would be pulled by members of the coven. The cart would be decorated with flowers (a sign of fertility) and flowers would be strewn along the way. The procession would end up at the Wiccan wedding circle. The circle might be decorated with flowers, fruits and nuts, leaves and berries.
The circle would generally be cast larger than usual to allow for the additional wedding guests to take part in the ritual. The High Priestess and the High Priest would wait at the entrance of the circle, ready to welcome and anoint the witches of the coven as they enter the sacred space.
The actual handfasting ceremony varies from coven to coven. A beautiful handfasting ceremony, borrowed from the wonderful book ‘Wicca for life: The Way of the Craft – From Birth to Summerland’ by Raymond Buckland is detailed below. (Click here to buy this book on Amazon – please note we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase an item https://amzn.to/35p4kPp)
What is a Wiccan Divorce Called?
The opposite of a Wiccan wedding, or handfasting, is a handparting. A handparting is the Wiccan ceremony that dissolves the marriage partnership between an unsuited couple.
Gorgeous Wiccan Wedding Decoration Ideas
As Wicca is a nature-worshipping religion many Wiccans prefer to have their Wedding or handfasting ceremonies outdoors. A forest glade, a summer meadow or a beautifully decorated lawn would make the perfect wedding locations.
Flowers, nuts, fruits and berries make wonderful decorations as these symbolise fertility and abundance. You could also use mosses, leaves, branches and tree bark for a rustic earthy touch.
Candles create a beautifully romantic and mystical ambient. And what about a glorious bonfire? Imagine throwing bunches of fragrant herbs into the flames as you celebrate together.
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