Pagan wedding ceremonies are gaining popularity as couples seek more non-traditional and nature-focused ways to tie the knot. These ceremonies draw inspiration from ancient pagan rituals and often take place in natural and sacred locations. If you are looking for pagan wedding localities near you, there are a few options to consider. **1. Forests and woodlands:** Many pagans find the peaceful and mystical ambiance of forests and woodlands perfect for their wedding ceremonies. The tall trees, soft moss, and surrounding wildlife create a natural and enchanting backdrop for exchanging vows.
Handfasting is possibly the oldest documented recognised wedding custom. It is associated with Pagan, Neopaganism Viking/Norse, Wicca, folklore, Celtic, Judaic and Hindu weddings. Attributed to perhaps be where we get the phrase ‘tying the knot’ from.
Nordic paganism was suppressed in 999 with the rise of Christianity, but faith in the power of nature and supernatural entities persisted in the countryside and isolated areas. The area is considered sacred, as it is near an ensemble of three rocks believed to relate to the life and powers of Odin, the supreme god in the Nordic pantheon.
The tall trees, soft moss, and surrounding wildlife create a natural and enchanting backdrop for exchanging vows. **2. Meadow or open fields:** Open fields and meadows, especially those with a beautiful view or wildflowers, are another popular choice for pagan weddings.
Ásatrú Temple
Of the many construction projects in development in Reykjavík, the most extraordinary has to be the sanctuary for the Ásatrú religion, the first pagan temple erected in Iceland in a millennium. The sanctuary will be the central hub of the Ásatrú society, a neopagan spiritual organization that has restored the ancient religion of the Vikings based in the pantheon of the Nordic gods.
Nordic paganism was suppressed in 999 with the rise of Christianity, but faith in the power of nature and supernatural entities persisted in the countryside and isolated areas. Today, a modern version of the ancient religion is on the rise. Founded on the first day of summer in 1972, the Ásatrú society (Ásatrúarfélagid in Icelandic) now has almost 5,000 active members and is the fastest-growing religion in Iceland. And soon, it will have a dedicated structure for ceremonies and gatherings.
The Ásatrú temple—or more accurately, hall (or “hof” in Icelandic)—will honor the ancient gods such as Odin, Thor, Frigg, and Baldur. It is still under construction as of this writing and is estimated to be completed by the fall of 2019. The sanctuary will be situated on the Öskjuhlíd hill, on a magnificent site surrounded by forests and a panoramic view of the sea. The area is considered sacred, as it is near an ensemble of three rocks believed to relate to the life and powers of Odin, the supreme god in the Nordic pantheon.
Designed by architect Magnús Jensson, the temple will be a monument to the cosmic forces of nature. It includes a spectacular dome aligned with astronomical events. The numbers three and nine, considered magical, have a special significance in the construction, according to the principles of sacred geometry. The interior of the temple will be a sober and majestic space hosting the statues of the deities, under the changing sunlight depending on the season and time of day. A commemorative memorial also stands at the entrance of the temple as a tribute to Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson, the founder of the society and first “Allsherjargodi,” or highest priest.
Rituals, known as “blóts,” will be held at the temple, from weddings to feasts to funerals. The most important rituals are the first day of summer (“Victory blót”) and the winter solstice (“Yule blót”). Though the structure is not yet complete, some rituals have already be held at the site, such as a ceremony to thank Mother Nature for the wood used for the construction.
The Ásatrú sanctuary will also be open and welcoming to other religions and institutions. Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, the current Allsherjargodi, stresses that Ásatrú is a religion of tolerance and peace. He plans to invite artists, musicians, and writers from across Iceland to the opening ceremony and is confident that the new temple will contribute to a more diverse and respectful society for future Icelandic generations. The temple was planned to open in 2019, but as of 2023, the construction was not completed yet.
Know Before You Go
Go to Perlan Hill and hike south, and you will find the temple construction site. It is located not far from Reykjavík University.
When Handfasting became more mainstream for Christians as well as Pagans, it was a pre-wedding ritual. There are once again various sources online and in books suggesting handfasting was an engagement period before a marriage took place. Engagement and wedding rings were very expensive items and not affordable to the average person.
The wide, open space symbolizes the limitless possibilities of a couple's journey together and allows them to connect with the earth and the elements. **3. Beaches and cliffs:** For couples near coastal areas, beaches and cliffs can provide a stunning setting for a pagan wedding. The crashing waves, soft sand, and picturesque sunsets create a romantic and awe-inspiring atmosphere that aligns with the elements of water and earth. **4. Gardens and botanical places:** Gardens and botanical places, such as botanical gardens, vineyards, or even private gardens, offer a lush and vibrant environment that represents the abundance and fertility often emphasized in pagan rituals. The blooming flowers and fragrant scents create an enchanting atmosphere for couples to celebrate their union. **5. Stone circles and ancient ruins:** For a more historically significant and spiritual experience, some pagan couples choose to have their weddings at stone circles or ancient ruins. These locations are often believed to hold ancient energy and provide a connection to the past, allowing couples to honor the traditions of their ancestors. When planning a pagan wedding, it's essential to consider the laws and regulations regarding ceremony locations in your area. Some public and private properties may require permits or fees for hosting events. Moreover, it's crucial to respect and protect the chosen location, leaving it as pristine as possible after the ceremony to preserve its natural beauty for future generations..
Reviews for "Tying the Knot in Nature's Embrace: Pagan Wedding Spots Nearby"
1. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with the pagan wedding services offered at this location. The staff seemed completely unprepared and uninterested in helping us plan our special day. The venue itself was outdated, with worn-out decorations and a lack of attention to detail. Furthermore, the pricing was exorbitant considering the poor quality of service and facilities. I can't believe I wasted my time and money on such a subpar experience.
2. Mike - 2 out of 5 stars
While the idea of having a pagan wedding in a unique location sounded appealing, the execution at this venue fell short of expectations. Firstly, the staff seemed ill-informed about pagan wedding traditions and unable to accommodate our specific requests. Secondly, the location itself was not well-maintained and lacked the magical charm we were hoping for. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience, and I would recommend exploring other options before settling on this venue.
3. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for this pagan wedding venue, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The staff was disorganized and failed to communicate important details with us. The venue lacked atmosphere and felt more like a generic event space rather than a unique and spiritual location. The lack of attention to detail left a lot to be desired, and overall, I was left disappointed by the experience. I wouldn't recommend this venue to other couples seeking a truly magical pagan wedding.
4. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars
I regret choosing this pagan wedding venue for our special day. The customer service was abysmal; the staff seemed uninterested and unprofessional. The location itself was run-down and in desperate need of renovation. Moreover, the pricing was outrageous considering the lack of quality and care put into the venue. It was a complete letdown, and I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a memorable and enchanting pagan wedding.