Witchy wedding traditions have gained popularity in recent years, as more couples look to incorporate their love for witchcraft and all things mystical into their special day. These traditions draw inspiration from ancient pagan practices and can add a unique and enchanting touch to a wedding ceremony. One popular tradition is the handfasting ceremony. The term "handfasting" derives from an old Celtic tradition in which the couple's hands are bound together with ribbons or cords, symbolizing their union and commitment to each other. This practice has been adapted by modern witches and is often performed during the wedding ceremony, as an alternative to the exchange of rings. The cords used can be personalized to reflect the couple's beliefs and intentions, with different colors representing various qualities and desires.
A Witchy Halloween Wedding Ceremony Script with Handfasting
Your souls eternally bound in love- This witchy Halloween wedding script includes a love spell, simple ring exchange, handfasting, casting circle, and natural elements honoring the Pagan Samhain and autumn season. Customize with campy vamp vibes, vintage movie quotes, blessing, or traditional Wiccan wedding altar.
- Pagan Wedding Blessings for Every Season and Ceremony
Learn how to plan and officiate a Samhain / Halloween wedding:
- So you’ve been asked to officiate a Halloween or Samhain wedding.
PROCESSION
- The couple and the officiant stand in front of the marriage altar, arranged with items for casting the wedding spell. There are candles, a handfasting cord, and various herbs and flowers. The marriage altar and chairs should be placed inside a casting circle, marked with stones, candles, flowers, incense, and other seasonal elements.
- Guests are seated in a circle around the altar.
INVOCATION
- if the couple wishes to honor specific gods, spirits, or ancestors, these can be called upon during the invocation or before the ceremony begins.
Officiant to Reception
Friends, we gather on this hallowed night, at the edge of this world and next, to witness the union of two loving souls.
Tonight the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. We stand where flesh and magic meet, in the company of friends and spirits.
______ and ______ have chosen tonight for this reason, to cast a bond for all eternity. A bond that even death won’t break.
As autumn burns brightly with every color of the flame, it’s bounty slips quietly into the serenity of winter, and then, like a sweet, slow breath, exhales, into what waits beyond.
We are part of the natural world. Our seasons are brief. But where the physical plane gives way to spirit -- love moves like breath.
Love is woven in the wind. Unending. Eternal.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
Officiant to Couple
______ and ______, are you ready to marry?
- The couple answers - Yes!
And have you come of your own will, compelled by love only?
- The couple answers - Yes!
Exchange of Vows - Casting the love spell
Officiant to Couple
Then let us cast the spell. Repeat after me.
- These vows are delivered and repeated one at a time, as part of a classic call and response style vow exchange
Heart bound to heart,
and soul bound to soul -
I am my own but also yours.
Our union grows of kindness and caring,
Of trust well-deserved
and love unerring.
Heart bound to heart,
and soul to soul bound -
This love is a home of our own.
- if the couple wishes to make an offering to gods, spirits, or ancestors, they can do so now.
RING EXCHANGE & HANDFASTING
Officiant to couple
You may place the rings and clasp your hands.
- The couple exchanges rings, and then link hands in front of the altar.
Officiant to reception
To honor this unbreakable bond on this and all planes, material and ethereal, ______ and ______ will now bind their hands as part of a traditional handfasting.
This cord represents ______ and ______’s commitment to respect and cherish one another, and to build a life of joy and gratitude, from each season to the next, from this life to the next.
- The officiant wraps the cord around the couples hands, and then ties the knot loosely.
+ How to tie a handfasting knot:
PRONOUNCEMENT
- if the couple or the officiant have called upon specific gods, spirits, or ancestors, they should be thanked again for their presence and blessings as the ritual ends.
Officiant to couple
______ and ______, as you have been, and as you will be, in this world and in every world to follow, together, may you be bound in love!
I now pronounce you married! You may kiss.
This ritual is done. To all, blessed be!
- The couple kisses. Afterwards, they can slip their hands out of the knot and keep the cord as a memento.
RECESSION
- The ceremony is over, and the couple and officiant leave the circle.
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Historic Wedding Flowers + Plants
Roses have been the flower of choice for Western weddings pretty much forever, and with good reason. The rose is associated with several ancient goddesses of sex, fertility, and/or romance, such as Inanna, Ishtar, Aphrodite, and Venus. (Later, medieval Christians would also associate this flower with the Virgin Mary.) Including the goddess’s flowers in a wedding may have been a way of invoking her blessing on the union. Sappho called rose “Queen of the Flowers.” Roses are held in a high regard in pretty much every culture with access to them. They’re strongly associated not only with love, but also with beauty, wholeness, blessings, and even spirituality. Rose was included in wedding celebrations in Ancient Hellos (Greece) and Rome. It is associated with the planet Venus and the water element. Wheat was also a popular inclusion in weddings in ancient Greece and Rome. Hellenic brides would carry sheaths of wheat or another grain to invoke fertility and good fortune. Wheat was strongly associated with agrarian goddesses like Demeter, Persephone, Ceres, and Proserpina. Carrying wheat may also have been a way of expressing a wish for the marriage to produce many children. Pliny the Elder explicitly says in his Natural History that wheat was included in weddings to honor Ceres. In modern occult systems, wheat is associated with fertility, the conception of children, and wealth. It is associated with the planet Venus and the element of earth. Olive branches also featured in Hellenic weddings. Olive was an important crop in the ancient Mediterranean, and olive branches were a symbol of peace and friendship. Olive was also used in the victors’ crowns in the Olympic Games. In Athens, the olive tree was a symbol of Athena. It was also carried by worshipers of Apollo when they visited the Oracle at Delphi. Olive was also important to the Romans, who associated it with Mars in his aspect as a protector of peace. In modern magic traditions, olive is associated with beauty, healing, stamina, wealth, fertility, protection and of course, peace. It is associated with the sun and the fire element. Orange blossoms were included in Hellenic weddings as a sign of happiness. These strongly scented white flowers also sometimes appeared in Roman weddings. Thousands of years later, Queen Victoria wore a crown of orange blossoms at her wedding, but for her they were a symbol of chastity. In modern systems, orange is associated with joy, partnership, sweetness, and good luck. It is associated with the sun and the fire element. Hawthorn appeared in weddings in ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder said that Roman bridal processions included a hawthorn torch dedicated to the goddess Ceres. In Rome, hawthorn was more generally associated with love and good luck. In Celtic cultures, especially Ireland, hawthorn was believed to be a fairy tree. For this reason, cutting a hawthorn tree or bringing hawthorn branches inside was considered bad luck. The blooming of hawthorn trees was used to determine the date of Bealtaine, and hawthorn boughs were often decorated with flowers, ribbons, and egg shells to make a May bush, which was placed by the front door for good luck. In Britain, hawthorn wood was used to carve maypoles. Hawthorn flowers may be especially appropriate for a May wedding or handfasting. In modern occultism, hawthorn is associated with protection, healing (especially healing the heart), romantic love, fertility, granting wishes, and happiness. It is still strongly associated with weddings and marriage. It is associated with the planet Mars and the fire element. Lotus may have featured in ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) weddings. The lotus was an important symbol in Kemetic religion, and was associated with the sun, rebirth, and the creation of the world. Lotus flowers featured in festivals to honor Hapi, the androgynous god of the Nile. The lotus is used in art to represent Upper Egypt. An Egyptian poem from 1100 BCE connects the lotus to marriage. Lotus flowers were also popular in ancient Chinese weddings, and they’re still used by some Chinese couples today. In Chinese culture, lotus represents purity, honor, and long life. In modern traditions, lotus is associated with protection, spirituality, and blessings. It is associated with the moon and the water element. Yellow flowers were used in pre-Christian Ireland for blessings and protection. The exact flower used for these rituals is not specified, so it seems like the color was what mattered. Modern pagans looking to carry on this tradition have lots of yellow flowers to choose from. Some popular choices include yellow roses (see above), yellow amaryllis (associated with creativity, playfulness, and joy), chrysanthemum (associated with long life, optimism, and protection), marigold (associated with happiness, rebirth, and vitality), and/or daffodils (associated with love, fertility, and luck).
Modern Wedding Flowers
- Peony is associated with purification, healing, prosperity, and success. In ancient Rome, peony was believed to be sacred to Mars. It is associated with the sun and the fire element.
- Dahlia is associated with mystery, occult wisdom, and transformation. It is associated with the moon and the water element.
- Lilac is associated with balance, peace, romance, protection from evil, and attracting friendly spirits. It is associated with Venus and the water element.
- Sweet Pea is associated with comfort, charm, and sweetness. It is associated with Venus and the water element.
- Hydrangea is associated with healthy boundaries, breaking negative patterns, hex breaking, and protection. It is associated with water and with both the moon and Neptune.
- Tulip is associated with beauty, desire, gratitude, love, prosperity, and simplicity. It is associated with Venus and the earth element.
- Orchid is associated with beauty, elegance, sexuality, fertility, and romance. It is associated with Venus and the water element.
- Lily is associated with spirituality, beauty, harmony, and protection from the evil eye. It is associated with Venus and the water element.
- Carnation is associated with beauty, love, rebirth, strength, and healing. Carnations are associated with same-gender love and especially love between men because of Oscar Wilde’s fondness for them. They are associated with the sun and the fire element.
- Gardenia is associated with love, peace, healing, and spirituality. It is associated with the moon and the water element.
- “New Neanderthal remains associated with the ‘flower burial’ at Shanidar Cave,” Cambridge University Press
- “History of Wedding Flowers” by Benna Crawford
- The Roman Wedding by Karen K. Hersch
- “The Olive in the Ancient Mediterranean” by Mark Cartwright
- “The History, Mythology, and Offerings of Hawthorn” by Meghan Pivarnik
- Where the Hawthorn Grows by Morgan Daimler
- Temple of the Cosmos by Jeremy Naydler
- The Magic of Flowers by Tess Whitehurst
- The Magic of Trees by Tess Whitehurst (see my disclaimer about Whitehurst’s books, but these are some of her better ones)
- Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
15 Ideas For A Unique Elopement Ceremony
Your elopement is a lot more than just saying “I do” and taking some photos. It’s the day you’re committing your lives to one another. Make your ceremony extra memorable by incorporating one or more of these 15 ideas for a unique elopement ceremony!
The cords used can be personalized to reflect the couple's beliefs and intentions, with different colors representing various qualities and desires. Another witchy wedding tradition is the use of herbs and flowers. Herbs with specific meanings and symbolism, such as lavender for devotion and rosemary for remembrance, can be incorporated into the wedding decorations, bouquets, and boutonnieres.
1. Exchange personalized vows.
Saying vows is an almost essential part of any wedding ceremony. To make this part of your ceremony extra special, hand-write your vows to your partner. You can write them in a special vow book like one of these, and after your ceremony give them to your partner as a gift. Or, write your vows on a piece of parchment paper or flat card and frame them together to display in your home.
The couple may also choose to use dried herbs or flowers in their centerpieces or as confetti for guests to throw after the ceremony. This adds a magical and aromatic element to the celebration, while also honoring the natural world and its connection to spirituality. Couples who embrace witchy wedding traditions may also choose to include a ritual or spellcasting during their ceremony. This could involve elements such as lighting candles, burning herbs, or casting a circle to create sacred space. The ritual can be tailored to the couple's desires, with specific intentions and blessings invoked to bring love, harmony, and unity into their union. This adds a deeply spiritual and meaningful aspect to the wedding, allowing the couple to express their beliefs and establish a strong foundation for their life together. Furthermore, some witchy wedding traditions draw inspiration from folklore and mythology. For example, couples might incorporate elements of the ancient Greek tradition surrounding the goddess of love, Aphrodite, by invoking her blessings or dedicating a portion of their ceremony to her. Alternatively, they may choose to honor the goddess of the moon, Luna, and incorporate moon-themed decorations or rituals into their wedding day. In conclusion, witchy wedding traditions offer couples the opportunity to infuse their special day with a sense of magic, spirituality, and individuality. By incorporating handfasting ceremonies, herbal symbolism, ritual practices, and mythological elements, couples can create a wedding that reflects their love for witchcraft and celebrates their unique bond. Whether it be a small and intimate ceremony or an elaborate celebration, these traditions allow couples to honor their beliefs and add a touch of enchantment to their wedding day..
Reviews for "Magical Moments: Capturing Witchy Wedding Traditions in Modern-Day Ceremonies"
1. Emily Smith - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Witchy Wedding Traditions". The book promised to provide unique and interesting wedding traditions for witches, but instead, it was filled with generic and cliché ideas. I was hoping for something more imaginative and out-of-the-box, but the suggestions felt uninspired and predictable. Overall, it was a letdown, and I would not recommend it to others looking for creative ideas for a witchy wedding.
2. Michael Johnson - 2 stars
I found "Witchy Wedding Traditions" to be quite dull and repetitive. The author seemed to focus more on quantity rather than quality when it came to the content. Many of the traditions mentioned were already well-known and easily found on the internet. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging and lacked enthusiasm. Overall, it felt like a rushed and half-hearted attempt at a book. I would advise looking elsewhere for more insightful and meaningful witchy wedding ideas.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Witchy Wedding Traditions", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While there were a few interesting ideas scattered throughout the book, the majority of the content was underwhelming and unoriginal. It felt like a collection of generic wedding traditions with a slight witchy twist. I was hoping for more depth and creativity in exploring the connection between witchcraft and marriage, but it barely scratched the surface. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for truly unique and captivating witchy wedding traditions.
4. Matthew Reynolds - 1 star
I regretted purchasing "Witchy Wedding Traditions" immediately after reading it. The book lacked substance and failed to provide any original or compelling ideas. It felt like the author simply compiled a list of superficial and outdated wedding traditions, added a witchy tagline, and called it a day. The lack of creativity and thoughtfulness was evident on every page. Unless you have never heard of basic wedding customs before, I would avoid wasting your time and money on this book. It was a huge disappointment.
5. Jennifer Green - 2 stars
"Witchy Wedding Traditions" left me feeling unimpressed and unsatisfied. While it did offer a few genuinely interesting ideas, the book as a whole felt disjointed and poorly organized. The transitions between traditions were abrupt, and the descriptions lacked detail and context. It felt like the author assumed the readers already had extensive knowledge of wedding planning, which made it difficult to follow along. Additionally, some of the traditions mentioned were questionable in their connections to witchcraft. Overall, it felt like a hastily thrown-together collection of ideas, and I wouldn't recommend it.