A handfasting ceremony has been traditionally performed to invoke the energies of the four elements. This would create a circle around the bride and groom joined as embodiment of god and goddess. In modern time, a set of vows are exchanged and six cords are draped over the hands of the couple, one for each vow made. Here is look at some of the best handfasting wedding vows examples to exchange.
Example #1
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Example #2
Groom and Bride this cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. Up until this moment, you have been separate in thought, word and action. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, shall your lives be bound as one. May you be forever be one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty for all time to come.
Example #3
This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and peace, happiness and prosperity.
Example #4
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Example #5
Will you share yourselves freely and generously with each other, making time to be together?
The first binding is thus made with dark blue, symbolic of Water, that your love may flow and fill you to your depths. [The dark blue cord is draped over the couple’s hands.]
Will you each seek to ease the other’s pain and suffering, sharing laughter and joy?
The second binding is thus made with green, symbolic of Earth, that your love may be wise and nurturing, and your happiness abundant. [The green cord is draped over the couple’s hands.]
Will you strive to keep your romance alive through daily actions and words of encouragement?
The third binding is thus made with red, symbolic of Fire, that your love may be bright and passionate. [The red cord is draped over the couple’s hands.]
Will you both help each other to grow in spirit and wisdom?
The fourth binding is thus made with light blue, symbolic of Air, that your love may be as limitless as the sky, and filled with spirit. [The light blue cord is draped over the couple’s hands. All four cords are tied together.]
You are now bound together, your two lives joined by love and trust into one life.
Example #6
Today, we ask that the infinite light of the divine shine upon this union. In that spirit, I offer a blessing to this ceremony.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts from the east — new beginnings that come each day with the rising sun, communication of the heart, mind, body and soul.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the south — the light of the heart, the heat of passion, and the warmth of a loving home.
Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the west — the rushing excitement of a raging river, the soft and pure cleansing of a rainstorm, and a commitment as deep as the ocean itself.
Here is a look at one example of a wedding vow handfasting sand ceremony. Using six ribbons, this ceremonial tradition represents the binding of both the bride and groom together in unity forever.
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