There’s something truly special about the moment two people join hands and make their promises to one another. For centuries, this act has symbolised unity, love, and commitment — and it’s exactly where the expression “tying the knot” comes from!
Hand-tying, also known as handfasting, is an ancient ritual that has found a beautiful new life in modern wedding ceremonies across the UK. As a celebrant based in Devon and the Southwest, I love including this meaningful moment — it’s always personal, symbolic, and deeply memorable for couples and their guests alike.
The Origins of Handfasting
The tradition of handfasting dates back thousands of years to Celtic, Pagan, and Norse cultures. In those early times, a handfasting ceremony was a public declaration of a couple’s intent to be together. Their hands were literally tied with cords or ribbons to symbolise their union — a powerful image of two lives being bound together.
It wasn’t always a legally binding marriage, but rather a spiritual or community commitment, witnessed by friends and family. As time went on and church weddings became the norm, handfasting faded from common practice. Yet, the idea of two people being “bound together” lived on — and eventually gave us the phrase “to tie the knot.”
Hand-Tying in Modern Wedding Ceremonies
Today, handfasting has evolved into a beautiful, symbolic addition to modern weddings across the UK. It’s a ritual that celebrates connection, equality, and the weaving together of two lives — and it can be as traditional or as modern as you wish.
You can choose ribbons or cords in colours that hold meaning for you — representing values like love, loyalty, laughter, and friendship. Some couples even choose to involve their guests, inviting friends or family members to place a ribbon and share a wish or blessing.
One couple shared this lovely reflection:
“Lisa’s suggestion to include hand tying as a part of the ceremony became a lovely element which created an opportunity to involve a number of our friends beyond the normal best man & bridesmaids.”
This simple yet beautiful ritual creates a sense of community, connection, and shared joy — a perfect symbol of the support surrounding your marriage.
Adding Handfasting to a Legal Wedding Ceremony
Many couples now choose to include a handfasting ceremony alongside or after their legal vows. It’s a perfect way to personalise your day — adding a heartfelt, symbolic moment that goes beyond the formal “I do’s.”
“When I decided I wanted a handfasting we had already booked a registrar so Lisa did our ‘extra’ bit. Once the official I do’s were done, she stepped in and delivered the most incredible ceremony I could have possibly imagined.”
By blending the official and the personal, you get the best of both worlds: a ceremony that’s both legally binding and emotionally meaningful.
Personalised Ribbons and Keepsakes
One of the most special parts of hand-tying is the keepsakes it creates. I love to provide couples with a memento box that includes their ribbons, framed vows, ceremony script, and other details from their day. It’s a tangible reminder of a truly magical moment.
“Beautiful ribbons to re tie the knot, a memento box with framed speech and more were provided.”
And for couples who want to celebrate inclusivity and identity, handfasting can be deeply personal and powerful:
“The hand tying with Pride flag colour ribbons was so beautiful and moving as each of our guests were able to wish us well in our marriage. Can’t thank Lisa enough for allowing us to keep this memory and all of the mementos from the day in a wonderful box that she put together for us that included our framed vows, her script and more.”
These ribbons become more than fabric — they’re woven symbols of your love, your story, and your future together.
Why Hand-Tying Is So Meaningful
Handfasting is more than just a ritual — it’s a moment that captures the heart of what a wedding is all about: two people choosing to walk through life hand-in-hand.
It can be joyful, emotional, inclusive, and completely personal to you. Whether you’re honouring your heritage, celebrating your individuality, or simply looking for a creative and symbolic way to say “we’re in this together,” a handfasting ceremony is a truly magical way to tie the knot.
Create Your Own Handfasting Ceremony
If you’d love to include a hand-tying ritual in your wedding ceremony, I’d be delighted to help design one that’s completely you — meaningful, modern, and full of heart.
Together, we can choose your colours, wording, and style — creating a ceremony that not only looks beautiful but feels deeply personal. Because when you tie the knot, it should be done with meaning, connection, and love.
Contact Lisa today to realise your vision for your dream ceremony.
