Hand-fasting Celebrant | Yorkshire

An ancient practice of binding people’s hands together, symbolising their union: so powerful and poignant everyone from Scots to pagans claim hand-fasting as their own. In fact, similar symbolic acts grace ceremonies across the world. As a Humanist Celebrant, available across Yorkshire, the Peak District and North West, my elegant version involves ribbons being wound, usually by family and friends.

Hand-fastings regularly feature in my 400+ testimonials and Facebook page’s photographers’ blogs – symbolic acts like this stand the test of time for a reason.

A bespoke script, created through my own distinctive approach, would ground your hand-fasting, making full sense of its relevance and worth – extracts available on request.

Although hand-fasting inspired the phrase ‘tying the knot’, it doesn’t have to be used exclusively by couples, it can also celebrate family ties and friendship.

‘To have something that personal delivered in such a heartfelt way, by someone we felt we knew and could totally depend on, was so special. Thanks also for taking time to talk to people afterwards. The feedback has been overwhelming.’
Laura + Paul

Hand-fasting can be the main event, albeit with a contextual structure around it, or can take its place quite comfortably within a wider ceremony format.

Ever adaptable, the ribbon winding may be led with only a couple of important people chosen or several selected family and friends can take part.

A reading or music often complements – I also offer bespoke passages written with loved ones’ words such as wedding couples’ parents’ hopes for their future.

And to mark these life-defining moments, shared with your loved ones, you’ll have a tangible memento to enjoy – you get to keep your colourful knot.

Hannah Wroe Gill | Your Three Days