A handfasting ceremony is one of the most recognisable alternative wedding rituals — quiet, symbolic, and deeply personal.
At The Olde England Kiosk in Lancashire, handfasting ceremonies take place within a setting that already feels slightly removed from the ordinary, giving couples space to shape something that feels meaningful and personal to them.
Rooted in ancient traditions, handfasting centres around the binding of hands, representing unity, commitment, and the joining of two lives.
What is a handfasting?
WHAT IS A HANDFASTING?
A handfasting ceremony involves a couple joining hands while ribbons or cords are wrapped around them.
Traditionally, the wrists or forearms are gently bound, creating both a physical and symbolic connection.
Each wrap can represent a promise, a shared value, or an intention for the future. The act itself becomes a quiet focal point — a moment that draws attention without needing to be elaborate.
ORIGINS
Handfasting is most often linked to ancient Celtic traditions, where it was used as a symbolic act of union.
During the ritual, a couple’s hands would be bound together using cords or ribbons — representing connection, commitment, and the joining of two lives. It’s from this practice that the familiar phrase “tying the knot” is widely believed to originate.
The word itself may also have roots in the Old Norse term handfesta, meaning to strike a bargain or formally agree — reinforcing the idea of a union built on intention and commitment.
Over time, handfasting has evolved beyond its historical origins. Today, it is less about formal or legal meaning, and more about creating a moment within a ceremony that feels personal, visual, and intentional.
While its roots are ancient, its place in modern weddings is flexible — shaped around the couple and the meaning they choose to give it.
CHOOSING YOUR CORD
The cords or ribbons used in a handfasting ceremony often carry personal meaning as well as visual symbolism.
Some couples choose a single cord for simplicity, while others include multiple ribbons, each representing something important to them.
Your handfasting cords can be chosen to reflect your own meanings — these are simply a guide. The colours you choose might reflect your intentions, your values, or simply what feels right to you.
Beautiful handfasting cords can be sourced from talented independent makers (see our recommended suppliers list) or — if you’re feeling creative — made yourself using online tutorials and materials.
HANDFASTINGS AT OUR VENUE
At The Olde England Kiosk, handfasting ceremonies take place within our Tudor-style hall, where exposed wooden beams and large original leaded windows create a space full of character.
For couples planning a handfasting ceremony in Lancashire, having a space that supports flexibility makes all the difference. Without a fixed format, your ceremony can be shaped around what feels meaningful to you — whether that’s something simple and understated, or more symbolic and layered.
We’re always happy to support you in bringing your ceremony together — whether you’re working with a celebrant or planning the details yourselves — so the day feels relaxed, personal, and true to you.
READY TO PLAN?
If you’re thinking about including a handfasting ceremony in your wedding, we’d be happy to help you explore how it could work at The Olde England Kiosk.
Whether you already have a clear idea, or are only just beginning to consider something a little different, we’re here to support you in creating a ceremony that feels personal, relaxed, and true to you.
