16. DO YOU HOLD HANDFASTING CEREMONIES?

I do indeed.

Couples often choose to include the ritual of handfasting in their elopement, wedding, commitment, marriage blessing and vow renewal ceremonies here on Skye.

I love how this ritual of binding your hands embodies your coming together in union. I like to ask you to join hands and to meet one another's eyes, speaking something meaningful to help you deepen into the moment. Then I bind your hands and speak a blessing over your hands.

Usually I suggest you speak your vows to one another once handfast... exchanging rings too... and then as you release your hands from the bond... you 'tie the knot' ... sealing your vows with a knot, which like a loving bond gets stronger under pressure!

You can choose meaningful fabrics and colours for your ribbons or cords which echo your vows and the qualities you hope for in your marriage. 

Some couples choose one ribbon or cord, others choose two or more which are tied together.

Some couples choose to make their own cord (I'd suggest at least 1.5m long if you do).

Or you could have one custom made with meaningful colours for you... colours which echo the Skye landscape throughout the seasons... by Skye Handfasting Cords, a gorgeous wee business which is very close to my heart.

Photography by Penny Hardie Isle of Skye Wedding and Elopement Photographer -