Celtic traditions: handfastings in elopements or couples sessions

Handfasting is an ancient Scottish Celtic tradition which is a beautiful way of affirming your commitment and affection to the one you love. It’s a perfect addition to an elopement, vow renewal, anniversary shoot, engagement or for those couples who wish to make commitments to each other in Scotland.

History

Traditionally, handfasting was a betrothal or marriage ceremony dating back to pre-Christian times. In a handfasting ceremony, a couple’s right hands are bound by the bann (ribbon or cord), rather than by rings.

Under older Canon Law, public figures would perform the ritual – such as blacksmiths, seanachaidhean (officiants) and clan chiefs. This would later be restricted to only church ministers able to perform. It became commonly adopted as a legal marriage in the Tudor era, when it constituted the entire legal wedding ceremony.

An interesting quirk about handfastings is that they’ve been used to symbolise different lengths of commitments  – sometimes it was a betrothal (engagement) and other times a full legally-binding marriage ceremony. Here are the three “options” for handfastings (still practiced today in some communities).

Marry for a year and a day

When a handfasting marked the first stage of marriage, a temporary contract that lasted a year and a day. If, at the end of that time, no child had been born and the couple didn’t want to continue, the betrothal lapsed.

Marry for life

When a handfasting was a life commitment, in a similar way to the modern day legal wedding.

Marry for this life and beyond

A spiritual commitment – when your souls are so intertwined that you can’t bear the thought of not spending the rest of your life and the afterlife with your loved one.

Modern handfastings

Handfasting’s are a legal wedding ceremony in Scotland (when officiated by a Registrar in combination with another ceremony i.e. civil service, humanist etc.). They are typically used in as part of the actual marriage ceremony, rather than a betrothal. They’ve seen a surge in popularity over recent years due to a general cultural revival and exposure in popular media such as Outlander and Braveheart.

They are also used as a way of strengthening vows and as a commitment to your married relationship (in a non-legally binding way). Making it perfect for vow renewals or as part of an intention setting or reflective ceremony. It can be a way to honour your connection as a couple, through a ceremony that is meaningful to you.

Example handfasting ceremony

Sharing Scottish Celtic traditions is very close to my heart as it’s been such a big and special part of my own story. It’s a true honour and privilege to witness these traditions in your own ceremonies and rituals. Lasting around 20 minutes, this is a basic outline of what a handfasting ceremony can look like:

Introduction

Setting the scene for your handfasting and introduction about the ceremony.

Quaich

Sharing a drink from a traditional Scottish friendship cup.

Tying the knot

Where the traditional phrase originates from – the binding of the hands joins you together in spirit and body using a handfasting cord (Gaelic word: bann).

Commitment ceremony

This is your moment. An opportunity for you as a couple to write new vows, speak your old vows, set intentions for your future or take stock of what your relationship has already held. It’s a private moment to shape and share as you wish.

Quaich

The Quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship and love, has been used throughout the centuries to symbolise the coming together of people. For example, it’s used as a welcoming drink at Clan Gatherings. The two-handed design of the cup shows trust, on the part of both giver and receiver by sharing the drink. You can fill the cup with a drink of your choice, usually whisky or you can combine two drinks symbolising the two of you becoming one.  In wedding ceremonies, the sharing of the cup symbolises the joining of families and in vow renewals it strengthens the bond you have already made.

Handfasting Cord

The cord used in the handfasting is an important part of the ceremony. However, there aren’t any rules on what your cord should look like or be made of. Typically, a handfasting cord is made from rope or ribbon or tartan fabric strips but you can use anything as long as it can be wound around hands easily and is at least 1.2m long.

I often encourage couples to make their own handfasting cord, it’s a nice activity to share together and becomes a meaningful keepsake.

Handfastings on a couples adventure session

I offer a very limited number of simple handfasting ceremonies for couples who want to affirm their love + commitment to each other outside of any ties to marriage. This is perfect for couples who want to embrace Scottish culture and be bound together in spirit through our beautiful old traditions. The ceremony is similar to the example ceremony shown above and is usually facilitated by an expert handfasting facilitator.

Please note: this ceremony cannot substitute a legal wedding ceremony performed by a registered celebrant and is not suitable for vow renewals or wedding commitment ceremonies (i.e. ceremonies before/after performing legal paperwork elsewhere). For these special occasions, we truly believe in the expertise of a registered celebrant who will give you the best experience and perform a highly-tailored ceremony around your story.


If you would like to add a handfasting to a couples shoot then get in touch to discuss options and book your date.

Good read?

Why not pin it to your Pinterest board for later…

Couple being handfasted in a Scottish glen by a handfasting celebrant

Other guides which might tickle your fancy

Guide - 9 fairytale-inspired ideas for your scotland elopement

9 fairytale-inspired ideas for your Scottish elopement

Searching for my nerdy, fantasy-loving couples seeking a magical Scottish elopement experience that feels like a fairytale. . . if that’s you, then you’ve made it to the exact right place. Call it luck or call it fate; whatever brought you here, I’m about to delve deep into the magic and mysticism of the spectacular…
Guide - cost of eloping in Scotland

How much does it cost to elope in Scotland?

What is the true cost of a Scottish elopement? [Updated for 2025] Here we are – you’ve fallen in love with the idea of eloping in Scotland. Wandering through the cobblestone streets, dipping a toe in beautiful lochs or exploring misty vast glens. But there’s a wee thought that’s worrying away in the background… ‘how…
Raini Rowell Scotland Elopement Guide - 101 things to do

What to do on your elopement day in Scotland? 101 ideas

There is so much joy to be found in the moments leading up to and after your ceremony Choosing to elope brings with it the freedom to create a day without many constraints. However, this freedom can be a little daunting for many couples. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the options and simultaneously unable…
Best places to elope in Scotland - couple in Wester Ross

12 of the best places to elope in Scotland

You’ve fallen in love with the idea of eloping in Scotland… (it’s hard not to!) But now you’re facing the slightly daunting task of deciding where in Scotland you want to elope. With so many gorgeous locations, it can be hard to decide where is the best place to elope in Scotland. The truth is,…
Guide - how to plan a romantic proposal in Scotland

How to plan a romantic secret proposal in Scotland

Choosing to ask someone to spend the rest of their life together with you… it’s no small thing. But no matter how you do it, proposing to your partner should be a meaningful and memorable experience. Thinking of popping the question in Scotland? If proposing somewhere romantic in Scotland has been added to your list…
leave no trace guide in Scotland for elopement couples

How to leave no trace when eloping in Scotland

I consider the Scottish outdoors my ‘office’ – and without its vast wildness, my work would be meaningless. This is why caring for Scotland’s environment is something which is incredibly important to me and how I run my business. Leave only footprints Take only photos Kill only time I’m super chuffed to say I’m now…
Couples session in Glencoe in winter - couple cuddling

How to prepare for your couples adventure session in Scotland

Scotland is rather magical isn’t it? Whether it rains or shines – it’s a wildly romantic place and the perfect backdrop for sharing a memorable (and fun!) experience together. It’s a natural result that you’ll end up with some wonderful photos at the end of it. My sessions for couples are more than a photoshoot…
Things you should know before deciding to elope guide

Things you should know before deciding to elope

Considering eloping? Here are some of my favourite little nuggets of advice for couples who are thinking about deciding to elope. These are just a few things I’ve picked up along the way as a Scottish elopement photographer – hope you find them helpful! 1. There is no right or wrong way to elope If…
Guides - what is an elopement (in Scotland)

What is an elopement? Let’s demystify it

If you’ve been planning a wedding lately you might have seen the word ‘elopement’ starting to pop up here, there and everywhere. The definition and expectation about what an elopement is has been rapidly changing over the last few years. Ye olde-and-trustworthy Oxford Dictionary definition (ooft, who doesn’t love a dictionary ref?) “The act of…
Guides - pandemic wedding planning

How to plan your wedding during a pandemic

Wedding planning is a heartfelt and emotional journey so I can only imagine how hard and disappointing this must be for couples whose plans have been disrupted by coronavirus. It’s truly heartbreaking to have to reschedule your wedding. Or to have those early planning stages halted by uncertainty. It’s important to recognise and grieve that…
Guides - glencoe elopement locations

Eloping in Glencoe – best romantic locations

Best Glencoe locations to elope or adventure in | Scotland photography Oh my heart! There are few places in Scotland that truly capture the essence of Scotland’s beauty and old wild soul as much as Glencoe. Although I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Glencoe, there’s always something new to uncover. Even to this…
Non-traditional elopement ceremony guide

Ideas for non-traditional ceremonies – with or without getting married

There are lots of reasons couples decide to make commitments to each other outside of a wedding ceremony. Sometimes it’s because the concept of traditional marriage doesn’t suit you or because personal circumstances mean that a wedding isn’t possible right now (and maybe you intend to marry later). but this is the important bit… In…
Couple holding oathing stone in elopement ceremony

How to bring ancient Celtic rituals into your Scottish elopement ceremony

Wildly romantic and full of magical landscapes, Scotland is the perfect place for adventurous lovers to elope. The wee cherry atop o’ the non-traditional-wedding-cake is that Scotland also has a rich and wonderful history of traditions when it comes to love and marriage. Getting married in Scotland comes with a fair amount of freedom about…

Why you should get colsie (cosy) with a winter Scottish adventure

Does the very thought of a winter couples shoot in Scotland give you the chill? Let me show you that a cosy winter couples shoot is the perfect way to enjoy a fantastic time together and end the year on a high. It’s easy to have a blast the whole summer – adventuring and hanging…