Scotland’s rich heritage and Celtic traditions offer a wealth of inspiration for couples looking to make their wedding or vow renewal ceremony unique and meaningful. From the ancient art of handfasting to sharing a symbolic quaich, these rituals add depth, romance, and cultural significance to your special day. Whether you have Scottish ancestry, a love for the Highlands, or simply admire Celtic symbolism, incorporating these traditions can create unforgettable memories and honor timeless customs.
The Meaning of Handfasting
Handfasting, an ancient Celtic ritual, is one of the most popular traditions for modern weddings and vow renewals. In this symbolic act, the couple’s hands are bound together with cords, ribbons or other pieces of material, representing their union and commitment. This practice is where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from.
How to Incorporate It:
- Choose a ribbon, cord or other piece of material in meaningful colors or patterns, such as your family tartan. Maybe there is a hobby that uses suitable material (like rock climbing for example). Some couples enjoy braiding their own cords but there are also wonderful suppliers of handfasting cords, among my favourites are Recrafter’s Cottage and Ceotha
- A particularly suitable place in a ceremony for the handfasting ritual is during the exchange of vows. There is a lot of symbolic meaning to your hands being bound together whilst making your promises, and then tieing the knot to affirm your words.
- There are many methods of handfasting and it’s worth exploring which one fits best – as a celebrant I always make sure we spend time reviewing different methods to see which one fits around other ceremony elements. We can also explore how to involve family members of friends in the ritual, by handing over the ribbons or cords, or even being involved in wrapping them around your hands.
Drinking from the Quaich: A Toast to Unity
The quaich, is a two-handled ceremonial cup used to symbolise trust, sharing, and unity. Couples traditionally drink whisky, ale, or another beverage from the quaich to seal their bond but basically anything can be used. In my ceremonies we had lemonade and a recent couple brought their home made mead.
How to Incorporate It:
- Whilst I can lend a quaich for the ceremony many couples prefer to purchase and bring their own and then keep it as a memento. If you are not drawn to the more traditional looking quaichs you could look into a more modern version like those offered by the famous Highland Stoneware pottery.
- Choose a beverage that reflects your taste or heritage.
- The quaich ritual sits well towards the end of a ceremony when a couple shares their first drink, and it could then be also shared with select family members or friends. It can also be a nice ritual to use when one side of the family welcomes the other – we can be creative in tailoring the ritual to what works best within the overall ceremony.
Jumping the Besom: A Leap Into New Beginnings
Jumping the besom (a traditional broom) is a Celtic ritual symbolizing sweeping away the past and leaping into a new life together. This playful and meaningful act is perfect for couples who want to include a touch of fun while honoring a timeless tradition.
How to Incorporate It:
- Make your own besom with flowers, ribbons, or tartan, although I can bring one to your ceremony that was created with material from my very own woodland croft in the Scottish Highlands, with very special parts of ancient woodland.
- Place the broom at the end of the aisle or as part of your post-ceremony procession.
Setting your promises in stone with the Oathing Stone
The oathing stone is a Celtic tradition where couples make their vows while holding or touching a stone, symbolizing the permanence of their promises. This ritual is especially meaningful when performed in a natural setting, such as by a loch or at a historic site.
How to Incorporate It:
- Choose a stone from a meaningful location or use one engraved with your names or wedding date. If your ceremony is part of a destination wedding it can be nice to make finding a suitable stone part of your journey.
- Keep the stone as a cherished memento of your ceremony.
How to Personalise Celtic Traditions for Your Ceremony
- Involve loved ones by inviting family or friends to participate in rituals like draping the handfasting material or presenting the quaich.
- Reflect your story by customizing the details of the rituals to reflect your journey as a couple, such as using a stone from your first hiking trip together.
Conclusion: Embracing Love and Heritage
Incorporating Scottish and Celtic rituals into your wedding or vow renewal ceremony is a meaningful way to honor tradition, celebrate love, and connect with your heritage. From handfasting to the oathing stone, these customs are steeped in symbolism and offer a unique way to personalise your ceremony. Whether you’re eloping in the Highlands or hosting a grand celebration, these rituals will create lasting memories and deepen the significance of your vows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to have Scottish or Celtic ancestry to include these traditions?
A: Not at all! These rituals are about celebrating love and unity. Anyone can incorporate them into their ceremony.
Q: Can I combine multiple Scottish and Celtic rituals in one ceremony?
A: Yes! Many couples blend rituals like handfasting and the quaich for a more personalised and meaningful experience.
Q: Where can I find a quaich or tartan for my ceremony?
A: Quaichs and tartans can be purchased from specialty shops or online retailers that offer Scottish heritage items.
Q: Are these rituals suitable for vow renewal ceremonies?
A: Absolutely! These rituals can be a beautiful way to reaffirm your commitment and celebrate your journey as a couple.
Get in touch
If you’re considering getting married in Scotland and want to have a chat then please get in touch via the contact form or via the WhatsApp button. I’ll be very happy to chat about your wedding plans to see if I would be a good fit to craft your dream ceremony.