Handfasting South Wales, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Bridgend, Swansea
Druid celebrant for pagan marriage ceremonies
I am a trained celebrant with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and have consciously walked an earth-based spiritual path for over fifteen years.
I entered the world of celebrancy after many years of serving families during pregnancy and birth, This taught me how to hold sacred space during life transitions, where I came to honour birth itself as ceremony. I feel deeply called to hold space for couples and families during these life milestones,
I have a deep reverence and respect for the old ways, as a follower myself, and am able to bring many spiritual and sacred elements into ceremony, tailored to your beliefs and your path.
As a writer and poet, it is my joy to share my craft with those that I serve in this way to create their bespoke ceremony.
Photograph by Imagine Photography UK
An ancient Celtic tradition
This ancient Celtic tradition is a beautiful way to celebrate a marriage or other romantic union. The ceremony centres around the binding of the hands together, to symbolise your two lives being entwined through your love.
As we tie the cord in the physical realm, an etheric tie is made in the spiritual realm as you commit to each other.
As your celebrant, I will work with you as a couple to create a bespoke ceremony that weaves your journey as a couple and story so far and your hopes and promises to each other for the future.
You do not need to be legally married to have a handfasting. Some couples choose to have a simple legal wedding ceremony and use the handfasting as their more meaningful ceremony later that day or on another day, incorporating their spiritual beliefs, a trusted celebrant, a favourite location in nature, and close friends and family.
Photograph by Art by Design Photography
“Jenny is truly a treasure and one of a kind. She was also our celebrant at our handfasting Ceremony. As both Celebrant and Birthkeeper Jenny has the unique ability to both empower and nurture you simultaneously.”
Intimate Welsh forest handfasting
Jumping the broom!
Handfasting Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
As a bespoke service, price can vary and I am able to give you a quote after an initial chat with you and your beloved. Prices begin at £300 plus mileage.
Is it a legal ceremony?
Handfasting is not legally recognised so some couples choose to arrange their legal ceremony separately. Other couples acknowledge that a deep spiritual bond has been created through their ceremony and do not feel the need to also have a legal marriage. Traditionally a handfasting would have lasted for a year and a day, and some couples incorporate this concept into their ceremony and choose to renew their commitment each year (with or without a celebrant), to reflect how they've grown and changed together. You can also have a handfasting for a special anniversary or vow renewal.
What does a handfasting involve?
The usual format is an introduction and welcoming of the ceremony guests, and a sharing of the couple's love story. Then comes the vow exchange, and I am able to offer resources, guidance and support on writing vows. After the vow exchange the hands are bound together, there are a few options for how to do this. During this time of being bound together there is an opportunity for a song or poem (I have a sacred marriage song that I often sing at this point). Once the couple is released from the cord they can share a kiss, drink, bite to eat, and often choose to jump the broom which symbolises crossing a threshold, wiping away the old and welcoming in the new. As it is such a personal ceremony, I welcome all ritual ideas from couples to make it meaningful for them.
How long is the ceremony?
Ceremony length depends on how many ritual elements and readings are included, what I have found is that ceremonies tend to last around thirty minutes.
Can guests be involved in the ceremony?
Absolutely this can be incorporated into the ceremony structure and I find it works very well.
Can we get handfast anywhere we like?
There are no restrictions but depending on the venue it may be considered a courtesy to let them know and some couples choose to make a donation if appropriate.
Do you supply the handfasting cord?
I have discussions with couples about the construction of the cord as it is a magical object, using knot magic to weave intention. Some couples choose to purchase the cord from a maker, some like to make it themselves, some like to provide the materials and ask me to braid them in sacred space.
Will you help me surprise my partner with a handfasting?
As a celebrant I am unable to facilitate surprise ceremonies as I need to ensure the consent of both parties beforehand. What I suggest is you can make or purchase a handfasting cord to surprise your partner with, and then book in your ceremony with me together so we can plan the ritual aspects and vow exchanges.