Handfasting at a wedding is a ritual where the hands of the couple are symbolically bound together with cords or ribbons, often in a figure-eight pattern, as a representation of their commitment to each other.

This ancient tradition has its roots in Celtic and Pagan cultures but has been adopted and adapted by various contemporary wedding ceremonies, including those outside of these traditions. Handfasting can occur as a standalone ceremony or as part of a larger wedding ceremony, and it symbolises unity, connection, and the binding of two individuals in love and partnership.

It’s often accompanied by spoken vows or blessings that further express the couple’s commitment to each other.