Is a Handfasting Ceremony Legally Binding?
Yes and No. Traditional handfastings are not viewed as a legally binding ceremony. By Wiccan tradition, a handfasting is more like a betrothal or engagement, where the couple is meant to be joined for one year in order to assess their ability to be joined in marriage. While a handfasting itself is not a legally binding ceremony, it can still be a meaningful and joyous occasion. Also, if you prefer, a wedding or civil union ceremony can be designed in the style of a handfasting.
Yes and No. Traditional handfastings are not viewed as a legally binding ceremony. By many Neo-Pagan traditions, a handfasting is more like a betrothal or engagement, where the couple is meant to be joined for one year and a day in order to assess their ability to be joined in marriage. While a handfasting itself is not a legally binding ceremony, it can still be a meaningful and joyous occasion. Also, if you prefer, a wedding or civil union ceremony can be designed in the style of a handfasting, which has become more of the normal mode in America.
No. Traditional “Handfasting” ceremonies are not viewed as a legally binding ceremony. By Celtic tradition, a “Handfasting” is more like a betrothal or engagement where the couple is meant to be joined for one year in order to asses their ability to be joined in marriage. While “Handfasting” itself is not a legally binding ceremony, it can still be a meaningful and joyous occasion much like the now popular “Sand Ceremony”. Also, if you prefer, a wedding or civil union ceremony can be designed in the style of a “Handfasting” or any other cultural tradition you may want to incorporate into the ceremony.
