Pagan Weddings - Many Paths, Endless Possibilities
Pagan weddings are incredibly versatile in the sense that there are many different religious and spiritual paths within the umbrella of Paganism, and so it is that Pagan weddings will be as diverse and wonderful as the couples who feel called to share in this type of ceremony.
Whether you follow a structured path within Paganism such as Wicca, are a follower of an eclectic Pagan path, or simply feel drawn to a wedding that focuses on the Earth and a love of nature sans any religious or spiritual understones, there are a myriad of Pagan wedding script variations and elements of ceremony to choose from.
The ceremony script features here is but one possibility. Many Pagan weddings include rites of passage such as handfasting, jumping the broom, Chalice and Sword rites, can include things such as Maypole dances, or any other elements that speak to you personally. Contact me to help you craft your dream ceremony, exploring ceremony elements that are the perfect fit for you!
Whether you follow a structured path within Paganism such as Wicca, are a follower of an eclectic Pagan path, or simply feel drawn to a wedding that focuses on the Earth and a love of nature sans any religious or spiritual understones, there are a myriad of Pagan wedding script variations and elements of ceremony to choose from.
The ceremony script features here is but one possibility. Many Pagan weddings include rites of passage such as handfasting, jumping the broom, Chalice and Sword rites, can include things such as Maypole dances, or any other elements that speak to you personally. Contact me to help you craft your dream ceremony, exploring ceremony elements that are the perfect fit for you!
Simple Pagan Wedding Ceremony
(adapted by Jennifer Elen Bríd from getordained.com)
Today we gather our family and friends to celebrate, consecrate, and fully realize the sacred bond of {Bride/Groom/Partner} and {Bride/Groom/Partner}. They will join their lives as one as they cross the threshold into this most intimate covenant. Through their marriage, they will find protection and sanctuary as they journey through life together.
INVOCATION
We mark today as the moment you forever embrace not only one another but everything that has risen up out of your union. Your partnership, steadfast and humble, has nurtured love from the ground up. From this day forward, you will continue on your paths, seeking goodness and light in every direction, strengthened evermore by the goodness and light in one another.
With this partnership, bound by law and sealed with a kiss, the world calls upon you to protect one another. To cherish every moment. To find humility when it is needed. To support, uplift, and encourage the heaviest of hearts and the wildest of dreams. This marriage is your gift to bestow upon the world around you. When you leave today, you will both have the power to demonstrate the divine magic that is a lasting love.
READING*
*Readings are optional. Any reading can be inserted here – a poem, traditional or contemporary blessing, a reading or speech from a loved one, even a song or other heartfelt share.
ELEMENTAL BLESSING*
We call upon the Four Elements - Earth, Water, Air, and Fire - to bring to this union the same harmony that they share when operating together harmoniously. A synergy of respect, self-awareness, awareness of another’s needs and desires, authenticity, understanding, and love are some of the keys to a most fulfilling relationship.
We ask the elements to share with {Bride/Groom/Partner} and {Bride/Groom/Partner} these gifts, and more, for all the days of their lives:
From Air, we ask for lightheartedness, curiosity, playfulness, and peace.
From Fire, we ask for courage, passion, radiance, and warmth.
From Water, we ask for stillness, strength, creativity, and flow.
From Earth, we ask for humility, friendship, gratitude, and growth.
*The Four Directions can also be included, or any other adaptation that suits your preferences. This ritual can be made simpler or more complex based on your preferences – a blessing with smoke clearing herbs, incense, or a candle; water blessing, etc.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
As we move to the Declaration of Intent, we ask that each of you hold in your heart a blessing for the couple as they speak their vows.
{Bride/Groom/Partner} and {Bride/Groom/Partner}, please repeat after me:
“I, {Bride/Groom/Partner} take you, {Bride/Groom/Partner} to be my wedded {Wife/Husband/Partner}. To hold in the highest of light, day in and day out, through the storms, and the rain and the wonderful mysteries of this life. I promise you faithfulness, compassion, and friendship from this day forward.” …
RINGS EXCHANGE
The ring is a symbol of the never-ending trust and commitment you share. There is no beginning, and no end. For the shared experience of a lifetime is too great to limit to earthly terms.
Bride/Groom/Partner: “With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home.” …
PRONOUNCEMENT
By the power vested in me in both law and in love, I now pronounce you {Wife/Husband/Partner} and {Wife/Husband/Partner}. You are joined now beyond love and into the heavens.
You may kiss!
INVOCATION
We mark today as the moment you forever embrace not only one another but everything that has risen up out of your union. Your partnership, steadfast and humble, has nurtured love from the ground up. From this day forward, you will continue on your paths, seeking goodness and light in every direction, strengthened evermore by the goodness and light in one another.
With this partnership, bound by law and sealed with a kiss, the world calls upon you to protect one another. To cherish every moment. To find humility when it is needed. To support, uplift, and encourage the heaviest of hearts and the wildest of dreams. This marriage is your gift to bestow upon the world around you. When you leave today, you will both have the power to demonstrate the divine magic that is a lasting love.
READING*
*Readings are optional. Any reading can be inserted here – a poem, traditional or contemporary blessing, a reading or speech from a loved one, even a song or other heartfelt share.
ELEMENTAL BLESSING*
We call upon the Four Elements - Earth, Water, Air, and Fire - to bring to this union the same harmony that they share when operating together harmoniously. A synergy of respect, self-awareness, awareness of another’s needs and desires, authenticity, understanding, and love are some of the keys to a most fulfilling relationship.
We ask the elements to share with {Bride/Groom/Partner} and {Bride/Groom/Partner} these gifts, and more, for all the days of their lives:
From Air, we ask for lightheartedness, curiosity, playfulness, and peace.
From Fire, we ask for courage, passion, radiance, and warmth.
From Water, we ask for stillness, strength, creativity, and flow.
From Earth, we ask for humility, friendship, gratitude, and growth.
*The Four Directions can also be included, or any other adaptation that suits your preferences. This ritual can be made simpler or more complex based on your preferences – a blessing with smoke clearing herbs, incense, or a candle; water blessing, etc.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
As we move to the Declaration of Intent, we ask that each of you hold in your heart a blessing for the couple as they speak their vows.
{Bride/Groom/Partner} and {Bride/Groom/Partner}, please repeat after me:
“I, {Bride/Groom/Partner} take you, {Bride/Groom/Partner} to be my wedded {Wife/Husband/Partner}. To hold in the highest of light, day in and day out, through the storms, and the rain and the wonderful mysteries of this life. I promise you faithfulness, compassion, and friendship from this day forward.” …
RINGS EXCHANGE
The ring is a symbol of the never-ending trust and commitment you share. There is no beginning, and no end. For the shared experience of a lifetime is too great to limit to earthly terms.
Bride/Groom/Partner: “With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home.” …
PRONOUNCEMENT
By the power vested in me in both law and in love, I now pronounce you {Wife/Husband/Partner} and {Wife/Husband/Partner}. You are joined now beyond love and into the heavens.
You may kiss!