Unique Celtic wedding blessings at Comlongon Castle

HandFasting Ceremonies conducted at dusk in this historic venue

Comlongon Castle is proud to offer a truly unique Blessing in the form of a Celtic Handfasting Wedding Ceremony. Handfasting was the traditional way to express marriage and was common in all the Celtic nations of Europe. Handfasting comes from the custom of shaking hands over a contract and tying the Bride and Grooms hands together during the ceremony, hence where the expression "tying the knot" comes from when referring to getting married nowadays. This vivid ceremony can be used by anybody as it expresses part of the reality of matrimony. It is non religion specific, meaning it is not Pagan or Christian. It is just Human.

Although nowadays Handfasting has no legal significance, serving as a Blessing it is a perfect way to compliment your wedding or for those who wish to revisit Comlongon for an anniversary or as a second ceremony. This moving ceremony can be conducted at dusk in the gardens under torchlight (summer months) or late in the evening in the Great Hall of the medieval castle lit by flickering candlelight.The ceremony is conducted by a specialist historical actor dressed in traditional Scottish Highland Dress of the early 18th century.

Once you have enjoyed your banquet you will be escorted by a piper to partake in the spectacle of the Handfasting. The ceremony lasting about 20-30 minutes opens with the Clan Chief greeting the Bride and Groom and their assembled guests he then asks those who wish to enter the ancient ceremony of Handfasting to speak their names. The Bride and Groom are then bound to six vows sealed by "tying the Knot" of their cords. The ceremony concludes with the Bride and Groom sealing a special promise to each other by kissing a Scots Highland Dirk which will then be pressed into Mother Earth to seal that promise for all time.The participation and input of family and friends including children is welcome and encouraged in the form of cord and dirk bearers, reciting of readings and messages. 

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other

Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.   

If booking this event we strongly recommend that the ceremony be recorded by a professional videographer to capture this unique event.

This ceremony can be booked by clients that wish to book any celebration at Comlongon.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CELTIC HANDFASTING CEREMONY SEE OUR VIDEO SECTION

E-mail: thenicolson@hotmail.co.uk