A handfasting means what the witches concerned choose to make it mean. At one extreme, they may intend it as a ceremonial announcement that thet are living together and wish to be treateed as aa couple unless they change their minds. At the other, the intention is even more permanent than 'till death do us part', because it involves the concept of 'soul-mates' - a continuing relationship through all subsequent reincarnations.

Wiccan handfasting accepts all these attitudes, from that of the temporary union, through that of intended life-long partnership, to that of soul-mate committal. All that Wiccan law says is that handfasting is valid in the first instance for a year and a day. At the end of that time, the couple may seek out the same High Priest and High priestess who united them, and announce that they wish to part. If they do not, the union is regarded as continuing. Handfasting does not bind a couple together forever (or even for a life time) regardless of their future feelings. However, a couple's decision that they are soul-mates, declared and ritually confirmed, does bind them; but that is their own act, deliberately setting in motion psychic forces which they will not be able to reverse - not something laid upon them by any High Priest or High Priestess, even at their own request, or by any rules of the Craft.

The Preparation:

The Circle is outlined, and the altar decorated, with flowers and white candles; but a gateway is left in the North-East of the Circle, with flowers to hand for closing it.

The broomstick is kept ready beside the altar.

The cauldron, filled with flowers, is placed by the West candle - West representing Water, the element of love.

The Ritual:

The opening ritual is conducted normally, except that the bride and groom remain outside the gateway, which is not yet closed. The High Priestess brings in the groom, and the High Priest brings in the bride, each with a kiss. The High Priest then closes the gateway with flowers, and the High Priestess closes it with the sword or athame.

The High Priestess and High Priest stand with their backs to the altar. The groom faces the High Priestess, and the bride the High Priest, in the center of the Circle.
 
 

HPS:
"Dear Friends,

Out of affection for (name of bride) and (name of groom), we have gathered here to witness and bless the vows which will unite them throughout their lives. To this moment, (name of bride) and (name of groom) bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another. They each bring their particular personality and spirit, out of which will grow the reality of their life together.

(Name of bride) and (name of groom) welcome you to share this day with them and thank you for the love and support that have helped to make this celebration possible.

We are gathered here at this time to mark and to witness the betrothal of two who have chosen to live together as husband and wife. This is a declaration of intent and a year and a day may pass ere the two are wedded. If either thinks otherwise or if minds and hearts are changed then this must be within a year and a day.

At this time and at this place, we call also, (God and Goddess)to witness the words that here shall be spoken.

HPS:
"Who comes to be joined in the presence of the Goddess? What is thy name, O man?"

Groom:
"My name is (name)."
 

HP:
"Who comes to be joined in the presence of the God? What is thy name, O woman?"

Bride:
"My name is (name)."

HPS:
"(Name of bride) and (name of groom), we greet you with joy"

The coven circle round the bride and groom to the Witches' Rune; then all return to their places.
 

HPS:
"Unity is balance, and balance is unity. Hear then and understand."

The High Priest picks up the wand and continues:
 

HP:
"The wand that I hold is the symbol of Air. Know and remember that this is the element of Life, of intelligence, of the inspiration which moves us onwards. By this wand of Air, we bring to your handfasting the power of Mind."

He lays down the wand. The High Priest picks up the sword and says:
 

HP:
"The sword that I hold is the symbol of Fire. Know and remember that this is the element of Light, of energy, of the vigor which runs through our veins. By this sword of Fire, we bring to your handfasting the power of Will".

He lays down the sword. The High Priestess picks up the Chalice and says:
 

HPS:
"The chalice that I hold is the symbol of Water. Know and remember, that this is the symbol of love, of growth, of the fruitfulness of the Great Mother. By this chalice of Water, we bring to your handfasting the power of Desire."

She sets the chalice down, and picks up the pentacle, saying:
 

"The pentacle that I hold is the symbol fo Earth. Know and remember, that this is the element of Law, of endurance, of theunderstanding which cannot be shaken. By this pentacle of Earth, we bring to your handfasting the power of the Steadfast."

She lays down the pentacle and continues.
 

HPS:
"Rejoice with (name of bride) and (name of groom) as they marry, for marriage is the outward symbol of an inward union of hearts, a union created by friendship, loyalty and love. Marriage represents a mutual arrangement in which each partner is the guardian of the other's solitude. To affirm the distance between each other is to affirm the dignity of friendship in which each helps the other to continually grow and to be different. Marriage is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner, establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. We know that it is in this spirit these two people stand before us today.

Will you please join hands and face each other to exchange your vows."

HPS:
"(name of groom), do you take this woman whose hands you hold to be your wedded wife? For better, for worse, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to respect and honor, to love and to cherish for as long as your love shall last?"

Groom:
"So be it."

HP:
"(Name of bride), do you take this man whose hands you hold to be your wedded husband? For better, for worse, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to respect and honor, to love and to cherish for as long as your love shall last?"

Bride:
"So be it."

The High Priest picks up the wand and places the rings on it, the bride's on his end, the groom's on the High Priestess' end. He holds one end of it before him in his right hand, the High Priestess likewise holds the other end in her left hand, the rings on the exposed wand between them. The High Priestess says to the two before her:
 
 

HPS:
"Rings are a symbol of your love and token of your sincerity. Place your right hands over this wand, and your rings, his hand over hers."

HP:
"Above you are the stars
Below you are the stones
As time does pass, remember,...
Like a star should your love be constant.
Like a stone should your love be firm.
Possess one another, yet be understanding.
Have patience each with the other
For storms will come, but they will go quickly.
Be free in giving of affection and warmth
Make love ofter, and be sensouos to one another,
Have no fear, and let not the ways or words
Of the unenlightened give you unease.
For the God and the Goddess are with you.
Now and always."

HPS:
"(Name of groom), you have chosen to give (name of bride) a ring. Give it to her now in token and pledge of your abiding love and affection, and repeat after me:"

Groom:
"With this ring, I marry you and join my life with yours."

HP:
"(Name of bride), you have chosen to give (name of groom) a ring. Give it to him now in token and pledge of your abiding love and affection, and repeat after me:"

Bride:
"With this ring, I marry you and join my life with yours."

The Priest then takes the needle and makes a scratch on the left wrist of the groom. The Priestess makes a scratch on the right wrist of the bride. The groom takes the hand of the bride so that the cut wrists are joined together, fingers entwined. The Priest then takes the consecrated red ribbon and binds the wrists together, tight, but not painfully. The ribbon ends hang loose. The Priestess cences the lovers three times.
 
 

HPS:
"In the names of the God and the Goddess,
you have been bound, one to the other.
Blood to blood, life to life.
May your love endure that its flame remains a guiding light
unto you throughout all eternity.

HP:
"The wedding is not over; it is just begun. Not once and forever, but again and again shall the mystery of two people together and in love, move one another and touch the world. For marriage is not something said and done, but a promise whose fulfillment is acted out in time. Truth remains elusive, death a secret, love a challenge. Life goes on neither more nor less incidentally than before, but one's hand is strengthened, one's way is brightened, and one's load, if not lightened, is made easier to bear."

HPS:
"And so for (name of bride) and (name of groom), we hope these promises have a long and excellent fulfillment.

And now, having pledged yourselves to each other
in the presence of this company
and in the sight of the God and Goddess,
have declared the same by exchanging rings and by fasting hands,
I do now, by the power vested in me,
pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss eachother."

All:
"So mote it be."

The High Priestes takes the broomstick and lays it down on the ground before the couple, who jump over it hand in hand. the High Priestess picks it up and ritually sweeps the Circle clear of all negative influences.

Cut a gateway at the northeast, and let the couple enact the Great Rite in private. It is entirely their choice whether it should be symbolic or actual. When they return, close the gateway. The couple consecrates the cakes and wine, which continues as usual.

Dismiss the Circle as usual, and then open any presents, and commense the party. If the feast includes a handfasting cake, tradition says that this is one time when the coven's sword may be used for actual cutting.