Wedding in a Winter Wonderland
Friends and Family are seated
Rev Rachael and Groom walk to altar followed by grooms attendants
Brides attendants walk in
Bride walks to altar.
Rev Rachael: (casting circle, marking each quarter with a Thor’s hammer symbol in the air)
We welcome you, Spirits of the East. Realm of Air and Knowledge.
I ask that you guard us in these sacred rites.
We welcome you, Spirits of the South. Realm of Fire and Love.
I ask that you guard us in these sacred rites.
We welcome you, Spirits of the West. Realm of Water and Understanding.
I ask that you guard us in these sacred rites.
We welcome you, Spirits of the North. Realm of Earth and Strength.
I ask that you guard us in these sacred rites.
Welcome, beloved friends and family, in the bounty of beauty of Nature, to the wedding of Bride and Groom. Welcome sprits of the wild. Welcome to our ancestors and those who have gone before us. I charge all of you gathered here as witnesses to love and support Bride and Groom as they travel life's path together. Blessed be.
Bride, do you come here of your own free will to be handfasted to this man?
Bride: I do.
Rev Rachael: Groom, do you come here of your own free will to be handfasted to this woman?
Groom: I do.
Rev. Rachael: Please join your right hands. (Lay on handfasting cord. Rune-bearers step forward)
(each spoke of attributes of these Runes regarding marriage and relationships)
Groom's mom - Thurisaz, rune of thorn
Bride's mom - Uruz, rune of strength
Groom's older sister - Jera, rune of harvest
Bride's younger sister - Hagalaz, rune of hail
Groom's younger sister - Wunjo, rune of light
Bride's youngest sister - Raido, rune of travel
Rev Rachael: Thank you (the rune-bearers return to their seats/places. Place runes on altar)
May I have the rings? (Take a moment to bless the rings)
(Each of you recite your vows)
(After each vow, hand each an end of the handfasting cord and hand the other’s ring to you)
Take this ring, a symbol of unending love and devotion and place it on Bride’s/Groom’s finger.
(With me holding your bound hands)
May your paths be smooth
And the weather be fair
May your hearts fill with joy
And never a care
May your friends be many
And the good times last
And may you look fondly
Upon the past
May life be kind
And Love be true
May many great blessings
Shine up you
(Pull the ends of your cord to Tie The Knot!)
By the power vested in me, by the State of Oregon, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.
(After kissing and clapping)
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you Mr. Groom and Mrs. Bride.
(Open the circle)
Spirits of the North. Spirits of the West. Spirits of the South. Spirits of the East.
Thank you for joining us and protecting us in these sacred rites of handfasting.
Blessings upon all those gathered here in body, mind, and spirit.
Blessed be.
(Walk down the aisle)
Ladies and gentlemen, if you would please follow the bride and groom in the cabin to warm up and drink some hot cocoa before photos.