Your Celtic Ceremony
This page details the full process from first email contact with me to what happens on your big day. From the practical logistics to the heartwarming moments I will guide you to create a ceremony that will be the highlight of your entire wedding day!
Email me
Send me an email and let me know what you're planning including the date, time, and venue and I can get back to you and let you know if I'm available plus answer any other questions you might have.
Booking Form
If all this sounds good I will email you my booking form otherwise we can arrange a time for a phone consultation to answer any other questions you might have.
Outline Ceremony Plan
Once I've received your completed booking form I will send you an outline ceremony plan with ideas and suggestions.
Celebrant Service Agreement
Once you are ready to proceed with the booking I will ask you both to sign a celebrant service agreement.
Fees
I will send you an itemized quote with the Celebrant Service Agreement. I ask for full payment in advance. If you are booking your wedding 6 months in advance I will accept 50% booking deposit with the remainder due 6 weeks before your wedding date. Payment is made by bank transfer and details will be supplied by email.
The Legal bit
You and your partner may choose to have your ceremony solemnised, this is legal recognition of your wedding by the government of Ireland. I am registered to sign the Marriage Registration Form on the day of your wedding. To avail of this service you must give 3 months notice to the Registrar's office and visit the office in person to provide all the documentation. The registrar then issues you with a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) which you bring with you to the rehearsal with me and on the actual ceremony day. After the signing of this form, you return the form to the registrar.
For more information on this registration process, go to:
The HSE Information page here
Ceremony Script
Once we've made our agreement I start working on your ceremony script. I will email you a draft for your input and together via email we will design your ceremony. This is where the real magic happens! I want to hear all your ideas or if your struggling with the ceremony planning aspect I have lots of suggestions to help you along the way. We can also start to discuss your wedding theme in more detail, for instance maybe you'd like to wear Celtic Shoes or organise a Celtic Sword Guard of Honour to finish the ceremony.
Rehearsal
This is an important aspect of the planning. It takes about two hours and takes place at Temple Crom in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon during the week. We will arrange a mid week afternoon appointment that suits us all. We sit down together and talk through the ceremony script - we will practice the sword and chalice union and tieing the handfasting cords. This element really helps to ease the nerves on the day. If you would like me to travel to you for the rehearsal this can be arranged. This will be detailed in the booking form and service agreement.
On the Day
I will arrive at the venue at the agreed time and place - at least half an hour before the agreed ceremony start time.
I will speak to any one involved in the ceremony and make sure all is ready for you. I will introduce myself to your guests and I generally ask everyone to switch off their phones and not to take flash photography during the ceremony. Then you make your entrance and the celebrations begin! Once the ceremony is finished, and if appropriate the legal paperwork is completed, I leave you to have a great party.
Send me an email and let me know what you're planning including the date, time, and venue and I can get back to you and let you know if I'm available plus answer any other questions you might have.
Booking Form
If all this sounds good I will email you my booking form otherwise we can arrange a time for a phone consultation to answer any other questions you might have.
Outline Ceremony Plan
Once I've received your completed booking form I will send you an outline ceremony plan with ideas and suggestions.
Celebrant Service Agreement
Once you are ready to proceed with the booking I will ask you both to sign a celebrant service agreement.
Fees
I will send you an itemized quote with the Celebrant Service Agreement. I ask for full payment in advance. If you are booking your wedding 6 months in advance I will accept 50% booking deposit with the remainder due 6 weeks before your wedding date. Payment is made by bank transfer and details will be supplied by email.
The Legal bit
You and your partner may choose to have your ceremony solemnised, this is legal recognition of your wedding by the government of Ireland. I am registered to sign the Marriage Registration Form on the day of your wedding. To avail of this service you must give 3 months notice to the Registrar's office and visit the office in person to provide all the documentation. The registrar then issues you with a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) which you bring with you to the rehearsal with me and on the actual ceremony day. After the signing of this form, you return the form to the registrar.
For more information on this registration process, go to:
The HSE Information page here
Ceremony Script
Once we've made our agreement I start working on your ceremony script. I will email you a draft for your input and together via email we will design your ceremony. This is where the real magic happens! I want to hear all your ideas or if your struggling with the ceremony planning aspect I have lots of suggestions to help you along the way. We can also start to discuss your wedding theme in more detail, for instance maybe you'd like to wear Celtic Shoes or organise a Celtic Sword Guard of Honour to finish the ceremony.
Rehearsal
This is an important aspect of the planning. It takes about two hours and takes place at Temple Crom in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon during the week. We will arrange a mid week afternoon appointment that suits us all. We sit down together and talk through the ceremony script - we will practice the sword and chalice union and tieing the handfasting cords. This element really helps to ease the nerves on the day. If you would like me to travel to you for the rehearsal this can be arranged. This will be detailed in the booking form and service agreement.
On the Day
I will arrive at the venue at the agreed time and place - at least half an hour before the agreed ceremony start time.
I will speak to any one involved in the ceremony and make sure all is ready for you. I will introduce myself to your guests and I generally ask everyone to switch off their phones and not to take flash photography during the ceremony. Then you make your entrance and the celebrations begin! Once the ceremony is finished, and if appropriate the legal paperwork is completed, I leave you to have a great party.
FAQ
Q.Who is this ceremony for?
Any couple can have a handfasting to celebrate their love and commitment for each other. This includes couples who want to commit for life aswell as commitments for one year and a day. This ceremony is suitable for couples in second relationships, for renewal of vows, LGBT couples and for couples of different birth religions. There are separate versions of the ceremony for just couples or couples with a gathering, please inquire. You must both be over 18 years of age.
Q. Can a Handfasting be held anywhere?
Yes, it's all about safety, having permission if needed, and a suitable rainy day standby. We've held handfastings in Castles north and south of the border, on an island, under the oaks at Tara, in The Hemp Hall at Celtic Druid Temple, in the couples own home, at a stone circle in Kippure Estate and of course in Temple Crom our Celtic Wooden Roundhouse. Note, if you require a legal ceremony recognised by the State then your venue must be open to the public.
Q. Can we bring our own handfasting braids?
Yes, this is encouraged. We can offer guidance on the best materials etc. You can make your own or you can buy them from us.
Q. Can I wear the traditional white dress?
This is your day, you can wear what ever you like. I will be wearing a traditional cotún. If you are having an outdoor ceremony weather can often have an influence on clothing choice for you and your guests.
Q.Do I have to be Pagan?
This is a Pagan ceremony facilitated by Druids. You do not have to be a Druid and your guests do not have to be Pagan. The Handfasting is a Celtic styled partnership and not the ownership model of the Greek/ Roman tradition. Please see further questions and answers below.
Q: What is a Pagan?
Being Pagan - means being free from foreign imperial dogma and being connected to the indigenous traditions of our Ancestors and to Nature.
Q. Can you tell me a bit more about your faith and how this is included in the ceremony please?
Our Pagan oath is said at the start of the ceremony:
Respecting Nature as Supreme Being -
We honour the idea of Gods and Goddesses as the Source of all Creation.
We celebrate the Gaelic Pagan Festivals on the cycles of the Sun and Moon.
We acknowledge the inherent lifeforce in all things.
For us the 'gods' are inspirational ancestors, whose exemplary behaviour is what we should aspire to as we express the dignity of both men and women. It is an acknowledgement of the higher energy that surrounds us all, that's inside us all and in Nature. Some of our ancestors expressed their highest potential constantly in what they said and what they did and if we use modern terminology - this makes them 'role models' that can help to bring out the best in people.
During the ceremony the facilitator will say 'you swear, by the God and Goddess, to be full partners'.... in this instance the facilitator is invoking your higher selves, the best expression of who you both are so that the couple is a higher expression and synergy of the two individuals being joined physically and spiritually.
Q: Are you Wiccan or Witches
We are Celtic Pagan Druids. Wicca and Witchcraft are specific paths with specific traditions, rituals and beliefs. However Wiccans and Witches have availed of our ceremonies as they are very happy with our Celtic Pagan Oath that is said in all our ceremonies.
Q. What can you do to help us if one of our guests is a bit anti Pagan/Druid?
By attending your ceremony they are showing support for you two and are involved in the ceremony by their presence - but it may be that they will bring their church inspired understanding/fear of druids and paganism with them. I do not challenge that, instead I seek to focus their support for your choice to marry and for all who gather to send love to the couple on their special day. We do not preach. We simply live a happy life that may inspire others. I do not set out to offend anyone, however, some may carry childhood programming from society, church, school, parents and so on and seek confrontation. I will not engage with any distraction from the intention of the day.
If your question is not answered please use the form below to send us your question.
Any couple can have a handfasting to celebrate their love and commitment for each other. This includes couples who want to commit for life aswell as commitments for one year and a day. This ceremony is suitable for couples in second relationships, for renewal of vows, LGBT couples and for couples of different birth religions. There are separate versions of the ceremony for just couples or couples with a gathering, please inquire. You must both be over 18 years of age.
Q. Can a Handfasting be held anywhere?
Yes, it's all about safety, having permission if needed, and a suitable rainy day standby. We've held handfastings in Castles north and south of the border, on an island, under the oaks at Tara, in The Hemp Hall at Celtic Druid Temple, in the couples own home, at a stone circle in Kippure Estate and of course in Temple Crom our Celtic Wooden Roundhouse. Note, if you require a legal ceremony recognised by the State then your venue must be open to the public.
Q. Can we bring our own handfasting braids?
Yes, this is encouraged. We can offer guidance on the best materials etc. You can make your own or you can buy them from us.
Q. Can I wear the traditional white dress?
This is your day, you can wear what ever you like. I will be wearing a traditional cotún. If you are having an outdoor ceremony weather can often have an influence on clothing choice for you and your guests.
Q.Do I have to be Pagan?
This is a Pagan ceremony facilitated by Druids. You do not have to be a Druid and your guests do not have to be Pagan. The Handfasting is a Celtic styled partnership and not the ownership model of the Greek/ Roman tradition. Please see further questions and answers below.
Q: What is a Pagan?
Being Pagan - means being free from foreign imperial dogma and being connected to the indigenous traditions of our Ancestors and to Nature.
Q. Can you tell me a bit more about your faith and how this is included in the ceremony please?
Our Pagan oath is said at the start of the ceremony:
Respecting Nature as Supreme Being -
We honour the idea of Gods and Goddesses as the Source of all Creation.
We celebrate the Gaelic Pagan Festivals on the cycles of the Sun and Moon.
We acknowledge the inherent lifeforce in all things.
For us the 'gods' are inspirational ancestors, whose exemplary behaviour is what we should aspire to as we express the dignity of both men and women. It is an acknowledgement of the higher energy that surrounds us all, that's inside us all and in Nature. Some of our ancestors expressed their highest potential constantly in what they said and what they did and if we use modern terminology - this makes them 'role models' that can help to bring out the best in people.
During the ceremony the facilitator will say 'you swear, by the God and Goddess, to be full partners'.... in this instance the facilitator is invoking your higher selves, the best expression of who you both are so that the couple is a higher expression and synergy of the two individuals being joined physically and spiritually.
Q: Are you Wiccan or Witches
We are Celtic Pagan Druids. Wicca and Witchcraft are specific paths with specific traditions, rituals and beliefs. However Wiccans and Witches have availed of our ceremonies as they are very happy with our Celtic Pagan Oath that is said in all our ceremonies.
Q. What can you do to help us if one of our guests is a bit anti Pagan/Druid?
By attending your ceremony they are showing support for you two and are involved in the ceremony by their presence - but it may be that they will bring their church inspired understanding/fear of druids and paganism with them. I do not challenge that, instead I seek to focus their support for your choice to marry and for all who gather to send love to the couple on their special day. We do not preach. We simply live a happy life that may inspire others. I do not set out to offend anyone, however, some may carry childhood programming from society, church, school, parents and so on and seek confrontation. I will not engage with any distraction from the intention of the day.
If your question is not answered please use the form below to send us your question.