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    • Ceremonies
      • weddings
      • Funerals
      • Celerbant
      • HandFasting
      • A Place to Remember
      • House Blessing
      • Naming
      • Renewing of Vows
    • where i travel
    • Meet Ben Cooper
      • Meet Ben Cooper
      • Blogs
      • Books
    • Radio
    • Podcast
    • Buy me a cofee
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      • Top 20 Weddings
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  • Home
  • Ceremonies
    • weddings
    • Funerals
    • Celerbant
    • HandFasting
    • A Place to Remember
    • House Blessing
    • Naming
    • Renewing of Vows
  • where i travel
  • Meet Ben Cooper
    • Meet Ben Cooper
    • Blogs
    • Books
  • Radio
  • Podcast
  • Buy me a cofee
  • Prices
  • Venues
    • Top 20 Weddings
    • Top 20 Crematoriums

Life Celebrant

Life Celebrant Life Celebrant Life Celebrant

Honouring Lives with Dignity

Honouring Lives with Dignity Honouring Lives with Dignity

Sacred Bonds, Timeless Traditions United

 

Handfasting Ceremony by Reverend Ben Cooper

Ancient Ritual. Modern Meaning. A Ceremony That Binds More Than Hands—It Binds Souls.

Celebrate your union with a timeless, meaningful handfasting ceremony—crafted with care, purpose, and deep symbolic beauty.
Whether you’re planning a non-religious wedding, a spiritual commitment ceremony, or a vow renewal rooted in tradition, handfasting offers a powerful alternative to conventional vows. Revered across centuries and cultures, this sacred ritual marks your love with authenticity, intention, and heart.


What Is a Handfasting Ceremony?

A handfasting is more than just a ceremony—it’s an ancient Celtic tradition where a couple’s hands are gently bound together using ribbon, fabric, or ceremonial cords. It symbolises the joining of two lives, two paths, and two hearts.

The phrase “tying the knot” originates from this very practice.

Handfasting is ideal for:

  • Spiritual or interfaith couples
  • Outdoor and nature-based weddings 
  • Elopements and destination ceremonies 
  • Blended families and vow renewals 
  • Modern weddings seeking deeper symbolism
     

Whether you include it as part of a legal ceremony or use it as your main ritual, it creates a moment your guests—and you—will never forget.


Why Choose Reverend Ben Cooper?

 Experienced & Respected
As an internationally recognised Celebrant, Broadcaster, and Minister of Faith, I bring over 15 years of ceremony leadership across the UK and beyond.


 Faith-Inclusive & Fully Personalised
From Christian-inspired to secular, spiritual to Pagan, every ceremony is bespoke. No scripts. No templates. Just your story, your way.


 Available Nationwide & Worldwide
From Cornwall to the Highlands, from coastal cliffs to castles—I travel wherever your love story leads.


 Calm, Compassionate, Professional
Expect warmth, clarity, and unwavering support from the first call to the final vow.

The Ceremony: What You Can Expect

A bespoke handfasting ceremony typically includes:

✅ Face-to-face positioning as your hands are gently bound
✅ Symbolic cords representing values like love, fidelity, strength, unity, protection
✅ Tailored vows or blessings, written in your voice
✅ Optional elements like:

  • Tree planting
  • Candle lighting 
  • Stone circles 
  • Readings from sacred or meaningful texts 
  • Music and cultural rituals
     

Your cords can be kept as a sacred keepsake, displayed or preserved for anniversaries or renewal milestones.

Words That Bind Hearts


“These are the hands of your best friend—strong, steady, and full of love. These are the hands that will hold you, comfort you, and build your future.” 
“With these cords, we bind not your bodies, but your intentions—your trust, your hope, your love.” 

You may choose from traditional texts, spiritual blessings, ancient rites, or completely custom-written vows. Every word is spoken with care and truth.


Real Couples, Real Stories

“Ben made our handfasting ceremony truly unforgettable. It was sacred, personal, and filled with so much emotion. Every guest was moved—and we were speechless. It was everything we hoped for and more.”
— Jess & Morgan, Isle of Skye Wedding 
“From our first call, we knew Ben was the one to lead our ceremony. He honoured our spiritual beliefs with such grace and professionalism. The handfasting brought everyone to tears—in the best way.”
— Daniel & Priya, Oxfordshire Woodland Elopement 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is handfasting legally recognised?
No, handfasting is symbolic. Many couples complete a legal registry ceremony before or after. However, it holds deep emotional, spiritual, and cultural significance.


Do we need to follow a particular religion?
Not at all. Handfasting is inclusive and customisable for Christian, Pagan, spiritual-but-not-religious, or completely non-faith ceremonies.


Can we choose our cords?
Yes. You may bring your own or select from a range of traditional or modern styles. Each colour and fabric can carry specific meaning


Do you perform ceremonies outside the UK?
Yes. I offer travel across Europe and worldwide with pre-agreed arrangements. Popular destinations include Italy, Greece, Ireland, and Scotland.


Book Your Ceremony

Ready to tie the knot—your way?

I offer:

  • Free initial consultations
  • Fully customised ceremonies 
  • Seamless coordination with your venue and suppliers
  • Travel availability across the UK and globally
     

📧 Email: info@TheCelebrantReverendBen.com
🌐 Website: www.lifecelebrant.net
📍 Based in Kent & London | Available Nationwide & Worldwide

Contact Us

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Life Celebrant

36A Cherry Avenue, Swanley, Kent BR8 7DX

+44.7516651033

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Life Celebrant

36A Cherry Avenue, Swanley, Kent BR8 7DX

+44.7516651033

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