Frequently Asked Questions

 Q. Is the Handfasting legal?
The choice is yours, we are registered solemnisers and can give you more details when you contact us.
If you would like your wedding to be registered with the State and legally recognised then there is a simple procedure added to the main ceremony. You will also need to contact the registry office and make the necessary arrangements with them.

Our Temple is a recognised wedding venue and our three Ard Druí are state registered solemnisers who can facilitate at your legal handfasting. All solemnised weddings facilitated by Con, Niamh and Red John produce a marriage license that says that your marriage was solemnised according to "the Rites of Passage of the Indigenous Wisdom Tradition of the Celtic Druid Temple".

Legal State Marriage Certificate declaring that the marriage is conducted according to the Rites of Passage of the Indigenous Wisdom Traditions of Celtic Druid Temple.

Once you've given the registrar notice of your intention to marriage they send this letter to the Ard Druí who will solemnise your marriage.

Once you've given the registrar notice of your intention to marriage they send this letter to the venue where your marriage will be solemnised, in this case to Celtic Druid Temple.

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.

Ard Druí Karl in Vienna Austria is also able to facilitate at your Pagan Handfasting Celtic wedding.

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 we can advise you where you can buy suitable cords, ribbons or braids.

Q. Can I wear the traditional white dress?
This is your day, you can wear what ever you like. Your facilitator 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. We do not challenge that, instead we 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.We do not set out to offend anyone, however, some may carry childhood programming from society, church, school, parents and so on and seek confrontation. We 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.