Updated 5 September, 2025
The beauty of a Celebrant-led ceremony is the opportunity to weave in a symbolic ritual that represents unity. A symbolic ritual often gives a beautiful, visual and interactive experience not only for the couple but also for family and friends attending the ceremony.
Many rituals are rooted in tradition, so if you are looking to add your very own stamp to your ceremony, then with the support and guidance of your Celebrant, you can choose a ritual that symbolises your love and unity.
You may choose a ritual that is pertinent to your own beliefs or heritage, or you may choose one that is rooted in love and creativity. Whichever one you choose, it will add a truly personal and beautiful element to your Celebrant ceremony.
There are so many symbolic rituals to choose from, but here are a selection of some of my favourite ones.
Hand Fasting
This is one of my favourite rituals and is probably one of the most easily recognised ones within a Celebrant ceremony. Handfasting, or tying the knot, originates from an ancient Celtic tradition that is believed to date back as far as 7000 BC. There are many ways to tailor this ceremony, but generally, the couple will place their palms together, and the Celebrant will wrap cords or ribbons around the joined hands, saying meaningful words. There are several ways to tie the ribbon, from a simple knot to a more impressive infinity knot.
You can also incorporate vows and the exchanging of rings if you wish. There are many different options when it comes to the types of cords and ribbons available, and each coloured ribbon has a different meaning. You can also ask friends and family to be involved in the tying of the ribbons.
I have conducted some beautiful hand fasting ceremonies over the last few years, and I always encourage my couples to think creatively about their ribbon choices. One couple chose pride ribbon colours for a same sex ceremony, another couple chose the country colours of Japan.
With this specific ceremony, the colours were red and white, which are the traditional colours of marriage in Japan. We also added crane charms as a beautiful and final addition. The crane in Japan is supposed to symbolise fortune and longevity, so super special, and it looked just beautiful.
For more information on this beautiful practice, www.intertwinedhandfastingcords.com has lots of excellent information on their website, and this is where I order my ribbons from.
Rose Ceremony
I had the honour of conducting a beautiful wedding this year for Liam and Susannah at Berwick Lodge. As part of their ceremony, they chose the meaningful ritual of the rose ceremony.
Both Liam and Susannah are incredibly close to their mums, so as a surprise during the ceremony, they presented each of them with a stunning display of roses — a symbol of their eternal love and gratitude.
Roses also carry the promise that no matter how far apart you may be, you are always held in one another’s hearts. A rose quietly says, “I still love you,” serving as a reminder of the love and hope you share on such a special day.
Many wonderful preservation companies can help keep these memories alive. Not only can they preserve your bouquet, but for something as meaningful as the rose ceremony, a single rose can be transformed into a beautiful keepsake — such as a tea light holder — a truly special reminder of your ceremony.
The Quaich Ceremony
I have had the honour of incorporating a Quaich ceremony into a wedding, and it really is very special. The Quaich Ceremony is a beautiful Scottish tradition often included in weddings to symbolise love, trust, and unity.
A Quaich, sometimes called the “loving cup”, is a shallow, two-handled cup from which the couple share a drink together during their ceremony. By each taking a sip, they not only honour their commitment to one another but also embrace the idea of sharing all that life brings—the sweetness and the challenges.
Some couples choose whisky for its Scottish heritage, while others may prefer wine or even something non-alcoholic to reflect their own story. Whether used to honour family roots or simply to add a heartfelt ritual of togetherness, the Quaich ceremony is a memorable moment that guests love to witness.
Witness Lottery
A witness lottery is a fun way to bring meaning and personality to the signing of your wedding certificate during a Celebrant-led ceremony. Traditionally, two witnesses are invited to sign, representing the support and shared happiness of your community.
To make this moment even more special, some couples decide to add a bit of surprise and fun—imagine your guests discovering two golden tickets hidden beneath their seats! Those lucky recipients are then invited forward to become your witnesses, creating a joyful, playful moment that everyone will remember.
This simple addition not only highlights the importance of witnesses in your story but also brings laughter, excitement, and an element of spontaneity to your ceremony.
Oath Building Ceremony
One of my lovely couples came to me with the idea that they wanted to incorporate this ritual into their ceremony. In many traditions, stones are seen as keepers of memory – silent witnesses to our lives, carrying the weight of time and intention. The oath stone ritual draws on this symbolism, creating a powerful, tactile moment within a ceremony.
During the ritual, each person places a stone onto a central pile – sometimes brought from a place of personal meaning, sometimes chosen on the day. As the stones are laid, words of promise, blessing, or intention may be spoken. The growing mound becomes a physical record of collective commitment, love, and support.
An oath stone can be woven into weddings or vow renewals. Couples may each lay their stone as a marker of their vows, before inviting family and friends to add theirs, symbolising a foundation of strength. In memorials, stones can carry messages of remembrance, resilience, and enduring connection.
Simple yet deeply grounding, the act of building an oath stone honours the idea that promises are not fleeting words – they are laid down in something enduring, held in the earth itself.
Unity Candle Ceremony
A Unity Candle Ceremony is a timeless and heartfelt way to symbolise the joining of two lives—and two families—during a wedding or commitment ceremony.
I had the honour to include this ritual in the wedding ceremony of Dean and Sarah in July this year at The Great Tythe Barn, and it was so incredibly special.
Traditionally, the couple each lights a single taper candle to represent their individual lives. Together, they use these flames to light one larger candle—the Unity Candle. This simple act creates a powerful moment of connection, showing the blending of individual paths into one shared future.
Some couples choose to include family members, parents, or loved ones to join in by lighting additional candles, weaving together a beautiful symbol of unity and togetherness. Words of love, music, or a reading can be added to make the moment even more personal.
Whether held in a grand venue, a garden, or a more intimate setting, the gentle glow of the Unity Candle brings a sense of warmth and reflection. It’s a pause in the day—a chance to breathe in the love and significance of the promises being made.
The Shot Ceremony!
One fun and modern option that’s gaining popularity is the Shot Ceremony.
So, what is it? Quite simply, it’s a ritual where the couple shares a shot together during their wedding ceremony. It could be whiskey, tequila, limoncello—or even a non-alcoholic spirit if that’s more your style. The shot becomes a symbol of courage, joy, and the shared adventure ahead.
Think of it this way: marriage, like a strong drink, can be bold, surprising, and best enjoyed when savoured together. The act of “downing” a shot reflects a willingness to face life’s highs and lows side by side. Some couples even invite their guests to join in, turning the ritual into a collective toast of support and celebration.
What makes the Shot Ceremony so special is its flexibility. You can choose a spirit that has personal meaning—perhaps the drink you shared on your first date, or a favourite from your travels. You might have the shot poured into customised glasses that you keep as a keepsake.
It’s lighthearted, symbolic, and guaranteed to bring a smile (and maybe a cheer!) to your wedding day. After all, love should be celebrated in a way that feels authentically you—and if that means a shot of tequila at the altar, then cheers to that!
