NELL BROOKER-CELEBRANT
Couples' Ceremonies
Weddings & Handfastings
Your wedding day should be as unique as your relationship. Whether you choose to have a traditional wedding service or something a bit left-of-centre, I offer a range of styles for your bespoke ceremony to reflect you as a couple.
Handfastings are gaining popularity as people seek fun, meaningful and spiritually aligned ceremonies. As one of the fortunate few to have trained with the Sacred Celebrants Academy, Glastonbury, I can conduct the Handfasting unscripted - being fully present in the moment, yet still creating a personalised marriage rite including promises and vows.
The Handfasting can incorporate cords (twine or ribbons) alone or as part of the rare ‘hoop and wand’ ritual. You may prefer a standard register office style service which is fully scripted and we'll discuss all the options at our meeting.
The Handfasting is based around the five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Ether. Working with you we will co-create an enchanting ceremony which works well both indoors and out. This style of commitment rite gives depth of meaning with opportunities to express your personalities and special relationship. Your family and friends can be involved, whether they choose to read, perform or support you from their seats - everyone feels included.
Leading the bride to meet her groom
Viking Handfasting!
On your Big (or intimate) Day, I cast a sacred circle aligned with the cardinal points and held by elemental symbols. Within this intentional container you devote yourselves to one another - witnessed by your community or the land itself.
Once vows and commitments have been spoken you are led away to sign your Handfasting certificate before returning to share further celebrations with loved ones.
There are limitless ways to express your love for and commitment to one another. An authentic Handfasting ceremony is the perfect way to create a magical and memorable day for you and your guests.
I can offer advice for or hold some beautiful preparatory rituals including the incense or essential oil blending ceremony, hoop dressing (and wand foraging), broom dressing (if you choose to jump the broom), cake and mead or ale, and threshold blessings. You may choose to share these with your friends and family as a gentle alternative or addition to the Stag and Hen do.
Halloween Handfasting!
I (and my 'Melissa' or temple assistant, if present) leave you with hearts warmed, connections deepened, smiles on faces and a quiet sense of magic in the air.
Renewal of Vows
All or any part of these rituals can be adapted for commitment ceremonies such as Vow Renewal or other special occasions. All materials are sourced as locally and ethically as possible.
Thank you for everything Nell...we can't thank you enough for making our day so special!
Couple's Handfasting keepsakes
From my Local Authority days - officiating a couple's wedding at their chosen licensed venue
Handfasting ceremonies are not currently legally binding in England and Wales (with the exception of certain ceremonies conducted at the Goddess Temple in Glastonbury). If you wish to be legally married, you'll also need to complete the formalities through your local Registration Service.
Many couples choose to complete these formalities separately at their local Register Office (or Local Authority licensed venue) before their Handfasting. Please speak to the Registration Service about the options available to you.
Before becoming an independent celebrant, I officiated weddings as a Ceremonies Officer (Deputy Superintendent Registrar) for the Registration Service. Whilst I no longer conduct legally binding marriages, this experience gives me a thorough understanding of the structure, significance and delivery of wedding ceremonies.
We had the most amazing time thank you. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect and I cannot
thank you enough for being there!
It made it all the more special!
Wedding / Handfasting (usually accompanied by an assistant) from £800
Renewal of Vows from £500
I'm unable to support lantern or balloon releases but can suggest environmentally-friendly alternatives.