Ceremony FAQs
Handfasting
QUESTIONS
- Can we include handfasting in our wedding ceremony?
- Does a handfasting ceremony have any legal status in Australia?
- How much notice do I need to give the celebrant?
- Who can have a handfasting ceremony?
- Does handfasting have to be a part of a legal marriage ceremony?
- Do we have to have a priest or priestess conduct our handfasting?
ANSWERS
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Can we include handfasting in our wedding ceremony?
Handfasting is becoming increasingly popular as part of a legal marriage ceremony. It is frequently used as the marriage vows are being exchanged, but can be used as a separate ritual at any time during the ceremony. Your professional celebrant will advise you on the best way to incorporate this ritual in your ceremony.
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Does a handfasting ceremony have any legal status in Australia?
No, it does not. Of course, if you include a handfasting ritual in a legal marriage ceremony, the marriage is legally recognised, but as a result of the legal vows not as a consequence of the handfasting.
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How much notice do I need to give the celebrant?
A handfasting ceremony is not a legal ceremony, and therefore there is no legal requirement to submit notice to a government department, thus there is no legal requirement for a period of notice for a handfasting ceremony. However, because commitment ceremonies are often held at the weekend, and professional celebrants can be heavily booked, it is best to book your celebrant as early as possible. If you are including handfasting in your wedding ceremony, then the legally required period of notice (one month and one day) is required.
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Who can have a handfasting ceremony?
Anyone! Traditionally only people with particular beliefs practised handfasting, but nowadays it is popular with all sections of society, particularly as a ritual included in a marriage or commitment ceremony.
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Does handfasting have to be a part of a legal marriage ceremony?
No. A handfasting can be held as a separate ceremony, incorporated in an engagement or commitment ceremony, or incorporated in a legal marriage ceremony.
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Do we have to have a priest or priestess conduct our handfasting?
No. Many professional celebrants will conduct a handfasting for you.
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