Weddings are incredibly exciting times, and they can be completely unique if you like. Because of this, it could be worth integrating Celtic beliefs and values into your ceremony.
This can offer a different perspective to your union, and act as a great way of protecting and cherishing your partner in the future.
If you have spent a long time planning your wedding, but you still need to make your vows perfect, then the following article is for you.
Check out these examples of Celtic wedding vows and blessings that could be the right fit for you and your partner when the time comes.
Why A Celtic Wedding?
Some couples prefer to have a traditional Celtic wedding as a way to feel closer to their roots.
If somebody has ancestors who were members of a particular tribe, then they could be included in your wedding ceremony by using Celtic wedding vows.
Consider integrating some of the concepts into your vows if you want to connect with your relatives, family members who could not make the wedding, or ancestors.
If you or your partner have Irish, Welsh, or Scottish pasts, then you could integrate Celtic vows and traditions into your ceremony.
Another reason why Celtic weddings are becoming more popular is because of the simplicity that is promoted.
There is often a connection with nature that is celebrated within a Celtic wedding, and it could be ideal for couples who prefer to surround themselves in woodlands.
Consider a Celtic wedding if you are looking to celebrate the connection between you and your partner, and within the natural world.
These vows would be ideal on the beach, during a barefoot wedding, or surrounded by woodlands.
The great thing about Celtic ceremonies is that they emphasize how strong nature is, regardless of where you are in the world.
Celtic wedding vows are perfect for couples who want to commit to themselves as well as each other.
This is because Celtic vows are known for having each member of the couple promising to honor themselves as well as their partner.
Celtic Wedding Vows
These are some ideas for phrases and concepts that you can include when you are writing your wedding vows, that have various Celtic origins.
The following examples can be great ways of making your wedding vows a little more unique.
From celebrating the union between you and your partner, to promising to nurture yourself as well as each other, check out the following ideas for inspiration when you write your vows.
“I Give You That Which Is Mine To Give”
This is one of the most popular sentences which is incorporated into modern wedding vows, and it has been used for centuries.
Something which was a prominent part of Celtic tradition was consent, and weddings were celebrations of two people committing to each other without losing their independence.
These Celtic wedding vows are particularly important, as they state that the two parties are forming a union based on mutual respect.
There is no dominance of either member of the marriage, and the focus is on balance, acceptance, respect, and appreciation for one another.
You cannot possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.
“You Are The Crown Of My Company”
This is another example of Celtic wedding vows that discuss commitment to each other romantically.
It is a great way of showing how well you complement each other, and how your partner brings out the best in you.
No matter where you are in the world, your union will always be there.
Neither above, nor below, neither in the sea,
Nor on shore, in skies above,
Nor in the depths.
You are the kernel of my heart,
You are the face of my sun,
You are the harp of my music,
You are the crown of my company
“Walk Beside Me And Just Be My Friend”
Additionally, these vows are perfect for establishing a healthy relationship where each person’s roles are balanced equally.
Regardless of gender, it is important to use these vows as fundamental principles both before and after a marriage.
There is no ownership or dominance involved within the imagery that these vows create, and it is refreshing to see the friendship between two people being honored on their wedding day.
It could be worth including this into your wedding vows if you are looking to outline the unique connection that you have with your partner.
Continue to support one another throughout your relationship so that you really can “Walk beside [each other] and just be [a] friend”.
Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.
“May The Gentle Breeze Bear Witness To This Ritual”
Many people know that Celtic traditions tap into the resources of the natural world. Because of this, it is no surprise that Celtic wedding vows honor this connection to nature.
If you want to reference to the elements such as the wind, the sun, water, and land, then this verse would be perfect to add into your wedding vows or even for a reading during the ceremony.
This deep connection and appreciation for nature that is seen in many Celtic practices would make these vowels ideal for any kind of ceremony, regardless of the religious practices and beliefs.
May the gentle breeze bears witness to this ritual, and carry its message to all lands.
May the sun warm their hearts, and its ever-burning fire fuels their desire for each other.
May the water provide for them from its bounty, and comfort their souls with their sounds. May the land lend its strength and reveal its mysteries.
“As A Light To The Eye, A Joy To The Heart”
The phrase itself has a great amount of meaning within Celtic tradition, and it can be a wedding prayer or vows.
It is also known as an Irish blessing, because of the connection to the seasons and elements.
For a unique spin on the classic wedding blessings, this could be a great choice.
Whether you want to read it to your partner, or if you want to adapt it slightly for the minister to say at the end of your ceremony.
Consider sharing these unique words with your partner when the time is right.
By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me.
As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follows me.
As a light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart,
May thy presence be with me,
Oh one that I love, `til death comes to part us asunder.
“I Promise To Honor You Above All Others”
There is a little more romance in this verse, that makes it ideal for couples who are looking for something slightly different.
Promising to respect, protect, and commit to each other could be a great way of tying everything together at the end of your ceremony.
Consider using these vows in your wedding if you want to acknowledge how strong your love is for each other.
I pledge my love to you, and everything that I own.
I promise you the first bite of my meat and the first sip from my cup.
I pledge that your name will always be what I scream aloud in the dead of night.
I promise to honor you above all others.
Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you.
Celtic Wedding Traditions
The vows, prayers, and blessings are only one part of the ceremony.
If you want to make your wedding a little more unique, then you could consider some of the following traditions that were done in Celtic weddings.
Handfasting
This is another Celtic tradition that does not require particular religious beliefs to engage in.
Handfasting represents the binding of two lives, and the couple’s hands are tied together during the wedding ceremony.
This ancient Celtic tradition is where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ originally comes from.
Wedding Stone
Originally known as the oathing stone, this is something which comes from Scottish traditions.
The Celtic wedding stone is believed to be a symbol of a couple’s permanence and strength when they are united.
Each member of the couple will hold the stone from either side while the ceremony is taking place, during their vows. Once the ceremony is done, it is believed that their vows are ‘set in stone’.
Wedding Bell
In Celtic tradition, small bells were rung once the ceremony was finished to ward off evil spirits.
Nowadays, bells are still a prominent part of many wedding ceremonies, and it could be worth integrating them into your wedding for added protection.
Summary
There are a range of unique wedding vows and traditions that can be included in your ceremony, as a way of connecting with ancestors or your own heritage.
Consider the unique approach that has been used with Celtic vows, and how you can use this when you are writing your own vows.
Remember that your wedding should be a celebration and a way of committing your love and respect for each other.
Celtic values highlight the importance of a balanced relationship that is strong enough to last a lifetime.
When I'm not busy scouring the internet for the latest trends, you can find me cuddled up with my fur babies, binge-watching romantic comedies, and sipping on a good glass of red wine. I'm also an avid traveler, and I love exploring new destinations and immersing myself in different cultures.
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