Pagan rituals are usually created, at least partly, by the participants themselves. By putting their own energy into the wording and design, the ritual is made even more powerful.

There are two who would be joined together as one. Let them enter into this place of love and begin their union together.

We have come together in this sacred grove to stand in the presence of our Lady of Earth and our Lord of Sky, that they may bestow upon you their bountiful blessings of everlasting love and devotion through the sacred rite of handfasting. This is a bond not to be entered into lightly, but with seriousness, reverence, and joy. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony freely?

Then, Roy and Eleda, seek the Elemental Powers and ask for their blessings upon this enterprise.

Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the East: <fans us with incense>
Clear understanding of each other, and of yourselves. Knowledge that each day is a fresh start of your life as a family. Joy in teaching your children together, and watching them learn about life. <hands a yellow ribbon to the Squire.>

Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the South: <hands us a red candle>
Shared discoveries as a family, experiencing new things together. Inspiration to find new ways to surprise one another. Opportunities to take on new ventures, and receive great rewards, together. <hands a red ribbon to the Squire.>

Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the West: <sprinkles us with water>
Clear understanding of each other's desire. Resolve to stand by each other with love, no matter what may come to pass. Patience in those moments when your children ask a great deal of you. <hands a blue ribbon to the Squire.>

--Note photographer in the background :-) It was her first Pagan wedding. She asked lots of great questions, stayed outside the circle, and got some good pictures.

Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the North: <sprinkles mica (earth) on our hands>
Strength to do what you must do, when you must do it, and together as one. Creativity, in all its many forms. Stability, so that you can always meet your family's needs. <hands a green ribbon to the Squire.>

The handfasting knot, which binds two lovers' hands together, represents their sincere and hopeful intention to make an indissoluble union. First, we will commence with the Bride's and Groom's ribbons, which represent the good things that each brings to share in marriage. May I have the Bride's ribbon and the Groom's ribbon? (We take them from our wrists and give them to her.)
May I have the ribbons which carry the powers of the Elements? (Squire brings them to her.)
Two more ribbons complete the blessing: Orange is for friends and family -- (from Circle Guardian)
And purple for spirit. (from her own sword.)

The Priestess ties our hands together.

Place your right hands over this wand and your rings... his hand over hers.
Above you are the stars
below you are the stones
as time does pass
Remember:
Like a star should your love be constant
Like a stone should your love be firm
Be close, but not too close
Possess one another, but be understanding
Have patience each with the other
For storms will come, but they will go quickly
Be free in the giving of affection and warmth
Make love often, and be sensuous with one another
Have no fear and let not the ways or words
of the unenlightened give you unease
For the Goddess and the God are with you,
Now and Always.

Roy, only you have the power to marry this woman, your best friend and partner, who stands beside you. Do you now wish to have Eleda as your wife, knowing her as you do?

Eleda, only you have the power to marry this man, your best friend and partner, who stands beside you. Do you now wish to have Roy as your husband, knowing him as you do?

Take now your rings and place them on each other's hands. Remembering as you do so, that they include a small portion of this circle to remind you always of your love for each other and your union that is made here today.

And now, as in all marriages, you have certain duties towards each other.
This knife is for the troubles that lie ahead.
This cup is for the love that conquers them.

Drink, and may you never thirst. We each sip water from the chalice.

This bread is for nourishment of body, spirit, and soul. Eat, and may you never hunger. We each take a small piece from the bread.

Then as the Lord and Lady and all the ancient and mighty ones are witness to this rite, thus are thy hands fasted, the two are one, the work of joy is done, and yet....just begun. With the Blessings of our Higher Powers and by the power vested in me by the State of Maine, I declare you to be handfasted and legally married. Jump the broom and enter the world as one!