Handfasting

Some handfastings are also legal marriage ceremonies, but others are only recognized by the Neopagan community and not the state. Handfastings vary as greatly as non-Pagan weddings do.

Not all handfastings are for life. Some handfastings are for a "year and a day", and the relationship is renewed annually.

Usually, at least a few of the following are involved that set handfastings apart from other wedding ceremonies:

• jumping the broom
• binding of the hands[?]
• drinking from a chalice[?]
• performance of the ceremony skyclad
• performance of the ceremony by a High Priest[?] or High Priestess[?] or both
• three-part kiss[?] or five-part kiss[?]
• the Great Rite[?]
• creation of a marriage altar beforehand

A corresponding divorce ceremony called a handparting is sometimes practiced.