Tying the Knot

Blackstone Rivers Ranch
Jul 11
2 min read

At Blackstone Rivers Ranch, we’ve witnessed hundreds of deeply meaningful wedding moments—but one of the most popular and symbolic unity ceremonies we see time and again is the hand-tying ceremony, also known as handfasting. It’s ancient, elegant, and perfectly suited to the natural beauty of our riverside setting.

Rooted in Celtic tradition, a handfasting ceremony involves wrapping a cord, ribbon, or piece of fabric around the couple’s joined hands to symbolize their union. It’s where the phrase “tying the knot” originates—and few unity rituals carry the same visual and emotional weight. Couples love this ceremony not only for its timelessness but for the opportunity to personalize the cords with meaningful colors, textures, or heirloom fabrics.

The ceremony usually takes place after vows are exchanged, though it can be adapted to any point in your celebration. Some couples invite a parent or officiant to perform the tying, while others wrap the cords themselves, signifying mutual intention. It’s a powerful moment that captures the commitment being made—not just legally, but spiritually and emotionally.

We’ve seen couples incorporate spoken promises with each loop of the cord. Others opt for silence, letting the moment speak for itself. Either way, the ceremony offers a chance to slow down and truly feel the depth of what’s happening. Guests often remark that the handfasting was one of the most memorable and moving parts of the day.

In our mountain-meets-modern environment, the hand-tying ceremony fits seamlessly—blending rustic charm with heartfelt symbolism. Whether your wedding style is boho, classic, whimsical, or eclectic, handfasting adds a touch of soul to your celebration.

What You’ll Need for a Hand-Tying Ceremony:

1 to 3 cords or ribbons (approximately 3–6 feet long each)Choose colors and materials that hold personal meaning or reflect your wedding palette.
A designated person to perform the tying (officiant, friend, family member—or yourselves)
Optional: A brief script or vowsThese can be traditional, personal, or symbolic statements made as each loop is tied.
A table or small surface nearby to place the cords before the ceremony
Optional: A keepsake bag or shadowbox to store or display the cords after the ceremony

This simple yet impactful ritual continues to be a favorite here at BRR—proving that sometimes, the oldest traditions still hold the most magic.