5 Creative Rituals to Make Your Celebrant-Led Wedding Unforgettable
One of the best things about choosing a celebrant-led ceremony is the freedom. You’re not stuck with a script, tied to rules, or forced to follow a format that doesn’t feel like you. Instead, you get to create a ceremony that’s meaningful, memorable, and as unique as your love story.
And, in my opinion one of the loveliest ways to do this? Adding in a ritual.
Don’t worry, I’m not talking about chanting under a full moon (unless you want to then please crack on). I mean symbolic touches that give your ceremony an extra layer of meaning, create gorgeous photo opportunities, and make your guests feel part of something really special.
Here are 5 beautiful rituals that have worked brilliantly in ceremonies that I have created in the past for my couples — and are guaranteed to get the “aww” from your guests.
Handfasting – tying the knot (literally)
Yes, if you wondered, it’s where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from. In a handfasting, I gently bind your hands together with ribbons, cords, or fabric, symbolising your bond and commitment.
You can choose colours that represent qualities you value (love, loyalty, passion), or use material with meaning, a piece of tartan, a scrap from a parent’s wedding dress, or even something made by a loved one.
It’s visually powerful, incredibly symbolic, and looks stunning in photos.
Why guests love it: it feels ancient and soulful, but also modern and personal. If you chose to family or friends can come forward to place the ribbons too, making it feel inclusive.
Whiskey or any shot – cheers to love
If you’re a couple who doesn’t take yourselves too seriously, why not seal the deal with a shot of your favourite tipple? A quick shot of whiskey, tequila, or your favourite tipple can add humour break the tension in the best way and give you some dutch courage for your speech if needed.
You can keep it just the two of you, or invite your best people to join in. Imagine the cheer from your guests as you clink glasses, neck the shot, and grin at each other.
Why guests love it: it’s unexpected, fun, and instantly sets the tone for a celebration rather than a formality.
The Sand Ceremony – blending lives
This ritual is perfect if you want something meaningful but simple. Each of you pours sand of a different colour into one container, creating layers that blend together but remain distinct. The message is clear: two individuals, one life together.
It’s beautiful for stepfamilies too, children or parents can add their own layers, symbolising unity as a blended family. And the best part? You keep the finished vase or jar as a keepsake forever.
Why guests love it: they can literally see the symbolism of two lives / families becoming one. It’s visual, moving, and again can be inclusive if you add family members.
The Wooden Box – a love time capsule
This ritual is one of my favourites as we included this in my best friends Katie & Ruuwedding. Before the wedding, you each write a letter to the other, talking about why you fell in love and why you’re saying, “I do.” During the ceremony, you place those letters (and maybe a bottle of wine or whiskey) into a wooden box and seal it shut.
You then choose when to open it — your fifth anniversary, your tenth, or maybe just after your first proper row to remind you what it’s all about.
Why guests love it: it feels deeply romantic and forward-looking. They’ll picture you years down the line, opening that box and being transported back to this moment. You can invite others to write their own pieces of advice on pieces of paper and put those in their too.
Ring Warming – everyone sends love
This one’s simple but so powerful. Before you exchange rings, they’re passed around your guests. Each person holds them briefly, sending a silent wish, blessing, or bit of positive energy. By the time they get back to you, your rings have been “warmed” by the love of everyone present.
For larger weddings, you can limit it to close family or your wedding party so it doesn’t take forever, but even then, the sense of connection is beautiful.
Why guests love it: they’re not just watching your ceremony, they’re part of it. It’s interactive, emotional, and leaves everyone feeling invested.
That’s the beauty of rituals in celebrant ceremonies – it’s your choice
What I love about being a Celebrant is that it allows you to pick and choose what matters to you. You don’t have to include rituals if they don’t feel right but if they do, you can adapt them to fit your personalities.
Swap sand for glitter. Replace whiskey with espresso martinis. Do a “ring warming” with just your dogs (yes, really). The point is: rituals add depth, symbolism, and connection and they make your ceremony feel unmistakably yours.
My final thought
Your wedding ceremony is more than just the formal bit before the party. It’s the heart of your day. By including a ritual, you’re not just filling time you’re creating a memory that you, your partner, and your guests will hold onto forever.
So, whether you’re tying ribbons, raising a glass, pouring sand, sealing a box, or passing the rings, do it your way because that’s what a celebrant-led wedding is all about: choice, freedom, and a ceremony that tells your story. 💕