Ceremony Enhancements 

Your ceremony should feel like you; 

personal, meaningful and shaped around the moments that matter most. 

 

This is where you’ll find all the little (and not‑so‑little) touches 

you can add to make your ceremony even more special, 

from symbolic rituals to bespoke keepsakes.

Handfasting
'For the bonds woven with intention, and the love that endures like legend'

Handfasting is a deeply symbolic ritual—where two hands are bound together with cords that reflect your story, your spirit, and your style. 

Whether you're drawn to Celtic tradition, or simply love the idea of weaving your love into something tangible, this ceremony is crafted to feel truly yours.

Cords can either be provided by you, or I can craft a bespoke cord for you.

Handfastings can be performed as a stand-alone service or woven into your Rites and Roots wedding or civil partnership celebration ceremony as a ceremony enhancement.

Ring Warming 
(it's not rude.. honest!)

 

A ring warming is a simple, heartfelt way to involve your guests in your ceremony. 

Before you exchange your rings, they’re passed around (or held by a small group of chosen people) so your loved ones can take a quiet moment to “warm” them with their good wishes, hopes or blessings for your future together.


It’s a lovely way to bring everyone into the moment — especially if you want something meaningful that doesn’t feel too heavy or overly symbolic. 

Guests get to play a small part in your story, and by the time the rings reach you, they’re filled with all the love in the room.


Ring warmings can be adapted for small or large weddings, and we can tailor the wording and flow so it fits naturally into your ceremony.

Rose Ceremony
A tender moment to pause, reflect and offer a single rose to each other

A rose ceremony is a gentle, symbolic moment that adds a touch of beauty and intention to your day. 

Traditionally, the couple exchange roses as their first gift to one another in marriage — a simple gesture that represents love, gratitude and the promise to keep showing up for each other in the small, everyday ways.


You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite family members to take part. 

Some couples choose to honour parents, step‑parents or children with a rose as a thank‑you or a moment of connection. 

Others use it to blend families or acknowledge important relationships in their lives.


It’s a lovely option if you want something meaningful without it feeling too formal or elaborate. 

Unity Candles
A symbol of two lives joining into one shared future - Be sure to check your venue's open flame policy!

 

A unity candle ceremony is a gentle, symbolic moment that represents two lives and two families coming together.

 Traditionally, each of you lights a small candle, then use them together to light a larger central candle, symbolising the joining of your stories, your hopes and your future.


It’s a beautiful option if you want something calm and reflective, and it works especially well for indoor ceremonies. 

You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite parents, children or chosen family to take part by lighting the smaller candles first.

Water or Sand Ceremony
 A gentle, visual symbol of joining your lives, families or paths.

A water or sand ceremony is a beautifully visual way to symbolise two lives blending into one. 

Each of you pours your own water or sand into a shared vessel, creating something new that can’t be separated — a gentle reminder of the life you’re choosing to build together.


You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite children, parents or chosen family to add their own colours or waters as a way of honouring the people who shape your story. 

It’s a lovely option for blended families, outdoor ceremonies, or couples who want something symbolic without it feeling too formal.

Jumping the Besom (Broom)
A joyful leap into your next chapter together.

Jumping the besom (or broom) is a joyful, symbolic moment that marks a fresh start and the beginning of your life together.

 Traditionally found in Celtic, Pagan and African‑American wedding customs, it represents sweeping away the old and leaping forward into a new chapter with intention, courage and unity.
Some couples choose it for its cultural or ancestral significance; others simply love the energy, movement and symbolism. 

It’s a brilliant option if you want something lively and memorable — and it works beautifully indoors or outdoors.
We can personalise how the moment is introduced so it feels natural and honours any cultural meaning it holds for you.

Got an idea that’s not listed? 
Tell me — I love trying new things.

If you’re not sure what you want yet, don't panic — we can add things as we go. 
Some couples keep it simple, others love a few extra touches. 
There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

— if a tradition is meaningful to you or your families, 
I’ll work with you to honour it respectfully and shape it into your ceremony 
in a way that feels authentic and natural.

Optional Extras
A few examples include:
Handfasting rituals with eco‑friendly cords 
Unity rituals (candles, sand, water, jumping the besom, knot‑tying, etc.) 
Object‑based memory rituals (like a rose ceremony)
Keepsake objects to take home
You can explore the full list of options on my Optional Extras page.

Fancy a Chat? 
If you’re thinking about having me as your celebrant, the easiest next step is to get in touch.
Once I know the basics, I can give you a proper quote and if you like book, a free consultation to have a chat through your ideas.
Your ceremony should feel relaxed, joyful and completely yours — and I’d love to help you shape it.

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Optional Extras

Thoughtful additions you can include… or not. 
Your ceremony, your way.

 

                                         

                                                      Addition of One Personalised Symbolic Ritual* - £20 each                                                               (i.e. Handfasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremony, Rose Ceremony etc.) 

                                            

                                                                 Bespoke Ritual elements*  - From £25 each                                                                                                                                                   (prices vary depending on item(s) chosen)                                                                                      (e.g. personal handfasting cords, Unity candles, sand art etc. - yours to keep - forever) 

 

Personalised Vow cards in keeping with your ceremony aesthetic* - £12.50

 

Additional Keepsake copies of your ceremony script in a simple Presentation Folder - £7.50

 

Additional copy of Commemorative Certificate - £2.50 each

 

                                     Ceremony Rehearsal (at your home, or where possible, at your venue) -  From £50

                       (additional travel fee may be applicable for greater distances outside of a 45 mile radius from SA1)

 

                                                                                Option for Twilight timing* - £25

                                                                          

*Available at this rate when booked alongside a wedding celebration, handfasting or civil partnership celebration ceremony.

If you’d like one of these as a stand‑alone service, the pricing is a little different 

-  just drop me a message and we can talk through your plans.

I hereby agree that this data will be stored and processed for the purpose of establishing contact. I am aware that I can revoke my consent at any time.*

* Indicates required fields
Thank You! Alex will get back to you as soon as possible :-)

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© 2026 Copyright Rites and Roots Ceremonies by Alex Clare. All rights reserved.

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