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The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain
Handfasting Page
As part of our service
to the community, ECRM members are honored to perform legal handfastings.
To inquire, feel free to contact us at eclecticcoven@hotmail.com or
at our personal email addresses (see Members
page). Handfasting
Information The ritual of
handfasting is defined in the Oxford English dictionary as "a contract of
marriage between (parties) by joining of hands." Handfasting ceremonies
vary between traditions and individuals, but do tend to resemble standard
wedding ceremonies since they serve the same purposes. Wiccan couples
frequently write their own vows, and may even compose their own
handfasting rituals. In general, a Wiccan handfasting will include the
standard ceremonial practices of Wiccan ritual -- casting a circle,
calling the quarters, invoking Goddess and God. The couple make vows to
each other, are handfasted, and jump the broom. The circle is cleared, and
a reception usually follows.
Marriage laws vary from state to state.
To be legally married in the State of Alabama a couple must obtain a valid
marriage license at their local courthouse and the marriage must be
solemnized by an officiate empowered by his/her religious society
according to the rules of that religious society (or by someone who
otherwise empowered to perform such a ceremony, like a Justice of the
Peace), and that person must subsequently file a record with the state,
within 30 days. (Also, the couple must consist of a man and a woman --
Same-sex unions are not legal in any state other than Vermont, but Pagan
clergy may perform such ceremonies with the understanding that they are
not legally binding.) As long as the marriage license is obtained and the
paperwork filed by the officiant, the couple is legally
married. Marriage License information for
Jefferson County, Alabama -- where ECRM is located -- is provided below.
For information on the marriage laws of other states go to
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/redgarters/marriage.html
and/or consult your local courthouse. For a state-by-state list of
clergyfolk able to perform legally binding ceremonies available through
Pagan Clergy Resources, go to
http://www.wildhunt.org/clergy/officiants.html. and
http://www.geocities.com/tuathadedenalaura/StatebyState.html.
Marriage License Information for Jefferson County, Alabama (available at http://www.jeffcointouch.com/ under "Permits and Licenses") |
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