A HANDFASTING ceremony is the equivalent of a Pagan wedding.

Couples have their wrists tied together with rope, cord or ribbon while they say their vows. The tying symbolises a couples desire to be bonded together and their commitment and love for each other. The tying element originates from shaking hands over a deal and is thought to be the origin of the phrase tying the knot.

Their hands will be unbound towards the end of the ceremony in token that they remain together of their own free will. Rings are generally exchanged towards the end of the ceremony which ends with the couple jumping the broomstick — crossing the symbolic boundary between their old lives and their new, shared, one.

Druids officiate at a Pagan wedding.

Pagan marriages can last as long as the couples chose, traditionally this is a year and a day. But this can be for as long as the couple wish it to last. Couples can renew the ceremony as much as they wish. The ceremonies are traditionally held outdoors in order to honour the four elements — earth, wind, fire and water and are open for all that are welcome.

Pagan marriage ceremonies generally include vows to love, honour, respect and to protect each other and their children. Handfasting can be used by couples of the same sex or by groups, who wish to have more than two people in their family.

Source : http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/news/Pagan-weddings-explained/article-1103524-detail/article.html