Irish Wedding Ceremonies - The Definitive Guide
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
In Ireland, wedding traditions are rich with history and meaning, and one of the most enduring is the handfasting ceremony. Couples have their hands tied together with a cord or ribbon, symbolizing their bond and commitment to one another. It’s a heartfelt tradition still seen in weddings across the country, from quiet countryside chapels to lively celebrations in the city.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- The Claddagh Ring
- Handfasting
- Why This Tradition Matters
The Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring comes from a small fishing village near Galway. Its design is simple: two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. Each part represents something essential—friendship (hands), love (heart), and loyalty (crown).
How the ring is worn also tells a story:
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Right hand, heart facing outward – single
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Right hand, heart facing inward – in a relationship
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Left hand, heart facing inward – engaged or married
Some couples exchange Claddagh rings as their wedding bands; others wear them as engagement rings passed down from parents or grandparents. Whether old or new, the design stays the same—and so does the meaning.
Handfasting
Handfasting goes back to pre-Christian Ireland. In the early days, it could mark an engagement or even act as a form of marriage. The couple’s hands were tied loosely with ribbon or cord as a sign of commitment.
Today, handfasting is often included in weddings as a symbolic moment. The cords might match the couple’s colors or include materials with personal meaning—lace from a family gown, tartan from a clan, or strands braided together by a loved one.
It’s often woven into the ceremony quietly—during vows or just before the ring exchange—as a gesture that feels both old and new at once.
With each step, the priest chants blessings in Sanskrit, and the couple pauses to reflect before moving to the next round. Once all seven vows are made, the marriage is considered complete.
Why They Still Matter
Both the Claddagh and handfasting remain popular not just because they’re traditional, but because they’re deeply personal. They bring Irish history into the ceremony in a way that feels lived-in—not just symbolic, but heartfelt.
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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