Stone Circle CeremoniesStone circle ceremonies
Stone Circle Ceremonies
chaucer barn wedding venue
Kirsty & Jamie (from Vimeo)
Do you have a vision of a natural, outdoor wedding? Most of our guests choose to marry in a natural setting, either in our gardens or in the woods. Chaucer Barn features a stone circle near the woods which is a beautiful setting for a ceremony. There are also three tree circles you can use.
Stone circles hark back to ancient pre-Christian celebration of nature. Whilst not being for everyone, many find this space at the end of our oak avenue a deeply spiritual environment.
The Druid’s Portal was placed at the end of the avenue in 2012 in homage to the Neolithic religious site known as Seahenge, which was rudely excavated in 1998 from the north Norfolk coast at Hunstanton beach by archaeologists. Established in the 21st century BC, this inverted tree is said to have been used by Druids who, upon figuratively entering it’s roots would emerge through its branches in the underworld – hence the name ‘Druid’s Portal’.
So, whether you have a simple ceremony, a more traditional handfasting, or just a visit, perhaps to meditate or just to enjoy the sense of connection with our ancient heritage, the stone circle can be interpreted at many different levels. The choice is yours and no two weddings here are ever the same.
Stone circles and henges are becoming more and more popular as sites to get married on. The ‘white wedding’ that we have come to associate with western weddings stems out of a specifically Christian lineage. But certain rituals in Christian weddings themselves derive from pagan ones (such as hand-fasting, or the ribbon laid across pair of hands lifted in the air).
Handfasting .
This is an ancient spiritual tradition that took place long before weddings became a legal function of the UK government. It is an old ceremony of commitment, first recorded 4,000 years ago!
This ceremony of unity represents the intention of two people to make their lives together and ideally to love and cherish one another. Their hands, or more accurately, their wrists, are literally tied together. Each partner holds the hands of the other – right hand to right hand, left hand to left – their wrists crossed. The ribbon is wound around the wrists over the top of one and under and around the other, thus creating the infinity symbol.
One year and one day handfasting: a betrothal of a year and a day, which the participants can then decide whether to renew or not at the end of that period.
Partial Handfasting:
Sometimes a couple prefer a traditional wedding ceremony and include a handfasting as part of their ceremony – immediately after saying their vows.
Calling on the elements: According to Celtic Spirituality, God is found in all things, not only the human heart, but also in all of God’s creations. The elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water are called upon to cast blessings upon the couple. The ritual is designed to enable us to get in touch with the life force within ourselves, to sense an interconnectedness with all life, and to access the energies of the living earth.
The ceremonial circle
Handfastings are conducted in a circle, which is a symbol of eternity – sign that life, love and happiness have no beginning and no end. All who enter the circle must do so in perfect love and keep sacred the ceremonial space.
Chaucer Barn is magical, a beautiful place set in ancient surroundings, the perfect way to celebrate your wedding – and our hearts are set on making your day just how you want it!