Hand Ceremony

Morning Ladies,

Curious - At what point in the ceremony is this usually done? Have you ever heard of a reader saying it instead of the priest?

TIA!!

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Posted by Jennie0898

What is the hand ceremony? I've never heard of it.

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I hadn't heard about it either until I read about it on here. Here is one explanation and version ... if you do a search for Hand Ceremony, you'll see a few others ...

It is a type of 'Reading' , blessing' ..where the couple is asked to join hands during the ceremony...


These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

we did it before the exchange of vows:

Hand Ceremony

Melissa and Sean, please face each other and take each other’s hands, so you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise your love and commitment to each other all the days of your life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into the eyes that are filled with overwhelming love and desire for you.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.
Because together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

God bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another.
Give them the strength to hold on during storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment.

Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to their love.

May Sean and Melissa see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.

We ask this in your name, Amen.