Celebrant weddings are unique. My goal is to make sure couples feel fully reflected by their ceremony. This includes their cultural preferences and beliefs. So, when Leifr and Jennifer contacted me about their wedding day, I was invested from the start. Leifr and Jennifer follow the Norse Pagan belief system. They wanted a Norse Pagan wedding ceremony that not only drew on the many beautiful elements of this, but also felt open and welcoming to the family and friends they were planning to gather in Jennifer’s parents’ beautiful garden.
After a pub lunch to get to know each other, we planned a ceremony full of their love story which included contributions from their brilliant sons, commitments of support from their family and friends, a ring exchange and beautiful vows which they wrote for each other privately. We called on the Old Gods to support and nurture their relationship, and give them strength and unity, and used the ceremony to affirm their beliefs in the Norse Pagan principles of marriage.
Norse Paganism is rooted in natural surroundings and the garden was a perfect spot. Jen and Leifr had created a natural archway with wood and greenery which was adorned with carved wooden rune decorations. I was so happy when I arrived with my gift to them of a rune symbolising luck to be able to add it to the archway!
Both Jen and Leifr dressed in traditional Norse Pagan wedding clothing. Leifr’s tunic was amazing, a gorgeous blue, and he wore his Mjolnir round his neck, to symbolise the protection that marriage provides. His hair was in two intricate plaits, and as you can see, he has a fabulous beard which didn’t hide his big smile in the slightest! Jen was barefoot in her beautiful white lace-overlaid dress, with her hair loose and a delicate flower crown. She’s so graceful and looked completely stunning.
The announcement of their marriage was followed by a traditional Mead toast, drunk from the most incredible drinking cups, made by a family friend using the ancient Viking tradition of charcoal firing. Every single guest received a cup as a gift, as did I, and I will treasure it forever. As I left, everybody was preparing for a tournament of beer pong, a game which united Jen and Leifr on their early dates.
Afterwards, they said “Thank you so much, we were so happy with what you did, as were all the guests. We’re very content this morning”.
What I loved about this wedding:
- The ceremony was a joy to write and to be there to deliver. Jen and Leifr found each other through their work, but were brought together by a trampolining accident. It was fun to bring in details of their lives together alongside the Norse Pagan elements.
- The ceremony space, arch and altar were really special, particularly the objects dedicated to their departed grandparents.
- Their wonderful boys who took their ring-bearing and commitments so seriously whilst being brilliantly wriggly and smiley at the same time.
- The family vibe was fabulous, everybody was so relaxed and happy to be there in the beautiful garden, and the lovely touches of Viking shields and swords, bubbles and other toys for the children meant there was lots of happy parents able to enjoy the day.
- The pride Jen’s parents took in their garden being the ceremony location. It was immaculate, so much colour, and the perfect backdrop for the wedding.
- The food. I mean, is there anything better than a help yourself buffet of banging, delicious, home-made food?
I’m not a Norse Pagan but I believe in ensuring that all my couples receive the wedding they have dreamed of. If you are looking to add elements into your wedding celebration, and would like to work with someone inclusive and sensitive, please get in touch.
