This is suitable for the handbinding part of the wedding ceremony or may be used for the exchanging of rings. This is not an original idea of mine, see the links below for other variations of this ceremony online.

The couple stands before the officiant facing one another, or, they stand before the guests or in the center of the Circle without the aid of an officiant. They may clasp hands and the officiant (or friend or family) may bind their hands, or they may place their hands in each others and exchange rings.

The couple may wish to have their hands cleansed with water and/or smudged before beginning.

It does not matter who goes first. The wording should be changed to suit your own hopes and dreams for your relationship.

[GROOM]
These hands are the gift that I offer to you.

These hands in yours are young and strong, these are the hands that will grow old and wrinkled, holding yours.

These are the hands that will caress you, in times of passion and in troubled times to sooth away your distress.

These are the hands that you will clasp in joy, and cling to in times of turmoil.

These are the hands that will catch the tears that fall from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tend you in illness, and hold you tight when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands you will one day hold the hands of our children and guide them through life.

These are the hands that will work alongside you to build our home, to clear our path, to plant our intentions and reap our harvest.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin to look into your eyes to see my love reflected, forever.

Do you accept these hands?

[BRIDE] I do, and I place this ring upon your finger that all who see will know that I have accepting this offering.

OR

[BRIDE] Yes.
[GROOM] Then accept this ring from my hand to yours.

(If there is to be no exchange of rings, then the bride can just say "yes" or "I do". Or one set of clasp hands can be bound together at this time. Make it yours!)

[BRIDE]
These hands are the gift that I offer you.

These hands in yours are young and strong, these are the hands that will grow old and wrinkled, holding yours.

These are the hands that will caress you, in times of passion and in troubled times to sooth away your distress.

These are the hands that you will clasp in joy, and cling to in times of turmoil.

These are the hands that will catch the tears that fall from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tend you in illness, and hold you tight when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands you will one day hold the hands of our children and guide them through life.

These are the hands that will work alongside you to build our home, to clear our path, to plant our intentions and reap our harvest.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin to look into your eyes to see my love reflected, forever.

Do you accept these hands?

[GROOM] I do

[BRIDE]
Then accept this ring from my hand to yours.
(Optional. See variations & suggestions above.)

(If the couple's hands are not yet bound, the officiant should bind them now)

(The officiant will bless the union and declare the couple bound.)

[BRIDE] In perfect love and perfect trust, I am bound to you.

[GROOM] In perfect love and perfect trust, I am bound to you.


This ceremony is an adaptation of one written by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, author of Wedding Goddess: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. The original ceremony can be seen at http://www.weddinggoddess.com/hand_blessing_ceremony_53236.htm

There are many variations of this on the web. Here are a few:
http://bridalmusings.com/2011/06/ceremony-reading-blessing-of-the-hands/
http://www.weddingministerct.com/wedding-hand-blessing-ceremony.htm
http://www.weddingbee.com/blog/hands-ceremony/
http://greatofficiants.com/design-your-ceremony/57-ceremonies/add-ins/76-handblessing