The Oathing Stone is an old Scottish tradition where the couple place their hands upon a stone while saying their wedding vows.
Taken from the ancient Celtic custom of "setting an oath in stone", inclusion of the oathing stone ceremony in the vows can be deeply moving.
During the declaration of wedding vows or civil partnership promises, the couple hold the Oathing Stone, together in their hands. It is believed that holding the stone during the vows in turn casts or sets them in stone.
Any stone can be used for this purpose. One collected by the couple from a favourite place i.e. beach, local beauty spot etc would be appropriate. The stone should then be washed and scrubbed and treated with almond oil then wiped dry in order to give it a satin sheen (if desired).
The stone can also be engraved with a Celtic knot etching, the date of the ceremony and your initials if you wish, although it isn't necessary.
What you will need to do:
Collect a stone suitable for use as an oathing stone.
Prepare the stone and have it engraved if desired.
Example Wording:
Family and friends, [Party 1] and [Party 2]will now make their own vows using the Scottish tradition of the oathing stone.
Can I please ask [name] to come forward with the stone.
For those of you not familiar with this Scottish tradition it is when the couple either hold or put their hands together on a stone as they repeat their wedding vows, as an oath given near a stone or water was considered to be more binding.
Some believe that it is where the phrase 'set in stone' comes from – and it’s a great symbol for two people who feel most at home in nature.
Example 2
[Party 1] and [Party 2] will now say their wedding vows to each other using the Celtic tradition of the oathing stone. For those of you not familiar with this tradition, it originated in Scotland and is when the bride and groom hold their hands together on a stone as they repeat their wedding vows. An oath given near a stone or water was considered to be more binding.
When you arrived, you were given a stone to hold in your hand during the wedding ceremony. [Party 1] and [Party 2] chose these stones as symbols of your special relationship, love, good wishes and heartfelt blessings to them. The stones will serve as a lasting reminder of your presence at their wedding and of the special love that they shared on this their special day.
As you hold the stone tightly in your hand, please reflect for a moment your wishes for this couple for love, happiness, prosperity, and unity as they exchange their wedding vows.
Following the ceremony, [Party 1] and [Party 2] invite you to throw the stones with your personal blessing for them as a newly married couple into the Loch to wish them all the best in their married life together.
