Neo-Pagan Wedding Ceremony In The Santa Cruz Mountains

Neo-Pagan Wedding Ceremony In The Santa Cruz Mountains

This couple hired me to write and perform their neo-pagan, earth-honoring wedding ceremony at an exclusive, private estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The estate is home to a redwood grove, lush green lawns, a rustic barn, bright beautiful gardens, and a custom gazebo, i.e. the perfect location for a neo-pagan, earth honoring wedding ceremony! I got to collaborate with an incredible team of wedding pros including Weddings By Aimee, Karla’s Floral Kreations, Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting, and Soil and Sea Photography.

This couple’s wedding ceremony was motivated by their desire to have some form of ritual in their lives, to feel connected to their tribe, and to affirm their love for one another. Since they wanted a nontraditional, neo-pagan and earth based wedding ceremony, we brought in elements from nature (a circle of rocks to surround and bless the couple,) respectfully burned incense and herbs, incorporated an ancient European/Neopagan hand-fasting ritual, as well as other rituals and readings that honored the earth, and the incredible natural setting we were in.

As I tied the knot of their handfasting rope, they asked me read this passage by John O'Donohue: “Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person's soul.”

One of their wedding guests approached me afterwards to tell me how transformed she felt by the ceremony. She said that the ceremony taught her what it truly means to hold a couple across the threshold of marriage. And I know that she meant it because she sought me out a few months later when a member of her community died unexpectedly and to have me to officiate his memorial.