The Oathing Stone Ritual
by Steve Pritchard-Jones
A Timeless Tradition for Renewal of Vows, Wedding & Commitment Ceremonies
The Oathing Stone is a cherished Celtic wedding tradition that symbolises the strength and lasting nature of a couple’s vows. This heartfelt ritual adds a special and personal touch to celebrant led ceremonies, including weddings, vow renewals, and commitment ceremonies.
The Meaning Behind the Oathing Stone
This Scottish custom dates back centuries, long before the exchange of wedding rings became common. Couples would either hold a stone or place their hands together upon it while reciting their vows. It was believed that doing so would “set their vows in stone,” making their commitment unbreakable.
This concept resonates even today—think of phrases like “You are my rock” or “A rock-solid relationship.” The Oathing Stone was not only a symbol of unwavering love but also deeply tied to the land, grounding the couple’s future together.
Choosing Your Oathing Stone
Selecting your Oathing Stone can be a memorable and symbolic part of your wedding preparations. You may decide to have one stone that you both use or individual stones for each of you.
Where can you find your stone?
- A special place, like a favourite beach, park, or forest
- A meaningful location tied to your relationship
- A family heirloom stone passed down through generations
Once you’ve chosen your stone, you may wish to personalise it. Consider engraving:
- Your initials or wedding date
- A symbol like the Tree of Life
- A meaningful word or phrase
For couples building a home together, incorporating the stone into the foundation or fireplace can serve as a daily reminder of your vows.
Including Guests in the Oathing Stone Ritual
Want to involve your guests? Here are some ways to make them part of this beautiful tradition:
- Passing the Stone – Before your vows, pass the Oathing Stone among your guests so they can hold it and fill it with their love and best wishes. It then returns to you, imbued with their heartfelt blessings.
- Guest Stones – Ask each guest to bring a small stone from their own lives or the wedding location. They can write messages, symbols, or initials on them before placing them in a communal container. After the ceremony, these stones can be displayed in your home or garden as a lasting tribute.
Saying Your Vows with the Oathing Stone
There are several ways to incorporate the Oathing Stone into your vow exchange:
- Each partner holds their own stone while reciting their vows.
- A shared stone is held together while exchanging promises.
- One partner holds the stone first, then passes it to the other for their vows.
What to Do with the Oathing Stone After the Ceremony
Traditionally, couples would return their Oathing Stone to nature, symbolising their love being carried by the elements:
- Tossing it into the sea, river, or loch, allowing the tides to carry their commitment forward.
- Placing it on a mountain or cairn as a lasting tribute.
Modern couples may choose to keep their stone as a cherished keepsake:
- Displaying it in their home or garden
- Using it as a paperweight or decorative item
- Incorporating it into a wedding time capsule
Is the Oathing Stone Ritual Right for You?
Symbolic wedding rituals like the Oathing Stone can be adapted to suit your personal beliefs and ceremony style. If this ancient tradition speaks to you, let’s discuss how to make it a meaningful part of your special day!
For more ideas on symbolic wedding rituals, check out my other blog posts, visit www.pjtopnote.co.uk/blog/
Let’s create a ceremony as solid as a rock—just like your love!
Steve Pritchard-Jones
Top Note Ceremonies
www.pjtopnote.co.uk
