A Viking Handfasting Wedding
in the woods
Reece and Naomi chose a Viking handfasting wedding rooted in nature and family. They held their celebration outdoors at The Woodlands at Hothorpe, gathering just 30 of their closest people for a ceremony that reflected belief rather than tradition.
A traditional white wedding didn’t reflect who they are. Instead, they married in the woods, centring ritual, shared food and the joining of two families.
Dan Waters Creative captured the ceremony and early celebrations – his natural approach suited a setting like this.
Photos throughout from Dan Waters Creative
A Viking Handfasting Ceremony in nature
When it came to how they would marry, Reece and Naomi knew a church ceremony would not feel honest. Neither of them are religious, and a traditional service did not reflect who they are.
“We felt the pagan way of getting married was much more meaningful and reflected us as a couple better,” Naomi and Reece told us.
At The Woodlands at Hothorpe, open lawns give way to sheltered woodland. Their Viking handfasting ceremony, led by Gill Vidal Family Celebrant, took place in ‘The Hideaway’, an oak structure set within the forest.
Reece and Naomi began the ceremony as they meant to continue it, walking down the aisle together as equals before standing side by side to be bound.
“The ceremony itself is less about religion and more about two families coming together to support us as we start moving forward on a new chapter of our lives.”
Gill invited guests to promise their support as Reece and Naomi began that new chapter. With each answer, the couple tied a green and black cord around their hands.
Sparkle Events Styling dressed the ceremony space with lanterns and carefully placed details that echoed the woodland setting. The styling felt considered and in keeping with the surroundings, allowing the ritual to remain the focus.
Love the idea of a celebrant wedding? Take a look at Our Ultimate Guide To Wedding Celebrants
dressing for a viking wedding
viking outfits
Clothing followed the same instinct.
“Clothing wise neither of us have ever been normal dressers, and so our clothing at the wedding was just a natural extension of our characters,” Naomi told us.
Naomi’s sister made Naomi’s dress, along with Reece’s suit and a matching outfit for their baby son. Handmade pieces ran throughout the day. Embellishments and accessories were items the couple already collected, including swords and replica pieces used for reenactment.
The details
Guests leaned into the Viking wedding spirit too. Braids, kilts and spell pouches appear throughout the group photographs, creating a gathering that feels immersive without feeling staged.
Reece’s hair was styled by Handsome Devils Barber Club, and Chantelle at Salon 33 added Viking braids to the groom’s mother’s hair. A close neighbour styled Naomi’s hair, keeping preparations personal and close to home. The overall look remained relaxed and consistent with the woodland setting.
Mead, Banquets and One Long Table
Viking Wedding Banquet Table
After the handfasting ceremony, everyone gathered around a single long wooden table.
“There was no seating plan, as we didn’t want to be restrictive,” Naomi and Reece told us.
With only 30 guests, it felt natural to let people settle where they pleased. They served dinner banquet-style, laid out on platters down the centre. Cheese, fruit and crackers began the meal, followed by roast pork and shared desserts.
Sparkle Events Styling also dressed the table, layering natural textures and candlelight to reinforce the woodland atmosphere.
Feast like a Viking
Mead became a highlight.
“We had ordered different flavours of mead from an external company, which the guests loved, swapping the flavours from one end of the table to the other. It was a real talking point.”
Bottles passed easily along the table, encouraging conversation.
Reece’s mum, Sarah, who runs The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company created the six-tier cake, weaving in details drawn from the couple’s shared world. A 3D Smaug appeared to climb up through the tiers, reaching towards a dagger used to cut the cake. A Hobbit door was set into one layer, while another was finished in black and decorated with gold motifs inspired by The Legend of Zelda. The cake became part centrepiece, part storytelling object, sitting within a generous sharing dessert table that Sarah also created.
Firelight and an Unhurried Celebration
As the light softened, the celebration gathered around the teepee and fire pit. Mulled wine and hot chocolate replaced formalities. Games appeared. Music drifted in and out of conversation.
“We played card games, sang along to music, and sat round the fire pit telling stories and sharing memories,” to couple told us.
Family members brought out replica Viking games for younger guests. The tone remained relaxed and unstructured.
The following morning, everyone reconvened for breakfast before heading home.
Naomi and Reece’s tip for planning a Viking Wedding: “Think ethereal, nature, natural, being with the earth and all things around you. Have fun with it. If you love it then go with it.”
You might also love: How to Rock an Alternative Viking Wedding
wedding dream team
Photographer: Dan Waters Creative
Styling and prop hire: Sparkle Events Styling
Venue: The Woodlands at Hothorpe
Cake: The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company
Celebrant: Gill Vidal Family Celebrant
Mother of the Groom hair: Chantelle at Salon 33
Grooms’ hair: Handsome Devils Barber Club
