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Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your special day — a deeply personal moment where two lives become one. More and more couples planning weddings in Ireland are choosing to include meaningful Irish wedding traditions and modern symbolic rituals that bring an extra touch of emotion and heritage to their ceremony.
But what are the options? Well, that’s where we can help. Here at Lucan Spa Hotel, we’ve witnessed hundreds of unforgettable “I Do” moments. Here are some of our favourite beautiful wedding rituals to consider as part of your ceremony — whether you’re hosting a civil, spiritual, or traditional Irish wedding.
Before we start, the list below is by no means exhaustive, and ideas are only limited by each and every couple’s own idea of what they wish their ceremony to involve. So do not be afraid to speak to your wedding solemniser or celebrant on your own plans and ideas for your wedding ceremony.
💍 1. The Handfasting Ceremony — “Tying the Knot”
This ancient Celtic ritual is one of Ireland’s most beloved traditions. A cord or ribbon is gently wrapped around the couple’s joined hands, symbolising their union — quite literally “tying the knot.” Personalise it with ribbons in your wedding colours or family tartans for a meaningful Irish touch.
Photo: Trendphotography.ie.
🕰️ 2. The Time Capsule
Not too common, but one of our favourites. Here, the couple places letters, photos, or keepsakes from the wedding day into a sealed box to be opened on a future anniversary. It’s a wonderful reminder of the emotions and excitement of your big day.
💞 3. Blessing of the Rings
Before exchanging rings, they are held by the celebrant (or loved ones) and blessed with words of love and good wishes. This adds a deeply spiritual layer to your ceremony and makes the rings — symbols of eternal love — even more special.
Photo: Trendphotography.ie.
🌳 4. The Tree Planting Ritual
Ideal for outdoor weddings, this ritual symbolises growth, strength, and rooted love. Planting a tree together creates a living reminder of your marriage — something that grows and thrives just as your relationship will. We have also seen potted trees being included in the ceremony to be planted at home at a later date.
🕯️ 5. The Unity Candle
Likely the most popular and familiar wedding ceremony ritual, the Unity Candle is a beautiful tradition that works in both religious and civil ceremonies. Each partner lights a smaller candle, then together they light a single larger one — representing the joining of two lives and families. It’s a simple yet powerful visual moment.
Photo: Trendphotography.ie.
🎁 6. The Anniversary Box
Similar to the time capsule, before your ceremony, write love letters to one another. Seal them in a box to be opened on your first anniversary (or during a milestone year). This intimate ritual celebrates reflection, growth, and enduring love.
💎 7. The Ring Exchange
A timeless ritual that never loses its magic. As you place the rings on each other’s fingers, it’s a moment that represents eternal love — the unbroken circle of commitment and partnership.
Photo: Trendphotography.ie.
💫 8. The Ring-Warming Ritual
An old Irish-inspired tradition where your wedding rings are passed among family and friends before the ceremony. Each guest “warms” the rings with silent blessings, so by the time they reach you, they are filled with love and good wishes. We’ve even seen this ritual extended to being passed around to all your guests – definitely an idea to get everyone involved in the day.
💬 9. The Vow Exchange
Whether traditional or self-written, your vows are the emotional centre of your ceremony. Vows can be as intimate or as humourous as you wish them to be – they are supposed to be a reflection of your own individual personalities as well as a reflection of your relationship.
Photo: Trendphotography.ie.
🍷 10. The Wine Box Ritual
Perfect for wine lovers! Seal a special bottle with handwritten vows or letters during the ceremony. Open it on a future anniversary to toast your love and reflect on how far you’ve come. Similar to the time capsule and memory box ideas, we have seen some beautiful craft boxes used for these that look amazing as a keepsake.
✨ 11. The Jump the Broom Ritual
Okay, we’ll admit, we’ve only seen this in the flesh once and were a bit confused. But on that particular day it went down amazing! A joyful and symbolic tradition that represents sweeping away the past and stepping into a new life together. It’s a lively way to end your ceremony with laughter, energy, and celebration.
💐 Making Your Ceremony Unique at Lucan Spa Hotel
At Lucan Spa Hotel, we believe every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects their love story. Whether you’d like to include ancient Irish wedding traditions or modern symbolic gestures, our dedicated wedding team is here to help you bring your vision to life.
From elegant indoor spaces to romantic garden settings, Lucan Spa Hotel offers the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable ceremony in Dublin.
Contact our team today by using the Wedding Enquiry Form here and discover why we’re one of the most loved wedding venues in Dublin.