Photo credit: Forever Timeless Photography

At Fuze Ceremonies, we’re privileged to witness countless unique and personal wedding moments, and the ceremony of Kirsty and Steven at the Brig o’ Doon Hotel in Ayr was one of those truly special days. Their Humanist ceremony was loving, sincere, and completely authentic to who they are as a couple.

Among the heartfelt moments and personalised vows, one symbolic ritual stood out – the ancient and meaningful tradition of the oathing stone.

The Meaning Behind the Oathing Stone

The oathing stone is believed to have originated in times when people lived in closer connection with the land. Couples would hold a stone together as they made their vows, symbolically setting their promises ‘in stone’. The ritual connects the couple not only to each other but also to nature and the land around them, creating a timeless act of unity.

A Modern Twist on a Timeless Tradition

When I introduced Kirsty and Steven to the oathing stone ritual, they were immediately drawn to its symbolism and significance. True to their nature, they added their own personal twist.

The couple brought two stones with them: one from the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, where they had been living, and another from Aberdour Beach in Fife, a location that held deep meaning for them both. These stones were placed in a small pouch and, before the ceremony began, passed around their guests so that each could warm them with love, good wishes, and positive energy.

Binding Their Promises

During the ceremony, Kirsty and Steven read aloud their personal vows while clasping the warmed stones between their hands. To make the moment even more meaningful, I bound their hands with their handfasting ties as they made their promises. It was a beautiful combination of ancient ritual, modern love, and heartfelt intention.

Leaving a Piece of Themselves Behind

The day after their wedding, the couple placed their oathing stones into the River Doon, which flows just behind their venue. In doing so, they left behind a tangible symbol of their love story in the very place where they said “I do”. It was such a romantic and everlasting gesture that truly embodied the spirit of their ceremony.

It was an honour to be part of such a magical celebration and to help bring meaningful rituals like the oathing stone to life in such a heartfelt way.

Blog written and presented by Marie McWilliams

Humanist Celebrant at Fuze Ceremonies