Couple set to tie the knot for Viking handfasting wedding in Slough

Georgy Dee Burness, 43, and Reuben Collis, 40, of Newbury, said they are “really excited” to finally be getting married after it was postponed due to the pandemic.

The pair were due to get married in summer last year but they didn’t want to marry under all the restrictions and only have 30 guests.

Georgy and musician Reuben first met at the Wendy Woo Festival, in Wraysbury, back in 2018 where Reuben was playing at the event.

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Georgy said: “We’re not religious and this is one of the most ancient tradition of weddings where tying the knot that comes from handfasting."

She added it feels “amazing” they have both found soul mates in each other.

“It’s going to be a great day,” she said.

“Reuben is my best friend, we’re inseparable, we’ve got interests in everything and we can’t wait.”

Georgy and Reuben together.

Georgy explained it’s exciting to be holding, what she believes, will be the first ever Viking/pagan wedding in Slough.

“It would be really nice that people are going to see something that’s alternative from the traditional church wedding,” she said.

“Everyone will be there all in one place and we’ve even got family and friends coming to join us from around the world.”

Georgy said the ceremony begins with the one-hour-long traditional handfasting, which will be conducted by a celebrant.

The pair will do the Viking tradition where they exchange swords with each other, which symbolises the coming together of families.

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After that their hands are then tied together as their vows are said, followed by a toast with mead, one of the first alcoholic drinks.

To round off the ceremony, the couple will jump over a broom, which will signify the marriage has happened.

“It’s really different to your typical wedding, it’s unique,” Georgy added.

“What we like about the ceremony is that you can tailor the script to what you would like, the celebrant will read an ancient pagan script and she’s put it all together to what she thinks is relevant to us.”

With a big guest list, Georgy and Reuben said their families members were all amazed with the plans and are looking forward to celebrating with them on the day.