Wiccan law states that hand-fasting is valid in the first instance for a year and a day. At the end of that time the couple may seek out the same High Priest and High Priestess who united them and announce that they wish to part.  If they do not the union of the pair is regarded as continuing.

Hand-fasting is a joyous celebration.  The entire circle of the floor should be covered in flowers, more decorate the altar as does fruit.

A crown of flowers lies prepared on the altar.  The circle is cast and the High Priest and High Priestess take up their positions.

The couple are led into the circle by a couple of  friends who bring them to the altar before joining the rest of the coven around the circle.

The couple kneel before the altar, the woman on the left.

The High priest invokes the Goddess:

Now listen to the words of the great mother
Who was of old also called among men
Astarte, Athene, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Isis, Diana, and by many other names at her altars
The youth of  Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice
Hear ye the words of the star goddess
she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven whose body encircles the universe
O Goddess of the stars give your protection to this son and daughter of man
Deflect evil from them and confound those who would blaspheme against the true light of thy wisdom

The couple stand and their robes are removed (optional) for the anointing.
The High Priest anoints the woman and the High Priestess anoints the man.

The couple kneel again and the High Priest addresses them:

Know that it is the decree of the fates that ye are to be united never more to be divided in vain against the stars
Preach the monk and priest what shall be shall be
Wherefore take hope and joy O children of time
And now as I join your hands I betroth your souls

Their hands are joined with the cord of life.

The High Priestess takes the crown of flowers from the altar consecrates it with the elements and passes it first over the head of the man then over the head of the woman.

The High Priest holds his left hand over the couple and raises his right hand saying:

Ye lords of the watchtowers
O powerful God
O gentle Goddess
Attest the betrothal of these young hearts
Members within the circle
I call upon you to attest this betrothal as I do the altar
The sun and the air I call upon you to attest the betrothal of these young hearts
May their souls cling together
Sorrow with sorrow joy with joy
And when at length the bride and groom are one
O stars may the trouble with which you are charged have exhausted its burden
May no danger molest and no malice disturb
But over the marriage bed shine in peace O stars

Now the couple swear the oath talking to each other

To my hand at the setting of the sun. The rising of the stars ...

Next the broom is placed on the ground before them and both jump over it.

The High Priestess now takes up the Broom and rituals sweeps all evil behind them and out of the circle.

The high Priest traces the pentagram in front of the couple.
Cakes and wine ceremony now takes place prior to the great rite between the new couple.