The Loving Cup

Since the 15th century it has been common for the Celtic people to toast each other with a ceremonial cup. The traditional cup is shaped like a two handled bowl and is often inscribed or inlaid with a Celtic design such as the Claddagh.

The purpose of the loving cup in a wedding ceremony is for the couple to share their first drink together as husband and wife and to show the uniting of their two families.

This is a special moment for the couple to toast their love, devotion, and friendship.

Sample Ceremony

On this your wedding day, we celebrate the Celtic spirit of the Anam Cara, which is translated "soul friend". By entering into a partnership with your soul friend you are joined in an ancient and eternal way with the person whom you cherish most.

The officiant hands the loving cup to the couple who both hold it.

I now ask you to toast one another by repeating after me;

I recognize you as my soul friend
And ask that you become a part of me
With you I have lost all fear
And found courage for the future
I have learned to love
And to let myself be loved
With you my soul friend
I am understood, I am home.

And now please drink to the love you have shared in the past.

The couple takes turns sipping from the cup.

Drink to the love in the present on this your wedding day.

The couple takes turns sipping from the cup.

And drink to the love in the future and forever more.

The couple takes turns sipping from the cup.