(Updated August, 2026)
Celtic wedding traditions such as handfasting (tying the knot), jumping the broom, having bagpipes play as the bride walks down the aisle, or wearing a kilt or tartan remain popular choices for modern weddings. Yet one ancient Celtic custom that is far less common today that can add a unique touch to a ceremony is the barefoot wedding.
While many couples are familiar with handfasting or jumping the broom, the barefoot wedding tradition has a history and symbolism all its own.
Barefoot Weddings Today
Today, this ancient custom has been adopted for
country themed weddings, and in some circles it is considered a “sign of purity”
when you enter any religious site barefooted because the removal of shoes is
thought to represent a person baring their soul. And of course, beach weddings
are often barefoot weddings because it’s easier to walk on sand with bare
feet. But what did going shoeless mean to the ancient Celts?
Celtic Barefoot Weddings
In the ancient Gaelic and Celtic tradition, the bridal
party attended the ceremony with bare feet as a sign of simplicity and humility.
This was also thought to represent the natural relationship being consecrated
at the ceremony -- “natural” was key. Back then, Celtic marriages took place in a
natural setting and were held in circles rather than in a church with an aisle,
so guests stood in a circle to welcome the bride and the groom. (Circles are the
design behind life-giving systems in nature and thought to be symbols ofwholeness). And so bare feet making direct contact with the soil was a way of
connecting to Mother Earth.
Like many historic wedding customs, barefoot weddings can be adapted to suit modern ceremonies while still honoring the symbolism behind the original tradition.
Barefoot sandals are a popular choice for brides who
want special “footwear” for their barefoot wedding, but before you decide on a
barefoot wedding, it is important to note that some people are not fans of bare
feet. In fact, some think walking around without shoes as rude, disgusting and
unsanitary while others argue that shoes carry the same things as bare
feet on their soles. So if you decide to go with a barefoot wedding, make the barefoot element clear on your
invitation and maybe even include “why” you're choosing this ancient custom to avoid any problems on your special day.
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