Handfasting is where, if someone is unsure about a marriage or the couple want to check that they are compatible before making the commitment, the couple may stay together for a year with the rights of a married couple. If a baby is expected in a year, then the couple are declared to be married. If not, or for any other reason stated by either the husband or wife, the union is simply dissolved.

Often used by influential families when negotiating diplomacy, local judges and other officials could arrange handfasting rights on behalf of a person if asked to do so with good reason.