Weddings Across Faiths — Ceremony, Attire & Rituals (Photo Guide)
One celebration, many languages of love. Here’s a respectful overview of wedding customs across several faith traditions—how ceremonies flow, what guests wear, when to remove shoes, how photos work, and the greetings that make people feel seen. Always follow the couple’s program and venue instructions.
Ceremony flow
Attire & footwear
Photography
Greetings
Dietary & reception notes
At a glance (by tradition)
Christian (varies by denomination)
Venue Church/chapel or outdoor | Officiant Pastor/Priest/Minister
- Common: procession, readings, homily, vows, rings; Eucharist in some services.
- Attire: formal/modest; shoulders often covered in churches.
- Photos: usually allowed outside sacramental moments—ask.
Muslim (Nikah)
Venue Mosque/community hall | Officiant Imam/authorized witness
- Consent (ijab-qabul), marriage contract, du‘a; seating may be separated.
- Attire: modest; women may bring a scarf; men avoid shorts.
- Photos: permitted in many halls; limited inside prayer area.
Jewish (Kiddushin & Nissuin)
Venue Synagogue/venue under chuppah | Officiant Rabbi/Cantor
- Ketubah signing, chuppah, blessings, wine, ring, sheva brachot, glass breaking.
- Attire: formal; kippah/yarmulke often offered for men.
- Photos: usually fine—avoid Shabbat/holy-day restrictions.
Hindu (varies by region)
Venue Temple/mandap | Officiant Priest (Pujari)
- Ganesh puja, garland exchange, sacred fire, seven steps (saptapadi).
- Attire: colorful traditional wear; modest; often shoes off near mandap/temple.
- Photos: usually welcome; respect sacred fire & priest directions.
Buddhist
Venue Temple/hall | Officiant Monk/Lay leader
- Offerings, chanting, refuge vows/commitments; serene pacing.
- Attire: modest; shoulders/knees covered; shoes off inside many temples.
- Photos: quiet shutter; ask before photographing monks/shrines.
Sikh (Anand Karaj)
Venue Gurdwara | Officiant Granthi
- Laavan hymns as couple circles Guru Granth Sahib; everyone sits on floor.
- Head coverings required for all; shoes off; modest attire.
- No alcohol/tobacco in gurdwara precincts.
Photo guide:
Ceremony flows (quick reference)
Christian ceremonies
- Procession, opening prayer, readings, homily/sermon.
- Vows & rings; sometimes a unity ritual (candle, cord, sand).
- In Catholic/Orthodox: full liturgy or Divine Liturgy may include Eucharist/Communion.
- Recessional to reception. Dress modestly; follow church photo rules.
Muslim (Nikah)
- Ijab-qabul (proposal/acceptance) in presence of witnesses; mahr (marital gift) agreed.
- Khutbah (short sermon) & supplications; signatures on contract.
- Gender-separate seating may be used; footwear removed in prayer spaces.
- Walima (reception) often follows; halal catering; no alcohol at many venues.
Jewish weddings
- Ketubah signing (often private/semiprivate).
- Under the chuppah: blessings, wine, ring, sheva brachot, glass breaking.
- Reception with hora dancing; kosher or kosher-style catering, depending on the couple.
Hindu weddings
- Regional diversity (North/South/West/East). Common anchors: Ganesh puja, garlands, sacred fire, saptapadi (seven steps).
- Vibrant attire; many events across days (mehndi, sangeet, haldi).
- Shoes off near sacred areas; vegetarian menu is common.
Buddhist ceremonies
- Offerings to the Buddha, chanting, blessings by monks; vows/commitments by couple.
- Quiet décor; no shoes inside temple halls; shoulders/knees covered.
- Photography with discretion; avoid flash during chanting.
Sikh (Anand Karaj)
- Everyone covers head; remove shoes; wash hands.
- Couple circles Guru Granth Sahib during Laavan hymns; sangat (congregation) seated on floor.
- Langar (community meal) may be served; strictly vegetarian; no alcohol/tobacco on site.
Guest attire & etiquette
Attire
- Modesty wins: cover shoulders/knees unless couple says otherwise.
- Head coverings: offered/required in synagogues and gurdwaras; optional scarves welcomed in mosques/temples.
- Shoes off: common in Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, gurdwaras—look for shoe racks.
Photography
- Ask before shooting near altars, scriptures, or during prayers/chanting.
- Avoid flash in sacred spaces; follow the assigned photographer’s lead.
- Don’t block clergy, musicians, or elders.
Food & drink
- Kosher, halal, vegetarian, or non-alcohol service may apply—check your invite.
- Gurdwaras: vegetarian langar; no alcohol on premises.
- Respect posted restrictions on meat/alcohol.
Greetings & gifts
- “Congratulations!” works everywhere; also: Mabrouk (Arabic), Mazel tov (Hebrew), Shubh vivāh/Shubhakāmanā (Hindi), Sat Sri Akal (Punjabi Sikh), respectful bows in Buddhist contexts.
- Monetary envelopes or registry gifts are common; some couples request charities.
When in doubt, ask the couple or a member of the wedding party. They’ll be happy you checked.
Note: Practices vary by denomination, region, and family tradition. This guide is a friendly starting point—follow the couple’s program and venue rules.
