Arch Of Swords: Indoor Wedding Feature?

A sword arch is a wedding tradition in which swords or sabres are used to salute a newly married couple. The tradition is often performed at the weddings of military or police service members and is considered a privilege. The sword arch is typically held outside of a place of worship as weapons are not allowed inside. However, in the case of inclement weather, the sword arch may be allowed inside with the permission of the officiating clergy.

Swords are not allowed in places of worship

A sword arch is a wedding tradition in which swords or sabers are used to salute a newly married couple. The arch is formed by sword-bearers, who are usually officers or NCOs, often from the same unit as the service member. The sword arch is typically set up outside a place of worship or ceremony venue, as no weapons, even ceremonial ones, are allowed inside.

Some clergy do not allow weapons of any sort on church or synagogue grounds. If the clergy permits the use of a sword or saber, one should never draw the sword or saber inside the sanctuary as it is a place of worship. If there is a possibility of rain, and the sword arch is planned to be held outside, it will likely need to be moved inside to the foyer (but not the sanctuary).

The tradition of not allowing swords in places of worship is a long-standing one. In the Middle Ages, weapons were generally forbidden in churches, with the exception of those used in rituals. Medieval Scandinavian and Germanic church architecture reflected these spiritual precepts, with the covered porch abutting the church door traditionally known as the vapenhus ("weapons house"), a place to store arms when entering a church. Even acts of violence committed within the vicinity of a church carried increasingly severe penalties. Killing someone in a consecrated area, such as near the altar, was considered a grave offense that resulted in automatic excommunication.

The clergy, in particular, were prohibited by custom and canon law from bearing arms, in church or elsewhere. Writing in the 10th century, Bishop Ratherius of Verona warned clerics that "our arms must be spiritual ones". This tradition was reaffirmed by the Episcopal Church in 1864, reflecting on the carnage of the Civil War and the horrifying prospect of receiving Holy Communion from hands that "dripped with human blood".

While there may be exceptions made in certain circumstances, the general rule is that swords are not allowed in places of worship.

The sword arch is a military salute

The sword arch, also known as the arch of swords, is a military salute to a couple that has just been married. It is a powerful symbol that pledges loyalty and protection to the newlyweds, welcoming them into the military family.

The sword arch ceremony is an old English and American custom, though it originated in the British Royal Navy. It is a tradition in which swords or sabres are used to salute a newly married couple. The bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of swords, usually when exiting the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. The tradition is considered a privilege for military or police service members and is performed at their weddings worldwide.

The sword arch is typically formed by six to eight women and/or men, who stand in two columns on either side of the doorway. They are usually ushers, but not always, and are often from the same unit as the married service member. They wear dress uniforms and white gloves, and their swords remain sheathed until the ceremony begins.

The sword arch is performed outside of a place of worship, as weapons are not allowed inside. However, in the case of bad weather, the arch may be formed inside with the permission of the officiating clergy. The sword arch can also be performed at the reception, either inside the reception room or outside the venue.

The sword arch ceremony begins with the head usher announcing the couple's ranks and names. The swords are then drawn and raised to touch at the tips, forming an arch with the blades facing away from the couple. The couple walks under the arch and is momentarily stopped by the last two bearers, who lower their swords to block their path. The couple then kisses, and the bearer on the bride's side gently swats her on the backside with the sword, welcoming her to the military. The swords are then returned to their scabbards, and the arch is dismissed.

The sword or sabre is also traditionally used to cut the wedding cake.

The sword arch is a pledge of loyalty

The sword arch, also known as the Arch of Swords, is a wedding tradition that originated in the British Royal Navy and has since been adopted by the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It is a symbolic ritual that serves as a pledge of loyalty and protection to the newly married couple, welcoming them into their new military family.

The sword arch typically consists of six to eight uniformed military personnel, who line up in two columns on either side of the doorway or aisle. The participants, usually ushers or honour guards, can be commissioned, non-commissioned, or warrant officers, often from the same unit as the couple. They stand facing each other, with the most senior in rank farthest from the door. It is customary for all sword bearers to wear white gloves, and swords remain sheathed until the ceremony begins.

The sword arch ceremony usually takes place immediately after the wedding ceremony, as the couple is exiting the building. If the wedding is held in a place of worship, the sword arch is set up outside as weapons are not permitted inside. However, in the case of inclement weather, the officiating clergy may permit the arch to be formed inside the foyer or sanctuary.

During the ceremony, the sword bearers raise their swords to form a high arch, with the tips almost touching and the blades facing away from the couple. The newlyweds then walk under the arch, and the last two bearers lower their swords to block their path momentarily. This pause allows for a kiss or a traditional "sword swat" on the bride's backside, accompanied by a playful welcome greeting to the military. After this, the swords are returned to their scabbards, and the sword bearers exit to prepare for a potential second arch.

The sword arch is a time-honoured tradition that adds a touch of military flair to wedding celebrations. It symbolises the unity and camaraderie of the military community, pledging their support and loyalty to the couple as they embark on their new life together.

The sword arch is only for commissioned officers

The sword arch, also known as the arch of swords or sabers, is a wedding tradition in which swords or sabers are used to salute a newly married couple. This tradition is often performed at the weddings of military or police service members and is considered a privilege accorded to members of the service. The sword arch is a powerful symbol that pledges loyalty and protection to the couple, welcoming them into their new family.

The sword arch is typically formed by six to eight ushers, who are usually commissioned, non-commissioned, or warrant officers. These ushers line up in two columns on either side of the doorway, facing each other, with the most senior in rank standing farthest from the door. All swords remain sheathed until the ceremony begins.

It is important to note that the sword arch is not permitted inside a place of worship. If the wedding ceremony takes place in a church or chapel, the arch must be set up outside the building. However, in the case of inclement weather, and with permission from the clergy, the arch may be formed inside.

Only commissioned servicemen and servicewomen may participate in the sword arch. This is because the sword arch is considered a privilege and is not granted to all personnel. Additionally, the sword arch is meant to be formed by officers, as they are the ones who typically bear swords or sabers.

The sword arch ceremony is a special tradition that adds a touch of military honor and symbolism to a wedding. It is a way to involve fellow officers and create a memorable experience for the newly married couple.

The sword arch is followed by a sword swat

The sword arch, also known as the Arch of Swords in the Navy and Marine Corps, is a wedding tradition in which swords or sabers are used to salute a newly married couple. It is often performed at the weddings of military or police service members and is considered a privilege accorded to members of the service. The tradition is said to have originated in the Royal Navy and is now practised worldwide.

The sword arch is usually formed by six or eight women and/or men, who are typically part of the bridal party and wear formal dress uniforms. They line up in two columns on either side of the doorway, with the most senior in rank standing farthest from the door. All swords remain sheathed until the ceremony begins. After the newlyweds leave the receiving line, they approach the arch. The head usher announces the couple's ranks and names, then gives the command: "Draw swords!" The ushers then raise their swords, forming an arch with the tips of the swords nearly touching and the blades facing away from the couple.

The couple walks under the arch and is stopped by the final two ushers, who have lowered their swords to block their path. The couple kisses, and the usher on the right gently swats the bride's backside with their sword, welcoming her to the branch of the military or police. If the bride is already in the military or police, this step is omitted.

The sword swat is a controversial tradition, as some believe it detracts from the purpose of the wedding, which is to honour the bride. It is recommended that the bride be warned about the sword swat in advance to avoid embarrassment and give her the chance to opt out.

Following the sword swat, the rite continues with the command: "Return swords." Each participant then places their sword into its scabbard, leaving only the top four inches of the blade exposed. The head usher then dismisses the sword bearers, and the bridal party proceeds out of the venue.

Frequently asked questions