A Military Wedding: Can Nsmen Tie The Knot?

Military weddings are a time-honored tradition for those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Military weddings are not restricted to military bases and can be held at the venue of the couple's choice, with military chaplains officiating outside of base chapels. Military weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism, with unique customs such as the Arch of Sabers/Swords, where service members line up and cross their swords to form a tunnel for the married couple to walk through. The dress code is often military uniforms, with specific protocols for different branches and seasons. Military weddings also feature distinctive seating arrangements, with higher-ranking members seated behind the couple's immediate family. Military weddings are a way to honor those who serve while celebrating their union with time-honored traditions and a touch of pomp and circumstance.

NSMen can request a military wedding

Yes, NSMen can request a military wedding. If you are an NSman and want to have a military wedding, you can write to your NS unit S1, and they will follow up on your request. You will need to provide information on your NS unit, NIRC, rank/name, wedding date, whether there will be a photoshoot, and the location of the dinner. Usually, your request will be approved.

If you are in the process of becoming a regular, you may want to wait until you are absorbed into regular service before applying, as there is said to be less red tape. If you are a regular, you will need to apply to G1 through your S1.

For a proper military wedding, officers get to have a sword arch for the couple to walk under. For everyone else, you are allowed to wear the uniform. If you are a regular, you can tailor your own No. 1 uniform for the wedding. If you are not a regular, you will need to rent the uniform from the supply base.

The couple chooses whether to wear a uniform

The decision to wear a military uniform on your wedding day is a personal choice for the couple. It is entirely up to the marrying couple to decide whether or not they will wear their military uniforms to their wedding and whether they would like their guests to wear uniforms as well.

If the couple chooses to wear their uniforms, they must adhere to the personal appearance codes of their military branch. For men, this includes a clean-shaven face and a haircut that doesn't exceed a certain length. Women may be required to follow nail colour, hair styling, and jewellery guidelines.

If the couple chooses not to wear their uniforms, they can opt for a traditional wedding suit or dress.

For those who are not regular officers but are still interested in wearing a uniform for their wedding, they may need to write in to apply and provide information such as their NS unit, NIRC, rank/name, date of the wedding, whether there will be a photoshoot, and the location of the dinner.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a uniform or not is a personal choice that the couple can make based on their preferences and the level of formality they want for their wedding.

The venue can be chosen by the couple

When it comes to military weddings, the venue can be chosen by the couple. Military weddings do not have to take place on a military base. Couples can select the venue of their choice, and military chaplains can officiate the ceremony outside of a base chapel.

However, if a couple wishes to marry in a chapel specifically tied to a military branch, they may need to meet certain requirements. For example, to marry at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland, at least one member of the couple must be a graduate, staff member, or active-duty military member assigned to the geographic area.

Couples can also decide whether they and their guests will wear military uniforms to the wedding. If they choose to include uniforms in the dress code, they should specify this in the invitation.

For those who are not regular officers but are still interested in a military wedding, it is possible to request one. NSMen, for instance, can write to their NS unit S1 to initiate the process.

The dress code should be specified in the invitation

If you're planning a military wedding, it's important to specify the dress code in the invitation. This is because there are different types of uniforms across various military branches, and the season may dictate what type of uniform is worn. For example, in the Navy, the dress uniform switches from blues to whites at the beginning of summer. If you're getting married in the summer and want your guests in uniform to match, you should specify this in your invitation.

It's also worth noting that if you want an Arch of Sabers/Swords, those participating will need to be in uniform. This tradition involves six to eight service members lining up in pairs and creating a tunnel with their swords for the married couple to walk through as they exit the ceremony venue.

If you are the one getting married and part of the military, you will need to decide whether you want to wear your military uniform or not, and whether you'd like your wedding party to wear theirs. If you do want your wedding party in uniform, be sure to specify this in the invitation.

Additionally, if you are a member of the military and are attending a wedding, you will need to adhere to the personal appearance codes of your military branch. This includes grooming and appearance regulations such as a clean-shaven face for men and natural nail colors for women.

The couple must adhere to grooming expectations

Military weddings are steeped in tradition and are a way to honour a couple's marriage and their military service. If you're planning a military wedding, it's important to adhere to certain grooming expectations on the big day.

For those in the military attending a wedding in uniform, personal appearance codes must be followed. This includes specific guidelines for both men and women. Men are expected to be clean-shaven or have a shaving waiver, and their hair must be cut to a certain length. Women are expected to wear natural nail colours and style their hair according to requirements, and jewellery should be simple, such as stud earrings. It's worth noting that the U.S. Army has recently expanded its appearance guidelines to be more inclusive, allowing for more flexibility in wedding day styling.

If you're an NSman or a regular officer, you can request to wear the Number 1 uniform for your wedding ceremony. This option is available to those who have peaked during their National Service. The uniform is loaned from the supply base and must be returned after the wedding. If you plan to have sword bearers, you will need to apply and provide information on your NS unit, NIRC, rank, date of the wedding, etc.

It's important to note that military grooming guidelines vary depending on the branch of service. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the specific expectations of your branch to ensure you adhere to the appropriate standards on your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions