Military Weddings: Veteran's Ceremony Options

Military weddings are steeped in tradition, patriotism, pomp, and circumstance. They are also a great bargain. Military chaplains perform wedding ceremonies free of charge, although a small donation to the chapel is customary. Military bases offer a variety of options for hosting wedding receptions at a significantly lower cost than non-military venues. Military weddings can take place in a military chapel, another place of worship, or anywhere else that holds special meaning for the couple. If one or both parties are in the military, there is an extra layer of complexity to consider. Military weddings are also eligible for many discounts on wedding products and services.

Veterans can wear their service uniform to a wedding

Veterans can wear their service dress uniform to a wedding, and this is a great way to add a unique touch to the special day. If you are in the military yourself, you can choose to wear your dress uniform to a wedding, just as your soon-to-be spouse will be required to wear theirs. This is a wonderful way to incorporate your military service into your wedding day and honour your time in the armed forces.

There are a few things to keep in mind, however. Firstly, it is customary to check with the couple getting married to ensure that your uniform fits with the theme of the wedding and does not stand out too much. While you are no longer in the military and cannot be punished for wearing the wrong uniform, it is respectful to ensure your uniform is appropriate for the occasion. If you were discharged before you could update your uniform to the newest version, you may want to check with other military guests to ensure your uniform is not too different from theirs.

Additionally, it is important to follow the correct protocol for wearing your uniform. You should only wear the uniform you were authorised to wear at the time of your discharge and ensure that any medals or insignia are correctly displayed. Headgear is usually not worn at weddings unless you are participating in a sword arch ceremony. If you are a veteran of the Navy or Coast Guard, you may wear white gloves and a sword, while those in the Army or Marine Corps may carry a saber.

Wearing your service uniform to a wedding is a proud moment and a great way to honour your military service. Just ensure you follow the correct procedures and check with the couple to ensure your uniform fits with their vision for the day.

Military weddings often feature an archway of swords, sabers, or rifles

Military weddings often include an archway of swords, sabers, or rifles as a way to salute the newly married couple. This tradition is said to have originated in the Royal Navy and is now practised worldwide. It is commonly performed at the weddings of military or police service members. Typically, an honour guard made up of officers or NCOs from the same unit as the service member forms the arch with swords, sabers, or rifles.

The arch is usually formed outside the building where the wedding ceremony took place, with six to eight bearers participating. The guests are invited to assemble outside to watch the event. The senior usher then makes an announcement, presenting the newly married couple to the guests. The couple then passes through the arch, and the last two bearers lower their swords, sabers, or rifles, momentarily detaining the couple. The bearer on the left then gives the bride a gentle swat on her backside with his sword or saber, welcoming her to the branch of service. This step is omitted if the bride is in the military or police.

The tradition of the archway is slightly different for each branch of the military. The Air Force, for example, follows Army procedure, while the Navy and Coast Guard follow the procedure outlined in the Marine Corps Drill Manual. The Marine Corps authorises the arch of swords for commissioned, warrant, staff non-commissioned, and non-commissioned officers. Swords are not usually carried inside places of worship, but sword belts without scabbards may be worn with Full or Dinner Dress uniforms. If the arch is formed inside due to inclement weather, the weapons remain sheathed.

The sword or saber is also used to cut the wedding cake at the reception.

Military bases offer free or cheap wedding reception venues

Military bases offer a variety of options for hosting wedding receptions at a significantly lower cost than non-military venues, hotels or resorts. The exact location of the military base and the available venues will determine the choices at your disposal, which can include joint-rank clubs, chapels, meeting halls, beaches, lakes, mountains and more.

For example, The Island Club on Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, San Diego, is a popular wedding venue, especially for those with ties to the area. The venue boasts stunning beach views and a large outdoor space for cocktail hour, complementing a coastal theme.

Another option in San Diego is the Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center, located on Naval Base Point Loma. The venue offers views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline, a perspective usually only available at the city's most exclusive hotels and restaurants. The bride and groom can choose from six indoor catering spaces, plus a lawn and deck overlooking the bay, accommodating up to 500 guests.

The Officer and Enlisted Club can also be rented for a fraction of the cost of a major event hall or hotel ballroom. These locations tend to book up early due to their low cost, so it's important to reserve your spot as early as possible.

It is worth noting that many businesses provide military discounts on wedding products and services to active-duty service members and veterans. However, these discounts may not always be advertised, so it is advisable to inquire about any potential savings.

Military weddings are often held in chapels on base

Before the wedding, couples may be required to attend premarital counselling sessions with the chaplain, who will also perform the wedding ceremony. During these sessions, the chaplain may advise the couple to involve both sets of parents in the premarital counselling process and the planning of the wedding. The chaplain can also advise on ceremonial dos and don'ts, keeping in mind that rules and regulations may vary among installations, branches of services, and religions.

Couples who wish to have their wedding in a military chapel should get approval from the chaplain for certain aspects of the ceremony. For instance, permission may be needed to have flowers in the chapel, play a special selection of music during the ceremony, or have a photographer taking pictures during the event.

Military weddings often include unique traditions such as an archway of swords, sabers, or rifles that the newly married couple exits the ceremony under. This ceremony is known as the Arch of Sabers for commissioned officers and the Arch of Rifles for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. The couple may stop to kiss under the arch before passing through, and the last two members of the honour guard may block their path to give a swat on the new military spouse's rear as a welcome to the service branch.

Reception venues on military bases typically include officer, enlisted, or joint-rank community clubs, chapel meeting halls, and billeting/hotel venues such as the Navy Lodge.

Wedding products and services are often discounted for veterans

Wedding Attire

Veterans and active-duty service members can receive discounts on wedding attire, including:

• 10% off at Allen Edmonds
• 20% off at Cole Haan
• 10% off at Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
• $10 off any complete tuxedo or suit rental at Larenas
• 50% off sitewide at New York & Company
• 10% off at Unique Vintage
• 10% off at Rack Room Shoes

Wedding Rings

Active-duty service members, veterans, retirees, reservists, and cadets can receive discounts on wedding rings, including:

• 5% off at Allurez
• 10% off at Arthur's Jewelers
• 10% off at Helzberg Diamonds
• 15% off at James Free Jewelers
• 5% off at Larson Jewelers
• 10% off at Since1910.com
• 10% off at Tiffany & Co.
• 1% off at Whiteflash
• 20% off settings and 1% off diamonds at Wonder Jewelers
• 10% off at Zales Diamond Store

Wedding Venues and Services

There are also discounts available for wedding venues and services, including:

• 10% off at Belltower Chapel & Garden in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
• 20% off at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
• 20% off at Mon Bel Ami Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada
• 15% off at Ocean Isle Inn in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
• Discounts at Rosehill Manor in Leesburg, Virginia
• Complimentary vendors and discounts on per-person packages at Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, CO
• $50 off wedding packages priced at $299 or more at Viva Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada
• 10% off at Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Waived ceremony site fee at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach, California
• 15% off hosted food and beverages at Marcus Weddings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• 10% off wedding photographs at True Photography Wedding Photographer in San Diego, California

Wedding Planning Services

Planned Perfectly offers a discount exclusively to active-duty and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces. Their military wedding package includes discounts on services such as justice of the peace, postage and invitations, and complimentary ceremony space.

Frequently asked questions