Rhiannon Hendricks
Jehovah's Witnesses do celebrate weddings, but their wedding ceremonies differ from those of other Christian denominations. The weddings include a Bible talk, which is a 30-minute discussion about how the Bible can help the couple have a lasting, loving, and happy marriage. In some countries, the couple may exchange vows and rings, and the minister will pronounce them husband and wife. The weddings do not include food or drink, but some couples choose to have a reception afterward. Jehovah's Witnesses do not toast at weddings, but they do give and receive gifts. While there is no specific dress code, attendees are expected to dress modestly and respectfully.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding location | Kingdom Hall |
| Wedding dress code | Modest and respectful |
| Wedding gifts | Gifts are given and received |
| Wedding toasts | No toasts |
| Wedding reception | May include music, dancing, food, and drink |
| Wedding anniversaries | Couples decide whether to celebrate |
| Wedding vows | Exchanged during the wedding talk |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding talk
Jehovah's Witnesses do celebrate weddings, but the celebrations are quite different from weddings in wider society. The main feature of a Jehovah's Witness wedding is the wedding talk, a 30-minute discussion led by a minister about how the Bible can help the couple have a lasting, loving, and happy marriage. In many countries, ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses are authorised to solemnise marriages. In this case, towards the end of the talk, the couple exchange vows and rings, and the minister pronounces them husband and wife. In other countries, the couple must marry in a government office before the wedding talk. In this case, the couple may exchange vows during the talk if they did not do so at the civil marriage.
Jehovah's Witnesses weddings do not include food or drink, but some couples choose to have a reception afterward where refreshments may be served. If the couple decides to serve alcohol, it is only offered in moderation and to those who are of legal drinking age. If the couple has a reception, it may include music and dancing. The music will be tasteful and based on Scripture. There is no specific dress code, but Jehovah's Witnesses dress modestly and respectfully, and they appreciate it when others do the same.
Jehovah's Witnesses are happy to give and receive wedding gifts, but they avoid soliciting gifts or publicly announcing the names of the givers. They do not toast, as they believe this practice has roots in false religious customs. In some places, people throw rice or confetti at the newly married couple.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or Mother's Day, as they believe these holidays involve "false religious beliefs or activities". They also refrain from taking part in ecumenical and interfaith activities. However, Jehovah's Witnesses do celebrate wedding anniversaries, as these are not forbidden in the Scriptures. Affluent Jehovah's Witnesses may celebrate anniversaries with discussions about continuous loving and long-lasting marriages.
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Dress code
The dress code at a Jehovah's Witness wedding embodies a sense of modesty and generosity, reflecting the values and principles upheld within their religious community. Although there is no specific dress code for weddings held at a Kingdom Hall, Jehovah's Witnesses strive to follow the Bible's direction to dress modestly and respectfully. They appreciate it when others do the same.
Women are expected to wear skirts or dresses that cover their knees. They should not wear yoga pants or other tight-fitting clothing. Excessive adornment, such as flashy jewellery, is also discouraged. In most situations, women are expected to wear a head covering when interpreting religious discourses or when praying in public and males are in attendance.
Men are not allowed to have beards, although well-groomed moustaches are permitted. They should also avoid tight-fitting clothing and ensure their attire is modest.
At a Jehovah's Witness wedding, it is important to avoid wearing any religious icons or symbols. The couple may choose to exchange rings, but this is not mandatory. If rice or confetti is thrown, it should not be directed at the couple as Jehovah's Witnesses avoid practices connected with superstition.
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Gifts
Jehovah's Witnesses do exchange wedding gifts. However, they avoid soliciting gifts or publicly announcing the names of the givers, as this can make attendees feel uncomfortable and could embarrass those who are unable to afford to give a gift.
When it comes to choosing a gift for a Jehovah's Witness couple, it is important to consider their religious beliefs and values. For instance, a deluxe leather Bible cover could be a thoughtful gift, as it is something that a Jehovah's Witness can always use to keep their Bible in good condition. You could also give a gift that symbolises the couple's love and commitment to each other and to Jehovah, such as love locks with their names engraved on them. If you are unable to attend the wedding, you could send a spiritual greeting card with blessings and encouraging messages from the Bible.
If you are looking for a more practical gift, you could consider giving financial assistance, as this can be especially helpful for a young couple starting their new life together. Another option is to give a gift that aligns with the couple's interests or hobbies. For example, if the couple enjoys music, you could give them the new songbook "Sing Out Joyfully to Jehovah". Ultimately, the decision to give a gift and what to give is a personal one, and you can always ask the couple if they have any specific preferences or needs.
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Toasts
Jehovah's Witnesses do not partake in toasts at weddings. This is because the practice of toasting is believed to have roots in false religious customs. Instead, they express their well wishes to the couple in other ways.
The wedding ceremony at a Kingdom Hall does not include food or drink, and there is no specific dress code. However, attendees are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, in line with the Bible's direction. Some couples choose to have a reception afterward, where refreshments may be served. If the couple decides to serve alcohol, it is usually made available in moderate quantities and only to those who are of legal drinking age.
The main feature of the wedding is the wedding talk, delivered by a male minister of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is a warm and uplifting discussion that emphasizes how the Bible can help the couple have a lasting, loving, and happy marriage. The talk is usually around 30 minutes long and may include the couple exchanging vows and rings. The talk concludes with a prayer asking God to bless the newly married couple.
In some countries, ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses are authorized to solemnize marriages. In other countries, the couple is required to marry at a government office before the wedding talk. If the couple did not exchange vows at the civil marriage, they may do so during the wedding talk.
Jehovah's Witnesses generally observe wedding anniversaries, as they are not prohibited in the scriptures. However, they refrain from incorporating traditions with pagan origins into their celebrations.
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Music and dancing
Jehovah's Witnesses do celebrate weddings, but the focus is on the religious ceremony and spiritual commitment rather than extravagant celebrations. Wedding traditions may be skipped or modified to align with their religious beliefs.
If the couple chooses to have a reception, they may include music and dancing. The selection of music reflects good taste, personal preference, and culture, and may include themes based on Scripture. Music and dancing are approached with consideration for the beliefs and principles of Jehovah's Witnesses, ensuring that the revelry aligns with their religious convictions.
The wedding ceremony, which may take place at a Kingdom Hall, often includes music with themes based on Scripture. Jehovah's Witnesses call their church Kingdom Halls, and these ceremonies are usually open to anyone, including non-Witnesses.
After the wedding ceremony, there is usually a reception or dance in a regular dance hall, with bridesmaids and groomsmen in attendance. The couple may choose to include music and dancing at the reception.
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Frequently asked questions
The wedding ceremony at a Kingdom Hall does not include food or drink. Some couples choose to have a reception afterward where a meal or refreshments may be served, along with music and dancing. The wedding ceremony often includes music with themes based on the Scriptures. The main feature is the wedding talk, which is about 30 minutes long and delivered by a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The couple may exchange vows and rings, and the minister will then pronounce them husband and wife.
Bible principles neither approve nor forbid wedding anniversaries, so Jehovah's Witness couples decide for themselves whether or not to celebrate. If they choose to, they might celebrate privately or with friends and family. Affluent Jehovah's Witnesses tend to observe wedding anniversaries.
Weddings at a Kingdom Hall have no specific dress code, but Jehovah's Witnesses dress modestly and respectfully in line with the Bible's direction, and they appreciate it when others do the same.
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