Military Wedding Traditions Revealed

Military weddings are steeped in tradition and are a way to honour both a couple's marriage and their military service. Military weddings do not need to take place on a military base and can be officiated by a chaplain or civilian clergy. Military weddings usually include traditions such as the arch of swords or sabers, where the newly married couple exit the ceremony under an archway of swords, sabers or rifles, and the cutting of the cake with a sword or saber. Military dress and service uniforms are often the only visible sign of a military wedding, with men more likely to wear their uniforms than women. Military weddings also include specific seating arrangements, with high-ranking military officers given seats of honour.

Military wedding venues and officiants

Military weddings can take place anywhere, but many couples choose to marry at a military academy chapel or host their reception at a military base. If you're unsure of the rules associated with using those venues, reach out to your base's protocol office and/or chaplain for advice.

Military Wedding Venues

If you're hosting your ceremony at a base chapel, speak with the chaplain ahead of time about flower arrangements and music selections, as you'll need to get their permission for altar arrangements and any non-traditional music choices. Some base chapels require reservations very far in advance, especially during the time right after graduation and commissioning.

If you're interested in a chapel specifically tied to a branch, you might have 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, a staff member, or an active-duty military member assigned to the geographic area.

Military Wedding Officiants

The most common officiant for a military wedding is a chaplain. Military chaplains can preside over off-base weddings, so they're a great option even if you're not tying the knot at a military venue. Chaplains don't charge a fee for officiating, but a small donation to the chapel where they're based is an acceptable way to show your appreciation.

Military wedding attire

Military weddings are steeped in tradition and are a way to honour both a couple's marriage and their military service. Military wedding attire is largely dependent on the style of the wedding, the time of day, the season, and the government-issued uniform manual.

The groom will typically wear either a Mess dress uniform or a Class-A service uniform. The Mess dress uniform is worn for ultra-formal and formal weddings, and is usually dark blue, although during summer, army and navy men may wear white trousers. The Class-A or Service dress uniform is worn for semi-formal weddings and is also dark blue, sometimes with white trousers.

The bride, if she is in the military, can also wear her uniform, but many opt for a traditional white wedding dress. Bridesmaids might wear navy gowns to complement the men's uniforms or any other colour the bride prefers. If the bride chooses not to wear a uniform, she should wear a long, elegant dress with a flowing train and veil for a formal wedding.

Fathers of the bride or groom who are active or retired officers may wear their uniforms, as may mothers, although they usually opt for traditional wedding attire. All other non-military wedding party members simply wear traditional wedding attire of the same level of formality as those in uniform.

Military guests may wear their uniforms or traditional formal attire. If the couple wishes for military guests to attend in uniform, this can be noted on the invitation.

Military wedding traditions

Military weddings are steeped in tradition, honouring both the couple's marriage and their military service. While there is no official protocol, military weddings often incorporate long-standing customs and rituals. Here are some of the most common military wedding traditions:

Sword or Saber Arch

One of the most iconic and defining traditions at a military wedding is the Sword or Saber Arch. Six to eight service members line up in pairs, creating an arch with their swords or sabers for the newlyweds to walk under as they exit the ceremony. This symbolises the military's pledge to honour and protect the couple in their married life. The arch is usually formed outdoors, especially if the ceremony takes place in a place of worship, as weapons are rarely allowed to be drawn inside.

Uniforms

All service members in the wedding party typically wear the same uniform as the groom. The bride, if a service member, may also choose to wear her uniform. The colour of the uniform depends on the season, with blue worn in winter and white in summer. Full ceremonial dress, including medals, white gloves, and swords or sabers, adds to the pomp and circumstance. Military brides often opt for a traditional white wedding dress instead of their uniform.

Music

Military weddings often include patriotic music choices, such as the service branch's signature song during the recessional or a medley of branch songs to honour the diverse service members present.

Cake Cutting

The cake-cutting ceremony is another highlight of a military wedding. The couple uses a sword or saber to cut the cake, with the bride holding the sword and the groom placing his hands over hers.

Seating Arrangements

Military weddings follow a strict seating protocol. High-ranking military officers and distinguished guests are seated towards the front, just behind the couple's immediate family. At the reception, "distinguished visitor" tables are placed near the couple's table, honouring the highest-ranking service members and their families. Military members are typically seated by rank and title, with captains sitting with captains and sergeants with sergeants.

Flag Display

It is customary to display an American flag and the flags of the couple's military units during the ceremony, flanking either side of the altar. The Arch of Sabers or Swords is another way to showcase the unit colours.

Military wedding music

Music is an important part of any wedding, and military weddings are no exception. Military weddings are steeped in tradition and music can be a great way to pay homage to the couple's military service.

If you are planning a military wedding, you may want to include your service branch's song in the recessional or play military-themed music at the reception. You could also incorporate your service branch's song as part of the prelude, when guests are taking their seats, or during the processional, when the wedding party enters the ceremony venue and walks down the aisle.

If you are getting married in a military chapel, you should speak with the chaplain ahead of time about music selections, as you will need their permission for any non-traditional music choices.

For the cake-cutting ceremony, it is a tradition in military weddings to use a sword or saber to cut the cake. You could choose a song that complements this tradition, perhaps something with military connotations.

There are many ways to incorporate music into your military wedding, from the prelude to the last dance, and it is a great way to showcase your service and pay tribute to your military lineage and history.

Military wedding seating arrangements

Military weddings are steeped in tradition and are a way to honour both the couple's marriage and their military service. Military wedding seating arrangements are no exception to this.

Seating Arrangements

Installation Protocol Officer

If you are unsure about the seating arrangements, your installation protocol officer can help you with your seating chart.

Seating at the Wedding Reception

Seating at the wedding reception follows a similar protocol to the wedding ceremony. Commanding officers should be seated near the head table, in clear view of the bride and groom. All other military personnel can be seated at the discretion of the couple, either together at tables dictated by the branch of service or among family members and friends.

Seating Arrangements at Your Discretion

However, the couple may choose to disregard military protocol when it comes to seating arrangements, and seat their guests as they see fit.

Frequently asked questions