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In most Buddhist weddings, monks or nuns do not perform or formalise the ceremony. Instead, the couple may choose a friend or a civil celebrant to conduct the wedding.
Buddhism does not view marriage as a sacrament but rather a personal and social commitment. (Image: Shutterstock)
A Buddhist wedding symbolises the couple’s commitment to knowledge, compassion and harmony in their relationship while also honouring the teachings of the Buddha. Unlike other spiritual traditions, Buddhists view marriage as an individual choice rather than a sacrament.
Instead of following rigid procedures, a Buddhist ceremony is a happy, flowing event that honours the partners’ cultural backgrounds.
Local customs are typically incorporated into Buddhist weddings, such as the use of string to bind the wrists in Cambodia or the consumption of three cups of rice wine in Japan. Most conclude the wedding with an extravagant feast and live music. Buddhist weddings may appear to be very different from other weddings around the world.
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The Role of Monks In Buddhist Weddings
In most Buddhist weddings, monks or nuns do not perform or formalise the ceremony. Instead, the couple may choose a friend or a civil celebrant to conduct the wedding.
Monks usually do not officiate the ceremony in a Buddhist wedding because Buddhism considers marriage to be a secular matter. However, monks are often asked to bless the couple and impart wisdom to them by chanting prayers and applying symbolic marks of blessing on the bride and groom during a temple visit. In other words, they serve as spiritual advisors rather than marriage performers. This usually happens after the legal marriage ceremony is over.
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Important details about Buddhist marriages and monks’ roles:
No formal monastic marriage ceremony
The wedding ceremony itself is usually not performed by monks because Buddhism does not view marriage as a sacrament but rather a personal and social commitment.
Praying and being blessed
Monks are asked to participate in the wedding ceremony to bestow blessings and say prayers for the couple’s health and happiness.
Visiting a temple to receive blessings
After their wedding, Buddhist couples often go to a temple to get monk blessings.
Symbolic gestures
Monks may bless a marriage by applying a paste made of water and candle wax to their foreheads.
Living a moral life
Buddhist wedding vows, which are in line with Buddha’s teachings, often stress the need to lead an ethical life, with compassion and mutual respect.
