Spanish Wedding Ceremonies

Spanish weddings are most likely to be religious ceremonies, although civil weddings are available.    What these may have in common is that the wedding ceremonies and celebrations may start late in the day, around 7pm and continue well into the next day!

After a civil wedding, the couple are presented with their Acta de Matrimonio (marriage certificate), whilst after a religious ceremony, the couple receive a Libro de Matrimonies (marriage book).  At some point, a couple will need to present one or the other of these documents to the local authority so that they can receive their Libro de Familia – a record book for their children’s names, just like Belgian couples!

Whatever the type of ceremony, unlike many cultures, where the groom stands nervously with his best man, waiting for his bride to show up, the Spanish groom is traditionally accompanied down the aisle by … his mum!  She then remains at his side, until his bride arrives and the couple stand with the priest at the altar.

By contrast, and similar to many other European countries, the bride is escorted by her father.  The use of families, rather than friends as attendants is a true reflection on the emphasis that Spanish culture puts on the importance of family bonds.

As part of the wedding day rituals, the groom may customarily offer his bride the gift of thirteen gold coins, all nestled in a commemorative, highly ornate chest or box.  The priest blesses the coins, which represent Christ and the twelve apostles.  The actual meaning of the gift seems to vary across those regions or according to the understanding of the custom as passed down through individual families.  For some, the gift coming from the groom represents his role as provider, whilst others feel that good fortune, as represented by the coins and the blessings bestowed upon them, is what there bring to the couple.

The couple do exchange wedding rings as part of their marriage vows.  Spanish couples wear these on their right hands and these will traditionally be plain bands of gold.

As the couple exit the church, flowers and rice may be thrown although more enthusiastic guests and communities might set off firecrackers in celebration (but hopefully nowhere near the dress)!