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Buddhism considers marriage a personal event and not a religious rite. Ceremonies are often organized around the desires of the couple and are held after a legal ceremony. Couples are required to use a local court or temple that conducts ceremonies of law for the marriage to be considered legal. A number of Buddhism sects including Zen, Korean Zen, Nichiren, Theravada, Pure Land and Mahayana Buddhism may require specific rituals within the wedding ceremony. Buddhism does not mandate that both the husband and wife are Buddhists to enter marriage.
Buddhism is often considered a way of life and a state of mind, rather than a religion. In Buddhism, marriage is not a religious sacrament, but a personal decision. This idea is rooted in the beliefs of the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha, who felt marriage is a partnership between two individuals holding deep, mutual respect for one another.
Buddhists hold very liberal views of marriage and the ceremony itself is not considered a religious affair. The bride and groom, along with their families, decide on a ceremony that best suits their culture and traditions, rather than relying on standardized etiquette and tradition. A Thai Buddhist wedding differs from a Japanese Buddhist wedding.
Plan a Buddhist wedding by booking a temple many months in advance, discussing the ceremony and traditions with the officiant, and participating in a hand-binding tradition. Incorporate all the traditions that go with a Buddhist wedding ceremony using tips from a wedding and event coordinator in this free video on wedding planning.
A Buddhist wedding ceremony is meant to provide a space where you as a couple promise to make an honest and sincere attempt to maintain a harmonious and spiritually-sound relationship. A Buddhist wedding ceremony is based upon spiritual faith and not centered on religion. It is an uncomplicated ceremony that involves only a few simple traditional rituals.
