Planning guide
Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and fusion wedding ceremonies: the basics
A Hindu ceremony usually takes place under a mandap around a sacred fire, led by a priest. A Sikh Anand Karaj centres on four laavan around the Guru Granth Sahib. A Muslim nikah is a marriage contract with consent, witnesses and a mahr. Fusion weddings often hold two ceremonies or blend elements of both.
A note before you read
Every tradition below has many regional and family variations, and your priest, granthi, imam or officiant is the right person to explain what your ceremony will include. This guide covers the common elements so you know what to ask about and what your vendors need to plan for.
What happens in a Hindu wedding ceremony?
A Hindu wedding usually takes place under a mandap, a decorated canopy, with a sacred fire at the centre, and is led by a priest (pandit) who recites Sanskrit mantras. Common rituals include a prayer to Ganesh to remove obstacles, the jaimala or varmala (exchange of garlands), the kanyadaan (the bride’s parents giving her hand), the pheras or saptapadi (walking around the fire, often seven rounds or steps, each a vow), and the tying of the mangalsutra and application of sindoor. South Indian ceremonies often centre on the muhurtham, an auspicious moment when the groom ties the thali or mangalsutra. Many families choose the date and time with their priest.
Plan with your vendors for: a mandap and fire your venue allows, seating for elders near the mandap, puja items the priest asks for, and a photographer who knows where to stand without blocking the ritual.
What happens in a Sikh Anand Karaj?
The Anand Karaj (blissful union) takes place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, usually in a gurdwara and often in the morning. The ceremony begins with an ardas (prayer). In the palla ceremony the bride’s father places one end of the groom’s scarf in the bride’s hand. The couple then walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times as the four laavan (hymns) are sung, and the ceremony ends with karah prashad being shared with the congregation.
Everyone covers their head and removes their shoes in the gurdwara. Gurdwaras have their own rules, for example about timing, photography, dress and interfaith marriages, so talk to your gurdwara early.
What happens in a Muslim nikah?
The nikah is the marriage contract. It is usually led by an imam or another officiant, and can take place at a mosque, at home or at a venue. Its essential elements are the free consent of both partners, given through an offer and acceptance (ijab and qubul), the presence of witnesses, and the mahr, a gift from the groom to the bride agreed beforehand. The marriage contract (often called the nikah nama) is signed, and there is usually a short sermon and prayers. Customs differ between communities, so ask your officiant how your ceremony will be arranged.
A South Asian Muslim wedding may also include a mehndi, a mayun or haldi-like ritual, a baraat, the rukhsati (the bride’s farewell) and the walima, a reception hosted after the nikah.
How do fusion and interfaith weddings work?
Many couples hold two ceremonies, for example a Hindu ceremony in the morning and a Christian or civil ceremony in the afternoon or the next day, each led by its own officiant. Others hold one ceremony that blends elements of both traditions, which needs officiants willing to share the ceremony. Agree early on the order of ceremonies, outfits for each, how to explain the rituals to guests (a printed or online programme helps), and how your vendors will reset the space between ceremonies.
Is a religious ceremony legally binding in the US?
Not on its own in every case. In the United States marriage is licensed by the state, usually through the county or city clerk, and the rules about who may officiate and how the licence is filed differ by state. Check the requirements where you are marrying, and ask your officiant whether they can sign the licence or whether you need a separate civil ceremony.
Which vendors understand our ceremony?
Look for vendors who have worked your tradition before and ask them to describe the ceremony back to you. Photographers should know the key moments, decorators the mandap or stage you need, and DJs when to stay silent. Browse photographers, decorators and South Asian wedding vendors in New Jersey on Desi Shaadi & Co.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Hindu wedding ceremony?
Can non-Sikhs have an Anand Karaj?
What is mahr in a nikah?
Can we have a Hindu and a Christian ceremony on the same day?
Keep planning
Read what happens at each event in Indian wedding events explained, see Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Pakistani wedding traditions, find an officiant, or browse all our planning guides.