Hindu Wedding: Traditions, Ceremony & Planning Guide For UK Couples
There are few ceremonies out there quite as vibrant and celebratory as a Hindu wedding.
Hindu weddings are filled to the brim with rituals and traditions, many of which have been included for hundreds of years. Every part of the day is filled with symbolism – which means every element must be planned for.
As with any wedding, the best laid plans start with understanding the meaning behind the traditions. In our guide to Hindu wedding ceremonies below, we cover everything from rituals and Hindu wedding customs to what it takes to plan a legal Hindu wedding right here in the UK.
There are even tips for those attending a Hindu wedding as a (lucky!) guest, with advice on what to wear.
Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always seek professional legal advice for your specific situation.
What is a Hindu Wedding Ceremony?
A Hindu wedding ceremony is a joyous occasion where two people come together to get married, joined by their family and friends.
Also known as vivaha (the Sanskrit word for marriage) or kalyanam (the south Indian term), Hindu weddings are multi-day celebrations that often last around three days but can be as long as five.
The ceremony itself will generally last somewhere between 90 minutes and three hours and tends to happen on day three of the event which, for many couples, will be the last day of their wedding.
It’s officiated by a Hindu priest (or pandit) who will meet with the couple beforehand to explain what will happen during the ceremony, its significance and to generally help them feel at ease before the big moment.
What is a mandap?
The central point of the ceremony is the mandap – a covered, pavilion-like structure that’s often adorned with flowers, drapes, crystals and sometimes even lights. Underneath it are ornate chairs for the couple and their parents to sit on.
The mandap is there to symbolise the foundational home where the couple and their families are united, with the four pillars said to represent the four parents, and the canopy the shelter, protection and unity surrounding the newlyweds.
Mandaps are usually hired and styled by specialist decorators, and the venue must allow a small ceremonial fire.
Key Hindu Wedding Rituals & Traditions
The main reason that Hindu weddings are so long? Because there are so many wonderful rituals and traditions to follow, it would be impossible to include them all in one day! But before you can even begin making plans, for some, choosing the date and time of their Hindu wedding is a ritual in itself.
Many Hindu couples turn to astrological charts to find the most auspicious dates for their big day. For example, many couples choose to marry during Shukla Paksha – the waxing fortnight of the lunar month – when specific lunar days are considered auspicious, but the days of the week (hello, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) are also a consideration.
In some Hindu communities, families will consult a priest or astrologer to compare the nearlyweds’ birth charts to determine not only their compatibility but to divine an auspicious wedding date and time. This is known as muhurta.
For other couples, this is simply symbolic or a ritual that might be skipped altogether, it really depends on their background and personalities.
Pre-wedding celebrations
Once the date and time is set, there’s a lot more to be enjoyed and the rituals that take place in the lead-up to the ceremony can begin. These include:
- Mehndi: A festive celebration that also features in many Muslim weddings, the mehndi ceremony is a pre-wedding celebration for the couple and their families, where hands, arms and feet are painted with intricate henna patterns. In addition to the beautification element, it’s also celebratory, with food, upbeat music, choreographed dancing and the most opulent outfits. Traditionally it was just the bride and her family who attended, but it’s now common for all to attend and enjoy the festivities – a fun pre-wedding party, if you will!
- Haldi: Also known as gaye holud in Bengal or pithi, this pre-wedding tradition involves friends and family applying turmeric paste to the couple for cleansing, good fortune, and protection from negative energy.
- Sangeet: This translates from Sanskrit to mean ‘sung together’ and is a music and dance night where families perform and get to know each other ahead of the big day.
What happens at a Hindu wedding ceremony: Step by step
The order and inclusion of Hindu wedding rituals will vary by family and community, and the priest will guide each individual couple through theirs. As a guide, here’s a step by step look at what to expect in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony…
1. Baraat
The Baraat is the groom’s arrival – a lively, ceremonial procession with music and dancing, accompanied by all his friends and family. The moment really is something to behold – sometimes the groom will arrive on a ceremonial horse or in a car, the bride’s family may toss rice over him to symbolise a shower of prosperity, fertility and good fortune, and a tilak (a ceremonial red dot) is applied by the bride’s mother, traditionally done so to incite positive energy.
2. Ganesh Puja
Prior to a Hindu wedding ceremony, the priest will lead a prayer (or puja) to Ganesha, the Hindu God of Beginnings to ask for a smooth, obstacle-free ceremony.
3. Kanya Aagman
This symbolic moment which quite literally translates to ‘arrival of the bride’ can be equally grand. Traditionally the bride is escorted by her maternal uncles or brothers – though it’s becoming increasingly common for modern Hindu brides to have their father or even their mother escort them down the aisle – either on a decorated palanquin or underneath a canopy of flowers.
4. Jaimala (Varmala)
As one of the first symbolic steps taken by the couple, jaimala is a sacred Indian wedding ritual where the couple exchange fresh flower garlands, said to symbolise a mutual love, respect and acceptance for one another. However, this is also a ritual where the timing of it may vary – in some, the garland exchange happens before the couple enters the mandap, sometimes on a separate stage.
5. Kanyadaan
Traditionally, the bride’s parents will then give her hand to her partner with their blessing.
6. Hast Milap and Granthi Bandhan
Here, the couple’s hands are joined and their garments tied together to symbolise their union and their eternal bond.
7. Vivaha Homa
This is where the priest lights a sacred fire in a copper vessel or altar, inviting Agni (the Hindu God of Fire) to witness the marriage vows.
8. Mangal Pheras
In this Hindu wedding ritual, the couple walk around the sacred fire (usually four times), with each circling said to represent one of the four core pillars or goals of married life: Dharma: the couple’s moral, ethical, and religious duty; Artha: wealth and prosperity; Kama: love, passion, and physical satisfaction; and Moksha: spiritual liberation and ultimate salvation.
9. Saptapadi
Translating as ‘seven steps’ in Sanskrit, saptapadi is the most crucial ritual in a Hindu wedding ceremony, where the couple take seven steps together around the sacred fire and make a specific vow with each step.
The vows include promising to nourish each other, grow in strength, prosper, share happiness, raise a family, remain united and be lifelong companions – not too dissimilar to the kinds of vows exchanged at other types of wedding ceremonies.
In most North Indian ceremonies, couples will complete seven pheras as the saptapadi (making it one ritual, not two), while Gujarati ceremonies usually have four pheras followed by a separate saptapadi of seven steps.
10. Sindoor and Mangalsutra
The mangalasutra is a sacred Hindu necklace that the groom ties around the bride’s neck to symbolise her new marital status. The traditional designs feature black beads (which are said to represent protection from evil), but you can also find the most beautiful modern designs featuring diamonds set in yellow or white gold. Sindoor is a traditional red powder applied to the hair parting.
11. Ashirvad
From the Sanskrit word meaning ‘blessings’, this final formal step of the ceremony is where friends and family members shower the couple with flower petals, rice, or turmeric grain while wishing them a prosperous and happy life.
12. Vidaai
After the final blessings, the vidaai is a deeply emotional and equally ceremonial moment, as it marks the bride’s official farewell to her family as she embarks on a new life with her partner.
Is a Hindu Wedding Legally Binding in the UK?
A Hindu wedding isn’t automatically legally binding in the UK – it depends on where the ceremony takes place and who is present.
It can be legally recognised if the ceremony takes place in a registered building (some Hindu temples qualify) with a registrar or authorised person present. However, if you’re marrying outside a registered place of worship, you’ll need to follow certain steps, depending on where in the UK you’re marrying, to ensure your Hindu wedding ceremony is legally recognised.
In England and Wales, a Hindu ceremony is only legally binding if it takes place in a building registered for marriages (as mentioned, some mandirs are) with a registrar or authorised person present. Otherwise, you will need a separate civil ceremony at a register office or licensed wedding venue.
In Scotland, authorised religious celebrants can conduct legally binding marriages, and the location rules are more flexible. A Hindu wedding ceremony can be legally binding on its own in Scotland if the person conducting the ceremony is officially registered and authorised by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) as a religious or belief celebrant for Hinduism.
In Northern Ireland, a Hindu wedding can also be considered legally binding, providing the Hindu priest or minister conducting the ceremony has been formally registered and approved as an officiant by the Registrar General in Northern Ireland.
Lots of couples will, in fact, opt for both kinds of ceremonies, particularly in England and Wales. Firstly, a civil ceremony for the legal part, then the Hindu ceremony as the celebration that matters most to them.
The government has also recently proposed the biggest change to wedding law in England and Wales since 1836, moving regulation from buildings to officiants. Hindu weddings are among those religious ceremonies that will be easier to make legally binding, potentially removing that need for a separate civil ceremony.
However, this not the law just yet – legislation will follow when parliamentary time allows, and it’s likely to come into force in 2027 at the earliest.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to ensure your Hindu wedding is legal in England and Wales:
- Check whether your venue or mandir is registered for marriages.
- Give notice of marriage at your local register office. You must give at least 29 days’ notice before your ceremony (or up to 71 days if subject to immigration checks).
- Book a registrar or confirm the temple’s authorised person.
- Hold the legal ceremony with at least two witnesses present.
What to Wear to a Hindu Wedding
It’s not only the ceremony of a Hindu wedding that’s different to Western celebrations – the dress code will be, too. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a Hindu wedding, you’ll be encouraged to observe the correct attire, regardless of your culture or background. Think traditional, modest Indian clothing – a sari, lehenga or salwar trouser suit.
Bright colours, heavy embellishments and beautiful jewellery that feels celebratory in nature are all encouraged. Many families prefer guests avoid black and white, but it’s worth checking the invitation for a dress code or check-in with the couple if you’re unsure. It’s wise to avoid head-to-toe red, too, since many Hindu brides choose to wear red, often embellished with additional colours like gold, and other opulent details.
If you’ve been invited to multiple parts of the wedding, you’ll likely need a few different looks. At the evening reception, even the couple themselves may change into something a little less traditional. Again, your invitation should detail any specific dress codes but be particularly mindful if you’re visiting a Hindu temple (or mandir) – you’ll likely be expected to remove shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
Planning a Hindu Wedding in the UK
Ignore the dress (at least for a minute), planning a Hindu wedding in the UK all starts with the basics. A multi-day wedding is no small feat, after all! Here’s what to tick off your wedmin list early on…
Choose your venue(s): Reception guest numbers can be in their hundreds, so choosing a venue that has that kind of capacity is important. You may also want to choose a venue that can accommodate multiple events and that has experience hosting Hindu or multi-faith celebrations – they’ll likely have a great black book of suppliers you can tap up, too.
Plan key ceremonies: Reach out to local Hindu priests who are familiar with local laws and who understand the vision you have for your ceremony, along with any potential modifications. This may also be the time to ask them to consult your birth charts to find the most auspicious date and time for your wedding.
Give notice: If you want your marriage to be legally recognised in the UK, you may need to have a civil ceremony in addition to your traditional Hindu celebrations. Giving notice is a legal requirement – regardless of religion or culture – that formalises your intent to marry.
Send save-the-dates: If you’re inviting guests to multiple parts of your wedding, send these early so they can keep the days free.
Book primary suppliers: Think photographers and videographers, mandap hire, florists and venue stylists, and brilliant fusion DJs who can help you get the party started.
Consider calling in the pros: A wedding planner who thoroughly understands Hindu celebrations can make the planning process a lot easier, especially if your wedding spans several days.
How much do Hindu weddings cost?
Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples, tracks what couples really spend every year. The latest Bridebook UK Wedding Report puts the average cost of a wedding in the UK at £20,604. However, this figure includes everything from the ceremony to the reception, which typically takes place on a single day for most Western weddings.
Because Hindu wedding celebrations can last as long as five days, they’re often more expensive. But this all depends on the budget you have to dedicate to your big day.
Budgets smaller than the typical average cost can still result in a beautiful, romantic and memorable wedding filled with joy and celebration. It might span two days instead of five – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Hindu Wedding FAQ
Can you drink alcohol at a Hindu wedding?
Whether you will be served alcohol at a Hindu wedding depends entirely on the couple and their background, family traditions and personal preferences.
There will be no alcohol served or consumed during the ceremony and the sacred wedding rituals, but it may be available at the reception.
Some Hindu couples also choose to serve drinks at the pre-wedding rituals.
Can a Hindu marry a non-Hindu in a Hindu ceremony?
Under Indian law, a Hindu can participate in a symbolic Hindu wedding ceremony with a non-Hindu, but the marriage itself will not be legally binding unless the non-Hindu partner formally converts to Hinduism.
In England and Wales, a Hindu can participate in a Hindu wedding ceremony with a non-Hindu, but – just as if two Hindus were getting married – the marriage isn’t legally recognised unless they have a separate civil ceremony conducted by a registrar or the Hindu temple is officially licensed as a wedding venue and a certified registrar is present.
How much does a Hindu wedding priest cost in the UK?
The cost of a Hindu priest in the UK can vary depending on their experience, location, how in-demand they are, whether they’re bilingual, and the complexity of the wedding, however, most couples should expect to pay somewhere between £500 and £1,500.
What gift do you give at a Hindu wedding?
Cash and monetary gifts are a popular and welcome choice for Hindu weddings. It’s usually handed to the couple in an envelope alongside a wedding card expressing your best wishes.
Like all weddings, how much money you give depends on your personal budget, but at Hindu weddings, it’s traditional to give in denominations of one (instead of giving £100, for example, you may give £101). The extra ‘one’ is seen as an additional blessing and wish for prosperity and good fortune.
How are auspicious Hindu wedding dates chosen?
Auspicious Hindu wedding dates (also known as muhurats) are chosen through careful analysis of astrological, lunar and calendar factors, often by a Hindu priest. While Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are generally favoured for Hindu weddings, Tuesdays are typically considered inauspicious.
Can a Hindu wedding ceremony take place outdoors?
Yes, a Hindu wedding can take place outdoors. The ceremony is centred around a mandap, which can be set up on a lawn or in a garden.
Start Planning Your Hindu Wedding
However many days your celebrations span, a Hindu wedding comes together most smoothly when you lock in the essentials early. Bridebook’s wedding planning checklist breaks it all into manageable tasks, so nothing slips through the cracks while you focus on the rituals that matter most to you. Happy planning!
Why Trust Bridebook
Bridebook is the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
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