Mongolian Marriage Customs
What to Expect at a Mongolian Wedding: Customs, Ceremonies & Local Insights
If you’re attending a wedding in Mongolia, you’ll notice a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern customs. While traditional Mongolian weddings have gradually adopted contemporary elements, many core customs are still practiced today.
Engagement – “Beseeching the Bride”
When a couple decides to marry, the groom’s family visits the bride’s home to make a formal proposal. The groom’s father presents a khadag (a ceremonial silk scarf) along with gifts—typically including a silver cup—to the bride’s parents.
If the khadag and gifts are accepted, it signifies the bride’s family agrees to the match. After this, the two families discuss the wedding plans, including selecting the month and date of the ceremony. The exact wedding date is often determined with the help of a monk, fortune teller, or the traditional Mongolian lunar calendar, as choosing an auspicious day is believed to bring luck and happiness to the marriage.
Wedding Photos
In cities and towns, most couples choose to have professional wedding photos taken 1 to 3 months before the wedding.
- Brides often wear a Western-style white gown, while grooms may wear a suit or a stylish jacket and trousers.
- Alternatively, some couples opt for traditional Mongolian attire, such as the deel.
- Photo shoots usually take place in scenic locations or photography studios to create romantic and memorable backdrops.
Wedding Day Traditions
The wedding day is marked by meaningful rituals that symbolize the union of two families.
– On the morning of the wedding, the groom’s family arrives at the bride’s home with a traditional deel for her to wear.
– Once the bride leaves her family’s home, it signifies her transition to her new life with her husband.
– Upon arriving at her new home (often a ger, or traditional yurt), white felt is laid out for the bride to step on—symbolizing purity and a prosperous path.
– The bride then prepares and serves milk tea to elders, including her new in-laws, as a sign of respect.
– In rural areas, the couple may exchange silver or gold rings during a simple ceremony.
In Ulaanbaatar, couples often marry officially at the National Wedding Ceremony Palace, followed by a celebration and banquet in the evening.
Wedding Celebration
The wedding banquet is hosted by both families and can vary depending on location:
– In cities, the celebration typically takes place over one evening in a restaurant.
– In the countryside, festivities may last for up to three days, often held at the couple’s new home.
Guests bring cash gifts, furniture, or other household items to support the newlyweds. The event includes traditional rituals, music, dancing, and the singing of Mongolian folk songs—creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
