Format of the Ceremony

According to tradition, the religious weddings ceremony is often held at home. Monks are brought to the bride's house where the ceremony will take place and the bride and groom kneel on the floor in front of the monks. The key steps in the ceremony are outlined below:

• The bride and groom light a candle and 3 incense sticks together - one for Lord Buddha, one for the teachings of Buddha and one for monks.

• The monks start the ceremony, which consists of prayers and chanting. After each prayer the couple bow one time to pay obedience to Lord Buddha and the Buddhist teaching.

• A length of twine is then passed from the Buddha statue through the monks hands and over the shoulders of the couple. This signifies the blessing of Buddha to the couple.

The ceremony lasts around 45 minutes. At some of the hotels, for example Samui, the ceremony is conducted in a nearby temple.

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