Could you please help me with the following questions about Buddhist Weddings?

Question

I really need the answers to the following questions, it would be very very helpful:

1) Are there any ceremonies before building up to the wedding?

2) Is there a dowry? If so, why?

3) Where do they get married? Is it considered important?

4) Is a Buddhist wedding seen more as a legal ceremony or a religious ceremony?

5) Are there any ceremonies after the wedding?

6) What happens if things go wrong? Is divorce allowed? Is remarriage allowed?

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

These things are related with the culture of the country. Buddhism doesn't have any guideline or rules regarding to these matters. I am a Buddhist from Sri Lanka. My wedding was based on the culture of my country.

Let me know if you need more information. I'll be glad to help you.

Answer 2

Buddhism as a whole doesn't have rituals. Meaning: though there are Buddhist wedding ceremonies, they differ per Buddhist country. So on most of these questions the answer really is: whatever conforms with the law of the land and the wishes of bride and groom.

As for divorce: I think it could be argued that since even Buddhist monks can marry (though they have to leave the monastery of course), divorce is probably allowed if people agree that they are better off apart.