The Buddhist wedding ceremony in Thailand
A Buddhist wedding ceremony (monk’s blessing) is an inspiring alternative to a traditional Western-style wedding. This type of blessing is often an essential part of a Thai wedding, but it is also becoming increasingly popular among Western couples. Typically, a Buddhist wedding ceremony takes place in a temple, but it can also be arranged in suitable spaces within a villa or even right on the beach.
A Buddhist wedding ceremony (Buddha wedding), like a symbolic Western wedding ceremony in Thailand, is purely symbolic in nature. During a monk’s blessing, there is no traditional officiant guiding you through the ceremony.
The process of a Buddhist wedding in Thailand
A Buddhist blessing by monks is very different from a Western-style wedding ceremony. While the focus of a Western wedding is on the official act of marriage, a Buddhist ceremony centers on the blessing of the couple. A Buddhist monk blessing, which usually involves three, five, seven, or nine monks, typically lasts between 30 and 50 minutes.
To help you get a better idea of what a Buddhist wedding ceremony is like, we’ve outlined the different stages of a traditional blessing, using an example from a ceremony at the Pimalai Resort.
The Buddha Wedding – The Buddhist Ceremony in Thailand
At the start of the ceremony, the couple lights a candle and incense at a small altar and then kneels before the monks to listen to the words of the prayer leader. During this moment, the hands are held together in a wai gesture in front of the face.
Next comes the homage to the Three Jewels: the Blessed One, the Worthy One, and the Enlightened One. During these recitations, the couple remains seated with their hands folded in respect. This is followed by the Request for the Five Precepts and a triple homage to the Divine, the Perfected One, and the Supreme Enlightened One.
The monks then recite the Five Precepts:
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not lie, incite, use harsh language, or engage in idle chatter.
- You shall not consume intoxicating drinks that lead to carelessness.
At this point, the Request of Protection takes place:
• We respectfully ask the venerable monks to pray for a blessing of protection against all hardships and misfortune.
• That all suffering may end,
• That all dangers may cease, and
• That all difficulties may come to an end.
The monks then chant prayers to Buddha, asking for his blessing upon the couple.
Following this, the couple presents each monk with small donations and alms, which are usually prepared in advance by the resort. It is important that the couple offers these gifts to the monks together, holding them with all four hands as a symbol of unity and respect.
Then, the couple is adorned with floral garlands. The eldest monk places a ceremonial wedding cord over the couple’s heads, symbolizing their unity. He also marks each of their foreheads with a fragrant powder. Since monks are not allowed to touch women directly, the powder is applied to the bride’s forehead using a candle.
The Holy Water Dedication (Guard Nam)
The couple sits before the monks and together pours holy water into a small bowl. It is important that both partners hold the water vessel together with both hands while pouring. Afterward, they return to a seated position with their hands folded in respect as the monk blesses the couple.
Traditionally, this part of the Buddhist blessing is dedicated to departed loved ones. However, the couple is also welcome to make their own wishes for themselves during this moment. The bowl of water is then taken—either by the couple or by someone else—and poured onto a plant, symbolizing wishes for happiness and good health.
The Water Blessing at a Buddhist Wedding
Wedding Vows and Exchange of Rings in a Buddhist Ceremony
A Buddhist blessing does not include a formal wedding speech, as there is no official act of marriage during the ceremony. However, the couple is always welcome to exchange private vows at the end of the blessing. This may also include the exchange of rings and, of course, the all-important wedding kiss. A Buddhist ceremony is also a wonderful and spiritual way to renew your vows in Thailand.