The traditional marriage in Saudi Arabia

Traditionally, the idea of marriage was tribal, related families encouraging their offspring to marry cousins or other relatives in order to increase and strengthen the tribe, or occasionally to marry into another tribe in order to heal rifts between families. Another reason for such marriages was that families knew the background of the partner, and this what has been usually common. However, in these days, this habit is gone. Now you can marry whoever you want.

If you are planning to marry, you should follow the traditional rules. First, the groom should go with his father or older brother to the bride’s father discuss and agree about the dowry. That’s fine, if the father or the older brother goes without you if you can’t go as long as the bride’s family knows you.

We mentioned the dowry, and the dowry might include gold, jewelry and clothing and is usually of considerable value. After the dowry settlement comes the actual marriage contract, which is conducted by a legal or religious representative. The bride is asked in the absence of the prospective groom if she agrees to the marriage and this question is then put to the groom. After agreement, the groom joins hands with his future father-in-law and, with two witnesses present, the marriage becomes official.

However, there’s another stage before the couple actually meet as man and wife: the wedding party. Celebrations are segregated, with the women in one section of the house and the men in another. Finally, on the last night of celebrations, the couple meet, accompanied by all their friends, and eventually leave on their honeymoon. On their return, they either set up home with the groom’s parents and become members of the extended family or – as is increasingly the case – set up home by themselves. 

To sum up, this is the way of the marriage in Saudi Arabia. There are many different style to marry in Saudi Arabia, but this is the traditional and common way to marry. Marriage has many different ways in many different cultures. So, we should be understandable with other cultures to not be impolite with their beliefs.