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Anyone may have a wedding at the Baha'i House of Worship; the couple need not be Baha'is. However, the couple is required to abide by Baha'i laws regarding marriage and special guidelines for weddings at the Temple. Weddings are held in the gardens or in Foundation Hall (downstairs); not in the upstairs auditorium.

Baha'i laws regarding marriage:

• Parental consent: Once they have selected a partner, Baha'i law requires that the couple obtain their parents' approval of the marriage. Baha'is believe parents have both the right and the obligation to carefully decide whether to give consent to, and thus guide, their offspring in one of life's most important decisions. This requirement helps preserve unity within the marriage and the extended family. It also serves to honor one's parents and reaffirms the importance of the bond between child and parent.
• No sexual relations or cohabitation before marriage: Baha'is are expected to uphold a high standard of personal conduct, which includes abstaining from sexual relations outside of marriage.

Vows and ceremony:

Baha'i wedding ceremonies are simple. In the presence of two witnesses designated by the local Baha'i governing council, the couple recites the following verse: "We will all, verily, abide by the will of God." Thus, the vow makes the marriage a contract of three parties - the husband, the wife and God. For Baha'is, the commitment to live by God's will encompasses the commitments associated with marriage, such as the promise to love, honor, cherish and care for each other regardless of material health or wealth.

Beyond the brief Baha'i marriage vow, you are encouraged to design your own marriage celebration along with guidance from the Baha'i House of Worship Activities Office. Depending on personal tastes, family resources and cultural traditions, Baha'i ceremonies can include a variety of music, prayers, and other readings.

Baha'i marriages are founded on the equality of women and men, and in working out problems through prayer and a frank and loving form of discussion.

Please contact our office at 847-853-2300 or how@usbnc.org for more information.