Native American culture is rich in tradition and custom. Their wedding ceremonies are no different. Many of the Native American wedding ceremonies are very beautiful. Adding one of these traditions to your upcoming wedding ceremony may add an extra element of spirituality to your nuptials.

In the Native American tradition, the man always asks permission before marrying into the woman's family. He usually had to ask the priest or shaman. After permission is granted, it is customary for the two families to exchange livestock, food, or other gifts in approval of the upcoming union.

In many tribes the newly wed couples resides with the family of the bride once the wedding ceremony has been performed. It is the responsibility of the new husband to provide for his in-laws and follow directions that are given by his mother-in-law. It is the custom to give the newlywed baskets of corn as gifts. The corn is a symbol of fertility.

An engaged couple of the Algonquin tribe selects four sponsors. Sponsors are older individuals who will provide wisdom and advice to the newly wed couple. In tribes that follow traditions, divorce is not an option. That is the reason for the sponsors; so they can offer advice if the couple should need it. At the wedding ceremony the sponsors make a commitment to provide and guidance to the couple throughout their lifetime.

Native Americans in Northern California have two types of marriage, the half-marriage, and the full-marriage. A full-marriage occurs when the would-be groom pays the full amount the bride's family requests. If the groom can only pay half the amount requested, the marriage is considered a half-marriage. The couple then lives with the bride's family and the groom is under the authority of the bride's father.

One traditional Native American wedding ceremony that is still used today is the fire ceremony. To perform this ceremony a large circle is made of stones. A pile of wood that consists of seven different types of wood is place in the center of the stone circle. Two small fires are placed on two sides of the pile of wood. One small fire represents the bride and the other one represents the groom. The bride and groom will slide their own fire into the large pile of wood. The large fire that ignites represents the couple's new union.

Another beautiful ceremony is the blanket ceremony. The bride is wrapped in a blue blanket just as the groom is. These blue blankets symbolize the sorrows that the couple has endured on their own. After the marriage has been blessed the blue blankets are removed and the couple is wrapped together in one white blanket. This symbolizes the act of the couple becoming one.

The seven steps wedding ceremony is also a popular ceremony in Native American culture. This ceremony begins by lighting a sacred fire. The bride and groom then take seven steps around the fire. The groom starts it off with the first step and then says a vow. The bride responds with a step and recites a vow of her own. Then the groom takes the next step and recites the next vow. It continues in this manner until all seven steps and vows have been completed. Sometimes the couple also exchanges ears of corn or stones to further show their commitment.