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Wedding Traditions

Colombia Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies

A researched guide to 8 traditional wedding ceremonies from 3 cultural traditions in Colombia.

Afro-Colombian (e.g., Palenquero)

Reception

Afro-Colombian Wedding Celebration

Common

A vibrant celebration combining Catholic traditions with African heritage, featuring collective dances, local food, and traditional music.

Timing: Wedding day and often extending into the reception.Who takes part: Couple, family, community.

Key elements

  • Palenquero clothing, traditional drums, chants, collective dances, local cuisine.
Source: facebook.com

Catholic/Mestizo/White

Pre-wedding

Pedida de Mano

Mandatory

The groom formally asks the bride's father for his blessing to marry his daughter, symbolizing the union of two families.

Timing: Before the wedding day, typically after engagement.Who takes part: Groom, bride, bride's parents, sometimes close family.

Key elements

  • Formal request, family gathering, blessing.
Source: remitly.com

Serenata

Common

The groom serenades his bride-to-be with romantic songs, often with a live band, in front of family and friends.

Timing: Night before the wedding or leading up to it.Who takes part: Groom, bride, family, friends, musicians.

Key elements

  • Romantic songs, live music, surprise element.
Source: theknot.com

Wedding day

Catholic Mass and Wedding Blessings(Misa de Matrimonio)

Mandatory

The main wedding ceremony takes place within a full Catholic Mass, including scripture readings, blessings, and communion.

Timing: Wedding Day, typically in a church.Who takes part: Bride, groom, priest, family, guests.

Key elements

  • Vows, rings, blessings, communion, scripture readings.
Source: remitly.com

Las Arras

Mandatory

The groom presents 13 blessed gold coins to the bride, symbolizing his promise to provide for her and their shared future.

Timing: During the Catholic Mass.Who takes part: Bride, groom, priest, godparents.

Key elements

  • 13 gold coins, blessing by priest, exchange.
Source: theknot.com

El Lazo

Common

A rope or rosary is placed around the couple's shoulders in the shape of an '8', symbolizing their infinite union and commitment.

Timing: During the Catholic Mass, after vows.Who takes part: Bride, groom, priest, godparents.

Key elements

  • Lazo (rope or rosary), figure '8' shape.
Source: clarionherald.org

Unity Candle Ceremony(Ceremonia de la Vela de la Unidad)

Common

The couple lights a central candle from two individual candles, symbolizing their union and becoming one.

Timing: During the wedding ceremony, after exchanging rings.Who takes part: Bride, groom.

Key elements

  • Three candles (two small, one large), flame.
Source: remitly.com

Wayuu (Indigenous)

Wedding day

Majayura (Dance of the Maidens)(Majayura)

Mandatory

A central ritual where the bride and other young Wayuu women dance gracefully before the community, honoring feminine beauty, unity, and social harmony.

Timing: During the wedding ceremony.Who takes part: Bride, young Wayuu women, community.

Key elements

  • Traditional Wayuu clothing, vibrant attire, graceful dance.
Source: origincolombia.com

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