The bride in a Quaker wedding ceremony is presented to the groom by herself, for it is believed that she belongs to no one but herself. Quaker weddings are simple worship services in which the bride and groom announce their decision to become husband and wife in front of God, their family, friends, and fellow congregants.

Quaker tradition does not include clergy, so there is no minister leading the service and no defined order of events. Quaker couples believe that every individual is his or her own "minister;" and as such the couple take charge of the marriage ceremony and achieve it themselves.

Should a Quaker couple wish to be married in "a meeting house" during a worship service, they apply to the Committee for Ministry and Council. The Committee appoints a "clearance committee," which interviews the couple to determine the "clarity of their intention" and their freedom to marry. If the Committee is satisfied with the results of the interviews, approval for the marriage to take place is granted. "Overseers" are then appointed to watch over the preparations.

On their wedding day, the couple enter the meeting house, taking their places among the circle of Friends. The "modern" Quaker bride may choose a modified version of a processional, by entering the meeting house with her parents, honor attendants, and sponsors, but it is unlikely that there will be any music played.

The congregation waits in silence. Usually about fifteen minutes into the ceremony, the couple rise, join hands, and recite their vows. The groom begins with his promise, followed by the bride's. The bride and groom may create their own vows, or may choose to follow a more traditional formula.

Someone designated as an Overseer asks the couple to sign the Marriage Certificate to make it legal. The wedding certificate is also witnessed and signed by all the guests, who by doing so pledge to help the newlyweds in their growth as a couple. The text of the certificate is read aloud to the group and then guests are permitted to add best wishes or a prayer. Then everybody shakes hands with one another.

The Quaker religion is among the simplest of all religions. They don't spend a lot of money on a fancy wedding ceremony, nor do they feel the need to dress up for the occasions, although they may if they wish. Since "outsiders" are irrelevant to the Society of Friends (Quakers), accouterments such as rings, bridal gown, attendants, flowers, and are not necessary and are not strictly speaking in keeping with their tradition.

If you're about to attend a Quaker wedding, expect simplicity and serious commitment. Couples who marry in the Quaker church take each other freely and equally as lifelong partners. They vow to remain together throughout their lifetimes, while dedicating themselves to one another and to their God.

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