Military Weddings FAQ
Does my Marine need to get permission from his command to get married?
It all depends on the Command. Some units still require it while others do not. It usually only applies to NON NCO's. So have your Marine check with his command.
What paperwork do we need to get married?
You don't need anything from the Marine Corps. Take a look at this site for marriage license requirements in your state.
His schedule - including deployments - is very unpredictable. Should we go to Vegas instead?
Going to Vegas is totally up to you! One of the hardest parts of planning a Wedding when you are getting married to a Marine is setting the date. I suggest (and this is what we did) only set the date 3 months in advance of when you want to have it (if you don't you will be re-scheduling and a lot of it). Tell you Marine to let his command know, so they can have a heads up. Have your Marine put in a leave request as early as he/she is allowed. Do not print off the invitations (if you are making them your self) until a month prior to the wedding. Mail them out the same day you print them to allow your guests time to respond.
Speaking of Invitation, how do I address the invitations?
Can my Marine wear a boutonniere?
No, it's against uniform regulations, besides it ruins the whole appearance of the uniform.
I'm planning my wedding, and want it Marine Corps style. What is a traditional military wedding like?
Take a look at the Founder's Wedding to get an idea. Although done in a church instead of on base it was beautiful!
How do I get Marines for the Arch of Swords Ceremony?
First, ask your Marine to consider his friends for the detail. They can check out swords from the honor guard detail on base (this is what the Founder's Marine did). If he doesn't have enough available friends in the Corps to do it, he can make a request through the base for members of the honor guard who would be willing to do it or ask Marines in his command to do it. If you are not near a base, try the local I&I (Reservist Drill Center), or your local ROTC.
What rank does a Marine have to be to perform the Arch of Swords Ceremony?
Most sites say either officer or that it doesn't matter. Neither is the case. A Marine must be a NCO (Cpl) to carry a sword. So any Marine who performs the Arch of Sword Ceremony must be at least a Corporal. Also they must also be either all Enlisted or all Officers. It's your choice on that one.
Where is the Arch of Swords performed?
Most churches will not allow the swords inside, so they do the arch right outside the door, after all your guests have gathered outside take a look at the Founder's Wedding to see an example). The last set of sword-bearers will lower their swords, at which time one will swat you on the butt with the flat
of the sword and say "Welcome to the Corps, Ma'am". (Remember as a Marine Wife, you are not only Marrying your Marine, but you also Marry the Marine Corps.
Where can I find Marine Corps cake toppers?
USMC Hangout's Founder used Laura's Wedding Cakes & Military Cake Toppers for both the cake topper and edible image used on the grooms cake.
Where can I find good priced wedding books?
I LOVE Amazon. com. I have bought several books from there. I even bought one from there for just a penny (it was used of course). Anyway here are some wedding books that might interest you:
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