A wedding is a ceremony where two people get married, officially becoming spouses. Weddings mark one of life's most significant moments: the beginning of a new family.

Weddings vary enormously across cultures and religions. Some happen in churches, mosques, temples, or synagogues, while others take place outdoors, in courthouses, or at reception halls. A traditional Western wedding might include bridesmaids and groomsmen, vows exchanged between the couple, rings, and a celebration with cake and dancing. In other cultures, weddings might last several days and include elaborate ceremonies like the Indian baraat procession or the Jewish hora dance.

Despite their differences, most weddings share common elements: witnesses who observe the union, some form of promise or commitment between the couple, and a celebration with family and friends.

A wedding is specifically the ceremony and celebration, while a marriage is the relationship that follows. People sometimes confuse the two and focus mainly on planning the wedding day, even though the marriage itself is the long-term relationship that comes after.