To those who are not familiar with the modern day Gothic lifestyle, a Gothic wedding might seem strange and even dark and gloomy, but to those who practice the Gothic lifestyle, a Gothic wedding is nothing out of the ordinary. Goth is, by its very nature, anything but ordinary, and Gothic wedding ceremonies reflect this. If you are in the Gothic lifestyle and are considering getting married, or if you will be attending a Gothic wedding and are not sure what to expect, here are some different Gothic wedding scenarios.

Traditional and straightforward Gothic wedding ceremony – Many Gothic wedding ceremonies are simple and short, with traditional Gothic wedding vows spoken. The bride and groom, as well as the wedding party and guests are clothed in regular Goth attire, usually all black – but they can choose any color they like. The bride and groom may be more “dressed up” than the others at the ceremony, but traditionally they will still be wearing black. The ceremony is presided over by a “celebrant”. If it will simply be a commitment ceremony then the celebrant does not need to be legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies, but if this will be a legal wedding, than he or she will need to be authorized. The celebrant introduces the wedding couple to the guests, and certain Gothic vows are recited, the couple’s left wrists are bound together with red cloth, and the bride and groom both drink out of a wedding goblet filled with red wine. The wine symbolizes the couple’s “blood devotion” to each other. The very last drop of wine is poured upon the wedding altar. In order for it to be a legal marriage, the couple must be declared “husband and wife” at some point. A Gothic celebration follows.

Las Vegas theme Gothic wedding ceremonies – Staying with its tradition of catering to all types of couples who want all types of different weddings, Las Vegas has many Gothic wedding packages to choose from. In one of the most popular Las Vegas Gothic wedding ceremonies, the wedding chapel is made up to look like a cemetery, with headstones set all around, and even fog rolling over the “ground”. The authorized person performing the Gothic wedding ceremony can be dressed to look like a vampire, the Grim Reaper, or any other dark figure. These weddings tend to be a little on the “showy” side, and are not as traditionally Gothic as they are more “fun Gothic”. Many who are very serious about their Gothic lifestyles shun this type of wedding, but for some couples who are less intense about the lifestyle but would enjoy a “dark” theme, this kind of wedding can be just right.

Victorian style Gothic wedding – A Victorian style Goth wedding is exactly how it sounds – it emulates weddings from the Victorian era. The bride will often wear a full long gown made of velvet or satin, with a bustle underneath, and will either wear a fitted bodice underneath or over the waist of the dress. Her hair style will consist of long ringlets or flowers woven into her hair. The groom will usually wear a long black coat and top hat. A Victorian style Gothic wedding will usually have a dark theme, such as a “Transylvania” type theme, but it doesn’t necessarily have to.

Those are the three, basic categories of Gothic weddings. Contrary to common belief, those weddings have nothing bizarre. All you have to do is to attend one; then, you will also believe me!