One of the most unique and widely known military wedding traditions came from the British Army and is now present in almost all military branches around the world. It is called the Arch of Sabers for the Army and Air Force or the Arch of Swords for the Navy and Marine Corps. Originally, the tradition demonstrated a pledge of fidelity from the military to the new couple, since the military service members literally shelter the newly married couple beneath the arch as they exit the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. (The sabers symbolize the military’s pledge to honor and protect the newly married couple).

A special detail of members marches in a double line and then stands and faces each other. In most branches, only officers can bear a sword or saber. When the order is given to draw swords (or sabers), each person simultaneously draws a ceremonial sword and holds it with the blade pointed up. The raised swords form an arch. The couple passes under the arch as they exit the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. The sword detail should not be used as groomsmen or ushers; however, before the ceremony, they can escort honored guests like the Mother-of-the-Bride or Groom to their seats. “As the couple walks through the last pair of sabers, team members will drop their sabers to stop the couple, and the couple must kiss before the sabers are returned to an upright position.”