Planning a wedding and want it to feel truly special and personal? You’re not the only one. Many couples search for ways to make their big day reflect their roots, values, and love story.
If you’re feeling unsure where to start, don’t worry—you’re in the right place.
With experience in cultural wedding planning, We’ll guide you through Peruvian wedding traditions that bring meaning and joy.
You’ll discover:
- Symbolic rituals and clothing
- Lively celebrations like la hora loca
- Spiritual customs honoring nature and family
Read on to uncover traditions that can turn your wedding into a heartfelt, unforgettable celebration.
- 10 Peruvian Wedding Traditions You Should Know
- 1. The Role of Family and Community
- 2. Choosing the Padrinos and Madrinas
- 3. Traditional Wedding Attire and Symbolism
- 4. Catholic and Indigenous Influences in the Ceremony
- 5. The “Arras” (Coin) Ceremony
- 6. The Lazo or Cord Ritual
- 7. Traditional Peruvian Foods and Drinks at the Reception
- 8. Music, Dance, and Entertainment
- 9. Unique Regional Variations
- 10. All-Night Celebrations and Guest Participation
- Peruvian Wedding Traditions: A Recap
- FAQ
10 Peruvian Wedding Traditions You Should Know
1. The Role of Family and Community
In Peruvian weddings, family and community play a big role. The bride and groom are often supported by many family members. The bride’s parents help with the planning and costs. It is common for neighbors and friends to join the wedding celebrations, too.
A Peruvian wedding is not just about the couple—it’s about everyone coming together. The engagement party is also a shared event. Guests offer advice and support to the wedding couple.
Most couples say their wedding was a big celebration of love and unity. In Andean communities, people honor Mother Earth during the ceremony. This shows a deep connection with nature and tradition in Peruvian wedding traditions.
See Also Peruvian Fashion
2. Choosing the Padrinos and Madrinas
In many Peruvian wedding traditions, padrinos and madrinas are very important. They are like godparents for the bride and groom. These special people help plan the wedding and support the couple.
Sometimes, they give gifts like an inexpensive ring or help pay for the wedding cake or dress. Choosing them is a big honor. Often, the couple picks close friends or relatives.
In some cases, the bride’s parents or respected elders are chosen. The padrinos and madrinas also join the wedding ceremony and stand beside the bride and groom. Their role reflects the strong bond between family, friends, and traditions in Peruvian wedding traditions.
3. Traditional Wedding Attire and Symbolism
Traditional Peruvian wedding attire mixes culture and color. In a Peruvian wedding, the bride may wear a white wedding dress or a dress made with local textiles and natural materials.
The groom’s boutonniere often includes coca leaves or small flowers. In Andean weddings, couples wear clothes with bright patterns that show their roots.
These outfits often include symbolic items, like a tree seed or ribbons with various intentions. Each piece has meaning, showing love, family, or connection to the spiritual world.
Some couples also add modern touches. This mix of old and new is common in Peruvian weddings and reflects tradition and personal style.
4. Catholic and Indigenous Influences in the Ceremony
Many Peruvian weddings blend Catholic and Indigenous traditions. A religious ceremony often includes Catholic parts, like a church wedding with prayers and blessings. At the same time, many Andean communities honor Mother Earth during the wedding party.
In a traditional Peruvian wedding, the couple may offer cocoa leaves or other meaningful items to the earth.
These rituals show respect for nature and the spiritual world. Some couples also marry in front of sacred mountains or the sacred valley. This mix of beliefs makes the Peruvian wedding experience unique. It shows the strong connection many couples feel to both their faith and their culture.
See Also Traditional Peruvian Clothing
5. The “Arras” (Coin) Ceremony
The “arras” ceremony is a key part of many Peruvian weddings. During the wedding ceremony, the groom gives the bride 13 coins. These coins stand for trust, love, and future support. The number 13 has meaning too—it shows the couple will share with others, even during hard times.
This part of the ceremony is a mix of Catholic and traditional Peruvian wedding customs.
The bride and groom hold the coins as a symbol of their mutual commitment. Sometimes, the coins are passed down from family members. This tradition adds depth and meaning to the Peruvian wedding experience and reminds the couple of their promises.
6. The Lazo or Cord Ritual
The lazo or cord ritual is a special part of many Peruvian wedding traditions. A rope or cord is placed around the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. It is usually shaped like a figure eight. This shows that the couple is now joined together forever.
The lazo can be made of flowers, beads, or fabric. Sometimes, padrinos and madrinas place the lazo on the couple.
The ritual comes from Catholic and Indigenous customs. It reminds the bride and groom of their strong bond. Many partners include this as part of Peruvian wedding traditions to honor love and unity.
7. Traditional Peruvian Foods and Drinks at the Reception
Food is a big part of Peruvian wedding traditions. At the wedding reception, guests enjoy many local dishes. Popular food items include roasted meats, potatoes, corn, and spicy sauces.
In many Peruvian weddings, traditional drinks like chicha morada or pisco sour are served. These drinks reflect the local culture and flavors of Peru.
Some couples also serve a second meal late at night to keep guests happy during the long celebration. Sharing food is a way to bring family and friends together. It shows love and hospitality.
The mix of flavors and Peruvian wedding traditions makes every celebration special and memorable for guests.
8. Music, Dance, and Entertainment
Music and dance are a big part of Peruvian tradition. Traditional music is played during the wedding party and the reception. Many couples hire live bands or DJs to keep the dance floor full.
One popular part of the night is the hora loca, or “crazy hour.” During la hora loca, guests wear masks, glow sticks, and costumes while dancing.
It’s a fun and wild part of the celebration. In many Peruvian wedding traditions, the party lasts all night. Guests of all ages join in the fun. The mix of traditional and modern styles makes the entertainment exciting. These moments bring joy and energy to every Peruvian wedding tradition.
9. Unique Regional Variations
Peruvian wedding traditions can change from one region to another. In Andean wedding ceremonies, couples often include rituals to honor Mother Earth and the sacred mountains. These may involve cocoa leaves, doll burial, or other symbolic items.
In the sacred valley, many couples wear clothes made from local weavings.
Coastal areas may follow more Western weddings with a white dress and a civil ceremony. Some regions also include special dances or local dishes. These regional differences show the rich culture of Peru.
Many partners mix old and new traditions to make their wedding day special. No matter the place, Peruvian weddings are full of love, family, and meaning.
See Also Traditional Peruvian Wedding Dress
10. All-Night Celebrations and Guest Participation
Peruvian weddings are known for their all-night celebrations. After the wedding parties, the fun continues with music, food, and dancing. Guests play a big part in keeping the party alive.
The hora loca adds excitement, with glow sticks, costumes, and wild dancing. Some couples also include the cake pull, where single ladies pull ribbons from the wedding cake to see who will be the next lucky lady.
Some weddings serve a second meal late at night to keep guests energized. These long celebrations are a key part of Peruvian wedding traditions. They bring everyone together and make the wedding day a special occasion filled with joy and fun.
Peruvian Wedding Traditions: A Recap
Peruvian wedding traditions blend family, culture, and joy into one big celebration. From choosing padrinos and madrinas to honoring Mother Earth, each part has deep meaning.
The bride and groom often wear traditional clothes with symbols of love and unity. Many ceremonies mix Catholic and Indigenous customs, like the arras coins or lazo ritual.
Music, food, and dancing—especially during la hora loca—make the party unforgettable. Unique regional details, such as doll burial or coca leaves, reflect Peru’s rich culture. These traditions bring families together and turn the wedding day into a lasting memory.
Whether you’re from Peru or planning a destination wedding, these customs offer something special for every couple.