What are some Latin American wedding traditions and customs?

Short answer

Latin American weddings often include the arras, lasso, and a lively dance, but legal rules in the UK still apply. Couples can blend these customs into a civil or religious ceremony in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Many couples from Latin American backgrounds bring warm traditions into their UK wedding. The arras are thirteen coins given by the groom to the bride as a promise to share everything. The lasso is a decorative rope or wreath placed over both shoulders to symbolise unity. You might also see a waltz with parents, a money dance, or a lively salsa on the dancefloor. These moments are about family and celebration, not legal requirements.

In the UK, the legal side depends on where you marry. In England and Wales, a legal ceremony must take place at a register office, approved venue or registered religious building. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content, so check with your registrar if you want to include blessings or readings. In Scotland, humanist and religious celebrants can conduct legal weddings almost anywhere. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings can also be legally binding. Rules can vary, so check GOV.UK, your register office or your place of worship before planning.

You can keep traditions like the arras or lasso as symbolic gestures even if they are not part of the legal ceremony. Ask your family what matters most, then build a programme that feels true to both your heritage and your UK wedding.