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Who walks down the aisle in a traditional wedding?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For brides · For grooms

Short answer

In a traditional UK wedding, the bridal party walks down the aisle first, then the bride walks last, usually with her father or another close relative. But traditions vary widely, and many couples now choose their own order, including walking together.

The traditional aisle order in a UK wedding usually starts with the ushers or groomsmen, then the bridesmaids, often in pairs, then the page boys or flower girls if you have them, and finally the bride. The bride typically walks with her father or another significant person, such as a mother, sibling or friend, and the groom waits at the front with the officiant. However, this is not a legal requirement. It is simply a custom that many couples choose to follow. You can change it to suit your family and your relationship. Some couples walk down the aisle together, some walk with both parents, and some have the groom or partner walk down first. In same-sex weddings, there is no fixed tradition, so you can decide what feels right. The important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and included. If you have step-parents or blended families, you might want to include them in the procession in a meaningful way. Talk to your officiant or registrar about the practicalities, such as where people will stand and how long the music will be. The aisle order is not legally binding, so you have complete freedom to design a procession that reflects who you are.

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