Marriage Customs in Westeros: Who Can Tie the Knot and How?

Westeros, a land steeped in tradition and religious practices, has its unique approach to matrimony. In this intricate society, the institution of marriage begins with who is allowed to proceed with the ceremony. This article will explore the various groups who are not permitted to marry and the different methods by which unions are formed within the Seven Kingdoms.

Who Can Marry in Westeros?

In the expansive realm of Westeros, the majority of individuals are free to enter into matrimony. However, certain exceptions exist:

Maesters: These scholars and healers of the Citadel are forbidden from marriage. Their dedication to knowledge and service is so profound that they vow to remain celibate for the greater good of the realm. Members of the Night's Watch: Sworn to uphold the wall and protect the realm from threats beyond, they also renounce marriage as a part of their vows of service. Septons and Septas: These religious figures of the Faith of the Seven are sworn to preserve the faith and do not marry as a mark of their commitment. Gays and Lesbians: While the Faith of the Seven is generally more accepting of non-heterosexuality than many pre-modern religions, same-sex marriages are still not permitted. This is due to deeply ingrained traditions and values that remain largely unchallenged despite some evolving attitudes.

How Marriages Are Performed in Westeros

The methods by which these marriages are performed vary across the Seven Kingdoms and are influenced by the predominant religions and cultural practices.

Septon Weddings

In the majority of Westeros, marriages are typically performed by a septon. This tradition holds since the Faith of the Seven is the predominant religion. Septons officiate at these ceremonies with their blend of religious rites and declarations of union.

North and Old God Weddings

In the North, weddings may be held at the local weirwood tree, a sacred site for those who worship the old gods. These rituals, although lacking the formal ecclesiastical requirements, are still recognized as valid by the inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms.

Iron Islands Weddings

On the Iron Islands, wedding practices take on a unique twist. Ceremonies performed by the city of the Drowned God's priests are the norm. Interestingly, proxy marriages are common in this part of Westeros. For example, Euron Karstark arranged a marriage between his niece Asha and himself, despite her absence, using a seal as a proxy. This method of performing a marriage without the participants being present makes for a strategic advantage, such as preventing a potential alliance with another house.

Red Priestess Weddings

Melisandre, a red priestess, also performs marriages for various reasons. For instance, she conducted the marriage between Sigorn the new Magnar of Thenn and Alys Karstark to protect Alys from a forced marriage and to secure her protection among the Thenn wildlings. These performances mirror the practices of real-world religious ceremonies, conducted with solemnity and reverence.

These methods of marriage are valid regardless of the place or the religion practiced. A septon-conducted ceremony is recognized in the North, a weirwood ceremony is accepted in the South, and Asha's seal-proxy marriage is binding wherever she may be.