The Ultimate Guide on Planning a Military Wedding
A complete guide for couples in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF or Royal Marines planning their big day.
If you or your partner (or both of you) serve in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF or Royal Marines, you have come to the best place to plan a military wedding. Having served 23 years in the British Army myself, I understand the traditions, the uniforms and the etiquette, and I use that knowledge alongside my experience as a professional photographer to capture your day exactly as it deserves. Below, every area you need to think about is broken down step by step, so planning your military wedding is stress free and enjoyable.
Military Uniform
Probably the most iconic part of any military wedding is the uniform. Each regiment has its own traditions and history, making every service dress unique and every military wedding unique in some way. Some regiments issue No.1 dress as part of standard kit, but for other corps and services this may be the first time the groom has had the chance to wear it. The Royal Navy, RAF and Royal Marines all get issued their No.1 dress during training, so it is a little easier to arrange on the big day.
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Army Uniform Hire
Some grooms need to hire No.1 dress. Book early, especially for busy summer dates, as most hire shops can fit you up to six months prior. Check your clothing store or garrison store first, some may have a temporary loan option, though sizing can be limited.
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Hire Costs
Hire typically runs from £99 to £150, with discounts often available if you are ordering multiple uniforms for the Guard of Honour or other military guests.
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Mess Dress
For the evening reception, changing into Mess Dress is a lovely way to mix things up. It is usually more comfortable and matches your No.1 dress in colour, so the day flows visually. Invite other military guests to change too, or opt for a dinner suit if you want to move away from the military theme.
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Royal Navy, RAF & Royal Marines Uniform
These three services are issued No.1 dress in training, so arranging it ahead of the day is more straightforward. Get it out of storage in good time for alterations, and remember white belts and gloves, if not already issued, usually need to be signed out from stores and finish the look properly.
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Page Boy Uniforms
If you have page boys in the ceremony, hiring matching military page boy uniforms is a wonderful touch that photographs beautifully alongside the groom.
Guard of Honour
Nothing quite beats a Guard of Honour, also known as an arch of sabres or steel, welcoming the newly married bride and groom after the ceremony in front of their onlooking guests. Although not a necessity, it adds real flair and style to a military wedding ceremony. Tradition dictates a Guard of Honour should consist of at least 6 military personnel, with 8 being the ideal number.
It is best not to involve the best man in the Guard of Honour, since you will want them free to organise the rest of your guests, so appoint a lead person amongst the Guard of Honour to call the commands instead. To ensure everything runs smoothly on the day, make sure your Guard of Honour arrange their swords well in advance and have somewhere secure to store them before and after the wedding.
Military Wedding Traditions
There used to be a tradition of formally asking your commanding officer for permission to marry. That practice has largely passed, but I still recommend doing it, as it is a good chance for your CO to congratulate you and a great opportunity to secure leave around the wedding and honeymoon.
Cutting the cake with a sword is a lovely touch to add to the military theme, and military cake toppers in your regiment or corps colours can make the cake truly unique. For your colour scheme, using your regiment or corps colours works beautifully, and incorporating your cap badge or service emblems, swords for the Army, wings for the RAF, an anchor for the Royal Navy, into your stationery and decorations finishes the theme perfectly.
Military Wedding Venues
Most couples choose a venue close to home, but for military couples, a venue linked to a moment in your career can bring real meaning to the day.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
A very popular venue for officers looking to tie the knot, bringing back fond memories of training at this iconic establishment.
Castle Wedding · South WalesCraig y Nos
An award winning castle venue offering exclusive use and a special Armed Forces wedding package, including flexibility to change your date if you are called away on duty.
Church · LondonBrompton Oratory
One of London’s most spectacular church interiors, along with the Royal Military Chapel in St James’s Park nearby.
Civil Ceremony · LondonArmy and Navy Club
A fantastic choice for a civil ceremony, one of many exceptional wedding venues London has to offer service couples.
RAF · LondonSt Clement Danes Church & RAF Club
A grade 1 listed church in the heart of London with one of the city’s finest organs, followed by a reception at the RAF Club overlooking Green Park.
Royal Navy · LondonThe In and Out Naval and Military Club
A magnificent St James’s Square venue with grand rooms for up to 300 guests, sweeping staircases and a private courtyard for portraits.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines · DevonBritannia Royal Navy College
A historic Dartmouth setting that makes a fantastic location for a Royal Navy or Royal Marines wedding celebration.
Military Wedding Photography
Choosing the right photographer is often one of the first things couples look at once a venue is booked. With 23 years of service in the British Army and many military weddings photographed since, I know the intricacies and traditions involved in a military wedding inside out.
The military is where I first found my passion for photography, capturing images throughout the UK and around the world. My style blends natural, documentary storytelling with the epic portraiture that military uniforms lend themselves to so well. Investing in an experienced military wedding photographer to capture your day is vital to make sure those memories are beautifully preserved for years to come.
Recognised By
Recent Military Weddings
A few examples from real military weddings I have had the pleasure of photographing.
Military Wedding FAQs
Do I need permission from my Commanding Officer to marry?
Formally asking is no longer a strict requirement, but it is still worth doing. Your CO will likely want to congratulate you, and it is a good opportunity to secure leave around the wedding and honeymoon.
How many people are in a Guard of Honour?
Tradition calls for at least 6 military personnel, with 8 considered the ideal number for the arch of sabres or steel.
How much does it cost to hire a No.1 dress uniform?
Hire typically costs between £99 and £150, with discounts often available for multiple uniforms booked together for a Guard of Honour.
What is Mess Dress and do I need it?
Mess Dress is a more relaxed alternative worn for the evening reception, matching your No.1 dress in colour. It is optional, and a dinner suit works just as well if you would rather move away from the military theme for the evening.
Can I get married at a military venue like Sandhurst?
Yes, venues such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Britannia Royal Navy College and several London military clubs regularly host weddings for serving personnel and veterans.
Why choose a photographer with military experience?
A photographer who understands the traditions, timings and etiquette of a military wedding, from the Guard of Honour to changing into Mess Dress, will capture the day’s key moments without missing a beat.
Useful Links
Uniform Hire
- Glover RidingAldershot & Bulford
- Eastern District TailorsCatterick
- Medway MedalsGillingham
- Hanger39Colchester
- Hill Military TailorsMaidenhead
Let’s Plan Your Military Wedding
Having served 23 years in the British Army, I bring genuine first-hand knowledge of military traditions to every wedding I photograph. Full-day packages start from £1,797 and include all-day coverage, with sneak-peek previews within 3 days. A half-day package is also available from £1,297 for off-peak and midweek dates. Get in touch and I’ll reply within the hour.
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