Native American Wedding Checklist

Connect with Tribal Elder or Cultural Practitioner

Reach out to a respected tribal elder or cultural practitioner from your nation. They can guide the ceremony, give cultural direction and officiate. This is the most important first step, because all your other preparation follows from this relationship.

Obtain Ceremonial Blankets

Get two blue blankets and one large white blanket for the blanket ceremony. Pendleton blankets are a common choice, and handwoven blankets are traditional. Ask your elder which blankets are appropriate.

Commission Wedding Vase from Native Potter

Commission or buy a traditional double-spouted wedding vase from a Native American potter, especially if you are following Pueblo or Navajo traditions. After the ceremony the vase is kept as a sacred item in your household.

Gather Sacred Herbs from Indigenous Suppliers

Get white sage bundles, sweetgrass, cedar or tobacco for smudging, and buy them ethically from Indigenous suppliers. Include an abalone shell and a feather. White sage is overharvested commercially, so choose Indigenous-owned sources first.

Secure Outdoor Ceremony Space with Fire Permit

Reserve an outdoor location suited to a sacred fire, a circle and a natural ceremony setting. Get any fire permits you need in advance. Natural ground is preferred over pavement for offerings.

Arrange Drum Circle and Musicians

Invite drummers and singers to provide music for the social dancing. Confirm that they know the right songs for your nation and the type of ceremony.

Prepare Gifts for All Guests

Prepare giveaway gifts for all your guests, such as blankets, handmade items or food packages. Work out quantities from your guest count, and leave time for handmade items if you are using them.

Prepare Cornmeal and Ceremonial Foods

Prepare cornmeal mush or other ceremonial foods according to your nation's protocol. For Navajo couples this includes preparation for the taa'niil ceremony. Ask your elder about the specifics.

Designate a Fire Keeper

Choose a trusted person to be the fire keeper. They light the sacred fire and tend it through the whole ceremony without leaving it unattended.

Determine Legal Marriage Requirements

Confirm whether your ceremony will be legally recognized or whether you also need a separate civil ceremony. Tribal ceremonies conducted by authorized officiants may be legally binding, depending on the jurisdiction. Check the local marriage license requirements.