Wedding Ceremony Program Schedule

Typical Ceremony Schedule

09:45 AM — Gathering

Guests arrive and are seated. The bride and groom prepare for the ceremony.

10:15 AM — Religious Ceremony Begins

1. The bride and groom pay homage to the Buddha, light candles and incense (bowing down 3 times), and pay respect to the monks.
2. The bride and groom bow down 3 times and request and receive the Five Precepts — abstaining from killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and intoxicants.
3. All monks chant the Holy Verse, and the head of monks gives a Buddhist doctrine about “the Four Virtues of a Householder.”
4. The head of monks makes an anointment at the groom's forehead with wet powder, places it on the groom's right index finger to anoint the bride's forehead.
5. The couple signs their names in the temple book.
6. The bride and groom offer flowers and gift offerings to the monks.
7. All monks bless with the Holy Verse (meanwhile the bride and groom pour the water).
8. The head monk sprinkles Holy water as a blessing.
9. The bride and groom pay respect to the parents of both sides by bowing down 3 times.
10. The couple moves to the seat for pouring blessed water, where the parents or seniors put the blessed white cord on the heads of the bride and groom.

Important Notes

• Please dress modestly and appropriately for the temple (shoulders and knees covered)
• Shoes should be removed before entering the ceremony hall
• Photography is generally permitted but please be respectful during the chanting
• Guests are welcome to participate in the water blessing ceremony

For more general information about arranging a wedding at the temple, please see our Wedding Information page.

Contact

Phone: (818) 780-4200
Address: 8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605