Quick Answer
There are no strict military regulations requiring soldiers to get married in uniform. However, many soldiers choose to get married in their dress uniforms as a matter of tradition and pride. Some benefits of a military wedding include:
- The ceremony may take place at a military chapel at no cost
- The soldier may be granted leave to get married
- Wearing a uniform lends a sense of formality and respect
Ultimately, soldiers can get married in or out of uniform – it’s a personal choice. Civilian attire is perfectly acceptable.
Do soldiers have to get married in their uniform?
There are no official regulations that require U.S. soldiers to get married in their military uniform. The decision to get married in uniform is completely up to the individual soldier and their fiancé(e).
The Army Regulation 670-1 regarding wear and appearance of uniforms states that soldiers may get married in uniform at their discretion. However, it neither requires nor prohibits it.
Here are some key points on military weddings and uniforms:
- Soldiers are allowed to get married in their dress uniforms but are not obligated to.
- National Guard and Reserve soldiers may get married in uniform if they choose.
- If a soldier decides to wear their uniform, it must be the formal dress uniform.
- Camouflage combat uniforms are not permitted to be worn at weddings.
- All uniform accessories and medals must be worn properly and adhere to regulations.
- The uniform must be clean, pressed, and well fitted.
- Boots must be polished to a high shine.
So in summary, wearing a military uniform at a wedding is optional and a personal decision. Soldiers are free to get married in civilian formal attire if they prefer.
Why do some soldiers get married in uniform?
While not compulsory, there are a few reasons why a soldier may want to get married in their military uniform:
Tradition
Wearing a uniform at military weddings is customary and traditional. The iconic image of a soldier dressed smartly in uniform marrying their beloved is a longstanding tradition. It demonstrates commitment to both marriage and duty.
Professional Pride
The uniform represents the soldier’s hard work and dedication to serving their country. Wearing it at their wedding shows pride in their profession.
Honor
For soldiers, a military wedding is a way to honor their commitment, duty, and sacrifice for their nation. Wearing the uniform symbols this.
Respect
The uniform garners respect and indicates the importance of the occasion. Guests recognize the professionalism it represents.
Aesthetic Reasons
Some couples feel the uniform adds a special touch of class, dignity, and style to their wedding. The ceremonial element is appealing.
Cost Savings
Military weddings allow couples to save money. The military provides chapels, clergy members, and other resources at no cost for service members.
Overall, there are many meaningful reasons why soldiers enjoy exchanging vows in their dress blues or whites. But again, it is completely optional, and civilian wedding clothes are perfectly acceptable.
Can soldiers get married in camouflage uniforms?
Soldiers are not allowed to get married in camouflage combat uniforms according to Army regulations. If they do choose to wear their uniform, it must be the formal dress version such as:
- Army Service Uniform (ASU)
- Army Blue Service Uniform
- Army Green Service Uniform
- Army White Service Uniform
- Army Blue Mess Uniform
- Army White Mess Uniform
These are the only approved uniforms for weddings and other formal occasions. Camouflage fatigues or utility uniforms cannot be worn since they are intended for field, deployment or day-to-day base wear.
Combat uniforms are not appropriate for weddings due to their casual, functional design. They do not properly represent the formality of the occasion or respect the sanctity of marriage.
The only exception might be a combat wedding held at a deployed location overseas. In such cases, the formal uniform may be impractical or unavailable. But the camouflage uniform would still need to be clean and presentable.
Can other branches of the military get married in camouflage?
Just like the Army, the other branches of the U.S. armed forces do not permit camouflage utility uniforms to be worn at weddings:
Navy
Navy dress uniforms are required, such as the Service Dress Blues or Whites. Camouflage Navy Working Uniforms (NWUs) are not authorized.
Air Force
Air Force Instruction 36-2903 prohibits airmen from wearing camouflage at formal events like weddings. The Service Dress uniform must be worn.
Marines
MARADMIN 096/16 states Marines cannot wear camouflage utility uniforms after retreat or on leave/liberty. Such as weddings. Dress blues are required.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Manual similarly restricts wearing operational camouflage for ceremonial occasions.
So camouflage is off limits for weddings across all branches of military service. Dress uniforms preserve solemnity and tradition at military weddings.
Can retired military get married in uniform?
Yes, military personnel who have retired can still elect to get married in their uniform. Once retired, service members are allowed to wear their dress uniform for ceremonial occasions. A military wedding is considered an appropriate ceremonial event.
However, there are some guidelines for proper wear according to service branch:
Army
Retired Army members may wear the Army Service, Green Service, or White Service Class A uniform. Certain fitting and grooming standards must be maintained.
Navy
Retired Navy may wear Service Dress Blues or Whites. Ribbon racks must be up to date.
Air Force
Retired Air Force can wear Service Dress or Mess Dress uniforms. Current AF guidelines and grooming standards apply.
Marines
Dress Blue Bravos are approved for a Marine Corps retiree’s wedding per MCO 1020.34H. No cammies.
Coast Guard
Retirees may wear Service Dress Blue, Tropical Blue, or Full Dress uniforms.
So military retirees from any branch are generally welcome to wear their dress uniform when remarrying or attending a wedding. Proper wear is important to show reverence.
Can inactive reserve military wear uniforms to weddings?
Inactive reservists are permitted to wear the military uniform at their wedding but with some limitations compared to retirees:
– They may only wear the uniform while in an inactive reserve status. Once discharged, no longer allowed.
– The uniform must be worn in compliance with standards for active duty personnel.
– Only allowed at their own wedding as the member getting married. Cannot wear it to the wedding of others after discharged.
– Usually only authorized to wear Service uniforms like Army Service Uniform (ASU), not more formal Mess/Dinner dress.
– May need permission from their reserve commander first before wearing uniform at wedding.
So reserve and National Guard who have not yet been discharged may wear approved Service uniforms to their own weddings only. Proper wear and appearance is mandatory. They should verify guidelines with their specific branch. Once their enlistment ends, uniform wear is prohibited even at weddings.
Can military personnel wear uniforms in other people’s wedding?
For active duty service members, wearing their uniform to someone else’s wedding is restricted:
– Army: Special permission required by battalion commander per AR 670-1.
– Navy: Not authorized to wear uniforms to weddings they are not in per MILPERSMAN 1710-180.
– USMC: Marines may not wear utility or dress uniforms to off-post weddings per MCO P1020.34G.
– Air Force: AFI 36-2903 prohibits wearing uniforms at weddings unless an official capacity.
– Coast Guard: Uniforms only allowed at weddings if official CG duties involved per CIM 1020.6K.
There are some exceptions if attending in an official capacity such as a member of the sword detail. But in general, active duty personnel need permission to wear uniforms as guests.
Military retirees have more leeway to wear uniforms, but still have guidelines to follow to remain respectful and appropriate.
Can family members wear a soldier’s uniform for weddings?
Military regulations prohibit the wear of Service uniforms by anyone who has not earned the right by serving and completing training. Family members such as spouses, children, parents cannot wear a uniform to a wedding, even if just for pictures. Wearing a uniform when not authorized is illegal under the Stolen Valor Act.
The only exception is for a military widow or widower, who may wear the rank and insignia of their deceased spouse. However, it must be a subdued, modified version – not an attempt to impersonate. This allows the widow(er) to honor their spouse’s service.
But in general, the uniform represents the honor, sacrifice and commitment of the service member. Family can respect and represent their soldier without wearing an actual unauthorized uniform. They can display medals, photos, or other memorabilia.
Can you wear military medals or insignia without the uniform at a wedding?
Military decorations and medals can be worn at formal events like weddings even if the service member is in civilian clothes rather than uniform. However, strict rules still apply:
- Medals must be worn over the heart and be properly mounted and displayed.
- Miniature versus full-sized medals are expected with civilian clothes.
- Only decorations awarded to the service member can be worn. Not those of relatives.
- Medals from other service branches and other nations are also authorized if earned.
- Marksmanship badges, insignia, name tags cannot be worn on civilian attire.
- Medals should not be affixed with permanent glue – use removable mounting pins.
Overall, medals are preferred over full uniforms for family, retirees, veterans no longer serving. This allows honoring their service with the decorations they earned.
Can soldiers wear uniforms at their civil wedding off base?
Soldiers who opt for a civilian wedding venue off base may wear their dress uniform at their own discretion. However, there are some Army regulations to abide by:
– AR 670-1 requires approval of the unit commander for wearing Army uniforms off base.
– Must comply with all uniform standards for fitness, appearance, grooming.
– No camo combat uniforms – only formal dress options like ASU or AGSU.
– Memorial armbands not permitted. Can wear mourning bands.
– Army uniforms not allowed at weddings that disparage military.
– Soldiers may face disciplinary action if uniform wear violates regulations.
Getting married off base does not automatically prohibit wearing a uniform. But soldiers should verify with their CO and abide by all rules. This includes proper wear, modest venues, and avoiding political/controversial settings. Respect for the uniform must be maintained.
Do you wear a military uniform at the rehearsal dinner?
For military weddings, it is appropriate for the service member to wear their dress uniform at both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding ceremony itself. However, wearing the uniform rehearsal is not absolutely necessary. Some things to consider:
– Wearing the uniform twice can cause wrinkles/damage. Preserve it for the ceremony.
– Rehearsal may be more casual, military attire not essential.
– If held off base or low key, uniform may not be appropriate.
– Can reserve uniform just for wedding day to maintain novelty.
So the uniform is optional but acceptable military attire for the rehearsal events. Many soldiers opt for civilian dress rehearsal, then make a grand, formal entry in full ceremonial uniform on the wedding day itself.
How does the spouse’s attire complement a military uniform wedding?
For a seamless look, the spouse can consider several strategies to complement a groom or bride marrying in military dress uniform:
Style
– Formal wedding gown or tuxedo in classic, elegant style
– Avoid casual styles; match formality of uniform
– Consider military-inspired details like buttons, sashes
Colors
– Match gold, silver, blue, black hues in uniform
– Incorporate branch colors like Army blue, Air Force blue, Navy white
Accessories
– Military cuff links, ornamentation, sabre
– Service branch symbols like anchors or wings
– Cap or veil to match military covers like peaked cap
Photos
– Saluting, sword arch exit, other military wedding traditions
– Photoshoot on base locations significant to couple
Honoring military heritage while looking spectacular is easy by coordinating wardrobe choices. This adds deeper meaning to the already symbolic uniforms.
Conclusion
Soldiers are not required to wear military uniforms for their weddings. But many still proudly choose to exchange vows dressed formally in uniform as military tradition. Each couple must decide what attire best reflects their wishes and personality. Coordination with unit protocols helps ensure proper wear of uniforms at weddings on or off base. No matter what is worn, a loving marriage commitment supersedes any dress code.
