Following the matriarchal custom, a Khmer wedding ceremony is traditionally held at the bride’s house. The wedding usually lasts for three days. After the wedding, the groom moves in the bride’s house.

Later, due to cultural exchange, the wedding is conducted at both houses of the bride and the groom. Parents of the two families discuss and decide where their children will stay after the wedding.

During the wedding ceremony, Khmer girls appear in many different traditional costumes. Each outfit is associated with an important ritual imbued with the Khmer culture.

Below are some photos featuring a traditional Khmer wedding ceremony.

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The groom and his family go to the bride’s house to carry out the wedding ceremony.
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The bride stands at the entrance to welcome the groom.
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Khmer bride and groom in traditional costumes
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Wedding rituals conducted at the bride’s house
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The bride receives a bunch of areca nuts from the groom.
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The couple in a knot-tying ritual

Translated by Quynh Oanh