How to Use the Arch of Sabers in a Military Wedding

The Arch of Sabers is used by the Army and the Air Force. The Arch of Sabers traditionally follows a military wedding. It is customary to form the arch of sabers outside the chapel or church on the steps or sidewalk. The arch is usually formed only by commissioned officers.

It is inappropriate to have weapons in a church unless there are extenuating circumstances and you have the proper permission. For example, if there is inclement weather, you may ask permission to have the Arch of Sabers inside the church. You also need to ask permission if you plan to have two arches (one inside the church and one outside the church).

As the bride and/or groom pass under the Arch of Sabers, the sabers are held with the sharp edges up. When the couple reaches the final pair of saber-bearers, the last two people in the arch block their passage by lowering their sabers. One saber bearer will say "The price of passage is one kiss," while the other saber bearer gently taps the bride on the behind and says "Welcome to the Army." If the bride is already in the Army, then the saber-bearer would not say that.

Those who act as saber-bearers in an Air Force wedding do not traditionally act as ushers. This is different from the sword-bearers in a Navy or Marine Corps wedding. In a Navy or Marine Corps wedding, the swordsmen do actually act as ushers. They show the guests to their seats. The Arch of Swords is very similar to the Arch of Sabers.

During the receiving line at the reception, the groom should precede his bride in the receiving line. It is acceptable to hold the Arch of Sabers at the reception instead of at the chapel. If the bride and groom use the Arch of Sabers during the reception, the saber-bearers line up in front of the wedding cake. The couple will walk under the arch before cutting the cake. The bride and groom will cut the cake with a saber. The groom will hold his hands over hers while they carefully cut the first piece of cake together.

Whether you use an Arch of Swords or an Arch of Sabers, all swordsmen/saber-bearers are required to wear white gloves. You can also substitute rifles for the swords or sabers. You are sure to have a memorable wedding with this time-honored military tradition.