Smudging: This is done to purify the body mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally using either sage or sweet grass. As the smoke rises into the heavens it carries our prayers and well wishes to the Creator and into the universe.

Opening Prayer: Praying for blessings from the spirit world and the Creator.

Wedding Ceremony
Blanket Ceremony & Binding Wrists: This is done to signify acceptance and blessings from the couple’s respective families. The binding signifies the couple’s union in the physical life and also the spiritual realm.

Closing Prayer: Praying for blessings from the spirit world and the Creator.

Drumming: Traditional Native American Wedding ceremony drum accompaniment

Gifting of Tobacco: The tobacco offering is to express the couple’s sincerity in asking for prayers and to pay their respects to Mother Earth and the medicines used for the smudging. It also opens the doors to the Spirit realm. Tobacco was traditionally held in the highest esteem as it was used in the peace pipe.