Do you feel it’s time to take the next step in your relationship? That’s why Peruvian wedding traditions go far beyond the white dress and the exchange of rings. Let me tell you, dear traveler, that if you’re a fan of adventure, then getting married in the imperial city of Cusco is a different way to go, but first, let me tell you that getting married isn’t just a celebration of love and signing a contract. In Peru, especially in Andean communities, celebrating a wedding is also a spiritual, cultural, and communal act. We’ll guide you through the symbols, rituals, and customs that are part of traditional weddings in Peru and how they are performed so you too can experience them.
What are peruvian wedding traditions?
Peruvian wedding traditions are a set of rituals, customs, and ancestral symbols that are part of wedding ceremonies in different regions of Peru, especially in the Andes. More than just a social event, these weddings represent a spiritual union with the land, the community, and the ancestors.
In Andean cultures, love is not understood solely as a romantic bond between two people, but as a sacred alliance with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the apus (mountain spirits), and the energies that govern the universe. Therefore, a traditional Peruvian wedding is not just a celebration; it is a ceremonial act filled with profound meaning and respect for the ancestral.
Why travelers are choosing peruvian wedding traditions
- Deep Connection with Love, the Earth, and Spirit
Andean weddings are not just ceremonies; they are spiritual experiences. In them, love is celebrated as a sacred union with Pachamama, the Apus, and the ancestors. Each ritual expresses gratitude and seeks harmony for life as a couple. - Unique, authentic, and unforgettable
No two Peruvian weddings are the same. Every detail—from the fabrics to the Andean music—is filled with intention. These ceremonies feel real, human, and deeply connected to tradition. - Inclusive and Heart-centered
Peruvian wedding traditions welcome everyone. No matter gender, origin, or marital status. They are celebrations of love, guided by energy and respect, open to all forms of union. - Ceremony and honeymoon in one Trip
Getting married in Peru is also an adventure. You can celebrate your wedding in the Sacred Valley, explore Machu Picchu, or relax on Lake Titicaca. Remember that with a good tour operator in Cusco, you can take any dream trip, like a honeymoon on Tambopata tour from Cusco. It all becomes part of a holistic and magical experience. - Support local communities
By choosing an Andean wedding, you are also supporting the communities that preserve these traditions. Musicians, weavers, Andean elders, and guides are all part of the celebration, giving it a unique social and cultural value.
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Magical places to experience Peruvian Wedding Traditions 2026
1. Cusco: The perfect place for Peruvian Wedding Traditions
Cusco is more than a historic city, it’s a living gateway to the Inca world. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by colonial charm and Incan stones, or under a sacred arch in the highlands nearby. Taking advantage of the wedding in Cusco, you can take tours and spend your honeymoon under the stars at a luxury glamping cusco resort. Many travelers start their journey here before heading to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. It’s also where you’ll find many Andean priests (paq’os) and agencies who can help organize a symbolic wedding with traditional rituals.
2. Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, is a sanctuary of peace and power. Towns like Pisac, Urubamba, and Chinchero offer stunning natural views, warm communities, and perfect conditions for an outdoor Pago a la Tierra (offering to the Earth).
In 2026, many couples are booking eco-lodges, mountain gardens, and boutique retreats for small, intimate weddings that combine elegance and ancestral ritual.
3. Lake Titicaca
Want to get married on water? lake titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia, is one of the most spiritual places in the Andes. Ceremonies here, especially on Amantani or Taquile islands, are filled with symbolism: water for purity, sun for unity, and wind to carry your vows far.
Couples often take part in multi-day wedding celebrations, dancing with locals, sleeping in community homes, and sharing traditional meals.
4. Arequipa and Colca Canyon
For those looking for a less touristy experience, Arequipa offers a magical contrast of volcanoes, colonial architecture, and Andean charm. The Colca Canyon, home of the majestic condors, is a majestic location for an off-the-beaten-path Peruvian wedding tradition in 2026.
5. Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
If you and your partner are spiritual hikers, consider a symbolic ceremony near Ausangate or the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. These high-altitude locations are sacred to the Andean people and ideal for a private, meaningful exchange of vows in full communion with the Apus (sacred mountains).
Marriage as a sacred ritual in the andean worldview
In the Andean worldview, marriage is not only the union between two people, but a commitment to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the apus (mountain spirits), and the community. For them, love is not conceived solely as an individual feeling, but as an energy that connects with the spiritual and the collective. Sounds beautiful, right? Imagine that each traditional element in the ceremony represents something full of symbolism and spirituality. This only seeks to bless the couple and deeply unite them with the ancestral traditions of Peru.
Now Imagine getting married in a colonial church in Cusco, surrounded by history, and then receiving the ancestral blessing of Inti the Sun God. For those traveling looking for more than just a ceremony, this is a sacred meeting of cultures, where love is celebrated under the gaze of the past and the eternal light of the Andes.
You might also want to check out: Why you should visit the amazon rainforest Peruvian?
The most beautiful and symbolic peruvian wedding traditions
Peruvian wedding traditions vary by region, but they all have one thing in common: a deep respect for the land, ancestors, and community. These traditions aren’t simply decorative; they are living rituals, full of symbolism, emotion, and spiritual connection. Do you feel it’s time to take the next step? If love is in the air, what better way to celebrate your union than in a Cusco? We share some of the most representative and moving wedding traditions in Peru, many of which are still practiced today, both by local couples and travelers who want to experience an authentic ceremony.
1. The Payment to the Earth (Offering to Pachamama)
The Payment to the Earth is, without a doubt, Peru’s most iconic and spiritual tradition. It is an ancient ritual in which the bride and groom, along with an Andean priest (paq’o), make an offering to Pachamama to thank her for the life, love, and future they share. Very romantic! Thousands of couples travel, even just to thank Mother Earth for their shared love.
Coca leaves, flowers, grains, sweets, colored wool, and other sacred elements are placed on a blanket. This entire arrangement is then burned or buried as a sign of respect and connection to the earth. This act symbolizes a commitment not only between two people, but also to the universe.
2. The Exchange of coca leaves
One of the Peruvian wedding traditions is the exchange of coca leaves. Instead of rings, many couples exchange coca leaves during the ceremony. As you know, coca is a sacred plant in the Andean worldview and represents wisdom, truth, and energy.
Why? The exchange of leaves represents a pure and sincere bond, and a shared desire to build a future based on respect, harmony, and connection with natural forces.
3. Peruvian Wedding Traditions: Attire at a Cusco Wedding
One of the most captivating aspects of traditional Peruvian weddings is the attire worn by the bride and groom. Far from the classic white dress and suit, in many Andean communities, the couple opts for traditional regional attire, handmade with natural materials such as alpaca, vicuña, or sheep wool. Often made by family members and woven with the help of the women of the household, or sometimes purchased, each option represents the tradition and culture reflected in the clothing.
The groom usually wears a brightly colored poncho, woven using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation. He may also wear a chullo (an Andean hat with earflaps) or a ceremonial sash that represents his maturity, strength, and role within the community.
The bride, meanwhile, typically wears a colorful pollera (skirt), a hand-embroidered blouse, and a montera (hat), a type of hat that varies in shape and decoration depending on the region. It is also common for him to carry a blanket or lliclla over his shoulders, held in place with a tupu (Andean silver pin).
4. The community parade after the wedding
Another of the most moving and symbolic Peruvian wedding traditions is the ceremonial parade that the bride and groom perform through their community. In many Andean villages, after the ceremony, or even before, the newlyweds walk through the streets of their childhood home, surrounded by their loved ones and celebrating hand in hand.
Sometimes they are accompanied by a local band playing traditional music, while neighbors throw petals, coca leaves, or corn kernels as a symbol of prosperity. Some even carry embroidered banners, flowers, or small symbolic gifts. This procession is not just a walk: it is a presentation ritual, where the bride and groom are publicly blessed by their people and where everyone celebrates the new life they are about to build.
It is a beautiful way to remember that love does not blossom alone, but in the fabric of family, friends, and the land that saw them grow up.
5. Andean music and traditional dances
Andean music is much more than a festive accompaniment: it is the voice of the soul of the people, and at a wedding, it becomes the heartbeat that marks every moment. From the first bars of a huayno to the most ceremonial notes of a pan flute, music is present at every moment of the celebration.
At traditional weddings, it is common to hire local folk groups, who perform emotionally charged melodies, many of them passed down orally since pre-Inca times. The sounds of the charango, the quena, the bass drum, and the harp are heard, creating an atmosphere that invites dancing, laughing, and crying with joy.
Among the most representative dances is the hat dance, where the bride and groom symbolically court each other through gestures, turns, and glances, until finally one of them wins the hat, representing the triumph of love. Another traditional dance is the dove dance, which imitates the flight of these birds as a symbol of freedom and spiritual union.
6. Traditional food and drinks during the wedding
A traditional Peruvian wedding wouldn’t be complete without a lavish table filled with ancestral flavors and typical foods from Cusco. Dishes such as roast guinea pig, suckling pig, pachamanca, and quinoa soup are prepared, accompanied by drinks such as chicha de jora, wine, Andean punch, or natural infusions.
Sharing these foods with all the family members is a way to express gratitude and bless the new beginning. It’s also important to always keep the glass full, as some say, “always keep the glass full and the music playing.” At many weddings, food is served on large blankets on the floor, as a symbol of equality and unity between the families of the groom and the bride.
7. The “Hand-tying” or thread-uniting ritual
Some ceremonies include the use of colorful woolen threads or ribbons intertwined around the bride and groom’s hands, symbolizing their spiritual union. This ritual, similar to Celtic ceremonies such as handfasting, represents the strength of commitment and the intention to walk together in life.
8. Community Gifts and “padrinazgo”
A comon Peruvian Wedding Traditions is the “padrinazgo”, godparents play a fundamental role. They not only finance important aspects of the wedding, but also offer advice, emotional support, and guidance to the couple throughout their life together.
The concept of godparents runs deep in Peru and is experienced as a lifelong bond. It is also common for the community to offer useful gifts, such as wool, seeds, tools, or animals, to help the newlyweds begin their new life.
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How to organize a Peruvian Wedding Traditions if you’re a tourist?
You don’t need to be Peruvian to get married or have a symbolic ceremony in Peru. Every year, dozens of foreign couples travel to the country, drawn by the spiritual power and beauty of Peruvian wedding traditions.
Step 1 – Contact a specialized agency
There are local agencies, such as Quechuas Expeditions, that organize the Cusco tours process. These companies work directly with Andean communities, spiritual leaders, and artisans to offer an authentic, respectful, and safe experience.
Step 2 – Choose between a symbolic or legal ceremony
If you only want a symbolic and spiritual ceremony, you don’t need to complete any legal procedures. It’s perfect for renewing vows or for couples who have already had a civil marriage in another country.
If you want a legal marriage in Peru, you must present official documents (passport, translated birth certificate, apostilled certificate of single status, etc.) in advance. A civil wedding in Cusco can also be combined with an Andean ceremony in the Sacred Valley.
Step 3 – Prepare for the Experience
An Andean ceremony isn’t just a visual event. It’s a profound, spiritual, and transformative moment. Therefore, it’s recommended that the bride and groom arrive in Cusco a few days early to acclimatize and open themselves to the energy of the place.
Helpful tips:
- Arrive at least three days early to avoid altitude sickness.
- Wear comfortable clothing for walking through natural terrain.
- Be willing to live the moment with respect and an open heart.
Is it possible to have an LGBT+ Andean wedding?
Yes! Peruvian wedding traditions are spiritual, not religious or discriminatory. Many same-sex couples have celebrated symbolic unions in Cusco, being welcomed with respect by the paq’os and communities.
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Why choose Cusco for your wedding?
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most romantic and spiritual places in South America. Hadn’t you noticed? The mystical, ancient setting surrounded by nature is a dream setting for couples looking for something meaningful and unique, like getting married in the imperial city. Getting married in Cusco also offers the opportunity to incorporate Peruvian wedding traditions, such as coca leaf rituals, chicha toasts, and Andean music, blending local customs with your personal style.
Whether you’re in Cusco or on a 1 Day Nazca Lines tour, even flying over the ancient geoglyphs of Ica—if your heart is ready to say “I do,” trust me, nothing will stand in your way. So ask. Love always finds a way.
Types of weddings in Cusco
Depending on your preferences, there are three main ways to get married in Cusco:
- Legal Civil Wedding
In Peru, it is possible to enter into a legally recognized marriage, even for foreigners. This type of wedding is officiated by the local municipality and usually takes place in an official government office or other authorized location along with a fee. - Andean Symbolic Ceremony
This is a deeply spiritual celebration guided by a local paco, or Andean priest. Although not legally binding, it is perfect for couples seeking cultural immersion, connection with nature, and a memorable experience, which many adventurous young couples are eager to experience. - Religious Wedding
Most wedding venues fill up during holy week in Peru, so we recommend planning ahead and choosing the best season. The majority of Peru’s population is Catholic, so these types of religious weddings are common in Cusco and can be celebrated in iconic churches such as the Cusco cathedral or the Church of San Blas. However, at least one spouse must be Catholic, and proof of baptism is usually required.
How to get married in Cusco 2026
Now that you feel the love in the air and want to plan your wedding, we give you the complete guide to planning your Andean wedding in Cusco.
Required Documents:
- Valid passports (with copies)
- Original and translated birth certificates
- Affidavit of single status (translated and notarized)
- Proof of residence or stay in Peru (hotel bookings or residency documents)
- Completed marriage application from the municipal office
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and authenticated by a Peruvian consulate in your country or through the Apostille of The Hague.
Timeline:
Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks in Peru before the wedding to complete paperwork, translations, and attend the required meeting with the municipality.
Civil weddings are typically scheduled a few days after documentation is accepted.
Cost:
Fees vary by municipality but are usually $100–$200 USD, depending on whether you choose an office ceremony or a special location.
Planning a Symbolic Andean Wedding in Cusco
For couples who don’t want the legal hassle but still want an authentic experience, the Andean wedding ceremony is a beautiful alternative.
What Happens in an Andean Ceremony?
An Andean priest performs a ritual called a “Pago a la Tierra” (Payment to the Earth) to honor Pachamama, the Andean mother earth. The couple exchanges vows in front of the Apus (sacred mountains), offers coca leaves, and shares chicha (corn beer) in a symbolic toast.
Churches:
- Cusco Cathedral for grandeur
- San Cristóbal Church for panoramic city views
- Many venues offer wedding packages including catering, flowers, decorations, and even live Andean music. Be sure to book at least 6 months in advance, especially if your date falls near a major Peruvian festival.
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Facts about Peruvian wedding traditions
Andean weddings are a fusion of spirituality, tradition, and community. But you probably didn’t know these facts that will help you better understand the richness of these ancient ceremonies in Cusco.
Did you know that some Andean weddings can last up to a week?
In regions like Puno and Huancayo, wedding celebrations can extend for up to seven days. These festivities include a series of rituals, banquets, and dances that involve the entire community, turning them into mega-celebrations.
What is “Sirvinacuy”?
Sirvinacuy is an ancient Andean practice that consists of cohabitation prior to marriage. During this period, the couple lives together to assess their compatibility before formalizing their union. Although this tradition has declined in some areas, it is still practiced in certain rural communities.
What types of gifts are offered at Andean weddings?
Gifts at Andean weddings are usually practical and symbolic. It is common for guests to give food, animals, tools, and even land. These gifts represent wishes of prosperity and abundance for the new couple.
Meaning of the “Chumpi”
The Chumpi is a hand-woven sash that the bride and groom exchange during the ceremony. This item symbolizes union and mutual commitment, representing the strength and durability of the marriage bond.
What is the “Kintu” ritual?
The Kintu is a ritual in which three perfect coca leaves are selected, representing harmony, balance, and connection. These leaves are offered to Pachamama as a symbol of gratitude and to invoke blessings for the couple.
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A traditional Peruvian wedding that lives in your heart forever
At its heart, a wedding is more than just a celebration—it’s that fleeting instant when everything aligns: love, meaning, place, and purpose. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you, not in photos or playlists, but deep in your memory, like the feel of sun on your skin or the sound of a loved one’s laugh. That’s what Peruvian wedding traditions give you: a way to honor love with intention, guided by the earth beneath you and the mountains watching from above. And if your heart has been searching for a place that feels sacred and real, then maybe—just maybe—Cusco is exactly where your story is meant to begin.
