Do the bride and groom face each other or the priest during the ceremony?

i got BUSTED by Dr. Phil™: Do the bride and groom usually face each other during the ceremony or face the priest?
Not just priest, that’s just an example.

But sometimes you see weddings with them facing each other, but others they would be facing the priest with their backs to everyone else.

And what about the groom watching the bride walk down the aisle or the groom facing ahead already?
Just curious, I’ve never been to a wedding. :p

Answers and Views:

Answer by NinaPina
At most weddings I have been to, the groom watched the bride walk down the aisle, and they faced each other when reciting the vows.

Answer by gabywalker
Well, i’m catholic, and in a wedding the groom would be waiting for the bride near the altar, or hal way to it. Then the father gives the bride to the groom, and the walk towards the altar. They are always facing the priest with their backs to everyone else.

I have a friend who is jewish (sorry if i wrote it wrong, don’t know how to say it in english) and got married last year. He was waiting for the bride at the end, and they were both facing the people, while the rabin was standing on a side.

I don’t know how is in other religions, sorry!

Answer by leukus
In church wedding they face the altar were God’s presence is supposed to be, in civil wedding they face the court were the civil laws are supposed to be, or the parties faces the officiating official who represent the law that will bind them together. A marriage is a contract that binds the bride and groom in accordance with our civil and church laws.

Answer by underthenose
from weddings i’ve been to, the couple sit together once the vows have been exchanged, but before they sat in separate seats on opposite sides of the pews with their backs at the congregation and guests….

Answer by Joyce
Speaking from experience here, as an American, Protestant Christian.
When the American bride and groom exchange vows they look at each other. But during other parts of the marriage ceremony they may face the minister or priest.

As to whether the groom watches the bride walk down the aisle, etc. I believe that varies also.
Traditionally the American bride walks down the aisle toward her new husband and escorted by her father. But the bride may be escorted by someone else important in her life, especially if her father isn’t in the picture due to death, divorce, illness, etc. I believe in the royal wedding, Prince William processed down the aisle. So you see, there are all kinds of variations. All I’ve seen have a happy ending. Hopefully you will get to witness a wedding some day.