Wedding ceremonies in Sri Lanka depend on the religion of the couple, although it is accepted for mixed-faith couples to marry with customs from both religions.

'Poruwa' is a beautifully decorated wooden platform on which the traditional Sinhala marriage takes place. The 'Poruwa Ceremony' is held during an auspicious time decided by an astrologer. The astrologer reads the horoscopes of the bride and groom to determine the auspicious time. Religious stanzas are chanted in Sinhala and Pali (a dialect of Sanskrit), and the bride and groom pass betel leaf to their parents and related elders as an expression of thanks. The groom presents a special gift to the mother of the bride to thank her for giving birth to and raising the bride. At a predetermined time, chosen by the astrologer, the little finger on the bride's right hand is tied to the little finger of the groom's left hand using thread. The end of the thread is then lit and as it burns toward their hand, water is poured. The extinguishing of the fire (light) symbolizes their union. The couple then cut the kiribath, sign the register and join the feast.

An Islamic marriage ceremony, Nikaah, can vary in style and detail based on the orthodoxy of the couple. An Islamic wedding could be a very simple with religious chantings and the agreement of the wedding signed by the groom and the father of the bride. If a couple comes from a very strict Islamic background it is common for their wedding to be celebrated with the women and men separated. On the other hand, Islamic weddings can be very extravagant and boisterous. The bride is seated on a decorated stage and awaits the groom. When the groom arrives, all of the males gather to recite prayers and blessings for the future of the couple. An agreement/ registrar is then signed between the groom and the bride's father and the couple is then officially married. Culture is very influential in the method of celebrating an Islamic wedding.

Hindu weddings are religious affairs that occur in the temple. The wedding takes place around a fire that symbolizes Brahman, the supreme being. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesh, the Lord of Success, and sacred texts are recited. The end of the bride's sari is then tied to outer clothing of the groom and they circle the fire together seven times. This is a symbol of commitment and union. They then exchange rings while guests shower them with rice and flowers.